If you wish to travel further into history
-- the pre historic era – take time off to make an excursion to Bhimbetka an
archaeological treasure house. 
Hemmed in by the northern
fringe of the vindhya ranges, 
Bhimbetka
lies 46 Kms. South of Bhopal. The rocky terrain of dense forest and craggy cliffs has over
600 shelters belonging to the Neolithic age. They had a vivid, panoramic detail, painting
in over 500 caves depicting the lives of pre-historic cave dwellers. This invaluable
chronicle on the history of man, should not be missed. You can enjoy the paintings
depicting everyday events of our ancestors like scenes of hunting, dancing, horse and
elephant riding, household scenes, honey collection, animal fighting scenes etc.
The magnificent temple of Bhojpur , which has earned the
nomenclature of the Somnath of the East is known as the Bhojeshwar temple. Dating back to
the period of Raja Bhoj, The legendary Parmar king of Dhar , the temple is about 1000
years old. This temple to this date attracts devotees of Lord Shiva in huge numbers during
the Shivaratri festivities. Just half – an – 
hour drive from Bhopal, this sanctum has the biggest Shiva Linga carved out of
a single stone, rising to an awe-inspiring height of 7.5 feet with a circumference of 17.8
feet. Set upon a massive platform of 21.5 feet, the architectural harmony of lingam and
platform creates a superb synthesis of solidity and lightness.
Although the temple was never completed ,
it still remains one of the best examples of temple architecture of the 12th
and 13th centuries.
11km away on
Bhopal-Berasia Road has synthesis of Hindu and Islamic decorative art developed by Afghan
ruler Dost Mohammed Khan.
It is situated 22 kilometer away from
Bhopal. This place was discovered 70 years ago by a jain Muni.Hundred of idols of Jain
tearthankars can be seen there.
Near seven kilometer away from Bhopal on
Gwalior road on the top of a hill is situated Manua Bhan Ki Tekri, the Jain temple, a
pilgrimage and faith of jain devotees. On the tekri the Jain saint Maharaj Shri Vijay
Suriji, Shri Jindutta Sureshwarji and Acharya Manutung’s footwears are kept and also
a idol of Shri Man Bhadarji has been installed. On the Simha Gate of the temple is an old
manuscript carved on the stone, the language in which it has been written is still to be
deciphered. It is also said to be the Sadhana Sthali of Oswal Dynasty. A big fare is also
held every year here on Kartik Purnima.
Madhya
Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.,
Paryatan
Bhawan, Bhadbhada Road,
Bhopal 462 003. INDIA.
http://www.mptourism.com
Tel.:+91-755-2778383/2774340,42,43,44. Fax: +91-755-2779476/2774289. E-mail:
info@mptourism.com