Sanchi, a quaint and secluded hill town in Madhya Pradesh, is renowned not only for its captivating Buddhist heritage but also for its impressive tourism appeal. This ancient and picturesque city attracts a steady stream of visitors from across India and around the world. A visit to Sanchi helps you to learn about the glorious history of India and also to explore some of the amazing architecture of the city which was built around the 3rd century BC and 12th century AD.
One can find several Stupas, Viharas, and Chaityas on their mesmerizing Sanchi Tour. The wonderful architecture is proud of the city and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city has many architectural splendors to spellbind the tourists with its remarkable structures, history, art, culture, etc.
List of the 10 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Sanchi
1- Sanchi Stupa
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (daily)
- Famous For: Ancient Buddhist stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka, renowned for its intricate carvings and historical significance.
- How to Reach: Accessible by road from Bhopal (about 46 km), which is well-connected by rail and air.
Reckoned as the major landmark of the city, Sanchi Stupa was constructed in the Raaisen district of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The architecture holds great religious significance among Buddhists and is flocked by tourists from all around the globe. Sanchi Stupa is also among those architectures which were constructed during the Maurya period. This amazing architecture is believed to be the oldest stone building which was constructed as per the order of the great King Ashoka around the 3rd century BC. The monument stands as a testimony to the classical arts of Buddhism due to its intricate carvings done on the gateways and the paintings on the wall representing the life story of Lord Buddha.
- Recommended Tour: Madhya Pradesh Tour Packages
2- Ashoka Pillar
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (daily)
- Famous For: Greco-Buddhist art style, polished finish, and historic significance as part of Ashoka’s edicts.
- How to Reach: Located within the Sanchi Stupa complex, easily reachable by walking from the stupa.
Located close to the southern gateway of the Sanchi Stupa and is popular among tourists for its aesthetic proportions and structural balance. The architecture of this majestic pillar represents the Greco Buddhist Style and the polish of the monument glimmers nicely to date. The architecture looks quite similar to the Sarnath Pillar and the only difference between these two pillars is that the lions carved on the Ashoka Pillar are without the Dharmachakra. From the gateway of the museum, you can only get a glimpse of the shaft and the crown can be seen in the museum itself.
3- Sanchi Museum
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Fridays)
- Distance: Located in Sanchi town, close to the Sanchi Stupa.
- Famous For: Ancient artifacts, sculptures, and historical relics related to Buddhism.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Bhopal or 1 km from Sanchi Railway Station.
A place that is famous for showcasing the beauty of architectural heritage and the rich culture of India, Sanchi Museum is under the maintenance of the Archaeological Survey of India. It houses a great number of ancient artifacts which were in the use of monks like metal objects and also the excavations of the lion capital of the great Ashoka Pillar. It is believed that the items kept in the museum are very old and belong to the 1st or 3rd century BC. One can also see several other useful items inside the museum like Torans or the various parts of the gateways, caskets, and pottery. The statues of Lord Buddha and Yakshi are also standing inside the temple in red sandstone.
4- Four Gateways
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (daily)
- Famous For: Intricate carvings depicting scenes from Buddha’s life and teachings.
- How to Reach: Located within the Sanchi Stupa complex, accessible by walking.
The splendid Sanchi Stupa is adorned with four intricate gateways also called Torans and are named Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western. Out of these four gateways Northern Gateway is studded with the wheel of law and it showcases all such miracles which were connected to the lives of Lord Buddha. The birth of Lord Buddha is represented by the carvings done on the Southern Gateway. The eastern gateway of the stupa was believed to be constructed during 35 BC and its walls are carved out with the stories of Lord Buddha’s life incidents especially the one when Lord Buddha was leaving to attain self-enlightenment. The fourth gateway the western gateway represents the seven different incarnations of Lord Buddha.
5- Monastery 51
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (daily)
- Distance: Downhill from the western gateway of the Sanchi Stupa.
- Famous For: Ancient monastery structure, rice bowl carving used for offerings.
- How to Reach: Accessible by a short walk from the western gateway of the Sanchi Stupa.
A beautiful ancient monastery that was constructed around the 3rd century BC under Empress Devi’s Supervision. The entire monastery is built in a square shape and with flat stones having an area of almost 33 sq. meters. It is situated at the downhill of the western gateway of the Stupa. On the western side of this monastery, a rice bowl is carved out which was used to place the foods and other offerings as the distribution to the monks of this monastery.
- Suggested Tour: Buddhist Monastery Tour Package in India
6- Udayagiri Caves
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (daily)
- Distance: About 60 km from Sanchi.
- Famous For: Rock-cut Hindu and Jain caves with intricate sculptures.
- How to Reach: Reachable by road from Sanchi or Bhopal. The journey involves a drive and a short walk.
Another popular tourist destination in Sanchi which is quite worthy to visit. The rock sculptures used to carve out this cave depict Hindu mythology and are a perfect example of excellent craftsmanship. The cave is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Chandragupta II from 4th to 5th CE. Udaigivi Cave is a collection of both Hindu and Jain Caves which are situated in a sequence one after the other both of these caves are worldwide famous and tourists come in good numbers to visit the place and to know their historical significance and to see the beautiful religious symbiosis of Jainism and Buddhism.
7- Buddhist Vihara
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (daily)
- Distance: Close to Sanchi town.
- Famous For: Relics from the Satdhara Stupa, small chambers for monks.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Sanchi town
.Quite popular for housing the relics of another famous stupa Satdhara Stupa, the Buddhist Vihara i situated closer to Sanchi where the relics are preserved and showcased beautifully in the inner chamber and on a platform covered with glass casket. The Vihara is reckoned as one of the masterpieces in the state which is well worth exploring. Different from other Stupas this masterpiece is not designed with wood. On your visit to this Buddhist Vihara, you can find several small chambers built inside it which are known as the resting place of the monks.
8- Gupta Temple
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (daily)
- Famous For: Early example of Indian temple architecture from the 5th century AD.
- How to Reach: Accessible by road from Sanchi town.
Constructed in the 5th century AD, the architecture of the Gupta Temple witnesses ancient traditions of India and is renowned as one of the earliest specimens of Indian architecture. Spread over a large area, the Gupta Temple has a huge compound having lower, intermediate, and crowning shelves. The temple is adorned at the intermediate level or the 2nd layer of the hill in the compound. The remarkable architecture of the shrine counts it a genesis of temple architecture.
9. Madagan Pond
- Timings: 24 hours
- Distance: Located within Raisen Fort, about 45 km from Sanchi.
- Famous For: Large step-well used for water storage, historical water management system.
- How to Reach: Reachable by road from Sanchi or Bhopal, involves a short walk from the fort.
A huge step-well located at the Raisen Fort in Madhya Pradesh, Madagan Pond is the main source of the water harvesting and water storage system of the ancient Fort. This huge pond is spread over a large area and is rectangular in shape. It is built with stones from all four sides and is connected with the other water sources of the Fort. The pond still looks amazing and one can reach there by walking on the steps but it is disheartening to hear that neither the state nor the central government is taking responsibility to maintain the cleanliness and security of this pond.
10. Mata Mandir
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (daily)
- Distance: About 4 km from Sanchi.
- Famous For: Simple temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, known for its spiritual significance and Navratri celebrations.
- How to Reach: Accessible by road from Sanchi town, with local transport options available.
Dedicated to Goddess Durga, Mata Mandir is situated at a distance of 4 km from Sanchi. However, the temple is not designed with many intricate carvings and is very simple but is believed to be a wish-granting place. Visitors coming to Sanchi must pay homage to this shrine and seek the blessing of Devi Ma. The charm of the temple increases during the festive season of Navratri when thousands of devotees participate in the puja rituals and Jagrata. Kampar Hanuman Mandir is another sacred place where visitors flock to seek through religious faith.
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