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Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its ancient monuments and rich history. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking to explore fascinating places to visit in Sanchi, this serene town offers a unique glimpse into India’s Buddhist heritage. This place is studded with stupas, monasteries, and temples of intricate Indian architecture. With its special aroma of spirituality and tradition, Sanchi welcomes everyone to admire the grandeur of one of India’s most highly respected civilisations.
10 Places To Visit In Sanchi
Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Sanchi town for a blissful experience.
1. Sanchi Great Stupa
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
The Sanchi Great Stupa is one of the most significant tourist attractions in Sanchi. A 3rd-century BCE stupa commissioned by Emperor Ashoka is an example of early Buddhist architecture. Built initially of baked bricks and mud, the dome was subsequently expanded under the Shunga dynasty. Every level of the temple houses carvings illustrating different aspects of Buddha’s life to illustrate his heart-felt stories.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
2. Sanchi Great Stupa No. 2
Photo: Suyash Dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons
Sanchi Great Stupa No. 2 is one of the best tourist attractions in Sanchi, constructed later than its predecessor. It contains important relics from some of the oldest objects in the area that teach moral lessons and tell us about Buddhist teachings. This stupa is less crowded and is used only by the locals so that you can get an authentic taste of the local things surrounding it. Non-devotees can relish this architectural delight and a calm environment around the place.
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
3. Sanchi Great Stupa No. 3
Photo: Suyash Dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons
Another key attraction among the best Sanchi tourist places is Sanchi Great Stupa No. 3. Famed for housing the relics of two of Buddha’s principal disciples, Sariputra and Mahamoggallana, it was built in the period of Satavahana and has different architectural features than the other Stupas. The serenity of the site makes it easy to study Buddhism and consider the existence of the people we know.
Best Time To Visit: October to January
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
4. Ashoka Pillar
Photo: Bpilgrim / Wikimedia Commons
The Ashoka Pillar is one of the prominent tourist places in Sanchi. It consists of multiple pillars crafted from single stone blocks. Emperor Ashoka built these pillars and made a zero-gain impression that still stands as the most valuable artefact of ancient history. It speaks loudly about embracing Buddhism. Here, visitors can check out the inscriptions and a beautifully carved lion capital that serves as the national emblem of India. These pillars are significant because they represent Ashoka’s dedication to propagating the Buddhist faith.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 minutes
5. Toranas Of Sanchi
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Famous for their intricate carvings depicting stories related to the Buddha’s life, they are called Toranas or gateways and are a marker of the utmost prodigal creations. They are built by donations from worshippers and present the architecture of ancient artisans. These gateways act as a story-telling medium by providing understandable symbols to teach Buddhist philosophies through images. The attention to detail makes these Toranas an essential stop for anyone exploring tourist places in Sanchi.
Best Time To Visit: January to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
6. Sanchi Museum
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Wikimedia Commons
Close to the archaeological sites, the Sanchi Museum is a one-stop guide to the Buddhism of the Buddha and the importance of this place. Visitors can view various relics, including sculptures and inscriptions, that illustrate the evolution of Buddhist art and architecture. The museum is well-organised, providing an enriching experience without needing a guide. If you are a history buff, this place is worth adding to your Sanchi tourist places list.
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
7. Great Bowl
Photo: Gboyka09 / Wikimedia Commons
Constructed between the 4th and 5th centuries, the Great Bowl served food to monks, representing the community’s contribution to Buddhist monastic life. Here, it is in a verse that reflects the heart of Buddhist instruction, quoting from several scriptures: The serene environment and religious significance provide visitors with a more authentic Buddhist experience. The peaceful surroundings and historical importance make it a unique site to be among the best places for a Sanchi trip.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 minutes
8. Gupta Temple
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Built in the 5th century CE in the Gupta period, it is one of the most beautiful tourist places to visit in the town. It is a monument of early Indian temple architecture. Today, the temple lies in ruins, with very little left, barring some carvings and architecture that reflect a rare design. This historic place is open to visitors, offering a glimpse of the religious customs practised during that time.
Best Time To Visit: October to January
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
9. Udayagiri Caves
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Udayagiri Caves has several rock-cut caves in Vidisha. They feature elaborate iconography of Hindu gods, including Shiva and Vishnu. These caves, significant from the archaeological point of view, are known to be visited by tourists interested in prehistoric art and spirituality. The archaeological significance of these caves attracts visitors, especially those interested in ancient art and faith. A guided tour is recommended for an enriching experience.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
10. Samrat Ashoka Marriage Location
Photo: Kunjan Mhaske / Wikimedia Commons
This site marks the historical location where Emperor Ashoka married Devi and is listed as one of the prominent places to visit in this religious town. The marriage was pivotal in the story of Sanchi, and heritage enthusiasts who flock there do so to delve into Ashoka’s private world and his experiential engagement with the area. History lovers who tour Sanchi tourist places cannot miss the tranquil surroundings and great historical significance.
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 minutes
Sanchi embodies a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and architectural marvels. Every site narrates a lot of the past, traditions, and cultural growth, leaving you with a great experience. So, with a bevy of historical places to visit in Sanchi, the history buff in you is going to have a gala time here. Book a tour with TripXL now, and grab an opportunity to follow the path of history.
Cover Photo: Ketki pathak / Wikimedia Commons
