The extensive caves of Bhimbhetka are located in a dyke structure of the Narmada valley at about 45 km northeast of Bhopal. These caves lie between Bhopal and Hoshangabad highway and depict pre-historic rock shelter paintings. These paintings are considered a priceless chronicle in the history of man, which are sculpted on the summit of the Vindhyan heights. The caves of Bhimbhetka were discovered in 1957-58 and is a natural art gallery and an archaeological treasure. This site is considered as one of the oldest human habitation in India where the caves feature house rock paintings. These were formed as early as about 15,000 years ago in vibrant and panoramic detail. The rock paintings here are creations of gradual progress and various adaptations that the primitive man was making in his lifestyle. It is also considered as a World Heritage site.

Bhimbhetka credits its name to the characters of the longest classic in the world, the Mahabharata. It is believed that when the five brothers, called Pandavas, were exiled from their kingdom, they came here and inhabited these caves, the massive rocks seating the massive frame of Bhima, the second Pandava. Further facts support this theory, the resemblance in names of the nearby places and caves are found with the names of the Pandavas.

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