Sanchi Tourism And Travel Guide

Sanchi located in Madhya Pradesh is one of the most sought after places in India for tourism. Steeped in some amazing architecture, Sanchi is famous for its Stupas. One of the heritage sites declared by the UNESCO in 1989, Sanchi’s Grand Stupa was commissioned by Emperor Ashok, the monarch who had put his stamp on the entire country. Tourism in Sanchi basically comprises of visiting the stupas and other monuments. A travel guide to Sanchi is placed below for all those who are planning to visit Sanchi.

Sanchi has a good road network but does not have a viable rail or air connectivity with the principal cities in the country. The best option for visitors to Sanchi is to reach Bhopal, the capital of MP and thereafter reach Sanchi which is only 46km away.

By Road:

Sanchi is well linked by road to Bhopal, 46km away as well as Vidisha and Indore. Vidisha is just 10km away and Indore is 232km away.

By Rail:

Sanchi does not have a railway station of its own. Visitors are advised to catch a train to Bhopal which has excellent rail connections throughout the country. One can easily take a taxi to Sanchi from Bhopal.

By Air:

Sanchi does not have its own airport. However, there are several airports near Sanchi such as Bhopal, Jabalpur, Indore and Khajuraho. The best option for the visitor is to catch a flight to Bhopal and take a taxi from there to Sanchi.

Sanchi has a typical subtropical climate. The summer is hot and humid while the monsoon is wet but beautiful. The winter is cold and wonderful. Visitors will find the winter most attractive.

Summer (April-June):

Sanchi’s summers are hot and humid. Lasting for about four months, the maximum temperature may rise to more than 45°C though the minimum generally goes down to around 25°C. It is not advised for visitors to come to Sanchi in the summer. However, if this is unavoidable, do wear light cotton clothes and drink lots of water as well as stay out of the sun wherever possible.

Monsoon (July-September):

It does not rain very heavily in Sanchi during the rainy season. One will generally face only light drizzles. Rarely does the drizzle become a heavy shower. But, the first rains bring about a transformation in Sanchi. The entire countryside turns green and wonderful. The only problem is that Sanchi is prone to landslides during the monsoon. For this reason visitors are advised to stay away from Sanchi during the monsoon.

Winter (October-March):

The winter in Sanchi is simply marvellous. The night temperature generally drops to around 10°C and lower. Days are also most comfortable with the maximum temperature not going above 22°C. Sanchi has many festivals during the winter. Visitors must try to visit Sanchi during the winter.

Visit Vidisha:

Vidisha, only 13km from Sanchi, is a very ancient town. Its history goes back to 2nd Century AD. A small city, its historical monuments deserve to be seen. Its rich cultural heritage reflects the standards exhibited by the Gupta Kingdom in those early times. 

The Amazing Sanchi Stupa:

Sanchi is well known for its stupas. Located on the top of a hill in Sanchi, its grandest treasure is the Mahastupa or the Great Stupa. The entire area has been declared a Heritage Site by UNESCO. The construction of the stupas in Sanchi commenced in 3rd Century BC and ended in 11th Century AD. The construction of the first stupa was ordered by Emperor Ashok, who was responsible for the construction of thousands of such stupas all over the country. 

Visit the Intriguing Sanchi Museum:

All visitors must visit the Sanchi Museum. Here you will get to see the exhibits that were excavated in this and other areas nearby. All such exhibits deal with the Buddhist era and these have been placed in four galleries and the main hall. You will also find some exhibits in the veranda and the open courtyards. 

Go Back in Time at the Great Bowl:

The Sanchi Stupa is the oldest among the various Buddhist sanctuaries in the country. This one has monuments which were built in the 2nd and the 1st Century BC. The Great Bowl is located here. This has been carved out of a single block of stone. It was used for storing the food required for distribution among the monks staying in the Sanchi monastery. 

Visit the Hanuman Mandir:

The Hanuman Mandir in Sanchi is known as the Kamapaar Hanuman Mandir. It is located about 4km from the location of the Maha Stupa and is around 65 years old. The image, in marble is from Rajasthan and is always in a decorated condition. Devotees in their thousands visit this temple daily. 

The Ancient Gupta Temple:

Sanchi is associated with Buddhism and yet there is an ancient Gupta Temple which is perhaps the first Hindu temple built by the Buddhists in the 5th Century AD. Visitors must see this temple which indicates the birth of temple architecture in this country.

Sanchi is a small place. You may therefore not find too many exclusive places for eating here. However, you will definitely find restaurants that serve diverse types of cuisines such as North and South Indian, besides Continental and Chinese menu. You will also find the local flavours of MP such as Dal Bafla and Kebabs, Biryani and Korma besides Rogan Josh, Poha and Ladoos and Jalebis as well as ganna ras and lassi.

Sanchi is famous as a site for Buddhist pilgrims. Tourists flock to Sanchi and their route invariably includes Varanasi and Sarnath, Khajuraho and Sanchi as well as Bodh Gaya and Nalanda among others. Within the boundaries of the stupas one can buy diverse types of literature and maps. At the MP Tourism Hotel one can buy handcrafted statues of Sanchi Stupa and Lord Buddha in different material. These include marble, wood, stone as well as other materials.