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Auditorium Cave: Echoes of Ancient India

Explore the ancient Auditorium Cave at Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with prehistoric rock art and stunning natural formations.

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The Auditorium Cave, located within the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, is a captivating destination showcasing the rich history and culture of ancient India. This expansive cave, adorned with prehistoric rock paintings, offers a glimpse into the lives of early humans.

A brief summary to Auditorium Cave

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be uneven and requires some climbing.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy better lighting for photography.
  • Carry water and snacks, as there are limited options available near the site.
  • Respect the ancient site and do not touch the paintings.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Auditorium Cave is located approximately 45 km southeast of Bhopal. The drive from Bhopal takes about an hour. Follow the Bhopal-Hoshangabad highway (NH12). Car parking is available at the site. Entry fee for cars: INR 300.

  • Taxi/Auto Rickshaw

    Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available from Bhopal. A taxi ride from Bhopal to Bhimbetka will cost approximately INR 1200-1500. An auto-rickshaw ride will take approximately 30-40 minutes and cost around INR 150-200. Entry fee: N/A (This is the cost to get to the location, not to enter it.)

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Bhopal to Hoshangabad or Itarsi. Get off at the Bhimbetka bus stop on the highway, about 3 km from the caves. From there, you can walk or hire local transport to reach the Auditorium Cave. Bus fare: Approximately INR 50-100. Entry fee: N/A (This is the cost to get to the location, not to enter it.)

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Discover more about Auditorium Cave

Nestled within the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Auditorium Cave stands as a remarkable testament to India's ancient past. Also known as Cave 3, it is the largest of the Bhimbetka shelters and a significant feature of this archaeological site. The cave's name derives from its spacious chamber and excellent acoustic properties, resembling a natural auditorium. Surrounded by quartzite towers visible from kilometers away, the Auditorium Cave features a large horizontal tunnel, approximately 25 meters long, leading to a cavernous, high-ceilinged chamber with three passageway exits. This unique layout creates a cathedral-like atmosphere, complete with soaring spaces and Gothic arches. The main entrance faces east, where a distinctive, near-vertical boulder, known as 'Chief's Rock' or 'King's Rock', captures the attention of visitors. The cave is adorned with ancient rock paintings that date back to the Paleolithic era, offering insights into the lives of early humans. These paintings depict scenes of hunting, dancing, and daily life, providing a glimpse into the cultural and social structures of prehistoric times. In 1990, nine cupules (simple, round, hemispheric cavities) with traces of red pigment were discovered on Chief's Rock. A tenth cupule, along with a meandering groove, was found in 1991, covered by remains dating back to the Acheulian period. These petroglyphs, created on hard quartzite surfaces, offer a glimpse into early human activities, with radiometric dating suggesting an age of over 290,000 years, and possibly as old as 700,000 years. Visiting the Auditorium Cave offers a profound journey into humanity's distant past. The cave not only showcases the artistic expressions of early humans but also provides a unique understanding of their lifestyle and cultural evolution.

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