India's ancient cultural heritage gained further recognition on Thursday, July 3, when the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation declared the rock shelters of Bhimbetka, near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, a world heritage site.

Bhimbetka is one of 24 sites from around the world that have been added to the UNESCO's prestigious list of world heritage sites, bringing the number of such sites to 754. These comprise "149 natural, 582 cultural, and 23 mixed sites of outstanding universal value", a UNESCO statement said.

Union Tourism and Culture Minister Jagmohan welcomed the decision and said it was another feather in the country's cap.

rediff.com Deputy Managing Editor Vaihayasi P Daniel had visited Bhimbetka five years ago. Click here to read her travelogue about 'The Caveman's Easel'.