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Bhimbetka!

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Population

Very small

schedule

Best Time

October to March

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Time Needed

1-2 days minimum

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Currency

Rupee (₹)

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location_on Madhya Pradesh map Central India 🗺️ Offbeat Historical Sites UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bhimbetka Rock Shelters Madhya Pradesh UNESCO prehistoric art Stone Age archaeology caves

Bhimbetka is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is famous for its prehistoric rock shelters and cave paintings, some of which are over 30,000 years old. These paintings provide a glimpse into the lives of early humans in India.

Bhimbetka offers a unique opportunity to witness some of the earliest art forms created by humans. The site is relatively remote and requires some travel from Bhopal. The heat can be intense during the summer months, making it less comfortable to visit.

A visit to Bhimbetka requires at least a full day, including travel time from Bhopal. Hiring a car or jeep is the most convenient way to reach the site. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the rock shelters.

When To Visit

Best Time

October to March

15-30 degrees C

Pleasant and dry weather. Ideal for exploring the rock shelters without the discomfort of extreme heat.

Why Visit:

The weather is perfect for walking and exploring the site. The cooler temperatures make it more enjoyable to spend time outdoors. This is also the best time for photography due to the clear skies.

Tip: This is peak tourist season, so expect slightly larger crowds. Booking accommodation in advance is recommended.

Shoulder Season

July to September

25-35 degrees C

Monsoon season with moderate to heavy rainfall. The landscape turns lush green.

Why Visit:

The monsoon season brings a unique charm to the area, with the surrounding forests at their greenest. Fewer tourists visit during this time, offering a more peaceful experience.

Tip: Heavy rainfall can make some areas difficult to access. Check weather forecasts before planning your visit.

Avoid

April to June

35-45 degrees C

Extremely hot and dry. The heat can be unbearable for outdoor activities.

Why Avoid:

The extreme heat makes it uncomfortable to explore the rock shelters. The harsh sunlight can also damage the paintings.

Note: Unless you are very tolerant of heat, it's best to avoid visiting Bhimbetka during these months.

Top Sights - Top Attractions!

Auditorium Cave (Cave 3)

⏱ 1 hour ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners)

The Auditorium Cave is one of the largest and most impressive rock shelters at Bhimbetka. It features a massive sandstone overhang and numerous painti...

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Zoo Rock (Cave 9)

⏱ 30 minutes ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners)

Zoo Rock is named for its diverse collection of animal paintings. These include depictions of deer, bison, elephants, and other creatures....

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Turtle Rock (Cave 16)

⏱ 45 minutes ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners)

Turtle Rock features paintings of turtles, along with other animals and human figures. The turtle images are particularly distinctive and well-preserv...

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Boar Rock (Cave 7)

⏱ 30 minutes ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners)

Boar Rock is known for its prominent painting of a wild boar. The artwork is a testament to the skill of the prehistoric artists....

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The 'Dancing Man' Rock Shelter

⏱ 45 minutes ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners)

This shelter is named for a painting that appears to depict a man dancing or performing a ritual. The figure is stylized and expressive....

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Bhimbetka Museum

⏱ 1 hour ₹20 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners)

The Bhimbetka Museum displays artifacts and information related to the rock shelters and prehistoric art. It provides context and insights into the hi...

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Things To Do

attractions

Guided Tour of Bhimbetka

⏱ 3-4 hours 💰 ₹800-1500 per group

A guided tour will provide a deeper understanding of the rock art and history of Bhimbetka. Knowledgeable guides will ex...

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attractions

Photography Tour

⏱ 4-5 hours 💰 ₹1000-2000 per person

A photography tour focuses on capturing the beauty of Bhimbetka through the lens. A professional photographer will guide...

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attractions

Village Visit near Bhimbetka

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 ₹500-1000 per person

Experience the rural lifestyle of the local communities near Bhimbetka. Visit a nearby village and interact with the res...

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attractions

Nature Walk in the Surrounding Forests

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 ₹300-500 per person

Explore the natural beauty of the forests surrounding Bhimbetka. A guided nature walk will take you through the lush veg...

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Cultural Experiences

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Tribal Dance Performance

1 hour | ₹5000-8000 per performance (for a group)

Experience the vibrant culture of the local tribal communities through a traditional dance performan...

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Traditional Cooking Class

2-3 hours | ₹1000-2000 per person

Learn to prepare traditional Madhya Pradesh dishes in a hands-on cooking class. A local chef will gu...

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Visit a Local Market

1-2 hours | Free (but bring money for purchases)

Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting a traditional market. You'll find a variety of goo...

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Attend a Local Festival (if available)

Varies | Free (but bring money for offerings or purchases)

Experience the vibrant culture of Madhya Pradesh by attending a local festival. These festivals ofte...

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Learn Basic Hindi Phrases

Ongoing | Free (online resources) or ₹500-1000 (local tutor)

Learning a few basic Hindi phrases will enhance your interactions with the local people. It shows re...

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Visit a Local Temple

1-2 hours | Free

Visit a local temple to experience the religious culture of the region. Temples are often decorated ...

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View all cultural experiences

Eat This!

Must-Try Dishes

Bhopali Gosht Korma
Bhopali Gosht Korma

A rich and flavorful mutton curry (try at Jehan Numa Palace Hotel).

Poha
Poha

Flattened rice cooked with spices and vegetables (available at street stalls).

Jalebi
Jalebi

A sweet, deep-fried dessert (available at sweet shops).

Seekh Kebab
Seekh Kebab

Grilled meat skewers (try at local kebab shops).

Biryani
Biryani

A mixed rice dish with meat or vegetables (available at most restaurants).

Where to Eat

Indian Coffee House

Indian Coffee House

₹/₹₹

Indian

📍 MP Nagar, Bhopal

A popular spot for a quick and affordable meal. The coffee is a must-try. Serves simple and tasty Indian snacks.

Coffeesnacks

₹300-500 for two

Bapu Ki Kutia

Bapu Ki Kutia

₹₹

Indian

📍 TT Nagar, Bhopal

A vegetarian restaurant serving traditional Indian thalis. The food is fresh and flavorful. Offers a wide variety of dishes.

Thali

₹500-800 for two

Street Food Spots

New Market, Bhopal

New Market, Bhopal

💰 Budget: ₹50-150 per person

⚠️ Tips: Be mindful of hygiene and choose vendors with fresh ingredients. Visit during the evening for the best selection.

🍽️
Discover More on
Foodie Finder: Bhimbetka

More restaurants & dishes from Bhimbetka

Where To Stay ?

Best Neighborhoods

MP Nagar, Bhopal

A commercial hub with a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops. It's a convenient location for business travelers and those who want to be close to the city center.

Best For: Business travelers, shoppers

TT Nagar, Bhopal

A residential area with a mix of budget and mid-range hotels. It's a quieter location with easy access to public transportation.

Best For: Budget travelers, families

Accommodation Options

Budget

💰

₹1500-2500/night

MPT Palash Residency, Bhopal

📍 Bhopal, about 45km from Bhimbetka

A decent budget option with comfortable rooms and basic amenities. It's a good base for exploring Bhopal and visiting Bhimbetka.

₹1500-2500/night

Hotel Grand Ashirwad, Bhopal

📍 Bhopal, about 45km from Bhimbetka

Offers clean and simple rooms at an affordable price. It's conveniently located near the railway station.

₹1200-2000/night

Mid-Range

🏨

₹4000-7000/night

Jehan Numa Palace Hotel, Bhopal

📍 Bhopal, about 45km from Bhimbetka

A heritage hotel with a rich history and elegant decor. Offers a comfortable and luxurious stay.

₹4000-7000/night

Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Bhopal

📍 Bhopal, about 45km from Bhimbetka

Another heritage hotel with stunning views of the lake. Provides a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm.

₹3500-6000/night

Luxury

₹8000+/night

Jehan Numa Retreat, Bhopal

📍 Bhopal, about 45km from Bhimbetka

A luxurious retreat set amidst lush greenery. Offers world-class amenities and personalized service.

₹8000+/night

Sayaji Hotel Bhopal

📍 Bhopal, about 45km from Bhimbetka

A modern luxury hotel with stylish rooms and excellent dining options. Provides a comfortable and convenient stay.

₹7000+/night

View all stay & eat options

How To Get There ?

flight

By Air

Airport: Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal (BHO), 45km from Bhimbetka

train

By Train

Stations:

Bhopal Junction (BPL)

Major railway station with frequent trains from Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities. Located in the city center.

Routes:
  • From Delhi: 8-12 hours (₹800-2000)
  • From Mumbai: 12-16 hours (₹1000-2500)

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

directions_bus

By Bus

Terminals:
  • Bhopal Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT)
Routes:
  • From Indore: 4-5 hours (₹400-700)

Note: Trains are generally more comfortable than buses for long distances.

Getting Around

directions

Car/Jeep

💰 ₹2500-4000 per day (including driver)

Best for: Reaching Bhimbetka and exploring the surrounding area.

Hire a car with a driver from Bhopal. Negotiate the price beforehand.

directions

Auto-rickshaw (in Bhopal)

💰 ₹50-200 per ride

Best for: Short distances within Bhopal city.

Bargain for the fare before starting the ride. Use ride-hailing apps for transparent pricing.

Practical Tips

checkroom

What To Wear

Wear lightweight and breathable clothing, especially during the summer months. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring Bhimbetka.

payments

Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1500, Mid: ₹3000, Luxury: ₹5000+

ATMs: ATMs are readily available in Bhopal, but less so near Bhimbetka.

Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred for smaller establishments and street vendors. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants.

Bargaining: Bargaining is expected at local markets and when hiring auto-rickshaws.

health_and_safety

Health

Water: Drink bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses. Avoid ice in drinks.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food from unhygienic vendors. Be cautious of spicy food if you're not used to it.

Common Issues: Heatstroke is a risk during the summer months. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

sim_card

Communication

SIM Cards: Airtel and Jio offer good coverage in Bhopal and surrounding areas. Purchase a SIM card at the airport or a local store.

WiFi: Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and some restaurants in Bhopal.

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Language & Tipping

Language: Hindi is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹50-100

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