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Sanchi
Sanchi
3rd c. BCE
Ashoka's Stupa
1989
UNESCO Inscribed
40+
Monastic Sites
4
Carved Toranas
About Sanchi
Where Ashoka's Buddhism became stone
Sanchi sits on a peaceful hilltop 46 km north-east of Bhopal, home to the Great Stupa commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It is the oldest standing stone structure in India.
Around the central Great Stupa lie smaller stupas, monasteries and temples spanning 1,500 years of continuous Buddhist worship. The four carved toranas (gateways) of the Great Stupa are masterpieces of early Indian sculpture.
At a Glance
Key facts and the best way to experience Sanchi
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Location
Raisen District, MP — 46 km north-east of Bhopal
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Famous For
Oldest stupa, Ashokan Buddhism, UNESCO heritage
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Best Season
October–March
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Time Needed
Half-day from Bhopal
Heritage & Legacy
A timeline of devotion, history and natural majesty
3rd c. BCE — Ashoka's Stupa
Emperor Ashoka builds the original Great Stupa.
1st c. BCE — Carved Toranas
The four magnificent stone gateways are added under the Satavahanas.
5th–12th c. CE
Sanchi continues as a working Buddhist monastic site for over 1,500 years.
1818 — Rediscovery
British General Henry Taylor rediscovers the half-buried hilltop.
1989 — UNESCO Inscription
Sanchi is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Top Attractions in Sanchi
Must-see places on your visit
The Great Stupa (Stupa 1)
India's oldest standing stone structure (3rd c. BCE).
The Toranas
Four 1st-century BCE stone gateways carved with Jataka tales.
Sanchi Museum
ASI's on-site museum housing original sculptures and the relics.
Great Stupa
Stupa 2 & Stupa 3
Temple 18 (Apsidal)
Ashoka Pillar
ASI Museum
Vihara Monasteries
Udaygiri Caves (10 km)
Vidisha (10 km)
How to Reach Sanchi
Well connected by road, rail and air across Madhya Pradesh
By Train
Nearest station is Sanchi (1 km); Bhopal (46 km) for express trains.
By Air
Nearest airport is Bhopal — Raja Bhoj (55 km).
By Bus / Road
Direct buses from Bhopal in under 90 minutes.
Plan Your Sanchi Trip Today
M.P. Holidays — your trusted Madhya Pradesh travel partner since 2016 — designs seamless Sanchi itineraries, hotels and transport.
GET IN TOUCH
Certificate of Excellence for Year 2016
Certificate of Excellence for Year 2017
Certificate of Excellence for Year 2018
With Hon'ble Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan
Awarded by M.P Govt from last years
