During our stay at Bhopal, on our top priority was a visit to Buddhist UNESCO World Heritage site. And on a sunny day, we travelled by car to Sanchi, about an hour, little more or less. The excitement multiplied manifold when we reached at the Gates. As we ventured into the complex, the landscaping is impressively maintained. Thanks. The Main Stupa intact, thank God for keeping it for ages. The other two may be significant, don't know exactly. The Gates and Statues in pretty bad shape, a pity. The surrounding historical locations are in dilapidated condition (under maintenance(?), Visit, if you are interested in Buddhism and have done your home work before the visit. If you know the background of Buddhist history, the site gets immensely interesting and important. Must hire a well-versed guide who can explain the idols (visible) as well as those which have damaged on the Gates. There is not much at Archaeological Book/CD store, which you might not have read before, if you like you can carry some souvenir book or pic. The only Tibetan(?) Buddhist temple (opposite ASI book store) was closed at noon. So, if you want to pay obesiance to Buddha at the temple, better check out the timings.

It is the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence. the site was settled in the 3rd century BC at the time that the Emperor Asoka.

"When it was discovered in 1818 by General Taylor, Sanchi had lain abandoned for 600 years. The site, 45 km from Bhopal, was overrun with vegetation. Excavations began in somewhat disorganized fashion until the Archaeological Survey of India stepped in and took control. Gradually, as the hill was cleared, the ruins of about 50 monuments were uncovered, revealing one of the most remarkable archaeological complexes in India."

it is a must visit place when you are in Bhopal. it is around 45 km from Bhopal.

Emperor Ashoka initially constructed the magnificent Sanchi Stupa during the 3rd Century BCE (Before Common Era). The core of the construction was shaped as a semicircle, which was made over the remnants of Lord Buddha. The Stupa is bordered by Toranas or forms of entrances and every one of the Toranas is a symbol of harmony, affection, bravery, and faith. Other than the main Stupa there are seven more Stupas built in later years. Sri Lanka Government has made a very nice place of worship at the entrance where every year grand celebration takes place.
Bhopal visit is incomplete without visiting sanchi. Local guides are available but recorded guide available at entrance counter are preferable.

Sanchi is around 40-45 kms from Bhopal (a little more than an hour both by bus or train).
For walking to the Stupas, you need to cross the highway. The walk is a comfortable and pleasant walk of around 2 kms. There is also a shortcut; steps leading to the main gate (look to the right a little ahead after you cross the highway). The steps will lead you to the top in no time. One can also opt to travel to the main gate in an auto (INR 10 each)

There is a Buddhist temple outside the main gate built by the Buddhist Federation of Sri Lanka having paintings on the life of Buddha. When we got there, two head monks were giving a discourse in Hindi and Marathi too!! At the main gate, one can get access to a guide or one can also opt for a self guided audio tool. At areas of importance which are marked by a symbol, one can hear the importance of the monument from the audio device – quite impressive. The area is well maintained and very clean.

There are many unfinished structures. You have to walk a bit to get to the second stupa which has a lake beside it. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the monument and its carvings well preserved. There is a statue of a meditating Buddha with its head missing! The carvings with its elephants, processions, nymphs, pot bellied soldiers, beautiful floral designs, Ashokas’ tigers are very interesting and beautiful.
Read more about Sanchi on my blog:
http://thedriftingwanderers.blogspot.in/2012/12/madhya-pradesh-day1-sanchi-following.html



http://thedriftingwanderers.blogspot.in/2012/12/madhya-pradesh-day1-sanchi-following.htmlHi