Day Trip to Sanchi Stupa & Vidisha from Bhopal

Sanchi is a small village about 30 miles from Bhopal in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site that is home to the Great Sanchi Stupa, a hemispherical structure that contains ancient relics of the Buddha and his followers. It dates back to the 3rd century B.C. and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At a 15 minutes drive from Sanchi is the town of Vidisha, the hometown of the first wife of Emperor Ashoka. Visit these two historical sites on a day-excursion from Bhopal.

Highlights
• Great Stupa of Sanchi
• Ashoka Pillar
• Charan Teerth- footprints of the Hindu God Lord Rama

You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning for the 1.5 hour drive to the village of Sanchi.

Located in Sanchi is the Great Stupa that was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty. Legend has it that Emperor Ashoka after his bloody conquest of India was repentant of his deeds and took solace in Buddhism. He built several Stupas across India to preserve and spread the Buddhist faith. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Stupa in Sanchi is one of the best preserved Stupas in India.

The Stupa is in the shape of a large hemispherical dome that is 54 feet high. It has a central chamber where the relics of Lord Buddha are kept. It is surrounded by four ornamental gateways that open up to the four directions. A sandstone pillar is also found on the grounds of the Stupa. It has the edict of Emperor Ashoka engraved upon it in the ancient Brahmi script.

Next visit the town of Vidisha, a 15 minutes drive from Sanchi. The town is situated on the banks of the River Betwa and was the birthplace of the first wife of Emperor Ashoka. Emperor Ashoka was the legislative leader of Vidisha during his father's lifetime. The Hindu God, Lord Rama is believed to have come here. His foot impressions are still preserved on the banks of the River Betwa at a site called "Charan Teerth".

At the end of the tour you will be driven back to Bhopal and dropped off at your hotel.