Sanchi is famous attraction of Madhya Pradesh and also recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is located on an isolated hill, 46km from Bhopal and represent Buddhist history and culture. Renowned for its exquisite temples, stupas, monasteries dating back from 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD. The best is undoubtedly Sanchi Stupa, built originally by Emperor Ashoka. He was a great patron of Buddhism and built temples, monasteries and other monuments with the help merchants from Vidisha. The stupas, temples, monasteries are delicately carved with the tale of Buddha's life and the teachings. It is one of the finest classical art of the world.



The place is a sought after pilgrimage among Buddhist followers and count sacred place as much as Bodh Gaya or Sarnath. On Buddha purnima, the triple anniversary of Gautama Buddha's birth, enlightenment and Parinirvana, Buddhists from all over the world assemble here and celebrate the pious occasion. After the strong emergence of Hinduism, the site was a forgotten land. After many centuries, in 1818, a British army officer rediscovered its treasures, leading to immense damage at the hands of amateur archaeologists and treasure hunters before a proper restoration took place between 1881 and 1919. The stupas are best visited at dawn and dusk. Sanchi can be visited from Bhopal but the crossroad villages are also very relaxing spot to spend the night.

Sights And Activities

Sanchi Stupa
The most visited and probably the most photographed monuments of Madhya Pradesh. This architectural marvel is dome shaped whose panels are inscribed with beautiful drawings that showcase life of Buddha. The stupa also embellished with Brahmi script carved at different places in the stupa. The construction was started by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century. The hemispherical dome was made to preserve the relics of Buddha. The stupas of Sanch has been recognized as a World Heritage Sites.
Ashoka Pillar
The superb pillar was made by Emperor Ashoka in 3ed century and located at the southern gate of Sanchi Stupa. The pillar is specially beautiful because of its aesthetic proportions and incredible structural balance. The architectural style is same as the monument present in Sarnath, only it doesn't have the 24 spoked dharmachakra or wheel of life. The four lions that crowned the top of the pillar is no more and have been kept in the Archaeological Museum nearby.

The Buddhist Viharas (monasteries)
The sacred monasteries are also one of the major tourist attractions of Sanchi. The monasteries preserve holy relics of the Satdhara Stupa, these are preserved in a glass chest inside the inner sanctum, on a high platform. The viharas are resided few miles away from Sanchi.

Archaeological Museum
It was established by Sir John Marshall in 1919 and has become a major attraction because of it rich and rare historical keepsakes. The museum was relocated in 1966 to near Sanchi Stupa. Museum preserve articles to six periods Satvahana, Maurya, Sunga, Gupta, Post Gupta and Kushana. But the main attractions of the museum are three images of Buddha: Dhyani Buddha, Yakshi and Nagarjuna. Also the Ashoka lion capital is what captivates most. The image shos four lions sitting with their back towards each other and facing different directions. Museum is open from 10AM to 5PM except on Friday.