Madhya Pradesh trip -13: Around Bhopal: Bhimbetka & Bhojpur

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Overview: We reached Bhopal from Pipariya early morning at 4am and checked into the Railway retiring room on Platform 1. We slept for sometime and got ready for our trip - Bhimbetka Rock shelters and Bhojpur.

We had our early morning tea and snacks at the iconic Raju tea house, which has served several celebrities over the years and has maintained its quality and taste. Post breakfast we proceeded towards Bhimbetka, which is around 1.5 hours drive from Bhopal. We hired a cab for our trip and he took us to Bhimbetka by around 10:30am.

Bhimbetka is famous for its rock shelters that offer a window into the lives of our ancestors. The rock shelters, which date back to the Paleolithic era, are adorned with over 500 paintings that depict various scenes from everyday life and hunting expeditions.

The Bhimbetka rock shelters are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are considered one of the most important archaeological sites in India. The paintings at Bhimbetka are a mix of abstract designs, animals, and human figures, and they provide valuable insights into the cultural, social, and economic practices of the people who lived there thousands of years ago.

Visitors to Bhimbetka can explore the various rock shelters and admire the intricate paintings that have been preserved over the centuries. The site is surrounded by lush green forests, adding to its natural beauty.

If you're a history buff or simply love exploring ancient sites, Bhimbetka is definitely worth a visit. Not only will you get to witness the rich cultural heritage of India, but you'll also be transported back in time to a world that was vastly different from our own.

In conclusion, the Bhimbetka rock shelters are a unique and fascinating destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list. Whether you're a history buff or just love exploring new places, Bhimbetka is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

Bhojpur: From Bhimbetka, we headed towards Bhojpur, around 1 hour drive. Located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the Bhojpur Temple is a stunning example of India's rich architectural heritage. Built in the 11th century, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures. 

One of the most striking features of the Bhojpur Temple is its massive, circular shikhara (tower), which rises above the temple's central sanctum. The shikhara is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict scenes from Hindu epics. 

Visitors to the temple can also admire the intricate carvings that adorn its walls and pillars. From delicate floral motifs to detailed depictions of Hindu deities, the carvings at Bhojpur Temple are truly a work of art. In addition to its architectural beauty, the Bhojpur Temple is also known for its historical significance. According to local legend, the temple was built by King Bhoj, who was a great patron of art and learning. Today, the temple remains an important place of worship is a popular tourist destination.

Whether you're a history buff or simply love exploring ancient monuments, the Bhojpur Temple is definitely worth a visit. So, if you're in Madhya Pradesh, be sure to add this stunning temple to your itinerary. You won't be disappointed!

From Bhojpur, we headed back to Bhopal for the rest of our evening. More details in our next post.

Bhojpur

Bhojpur

Bhojpur

Bhojpur

Bhojpur

How to reach: Bhimbetka and Bhojpur are located quite close to Bhopal. However, one needs to hire a taxi or an autorickshaw to reach these places. Being a cosmopolitan, Bhopal has several options for accomodation within the city.