Overview
Sanchi, a village in Madhya Pradesh, is home to the ancient Buddhist monuments, including the renowned Great Stupa. This remarkable site, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The Great Stupa, a massive hemispherical dome standing over 50 feet tall with a diameter of more than 30 meters, is a sacred tribute to Lord Buddha, housing significant relics. Sanchi is adorned with ancient Stupas, monasteries, the Ashoka Pillar, and ornate gateways, all testaments to the rich Buddhist culture dating back to the 3rd century B.C. Pilgrims from around the world journey to this important Buddhist pilgrimage site, perched on a hill 46 km southwest of Bhopal.
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How to Reach Sanchi
By Air
- Fly into the nearest international airport to reach the city.
- Access the city from the airport via airport shuttles, taxis, or rental cars.
By Train
- Take advantage of the extensive rail network to reach the city by train.
- Several major train stations in the city offer convenient access for visitors from neighboring towns and international locations.
By Road
- Travel to the city by road via the highway from the nearest major city.
- Experience scenic views of the countryside during the journey.
Places to Visit in Sanchi
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
4.6 (11,459)
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Madhya Pradesh, the Buddhist Monuments of Sanchi stand as a timeless testament to India's rich cultural heritage. Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, the Great Stupa reigns majestically over the region, its grand hemispherical dome reaching heigh...
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Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
4.6 (11,432)
Discover the ancient beauty of Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh, where the four Gateways, constructed in 35 BC, vividly depict the different stages of Lord Buddha's life. The Eastern gateway, adorned with brilliant embellishments and intricate carvings, traces his journey from royal birth to enlightenment, ...
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Sanchi Archaeological Museum
4.5 (2,070)
Nestled near the iconic Sanchi Stupa, the Sanchi Museum is a hidden gem that offers a captivating journey through the rich history of the region. As you step inside this modest yet informative museum, you'll be greeted by a remarkable collection of statues and artifacts discovered in the vicinity of...
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Divine Stone Bowl
4.3 (10)
Nestled in the serene town of Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, the Great Bowl stands as a remarkable historical monument that beckons visitors to delve into the rich tapestry of Buddhism's legacy in the region. Carved from a massive stone block, this iconic bowl was once the storehouse for food, offering a g...
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Ashok Pillar
Experience the historical wonder of Sanchi, where the 3rd-century pillar showcases the influence of Greco-Buddhist style. Despite its age, this remarkable relic stands tall, exuding a sense of timelessness. Resembling the iconic Sarnath pillar, it offers a captivating glimpse into Sanchi's ancient p...
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Things to do in Sanchi
Explore the Magnificent Gateways of Sanchi
Embark on a journey to Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, to marvel at the ancient Gateways constructed in 35 BC. These remarkable structures beautifully depict the life of Lord Buddha, with the Eastern gateway showcasing the stages of his journey from royal birth to enlightenment. Admire the brilliant embelli...
Read MoreExplore the Great Bowl at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
Discover the Great Bowl, also known as the Grand Gumbha, in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. This large block of stone has a historical significance as it was used to distribute food and other essentials to Buddhist Monks. The Great Bowl stands as a testament to the ancient traditions and practices of the re...
Read MoreExplore Sanchi Museum
Discover the fascinating Sanchi Museum, located at the foothill of the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh. Originally situated on a hilltop near the stupa, the museum, established by Sir John Marshall in 1919, is now curated by the ASI. Spanning over 6.3 acres, the museum features a main hall and 4 gall...
Read MoreExplore the Ancient Sanchi Pillar
Step back in time and marvel at the enduring legacy of Sanchi's ancient history by exploring the 3rd-century pillar, which showcases a striking blend of Greco-Buddhist architectural style. Despite its age, the pillar stands resolute, exuding an air of timeless elegance and resembling the iconic Sarn...
Read MoreExplore the Buddhist Monuments of Sanchi
Head to the hilltop of Sanchi, located in Madhya Pradesh, to explore the ancient Buddhist monuments, including the Great Stupa, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Constructed in the 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka, the Great Stupa is a remarkable example of Buddhist art and architecture, s...
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Best Time to Visit Sanchi
The best time to visit Sanchi is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and conducive for exploring the ancient monuments and the serene surroundings. It is advisable to avoid the summer months due to the hot and humid weather, which may hinder the enjoyable exploration of the site.
FAQs on Sanchi
What is not so good about Sanchi?
Sanchi can be congested in peak seasons and may not be easily accessible at times.
What are the places near Sanchi?
The top places near Sanchi include Udayagiri caves (6 km away), Bhimbetka (61 km away), Bhopal (41 km away), Pachmarhi (133 km away), and Agra (411 km away).
What are the things to do in Sanchi?
The top things to do in Sanchi are visiting the Sanchi Stupa, The Great Bowl, Ashok Pillar, The Eastern Gateway, Udaygiri Caves, and Sanchi Museum. You can explore all the places to visit in Sanchi.
What is the best way to reach Sanchi?
Sanchi has its own railway station but doesn't have an airport. The nearest airport is in Bhopal, which is 46 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from Bhopal to reach Sanchi. Bhopal is well connected with the rest of India by both air and rail.
What is the local food in Sanchi?
Sanchi offers a subtle variety of North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. Local delicacies of Madhya Pradesh that you might find include Dal Bafla, Biryani, Kebabs, Korma, Poha, Rogan Josh, Jalebi, Ladoos, as well as beverages like Lassi and Sugarcane Juice.
What is the best time to visit Sanchi?
The best time to visit Sanchi is from November to March during the winters, as the temperature can be quite high during the summers. You can also visit Sanchi during the monsoon season, however, it might be a bit difficult to get around the city if it is raining too hard.
Who should visit Sanchi?
Sanchi is suitable for Buddhists and people interested in architecture and archaeology.
What is famous about Sanchi?
Sanchi is famous as the abode to infinite Buddhist & Mauryan history and houses the famous Sanchi Stupa.
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