Bhima Mandali caves in Odisha to get global heritage makeover after minister’s big announcement

Caves may be up to 20000 years old

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced plans to develop Odisha’s Bhima Mandali caves near Sambalpur as a global heritage destination. The site, believed to be between 15,000 and 20,000 years old, will reportedly get world-class facilities to protect its ecological and archaeological value. The initiative also highlights the caves’ historical and mythological significance for international visitors.