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Caving Experiences in Madhya Pradesh

Bhimbetka Caves in Bhopal are a popular tourist haunt, spanning prehistoric ages. It is home to numerous cave paintings that convey stark reverberations of the ancient times.

It fosters over 240 rock shelters along with some of the finest prehistoric cave paintings. The greenery of the lush woods fences the magnificent rock formations, magnifying the beauty of the caves twofold.

Perfect for religion and history buffs, the caves offer to take you reeling back in time, to the glorious ages which the caves symbolize.

Location: Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Bhojpur Raisen, Madhya Pradesh.

Facts: Some of these stunning caves are believed to date back about 30,000 years! These monumental caves have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

From historical places to wildlife sanctuaries Madhya Pradesh offers scenic views while trekking and it makes Madhya Pradesh a unique hiking trails in India.

Lodged on the south of Narmada, the Adamgarh Rock Shelters in Hoshangabad foster exquisite rock paintings in red and white, dating back to the Prehistoric ages. The site has also been excavated to unveil artifacts from the Stone Age, along with relics of Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods.

Echoes of the historic ages can also be felt in some of the paintings. Located on Adamgarh Hills, the rock shelters are enveloped by dense forests, strengthening the allure of the site.

One of the most fascinating caves in Madhya Pradesh, Adamgarh is the perfect destination for those seeking exploration and history.

Location: Adamgarh Hills, Hoshangabad, Hoshangabad District, Madhya Pradesh.

Facts: Artefacts dating to Stone Age, Palaeolithic and Mesolithic ages have been discovered from the site.

If you’re looking to venture into the unknown, unexplored and untouched, take a trip to the tribal inhabited corners of Madhya Pradesh.

One of the most thrilling ancient sites in Madhya Pradesh, Saru Maru caves mirror ancient monastic and Buddhist cultures. Seated about 100 km away from Sanchi, Saru Maru is home to several stupas and caves adorned with striking graffiti, coupled with a few inscriptions of Ashoka.

These caves are believed to have been visited by the great emperor Ashoka and his family, and the inscriptions found here are proof enough.

Naturally, the site commands the attention of numerous archaeologists and researchers from all around the country. 

Location: Saru Maru, Pangoraria village, Budhani tehsil, Sehore, Madhya Pradesh.

Facts: The site carries two major inscriptions of Ashoka, said to have been carved in by him during his visit as a prince.

For those craving the taste of adventure, there is a wide variety of water sports in Madhya Pradesh ranging from parasailing, rafting and many more.

Rooted deep in mythology and history, Pandav Caves are one of the most interesting tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh.

The caves are believed to have been graced by the famous Pandava brothers and their wife Draupadi from the epic of Mahabharata. A family of 5 sandstone caves, there are significant fine carvings inside each.

The beautifully preserved beauty of the caves is amplified by its verdant surroundings, luring in patrons of history, along with nature lovers every year. Experience caving in Madhya Pradesh like never before.

Location: Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh.

Facts: The caves had supposedly been visited by the Pandava brothers and their wife Draupadi during their exile. They can be traced as back as to the 6th century! The proof of which can be made out of the adorning inscriptions that the interiors carry. They have also been used by a number of Buddhist monks for various purposes such as meditation.

If you love road trips you will love taking road trips in Madhya Pradesh, you will cross waterfalls, numerous streams, forts and many national parks of Madhya Pradesh as you traverse the wonderful locales of this state.

A cluster of nine monuments sculpted from rock, the Bagh Caves sit on the south of Vindhya ranges in Madhya Pradesh.

Initially, these caves served as monasteries for monks, and contain several magnificent paintings and carvings that, though somewhat worn out by the sands of time, speak fluently of the bygone ages.

Also acclaimed for their stunning mural paintings, the caves are believed to have been home to several monks. The vibrant, lively paintings inside the caves beckon many travelers into its bounds.

 Lined with several stunning pillars, the caves are believed to have been sculpted in the 5th century.

Location: Bagh Cave Road, Naingaon, Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.

Facts: Only seven out of the nine beautiful caves have been preserved. The paintings bear a striking resemblance with those of Ajanta caves.

Whether you are looking to explore culture, heritage, wildlife or nature, trekking in Madhya Pradesh is a great way to enjoy your vacation.

A bunch of more than 20 rock-cut caves, the origin of Udayagiri Caves can be traced back to the 5th century. It stands as a witness to the ancient cultures of Hinduism and Jainism that prevailed in the 5th and 6th century.

Amongst the most fascinating caves in Madhya Pradesh, they house a colossal statue of Narasimha and a beautiful sculpture of Lord Vishnu with Adishesha.

These caves are quite remote, hence shaded from large crowds. An excursion to the Udayagiri Caves is bound to rekindle your fascination and curiosity.

Location: Udayagiri Caves, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh.

Facts: The caves carry mind-blowing illustrations of the Hindu and Jain cultures along with intricate carvings reciting numerous enlightening tales.

Iconic places to visit in Madhya Pradesh come in the form of palaces and forts displaying an excellent level of craftsmanship and a rich history behind it.

Named after King Vikramaditya’s stepbrother, the Bhartrihari Caves are nestled by the river Shipra, whose gurgling waters enhance the appeal. Bhartrihari was believed to have severed the troubled relations with his wife, which led him to lead a life as a recluse.

It was here that he authored brilliant works like Shringar Shatak, Nitishatakam, and Vairagya Shatak. Renouncing his luxurious lifestyle, he sought spirituality within these caves and meditated here for 12 long years.

Sitting about 5 km away from Ujjain, these caves speak of ancient tales and stories through fine sculptures and inscriptions.

Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

Facts: Statues and sculptures of numerous Indian deities can be found within the caves. Named after the King Bhartrihari, several religion enthusiasts and devotees pay homage to these caves.

If you like to explore places by yourself and don't like tourist crowd there are lesser known places in Madhya Pradesh to explore without the hassle of tourists spoiling your fun.

Nestled inside the interiors of Bandhavgarh National Park, several ancient caves, and rock shelters can be spotted. They carry embellishments in the form of fine inscriptions carved in Brahmi script, along with carvings of elephants, horses, and humans.

Physically, the most dominating of all caves is the Badi Gufa, bearing nine rooms and numerous vaguely carved pillars.

Presently, the frequent inhabitants of the caves are wild animals of the park. Some of the caves might not even be accessible but are lovely manifestations of the history of Madhya Pradesh.

Location: Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh.

Lodged inside the rustic village of Tamia in Chhindwara, Chota Mahadev offers a surreal experience of cave exploration in Madhya Pradesh.

One of the most unique experiences to be had, a short trek to the Chota Mahadev Caves is a must.

Location: Tamia village, Chhindwara - Pachmarhi Road, Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh

Facts: It is believed that the sweet waters that grace these caves carry medicinal qualities, bordering on miracles.

Whenever you are on a trip to Madhya Pradesh and looking for a stay, Madhya Pradesh government offers resorts which are very reasonable and gives supreme hospitality.

Resting near the abandoned ruins of Mandu, Lohani Caves are a set of rock-cut temples and residential rooms that date back to the 11th century. Excavations have unearthed sculptures of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and many other deities.

These artifacts point to the prevalence of Hinduism, majorly Shaivism, during the said ages. Otherwise devoid of inscriptions and carvings, Lohani Caves make for a quintessential caving experience in Madhya Pradesh.

Location: Mandu, Madhya Pradesh.

Facts: The caves date back to the 11th and 12th century AD, and bear statues and idols of  Indian deities. Many of these caves have withered, and the historical contents have been moved to museums for preservation.

If you love doing camping, camping in Madhya Pradesh will not disappoint you at all as the state is nature rich and offers beautiful views while camping.

Amongst the most stunning caves in Madhya Pradesh, the Bharat Neer Caver near Pachmarhi is perched at 1,000 meters, deep in the heart of Satpura Ranges.

Alternatively known as Dorothy Deep, these caves were excavated in 1930, and several pottery items and artifacts from the Microlithic Era were unveiled. The walls carry beautiful embellishments in the form of colorful cave paintings.

Standing atop 1,000 meters, the caves open up to vast, boundless views of the natural bounties that surround them.

Location: Hoshangabad District, Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh.

Facts: Excavated for the first time in 1930, these caves sprouted several ancient artifacts and microliths that captured the fancy of archaeologists.

When it comes to forts in Madhya Pradesh, the state is home to countless historical marvels from various ages, and each one has something unique to offer.

Promising a stunning experience of caving in Madhya Pradesh, Kajal Rani Cave opens up to unmatched panoramic vistas of the boundless greenery and rocky terrains that seem to stretch into infinity.

Sitting about 8 km from the famous Omkareshwar Temple, the Kajal Rani Cave offers the perfect contrast to the opulence of the elegant temples that line the land of Omkareshwar. 

Location: Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh

Facts: It is an ideal spot for picnics and weekend getaways, though history enthusiasts must brace themselves for some disappointment, as not many paintings or carvings can be found here.

Madhya Pradesh is one of those states in India where you can see the most exotic creatures walking carefree in the wild, national parks in Madhya Pradesh are all over the state.

Promising a stunning experience of caving in Madhya Pradesh, Kajal Rani Cave opens up to unmatched panoramic vistas of the boundless greenery and rocky terrains that seem to stretch into infinity.

Sitting about 8 km from the famous Omkareshwar Temple, the Kajal Rani Cave offers the perfect contrast to the opulence of the elegant temples that line the land of Omkareshwar. 

Location: Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh

Facts: It is an ideal spot for picnics and weekend getaways, though history enthusiasts must brace themselves for some disappointment, as not many paintings or carvings can be found here.

Madhya Pradesh is one of those states in India where you can see the most exotic creatures walking carefree in the wild, national parks in Madhya Pradesh are all over the state.

Also called Monte Rosa Caves, the Asthachal Cave Shelters are a family of 4 caves housing several paintings that draw a vivid picture of the lives and stories that they have witnessed.

Sheltered about 3 km away from Reechgarh, the caves tempt many history enthusiasts into its bounds to reveal their faded cave paintings.

Bound by rich greenery and woods, it is advisable to hire a guide to show you the way to Asthachal Cave Shelters to avoid getting lost.

Location: Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh.

Facts: The effects of time can be seen in the faded paintings of the cave, yet the aura of historical brilliance is as strong as ever. Remember to hire a guide on the way, as the trails are kind of tricky.

You can experience and explore adventure activities in Madhya Pradesh endlessly. You can trek and hike through dense forests to reach magnificent waterfalls. 

Bedecked with stunning colorful cave paintings that bring alive cultures and norms of the prehistoric era, Chieftain’s Cave is one of the more remote, shaded caves in Madhya Pradesh. It lies deep inside the heart of the Satpura Ranges and is lodged amidst verdant greenery.

The origin of the cave dates back to the Stone Age and is believed to have been used as shelter by hunters. Most of these paintings convey stories of hunting and battle scenes, where men can be seen wielding swords and armor.

The major attraction here is the glorious painting that illustrates a battle between two great chieftains. 

Location: Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh.

Facts: Though some of the paintings may have faded, their message is beautifully conveyed to those who stray here. Built during the Stone Age, the cave echoes will fascinating tales of the ages gone by.

Madhya Pradesh is known for its holy ambience, temples in Madhya Pradesh are famous for their ancient architecture and their existence stories.

Seated on the slopes right outside the Fort of Mandu, the Sat Kothari caves is a formation of about 7 ancient caves housing a  great linga and yoni. Besides this, the caves are virtually bereft of any other significant sculptures and carvings.

Though there aren't many inscriptions or statues to be found here, the architectural style of the caves is one of the oldest and rarest in India.

Also, the view that the caves afford is breathtaking, layered with lush greenery and streams running through it.

Location: Sat Kothari Caves, Dhar, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh.

Facts: The caves carry beautiful reflections of the oldest forms of architecture to be found in India. They were believed to have been used as military posts, and after its excavation, as mediation chambers by ascetics.

From luxury resorts located in the middle of lush green wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh to heritage resorts reenacting the atmosphere of the glorious past, resorts in Madhya Pradesh got something for everyone. 

A small cave sitting near the Jatashankar caves in Pachmarhi, Harper's Cave owes its name to the painting of a man playing the Harp.

There are several other paintings that the caves are home to.

Lodged within the drapery of verdant hills and forests, curious minds and religion or history fanatics flock here every year to experience cave exploration in Madhya Pradesh.

Location: Hoshangabad district, Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh.

Facts: The cave shelters beautiful old paintings dating back many decades. The most significant being the one where a man playing the harp is beautifully captured.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh are a botanist’s wildest dream and are on the bucket list of every wildlife lover.