Bhimbetka Travel Guide

Discover the beauty and history of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh, India with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the best things to do, where to stay, and local culture and customs.


Introduction to Bhimbetka

Bhimbetka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is renowned for its rich archaeological history and scenic beauty, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The cave paintings here date back to 30,000 years, which provide valuable insights into India’s prehistoric culture.

List of Places to Visit in Bhimbetka

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters - An archaeological site that houses ancient cave paintings of humans, animals, and daily life scenes. These paintings were created by Stone Age dwellers around 30,000 years ago.
  2. Bhojpur Temple - An incomplete temple built during the reign of Raja Bhoj in the 11th century. The temple boasts of the world’s largest Shiva Linga which is 18 ft tall.
  3. Tawa Dam - A popular dam on the Tawa River, famed for stunning sunsets and birdwatching.

Natural Attractions of Bhimbetka: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Satpura National Park - A tiger reserve and biodiversity hotspot that offers jeep safaris, boat rides on the Denwa River, and trekking.
  2. Sanchi Stupa - A Buddhist monument considered one of the oldest stone structures in India, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located just an hour’s drive from Bhimbetka and offers stunning architectural insights.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bhimbetka

The nearby Satpura Hills offer a range of scenic routes for hiking and biking. Pachmarhi, the only hill station of Madhya Pradesh is a great place for hiking enthusiasts.

Best Things to Do in Bhimbetka: Activities and Tours

  1. Safari in Satpura National Park - The park offers elephant, jeep and boat safaris, taking you on a journey to spot tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian gazelles, and other wildlife.
  2. Rock climbing and rappelling - The Satpura Hills offer some of the best rock climbing and rappelling opportunities in India.
  3. Take a heritage walk of Bhopal - Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is a city that has been evolving for centuries, revealing its storied past through its palaces, alleys, mosques, and lakes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bhimbetka

Day 1: Arrive and stay in Bhimbetka Day 2: Explore the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters and Tawa Dam Day 3: Visit Sanchi Stupa and Bhojpur Temple Day 4-6: Take Jeep Safari and night stay in Satpura National Park Day 7: Take a heritage walk of Bhopal

Food and Drink Scene of Bhimbetka

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Bhutte ki Kees - A delicious street food dish made with grated corn, spices, and milk, and garnished with coriander and fresh coconut.
  2. Dal Bafla - A traditional dish consisting of baked flour balls paired with lentils (dal) and a spicy curry.
  3. Poha Jalebi - The perfect breakfast combination consisting of flattened rice flakes served with finely chopped vegetables and jalebis, a deep-fried dessert.

Local Beverages

  1. Lassi - A refreshing drink made from yogurt and served in clay pots
  2. Chaas - A savory drink made from yogurt, water, and spices like cumin and salt.
  3. Sharbat - A popular drink made from rose petals, sugar and water, served chilled.

Where to Stay in Bhimbetka: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Rock End Manor - A luxury resort located near Bhimbetka that offers comfortable rooms, excellent food, and outdoor activities like birdwatching and trekking.
  2. Hotel Amer Palace - A budget hotel located near the Rock Shelters, offering comfortable rooms, food, and transportation.
  3. MPT Baghira Jungle Resort - A rustic jungle resort located within Satpura National Park, offering comfortable accommodations and access to wildlife safaris.

What to Buy in Bhimbetka: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Dhokra Art - A traditional metal casting technique that produces unique and intricate designs in brass and bronze, making for great decorative pieces
  2. Chanderi Fabric - A delicate and lightweight fabric that comes in cotton, silk, and silk-cotton blends, adorned with intricate brocades, making for great sarees and dresses.
  3. Tribal Jewelry - Intricately crafted jewelry made from silver or mixed metals, featuring motifs from the tribes of Madhya Pradesh like Gond, Bhil and Baiga.

Local Culture and Customs of Bhimbetka

The locals of Bhimbetka are friendly and welcoming. The region has a rich cultural heritage, and visiting the many temples, ashrams, and local markets can give you a glimpse into everyday life. Visitors are encouraged to dress conservatively and have respect for local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Bhimbetka

The best time to visit Bhimbetka is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities like safaris, hiking and sightseeing can be done comfortably. April and May can be hot and humid, but offer good wildlife sightings, especially near watering holes.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bhimbetka

Do:

  • Dress conservatively to respect local customs
  • Check weather conditions while planning your activities
  • Respect wildlife and do not disturb their natural habitat.

Don’t:

  • Litter or leave trash behind in public areas
  • Disrespect the culture and religion of locals by wearing revealing or inappropriate clothes.
  • Touch or remove anything from the archaeological sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bhimbetka

Bhimbetka is a generally safe tourist destination, but visitors are advised to take normal precautions like keeping their valuables in a safe place, not venturing alone on hiking trails, and following local guides’ instructions while on safaris. Visitors are advised to carry medications and insect repellents for any health issues.

Health in Bhimbetka

Visitors to Bhimbetka are advised to get vaccinated before traveling for common diseases like typhoid and jaundice. Malaria and dengue are prevalent in the region, so insect repellents and appropriate clothing are a must. A basic first aid kit should be carried while on outdoor excursions.

Getting to Bhimbetka: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bhimbetka

The nearest airport to Bhimbetka is Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal, which is located around 50km away. Other airports in the region include Jabalpur Airport and Indore Airport, located around 290km and 250km away, respectively.

Bus Stations Near Bhimbetka

Bhimbetka has a small bus station that connects to nearby towns and cities like Bhopal and Hoshangabad. Regular bus services are available from cities like Indore, Nagpur, and Jabalpur.

Other Options

Taxis and private cars can be rented in Bhopal and other nearby cities to get to Bhimbetka. Rail is also an option, with the Habibganj Railway Station in Bhopal being the nearest railway station to Bhimbetka.

How to Get Around in Bhimbetka

Taxis, buses, and local jeeps are available in Bhimbetka, but private vehicles are recommended for convenience and flexibility while exploring the region.

Where to Go Next from Bhimbetka: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Pachmarhi - A popular hill station known for its scenic views, waterfalls, and trekking opportunities.
  2. Kanha National Park - Another famous tiger reserve that is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including sloth bears and Indian wild dogs.
  3. Bandhavgarh National Park - A scenic wildlife reserve that is famous for tigers and offers regular safaris.

Conclusion

Bhimbetka is a unique destination that offers a glimpse into India’s prehistoric and historic culture, as well as an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh. With scenic hiking trails, safaris, and cultural attractions, Bhimbetka has something for every type of traveler.

Cave paintings at Bhimbetka Cave paintings at Bhimbetka Rock paintings at Bhimbetka Rock paintings at Bhimbetka Bhimbetka rock caves Bhimbetka rock caves