Sanchi Weekend Tour | Short Trip to Sanchi

OVERVIEW- The town of Sanchi is synonymous with Buddhist Stupas- hemispherical structures typically containing relics of the Buddha or his followers. The Stupas of Sanchi were constructed on the orders of Emperor Ashoka to preserve and spread the Buddhist philosophy. Sanchi has been protecting these beautiful and sacred architectural wonders, just the way these wonders have been safeguarding ancient history and art of the Mauryan period. The numerous stupas, temples, monasteries and an Ashokan pillar have been the focus of interest and awe for global audiences as well. In fact, UNESCO has given the status of 'World Heritage Site' to the Mahastupa.

BHOPAL- The capital city of Madhya Pradesh presents a versatile profile, combining a picturesque silhouette of the city, with its historical monuments, mosques and temples and palaces along with the historicity, scenic grandeur and modern planning. Bhopal is a mesh of Old and New. The old city is where one of India's highest Muslim concentration lives. New city overlooks Old Bhopal and is bustled with tourists and locals.

SANCHI- It is located in a small isolated hill in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It has a special place in the life of Buddhists. There are several Chaityas, Viharas and Stupas in Sanchi that have been constructed way back in between 3rd century B.C. and 12th century A.D. and these throw a great deal of light on the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. It has the oldest stone structure in India which is the Great Stupa. One of the oldest instances of temple architecture in India dating to the 5th century is also found in Sanchi. The place presents to you a very big slice of India's glorious history.

Tour Destination: Bhopal - Sanchi - Bhopal

Travel Duration: 02 Nights/03 Days

DAY 1: BHOPAL

Welcome to the capital city of Madhya Pradesh- Bhopal. Transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or you can go for a leisure walk around the place.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2: BHOPAL - SANCHI - BHOPAL

After breakfast, drive to Sanchi to explore one of the oldest stupas of India

STUPAS- The three stupas of Sanchi are the prime attraction. These dome shaped hemispherical structures are the oldest stones in the country. The Buddhist art and architecture belonging to the 3rd century BC makes it a temple worth visiting. It was Emperor Asoka who laid the foundations of a religious centre at Sanchi fascinated probably by the location of the hill or because of his Queen Devi.

GREAT BOWL AND BUDDHIST MONASTERIES- It is the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence and was a main Buddhist centre in India till the 12th century A.D. Great Bowl and Buddhist Monasteries is one such example of fine architecture. Great Bowl and Buddhist Monasteries in Sanchi, India is carved out of one block of stone, which contained food that was distributed amongst the monks of Sanchi. It was believed that this opulent Great Bowl and Buddhist Monasteries were the storehouse of different food items that was distributed amongst the residence monks of Sanchi.

THE GUPTA TEMPLE- The temple, in ruins today, exemplifies the temple architectural style of the country. With the architectural style of 5the century, the temple has earned for itself the prestigious epithet of Golden Age. The Gupta Temple adorns the intermediate layer of the three layers of Sanchi hill.

UDAIGIRI CAVES- Udaigiri Caves comprise of both Hindu and Jain caves that run in sequence one after another. These caves are world renowned. They have great historical significance. It is believed that Sanchi Udaigiri Caves were inhabited by the Buddhist Monks in 2 B.C. These caves were formed into sandstone hills. Today, in these caves you will come across the elaborate carvings of Lord Vishnu.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM- Houses several relics from Sanchi and surrounding areas. Majority of the stone relics were discovered during excavation by Sir John Marshall. The lion capital of the Ashoka Pillar is the most attractive relic. The Sanchi Archaeological museum provides all the necessary information of the place its history and culture.

In the evening drive back to Bhopal.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3: BHOPAL

Day free for leisure and later, depart to airport to catch your flight towards onward destination.

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