Places to Visit

Brief History of Sanchi

Sanchi is a small town situated in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is renowned for its ancient Buddhist site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination. Sanchi is located about 50 km northeast of Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, and is easily accessible by road or rail.

The Great Stupa at Sanchi

The main attraction of Sanchi is the Great Stupa, believed to be the first monument to be erected in Sanchi in the third century BC. It is also one of the oldest stone structures in India and is considered one of the finest examples of Buddhist architecture and art, built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. The stupa has a hemispherical dome that is surrounded by a railing and four gateways, each adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting stories from the life of Buddha. The Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and architecture.

Apart from the Great Stupa, Sanchi also has several other stupas, temples, and monasteries that are worth visiting. Stupa No. 2 is also significant and is believed to have been built during the 2nd century B.C. Stupa No. 3, is another well-preserved Stupa at Sanchi hilltop which dates back to the middle of the second century B.C. The Ashoka Pillar is another must-visit structure at the site. It lies close to the Southern gateway of the Great Stupa and is known for its aesthetic proportions and exquisite structural balance. The figure of the four lions standing back to back at the crown of the Ashoka Pillar is also the National Emblem of India.

Apart from the historical and architectural attractions, Sanchi also offers serene landscapes for nature walks and hikes. Visitors can explore the nearby Udayagiri caves, which offer a glimpse into ancient Indian rock-cut architecture. The Bhojpur Temple, a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Sanchi, is another prominent destination among tourists.

There is state of art light and sound laser show in the evening which is a must watch for everybody. The nighttime projected light and sound show at Sanchi to thrill your senses and learn about this ancient Buddhist World Heritage site founded by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC.

How To Reach

Sanchi Stupas are just 2 KM from conference venue.
By Air: Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal is the nearest airport from Vidisha and is around one and half hours drive from here. The airport is connected to major cities like Ahmedabad, Chennai, Chandigarh, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Raipur. Tourists can take direct direct bus or cab from this airport to reach their desired location in Vidisha .

By Rail: The nearest railway station is the Vidisha Railway Station, which lies in the center of the city and is connected to major cities like Nagpur, Kanpur, and Lucknow. Frequent buses, and taxis are available from this railway station to travel within the city.

By Road: Road that connects Vidisha to other parts of the state are good and well-maintained. One can reach cities like Sanchi, Bhopal, Sagar, Hoshangabad, Dewas, Indore, Ujjain, Jhansi, Kota, and Nagpur through Madhya Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (MPSRTC) and other private travel services.