Are you looking for an off-beat travel destination in India? Then you must visit the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh. This ancient monument, located in the heart of India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for anyone interested in Indian history and culture. In this article, we will take you on a virtual tour of the Sanchi Stupa and other monuments in India, and provide you with all the information you need to plan your own heritage tour. 

Introduction to the Sanchi Stupa 

The Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist monuments in India. It was built in the 3rd century BCE and has been an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists for over 2,000 years. The stupa is located in the small village of Sanchi, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and other historical monuments. 

History of the Sanchi Stupa 

The Sanchi Stupa was originally built by Emperor Ashoka, who was one of the most important rulers in Indian history. Ashoka was a patron of Buddhism and was responsible for spreading the religion throughout India and other parts of Asia. The stupa was built to enshrine the relics of the Buddha, and over the years, several other stupas, temples, and monasteries were added to the site. 

Architecture of the Sanchi Stupa 

The Sanchi Stupa is an architectural masterpiece and is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful stone work. The stupa is built in the shape of a dome and is surrounded by a stone railing with four gateways, each adorned with beautiful carvings and sculptures. The dome itself is decorated with four ornamental gateways, which are considered to be some of the finest examples of ancient Indian art. 

Other Monuments in Madhya Pradesh 

Madhya Pradesh is home to several other historical monuments and is a treasure trove for anyone interested in Indian history and culture. Some of the other must-see monuments in Madhya Pradesh include: 

Khajuraho Temples 

The Khajuraho Temples are a group of ancient Hindu and Jain temples that were built between the 9th and 11th centuries. The temples are known for their erotic sculptures and intricate carvings, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Gwalior Fort 

The Gwalior Fort is one of the largest forts in India and was built in the 8th century. The fort is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the surrounding area. 

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters 

The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are a group of ancient rock shelters that were inhabited by humans over 30,000 years ago. The shelters are adorned with ancient paintings and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Planning Your Heritage Tour 

If you are interested in exploring the monuments of Madhya Pradesh, then you should plan your trip in advance. The best time to visit Madhya Pradesh is between October and March, when the weather is cool and dry. You can either fly to Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, or take a train from New Delhi. Once you arrive in Madhya Pradesh, you can hire a car or take a local bus to explore the monuments. 

How to reach Sanchi Stupa heritage tour by road and nearest bus stand? 

Sanchi Stupa can be easily reached by road as it is well-connected to all major cities in Madhya Pradesh. The nearest bus stand is located in Sanchi town, which is just 1.5 km away from the Stupa. 

If you are coming from Bhopal, which is the nearest city, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Sanchi. The distance between Bhopal and Sanchi is around 50 km and it takes around 1.5 hours to reach Sanchi by road. 

If you are coming from other cities in Madhya Pradesh, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Sanchi. There are several buses and taxis available from cities like Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur. 

Once you reach Sanchi town, you can easily walk to the Sanchi Stupa as it is located just 1.5 km away. You can also hire a local taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the Stupa if you prefer not to walk. 

How to reach Sanchi Stupa heritage tour by train and nearest railway station? 

FAQs 

How old is the Sanchi Stupa? 

The Sanchi Stupa is over 2,000 years old and was built in the 3rd century BCE. 

What is the best time to visit Madhya Pradesh?  

The best time to visit Madhya Pradesh is between October and March, when the weather is cool and dry. 

What is the significance of the Sanchi Stupa?  

The Sanchi Stupa is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and is considered to be one of the oldest and most important Buddhist monuments in India. 

Can I hire a guide to explore the monuments?  

Yes, you can hire a guide to explore the monuments. There are several tour companies and guides available in Madhya Pradesh. 

What other attractions are there in Madhya Pradesh?  

Madhya Pradesh is home to several other attractions, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and historical cities like Gwalior and Indore.