| Bhimbetka Caves, numbering about 700 (only 15 rock | | | | find the paintings of wild buffalos, rhinoceros, bears, and |
| shelters are open for the public), is located 46 km | | | | tigers. Hunting scenes, religious rites, childbirth, and |
| away from Bhopal, the state capital, in the Raisen | | | | burials are also depicted through the many paintings at |
| District. Spread over an area of 10 km (length) X 3 km | | | | the caves. |
| (width), these caves are situated on the southern tip of | | | | Aptly called picture writings, these paintings were |
| the Vindhyachal Mountains. | | | | made in red and white colors and have magnificently |
| The 22nd site to be declared a UNESCO Heritage Site | | | | survived the vagaries of time and weather. The colors |
| in India, the Bhimbetka Caves get their name from | | | | for the paintings were made by mixing manganese |
| Bhim, the famous Pandava, who, it is believed, had | | | | with red stone and wooden coal. Sometimes, leaves |
| rested at the place after being banished from his | | | | extracts and animal fats were also used to make the |
| kingdom along with other Pandavas. | | | | colors more vibrant. |
| Much renowned for their pre-historic paintings, the | | | | The spectacular Bhimbetka Caves are ornithologists' |
| caves have the largest collection of pre-historic art in | | | | paradise also. From here, one can see many species |
| India. Interestingly, some of the paintings are as old as | | | | of birds, including some rare ones not seen elsewhere. |
| 12000 years, while some others seem to have been | | | | When to visit |
| made as recently as in the medieval period. The | | | | The best time to visit the Bhimbetka Caves is |
| paintings are made on the walls of the many rock | | | | between October and March. The caves remain open |
| shelters located amidst craggy cliffs. | | | | on all weekdays, except Mondays, between 10 and 5 |
| Most of the paintings are superimposed, and they shed | | | | PM. |
| much light on the early traces of human life. One can | | | | |