Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka

About the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka

Bhimbetka is not in Bhopal. The Rock Shelters lie in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains, on the southern edge of the central Indian plateau, and are reached as a trip out of the city.

Within massive sandstone outcrops, above comparatively dense forest, are five clusters of natural rock shelters. These display paintings that appear to date from the Mesolithic Period right through to the historical period, a span long enough to make the site a record rather than a single moment. What sets Bhimbetka apart is that the record has not closed: the cultural traditions of the inhabitants of the twenty-one villages adjacent to the site bear a strong resemblance to those represented in the rock paintings.

Why the site matters

The quantity of rock art

Bhimbetka reflects a long interaction between people and the landscape, demonstrated in the quantity and quality of its rock art. It is the sheer volume of painting across the shelters, as much as any single image, that carries the case.

The link to a living tradition

Bhimbetka is closely associated with a hunting and gathering economy. That association is demonstrated both in the rock art itself and in the relicts of this tradition surviving in the local adivasi villages on the periphery of the site.

Planning your visit

This is a walking site among sandstone outcrops on a forested hillside, visited as an excursion rather than a city stop.

• Plan it as a day trip out of Bhopal.
• Wear shoes you can walk and scramble in; the shelters are set within massive outcrops above dense forest.
• Carry water, as the site is open hillside.
• Confirm opening times and entry charges before you travel, and allow time for the journey each way.

Best time to visit

A cooler, drier part of the year suits the walking, and mornings suit the paintings. Strong, even daylight makes the rock art far easier to see on the shelter walls.