Bhimbhetka Caves


The primordial Bhimbhetka Caves that has been a silent spectator to the vicissitudes of time since time immemorial is perhaps one of Madhya Pradesh most popular tourist attractions that records phenomenal footfall all through the year. Situated at a distance of 45 km from the sprawling Bhopal city, the capital of Madhya Pradesh the primordial caves that was possibly one of the earliest human settlements is fringed by the Vindhya mountain ranges in its northern extremity.

Bhimbetka Caves, an eminent UNESCO World Heritage Site stands unperturbed by the ravages of time. The spectacular caves owe their nomenclature to Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers. The etymological significance of the term Bhimbetka signifies the place where Bhima sat down to rest.

The Bhimbetka Caves are an agglomeration of more than 600 caves that are famed for housing the marvelous collection of India's prehistoric paintings. A discovery of the eminent archaeologist, Dr. V.S Wakankar, the Bhimbetka Caves were excavated in entirety nearly 16 years after it was initially unearthed in 1958.

Out of the fascinating assortment of caves of all shapes and sizes that comprise the Bhimbetka Caves, only 12 of them are open to tourists. The vibrant paintings showcasing the talent and creative expressions of prehistoric man adorn the walls of the cave. This is possibly the biggest feather in Madhya Pradesh's cap. The cave that has offered refuge to myriads of people from bygone eras exhibits a dazzling collection of paintings that range from the ancient Paleolithic age to the Medieval age and illustrate the lifestyle and tradition of those times.



Last Updated on 23 July 2012