Sal Forest Trail

About the Sal Forest Trail

Bhimbetka’s shelters lie concealed among teak and sal forest in weathered crags, and the walk between them through that forest is a part of the visit in its own right. The route is marked, connects the numbered shelters and climbs gently over sandstone outcrops. Beyond the painted shelters there is little infrastructure, so this is a walk rather than a developed trail, and the forest around it is the Ratapani tract.

On the walk

Teak and sal cover

The forest at Bhimbetka is teak and sal, and it closes in between the outcrops. It is the shade on the route and the reason the walk is pleasant in winter despite the open rock.

The weathered sandstone formations

The crags along the route are eroded into unusual shapes, and some of them are as interesting as the painted shelters themselves. Walking slowly between shelters is how you notice them.

Planning your visit

The walk is done as part of the Bhimbetka visit, on the marked route between shelters, with no separate entry.

• Allow two to three hours to walk the shelter route at an unhurried pace.
• Wear shoes with grip; the route is rock, not path.
• Carry water, as there is nothing to buy along the way.
• Stay on the marked route, since the surrounding area is protected forest.

Best time to visit

October to March is the season for walking here, and mornings are the best part of the day. The monsoon makes the sandstone slippery. In summer the open stretches between shelters are hot enough to cut a walk short, so start at opening time.