Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

An archaeological wonder, the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters take tourists back in time. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Housing 500 or so paintings that have a stark resemblance to the ones found in Australia’s Kakadu National Park, cave paintings of Kalahari Desert’s Bushmen tribe and France’s Upper Palaeolithic Lascaux, Bhimbetka attracts tourists from far and wide. The paintings, created with natural colours that have withstood the test of time, were discovered by VS Wakankar in 1957 during an excavation expedition, and showcase the lives of a lost community that lived here thousands of years ago. Scenes of horse and elephant riding, honey collection, food hunting, dancing etc., can be seen in intricate detail.

 

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

Van Vihar

Perched atop a hill near the beautiful Upper Lake, Van Vihar is an open zoological park that houses huge enclosures where animals like lion, tiger, bear, panther and hyena are kept. The carnivores are kept safely away from humans, but herbivores like blackbuck and cheetal are allowed to freely move around. While birds fill the air with incessant chirping, you can spot crocodiles and tortoises basking in the sun. A major attraction in Van Vihar is the reptile unit, where you can find snakes like python, Russel's viper and cobra. There is a special section dedicated to a variety of insects and butterflies as well. Since the park lies in close proximity to the Upper Lake, it plays host to migratory birds in winters. Van Vihar is an idyllic place to experience wildlife at close quarters. The park is best explored in a car or on a bike, and both are available for hire.

 

Van Vihar

Upper Lake and Lower Lake

Separated by an overbridge called Pul Pukhta are two stunning lakes, Upper Lake and Lower Lake. Together, they are perhaps the loveliest and the most picturesque waterfronts in the country, with vast green gardens and crystal clear waters.

 

Upper Lake and Lower Lake