• Bhimbetka Caves - Guests will be collected from their hotel in the morning and transported to the base of the Vindhyachal mountains, where the Mesolithic era Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are located. Approximately 750 Rock Shelters can be found across seven hills, covering an area of six miles. These caves hold the earliest evidence of human life on the Indian subcontinent.

Out of the 750 Rock Shelters, 500 feature well-preserved cave paintings that date back 30,000 years. These paintings closely resemble those discovered in Australia, the Kalahari Desert in Africa, and Lascaux in France. Visitors can spend time in this historical art gallery, admiring the skills of ancient humans. A notable painting depicts a bison attacking a man, which is uniquely visible only when the sun reaches a specific position in the sky.

• Bhojeshwar Temple - Following the cave visit, enjoy a lunch break (at your own expense) at a local restaurant.

After lunch, travel to the town of Bhojpur, a 45-minute drive away, to explore its renowned temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. This 11th-century temple houses one of the largest lingas in India, crafted from a single rock.

For reasons still unknown, the temple’s construction was halted midway, leaving it incomplete to this day. Architectural plans are engraved on the surrounding rocks, and unfinished materials remain at the site. The architectural drawings and mason’s marks have provided scholars with insights into the temple construction techniques of 11th-century India.

The temple has been recognized as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

At the conclusion of the tour, guests will be driven back to Bhopal and dropped off at their hotel.

• 02 bottles of mineral water per person
• Local English speaking guide
• Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

• Food or drink, unless specified
• Gratuities

About 30 miles from Bhopal, the capital of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, lie the historic Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka. A UNESCO World Heritage site, these are five clusters of natural rock shelters that date back to the Mesolithic age. The well preserved paintings in some of these caves are as old as 30,000 years. On this day-excursion from Bhopal visit these caves before continuing your drive to the nearby town of Bhojpur. In Bhojpur visit the 11th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the biggest lingas (a phallic structure that is a symbol of Shiva) made from a single stone can be seen here.

Highlights

• 30,000 years old cave paintings of Bhimbetka
• 7.5 feet high Shiva lingam at Bhojpur
• 11th century architectural plans engraved on rocks in Bhojpur
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers.
• A moderate amount of walking is involved. Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and hats are highly recommended.
• Not recommended for pregnant women and people with back problems.
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship. No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.