Overview
Sanchi is a small village about 30 miles from Bhopal in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site that is home to the Great Sanchi Stupa, a hemispherical structure that contains ancient relics of the Buddha and his followers. It dates back to the 3rd century B.C. and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At a 15 minutes drive from Sanchi is the town of Vidisha, the hometown of the first wife of Emperor Ashoka. Visit these two historical sites on a day-excursion from Bhopal. Highlights • Great Stupa of Sanchi • Ashoka Pillar • Charan Teerth- footprints of the Hindu God Lord Rama
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- 2 bottles of mineral water per person
- Lunch (beverage excluded)
- Local English speaking guide
- Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle
What's Not Included
- Food & drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning for the 1.5 hour drive to the village of Sanchi. Located in Sanchi is the Great Stupa that was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty. Legend has it that Emperor Ashoka after his bloody conquest of India was repentant of his deeds and took solace in Buddhism. He built several Stupas across India to preserve and spread the Buddhist faith. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Stupa in Sanchi is one of the best preserved Stupas in India. The Stupa is in the shape of a large hemispherical dome that is 54 feet high. It is surrounded by four ornamental gateways that open up to the four directions. A sandstone pillar is also found on the grounds of the Stupa. Next visit the town of Vidisha, a 15 minutes drive from Sanchi. Your tour will include lunch at a local restaurant (beverage excluded). At the end of the tour you will be driven back to Bhopal and dropped off at your hotel.
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children below 8 years are not allowed on this tour.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult