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Madhya Pradesh is a state in India’s central region. It is one of the most populated states in the country, sharing its borders with Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. Tourism in Madhya Pradesh has grown exponentially in recent years. It has been a crucial centre of history and culture in India since ancient times. From world-renowned religious landmarks and events to important ...Read More
Perched on a hilltop of Sanchi Town in Madhya Pradesh, the glorious Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest stone structures in India and poses great importance in the Indian history. Sanchi Stupa is a significant monument in the Indian Architecture and a specimen of the Buddhist architecture, it is also enlisted amongst the other famous monuments in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1989.
6:00 am – 6:30 pm, Daily
Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh 464661
General Admission
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TICKET TYPE |
PRICE |
|
Adult (16 years and above) |
INR 40 |
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Foreign Citizens |
INR 500 |
The nearest Airport is the Raja Bhoj airport, Bhopal at approximately 55km away from Sanchi Stupa. From here, you can hire a taxi.
The Sanchi railway station is 1.5km away from Sanchi Stupa and is not as well connected as the Bhopal Junction. It is advisable to take the Bhopal Junction as it is connected to major cities of India.
There are several buses plying from Bhopal bus stand, which is about a kilometre from the Bhopal Junction railway station to Sanchi and it takes approximately an hour.
Sanchi Stupa was commissioned by King Ashoka in the 2nd century BCE. Its center is a huge hemispherical brick dome with an elevated terrace and a balustrade built over the relics of Lord Buddha. It is crowned by the chhatri, an umbrella like structure which symbolises high rank and also was intended to honour and shelter the relics. In the 1st century BCE during the reign of the Satavahanas, four intricately carved gateways and a banister encircling the entire structure of Stupa were added. The Sanchi Stupa built during the Mauryan period was made of bricks. The complex flourished until the 11th century. The construction of the stupa was commissioned in several locations across India in order to spread Buddhism.
During the rule of the Shunga Emperor, the stupa was further expanded with stone slabs to practically double its original size. The dome was flattened and covered by stone slabs. Three superimposed chatras were built to crown the dome. It symbolised the Wheel of Law or ‘dharma’. A high rounded drum that can be reached through a double staircase became the seat of the dome enabling one to circumambulate the sacred dome.
The gateways and balustrades come alive with inscriptions and illustrations narrating the life of Lord Buddha and tales from Aryasura’s Jatakamala. The spectrum of carvings are a symbolic manifestation of the Buddha that have been used in the form of trees and inanimate objects like thrones, wheels or footprints.
The Sanchi Stupa is also the site of the Ashoka Pillar. The polished sandstone pillar stands at the main gateway and is reminiscent of the Greco-Buddhist Architecture. Presently, only bottom half of the erection stands at the site. The upper half is displayed at the Sanchi Archaeological Museum which is close by.
The Sanchi Stupa complex comprises of various other prominent monuments such as:
One of the free standing temples of India, it dates back to the 3rd century BCE and consists of vestiges from three different historic periods, the earliest dating to the Maurya Dynasty with inscriptions suggesting that it was built by King Ashoka’s father Emperor Bindusara.
The Stupa commissioned during the Shunga reign came to be known as the second and third stupas. The magnificently detailed and ornated stupa is monikered as "the oldest extensive stupa decoration in existence" and is in alignment with the theme of stone casing and balustrade. The detailing represents the Buddhist theme and highlights the 4 events that defined the life of Lord Buddha - Nativity, the Enlightenment, the First Sermon and the Decease. The stupa also depicts the Jataka Tales and is considered as the birthplace of the same.
Replete with a staircase and balustrade, this stupa was built slightly after stupa no. 2 and the relics excavated from here confirms this. It comprises of the relics of Sariputra and Mahamoggallana, the disciples of Lord Buddha.
A gem of the Buddhist art and architecture, the Sanchi Stupa attracts millions of visitors annually and is considered the best conserved ancient stupas .
• The major attraction are the four giant gateways and the large hemispherical dome.
• Immerse in the history of Buddhism along with the Mauryan, Satvanas and the Shagunas empires.
• Marvel at the splendid intricate carvings on the four gateways that depict the life cycle of Lord Buddha.
• The famous Ashoka Pillar that has an Ashokan inscription (Schism Edict) and an inscription in the ornamental Sankha Lipi from the Gupta period.
• The Sanchi Stupa Complex comprises of several other significant monuments that are equally marvelous and significant to the history.
Witness the iconic landmark structure from the Maurya Dynasty and the Ashoka Pillar that defined the emblem of India.
• The Great Stupa of Sanchi underwent a complete reconstruction after malevolent damage was inflicted upon it in the middle of the 2nd BCE. The reconstruction entailed of a stone casing, a terrace with a double flight of steps, balustrades, a paved processional path, and an umbrella and railing.
• In the 20th century, the monument underwent extensive restoration to their present condition under the supervision of Sir John Marshall after it was found in a shamble state by General Henry Taylor who was a British officer.
• The Sanchi Stupa model is 36.5 m in diameter and rises almost 16.5 meters high.
• Sanchi was the birthplace of Emperor Ashoka’s wife Devi.
• Eight stupas have been erected, each comprising the relics of Lord Buddha.
• Most of the Buddha statues and carvings still possess the legendary Mauryan polish that made it gleam like glass.
• The last addition made to the stupa was done during the reign of the Gupta dynasty prior to 450 AD.
• The three ‘parasols,’ set one above the other along the shaft, are located in the uppermost region of Sanchi Stupa. They represent a heavenly hierarchy.
Founded in the year 1955, this enchanting forest turned wildlife sanctuary is the inspiration behind the famous Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. One of the finest animal retreats in the country, Kanha National Park is a famous tiger reserve that is dedicated for inhabiting and protecting the tigers in their natural habitat. Apart from tigers, it is also the home of Royal Bengal Tiger and the rare Swamp Deer. Best visited in the months from November to June, the temperature in the park varies from 23.9 degree at the minimum to 40.6 degree at its maximum. A mixture of serene natural beauty and equally beautiful and versatile wildlife, Kanha National Park is sure one to the best places to visit when on your tour in this state.
Location: SH11, Mangitola Mukki Gate, Mukki
Known For: Tiger Reserve Safari
How to Reach: The park is connected with most major cities of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra by road. You can reach it via state buses or by car as well. The nearest railway heads are located at Gondia (145 km) and Jabalpur (160 km) from where you can reach Kanha via road. The nearest airports are at Jabalpur (160 km), Raipur (250 km) and Nagpur (300 km).
Approximate Cost: Approx. Rs. 300-500 for Indians & Rs.1,500- 2,500 for foreigners
Operating Hours: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Type: Animal Sanctuary.
This 8th Century architectural marvel is perched upon a hill top in Gwalior city of Madhya Pradesh. Having seen many dynasties conquer and get vanquished throughout the history, while it kept standing, the fort has also been subjected to many changes in design and gone through many renovations. The main structure though, chiefly houses two massive palaces along with several temples and water tanks. Teli ka Mandir and Maan Singh Palace are two most notable of its occupants. While the former is built in an attractive Dravidian style architecture of shrine which features intricately sculpted exteriors, the latter was built in the 15th century by king Man Singh and displays a stunning Architecture of Tomar dynasty. With a façade made up of pretty ceramic tiles in blue, the palace looks dazzling. In addition to these, the magnificent Saas-Bahu temple, Gujari Mahal, Karan Palace, Chaturbhuj Temple, Shahjahan Mahal, Jai Vilas Palace and Jahangir Mahal situated in the fort complex are other buildings worthy of your attention.
Location: Gwalior
Known For: Exemplary architecture
How to Reach: Gwalior can be reached easily by air, road or railway. While Gwalior airport is well connected by most major cities of Madhya Pradesh and Delhi, it can be reached by most major cities of the country through rail or roadways (via interstate buses or by personal vehicle).
Approximate Cost: Approx. Rs. 70-80 for Indians & Rs. 200-300 for foreigners
Operating Hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Type: Palace.
Situated at the banks of Narmada River, Jabalpur is a predominantly industrial town which has recently been recognized for its tourism worthy offerings. Owing to its pristine ghats, milky waterfalls, and subtle tinsel of historical and cultural legacy, Jabalpur has emerged to be a surprising and truly alluring destination on the map of Madhya Pradesh tourism. Apart from its breath-taking sight of Dhuandar waterfalls and the staggering beauty of the Bedaghat marble cliffs, the city is also rich in manmade wonders such as the temple located near Roonath and Madan Mahal.
The naturally scintillating landscape mixed with the British architecture dating back to the colonial times, is what makes Jabalpur one of the finest places to visit in Madhya Pradesh, especially given that it is also central to other attractions such as Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park.
Location: Jabalpur, MP
Known For: Marble rocks and falls
How to Reach: Jabalpur has its own airport which can be reached from most important airports of the country. It can also be reached via road or rail since it is connected with many important cities and towns of the country.
Approximate Cost: NA
Operating Hours: NA
Type: Landmark.
Situated on the banks of river Betwa, Orccha is a splendid tourist destination featuring a world of historically and culturally significant places of interest. Adorned with ornate palaces, impregnable forts and intricately designed temples from the medieval era, this little town is every tourist and photographer’s paradise. From grand havelies and Hindu temples to classic mural paintings and breath-taking frescoes, Orccha is a great place to visit on your Madhya Pradesh holidays. You can enjoy visiting places such as Chaturbhuj temple, Phool Bagh, Raj Mandir, Jehangir Mahal at Orccha Fort, Lakshmi temple, Ram Raja temple, Dauji ki Haveli, and Chhatris located in this area.
Location: Orccha
Known For: Frescoes, mural paintings and beautiful temples
How to Reach: Along with having a good road network, it easy within easy reach via air and rail too. Nearest airport is located at Gwalior and nearest railway station is at Jhansi (18 km).
Approximate Cost: NA
Operating Hours: NA
Type: Landmark.
