Bhimbetka is a hill with hundreds of rock caves near Bhopal. Early humans lived here and painted on the rock walls thousands of years ago.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 45 km from Bhopal. Many of our Bhopal tours stop here.
- What: rock caves (shelters) with very old paintings.
- How old: some paintings are about 30,000 years old.
- How many: about 750 shelters, about 500 with paintings.
- From Bhopal: about 45 km, around 1 hour.
- UNESCO: World Heritage Site since 2003.
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours.
What is Bhimbetka?
- 🪨 A group of big rock shelters in the forest on the Vindhya hills.
- 🖐 People drew animals, hunting, dancing and riding on the walls.
- 🎨 They used colours made from red and white stone powder.
- 📜 The name comes from Bhim of the Mahabharata, as per local belief.
Tip: The paintings are faint in some places. Look closely and take your time.
What to See at Bhimbetka
1Auditorium Cave
A tall rock hall with openings on all sides.
- One of the biggest shelters.
2Zoo Rock
A wall with many animal drawings together.
- See elephants, deer, bulls and more.
3Boar Rock
A painting of a huge boar-like animal.
- One of the most famous paintings here.
4Hunting and Dancing Scenes
Drawings of people hunting and dancing in groups.
- Shows how early humans lived.
Bhimbetka at a Glance
Bhimbetka Timings and Tips
- 🕗 Open: daytime only, roughly morning to evening.
- 🎫 Ticket: a small ASI entry fee, plus a vehicle fee.
- 👟 Wear good shoes, the path has rocks and steps.
- 💧 Carry water, there is little shade in summer.
- 🚫 Do not touch the paintings.
Tip: Timings and fees can change. Please check at the gate on the day.
Best Time to Visit Bhimbetka
| Season | Months | In one line |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Winter | October to March | Cool, best for walking. |
| Monsoon | July to September | Very green, paths can be wet. |
| Summer | April to June | Very hot, go early. |
Bhopal to Bhimbetka Distance and How to Reach
- 🚗 From Bhopal by road: about 45 km on the Hoshangabad (Narmadapuram) road, around 1 hour.
- 🚆 Nearest big station: Bhopal. Obaidullaganj is a small town nearby.
- ✈️ Nearest airport: Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal.
Tip: Bhojpur Temple is close by. See both on the same day. Read our Bhojpur Temple guide.
Bhimbetka and Bhojpur Day Plan
- Morning: Bhopal to Bhojpur Temple (about 28 km)
- Noon: Bhojpur to Bhimbetka
- Evening: back to Bhopal
Our Bhopal 3 Nights 4 Days tour covers Bhimbetka with hotel and car. More ideas in our places to visit in Bhopal guide.
Want to see Bhimbetka with an easy plan? We arrange the car, hotel and sightseeing around Bhopal. See our Bhopal tour packages. For more of the state, see our Madhya Pradesh tour packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bhimbetka?
In Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, about 45 km from Bhopal.
What is the Bhopal to Bhimbetka distance?
About 45 km by road, around 1 hour.
How old are the Bhimbetka paintings?
Some are about 30,000 years old.
Why is Bhimbetka famous?
For its very old rock shelters and cave paintings.
How many rock shelters are there at Bhimbetka?
About 750, and about 500 have paintings.
What is the best time to visit Bhimbetka?
October to March, in the morning.
Is Bhimbetka a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, since 2003.
