5 places where the earliest humans existed in India and why they are a must visit for tourists

Did you know that the Indian subcontinent has shown evidence of human activity dating back over a million years? There are several sites that provide a glimpse into the lives of early humans. These sites are significant for their historical and cultural value, and they offer insights into the prehistoric human journey in India. Here are five important locations in India where the earliest humans lived. These deserve to be on your travel wish list.

Located about 45 km from Bhopal, Bhimbetka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 700 rock shelters. Some of these shelters were occupied by early humans as early as 100,000 years ago. Visit the site to see the stone tools from the Lower to Middle Palaeolithic periods and stunning rock paintings from the Mesolithic era, depicting hunting, dancing, and daily life.

Attirampakkam, situated in the Kortallayar river basin near Chennai, is one of India’s oldest archaeological sites. As per studies, the stone tools that were found in this area, dates back 1.5 million years! These tools are believed to be associated with Homo erectus or related hominins. Excavations in the region also revealed Acheulean tools like hand-axes and cleavers.

The Narmada Valley gave India’s only known Homo erectus fossil—a partial skull discovered in 1982, dated to around 500,000 years ago. This region has yielded several stone tools dating back to the Middle Pleistocene period. Dig a little deeper into the past, and you'll even uncover dinosaur fossils! Adding to its charm, the surrounding Narmada Valley is equally scenic and rich in natural beauty.

Dhaba, located on the banks of the Son river, is one of the most interesting archaeological sites in India. The site provides evidence of Homo sapiens presence from 80,000 to 65,000 years ago. The region is less developed for tourism but it is a good addition to your visit to sites like Bhimbetka and Sanchi.

Dholavira is located in the Rann of Kutch, and is one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. Dholavira is also one of the largest and best-preserved Indus Valley Civilization cities, flourishing around 2600–1900 BCE. This advanced urban settlement was inhabited by early human societies, featuring sophisticated water management systems, stepwells, and grid-patterned streets. Several archaeological finds like seals, pottery, and beads were found from this site.