Bhimbetka itinerary

Plan 01

1 day at Bhimbetka

1. 01

   Day 1: Rock shelters and Bhojpur

   Leave Bhopal early to reach Bhimbetka soon after opening. Hire a guide at the entrance and spend two to three hours on the marked trail, taking in the Auditorium, Zoo Rock and Boar Rock. Have lunch on the road, then drive about 25 km to Bhojpur for the Bhojeshwar Temple in the afternoon, before returning to Bhopal.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Zoo Rock	20–30 minutes	Moderate	Morning light; October to February for comfort
   Boar Rock	10–20 minutes	Moderate	Morning, October to February

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Zoo Rock: Reached by the same uneven path as the other shelters. The paintings are viewed from a short distance, so you do not need to climb, but there is little seating and shade can be thin.

   With parents at Boar Rock: Reached along the same rocky path as the other shelters, with some steps. Viewing is from a short distance, so most visitors do not need to climb inside.

Plan 02

2 days at Bhimbetka

1. 01

   Day 1: Rock art

   Reach Bhimbetka early, walk the trail slowly with a guide and spend extra time in each shelter. Rest after lunch and revisit any shelter you want to photograph in the softer afternoon light, if the site is open.

2. 02

   Day 2: Bhojpur and the forest

   Visit the Bhojeshwar Temple at Bhojpur in the morning, then ask the forest department about any permitted access to Ratapani, or take a gentle second walk. Return to Bhopal in the afternoon.

Plan 03

3 days at Bhimbetka

1. 01

   Day 1: First look

   Visit Bhimbetka at opening, take the full trail with a guide and rest through the heat of the day.

2. 02

   Day 2: Bhojpur

   Spend the morning at Bhojeshwar Temple, then slow down with lunch and a rest, or stop for photographs along the road.

3. 03

   Day 3: Quiet repeat or Sanchi

   Go back to a favourite shelter in good light, or use the day for a Sanchi stop from Bhopal, which lies in the opposite direction.

Read before you go

Guides for the stops on these routes

Pacing

Pacing a Bhimbetka trip for parents and children

• Go early and finish by late morning; the exposed rock gets hot and there is little shade.
• Hire a guide so you only visit the shelters you want and can rest between them.
• Wear shoes with grip. Rock and steps can be slippery, especially after rain.
• Carry water, a hat and some snacks; there are few facilities on the trail.
• Take the shortest circuit if mobility is limited; the Auditorium and Zoo Rock are good choices.
• Add Bhojpur as a flatter, gentler second stop.

Bhimbetka with elderly parents: the full guide →