Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Bhopal

Let’s give you a separate introduction for both of these brilliant locations in Bhopal. The Bimbetka Rock Shelter and Sanchi Stupa are known as two of the famous archeological sites in Bhimbetka and Sanchi, Bhopal. Any tourists to set foot in Bhopal are sure to pay a second visit to Bhimbetka and Sanchi, Bhopal. Get some insight about Bhimbetka and Sanchi, Bhopal so that you have a back story before you enter the place.

Quick Glance

Currency: Rupee

Languages: Hindi, Urdu

Nearest Airport: Raja Bhoj Airport

Best Time to Visit Bhopal: July to September, October to March

Bhimbetka

The Bhimbetka rock shelter is known for being an archeological treasure in Bhopal. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site which made this place one of the most visited tourist destinations in Bhopal. The Bhimbetka consists of around 243 rock shelters. There are many incredible paintings inside the rock shelters, and they have an incredible resemblance to some of the other discoveries made in the Kakadu National Park in Australia. It also resembles Upper Palaeolithic Lascaux cave paintings in France and the cave paintings of Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert. You won’t ever forget the walk through the ancient carved rocks in the rock shelter.

Bhimbetkar Rock Shelter

Distance: 40km (25mi) from Bhopal

It is usually suggested to start your journey to the Bhimbetka in the morning. The journey to the place will complete mesmerize you by the time you finally reach to the destination. The local settings and the roads progressively change with every mile; it becomes more rocky and barren instead of becoming green. You will also come across many Langurs on your while till the time you reach the rock shelter.

The archeological Heritage site is well known for not just housing huge pieces of ancient rocks of different shapes and forms, but also for some incredible rock paintings. Some of the rock paintings in the rock shelter are around 30,000 years old. There is no doubt that this archeologically acclaimed place will let you explore some of the magnificent beauty of nature. There are some caves in the Bhimbetka rock shelter which were fit for pre-historic man to survive.

You will love the wilderness and rocky surrounding around the shelter, no matter if you are visiting individually or in a group, you would want to pay a second visit in the future.

Sanchi Stupa

The second structure in Bhopal is another site that is a must-visit. The town of Sanchi is very famous for the Buddhist Stupas which contains some of the sacred relics of the Buddha and his followers. The Stupa was constructed with a concept and main focus to spread and preserve the philosophy of Buddhism. Since ancient times, Sanchi has been protecting this site and its beauty for the visitors. It also serves as an inspiration for the visitor who wants to meditate and find peace in the middle of the hectic daily life. Once you visit this place, you will come across numerous stupas, temples, monasteries, and some Ashokan Pillar that have been a great source for the global audience.

Sanchi

Distance: 40km (25mi) from Bhopal

The place Sanchi is very close to the line of Tropic of Cancer. It will take around 30 min to reach the distance. This place is a must-visit when you have visited the Bhimbetka rock shelter. The place is again famous for its heritage sites and well-maintained archeological monuments. You will be able to explore three different Stupas, Stupa I, II, and III. Emperor Ashoka was believed to lay down the foundation of Stupa I, which is also known as the Great Stupa. The place has four different gateways around the Stupa which have four signs. This place demands a guide who can explain the well-known history of this place.

You will also come across a famous museum very close to the Stupa where the actual Ashoka Stumbha resides. The museum is a proud owner of many sculptures which dates back to the 2nd Century AD. You must also know that photography isn’t allowed in the museum. The sculptures have a story of their own; each monument narrates a story from the ancient era.

Interesting Facts about Bhopal

Now that you are through with Bhimbetka and Sanchi in Bhopal, you must also know some of the reputations Bhopal holds.

• Bhopal is known as the second biggest city and the biggest capital in Madhya Pradesh.
• Visiting Bhopal will give you a perfect combination of scenic beauty and historic places to visit.
• Bhopal is also popular for having some of the popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which makes it an interesting place to visit.
• The city also highlights some of the silver jewelry, embroidered velvet fashioned cushions, and purses.
• The city is also known as a major educational, economic, political, and industrial center of Madhya Pradesh.

Shopping

Sightseeing will be memorable but you will also need some souvenirs to remind you of the lovely time you spent in Bhimbetka and Sanchi in Bhopal. You can visit the Chowk Area for shopping to buy Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees which are considered to be famous once around the area of Bhopal. You can buy some gold and silver jewelry, embroidered clothes and some of the antiques at an affordable price. You will love to buy some of the artistic bags, stoles, and slippers.

Fairs and Festivals

Various events and festivals like the National Drama Festival, Bharat Bhavan Summer Festival, Dhrupad Samaroh, and Lokrang are celebrated with gaiety and pomp. You will come across some of the cultural activities like folk dance and important songs in these events.

How to Reach

By Air:

Bhopal Airport or Raja Bhoj International Airport is situated at a distance of 13.3 km (8.2mi) from the hotel. You can also hire a taxi or cab from the airport to reach the hotel. The airport in this area is well connected with the rest of the major cities like Delhi, Gwalior, Indore, and Mumbai

By Rail:

Bhopal Railway Station is the nearest railhead, which is located at a distance of 2.1 km (1.3mi) from the hotel.

By Road:

There are other major cities like Ujjain (119mi), Indore (121mi), Ratlam (186mi), and Nagpur (351 km) which are well connected by road.