Sanchi is a World Heritage Buddhist pilgrimage site. It lies in Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh, India. Sanchi is unique in having the most perfect and well-preserved stupas anywhere in India. These monuments record the genesis efflorescene and decay of Buddhist art and architecture over from the 1300 years, from 3rd century BC to 12th century AD, almost covering the whole range of Indian Buddhism.

From 14th century onward, Sanchi was left deserted and unnoticed to general public. It came into public notice again in 1818 by General Taylor. It was General Taylor who discovered the ruins, of which Stupas 1,2 and 3 were found intact. It was discovered that site had suffered immense damage due to amateur archeologists and treasure-hunters. In 1822, Captain Johnson, Assistant Political Agent in Bhopal, opened up Stupa-1 from top to bottom on one side thus leaving a great breach, which resulted in the collapse of the West Gateway, Stupa-2 was also partially damaged. In 1851, Alexander Cunningham and Captain F. G. Maisey excavated Stupa 2 & 3 and found relic-caskets within.

It was only in 1881 when Major Cole took up the work of repairing and preserving the site. In the course of next 3 years, he cleared the vegetation, filled in the breach in the Stupa-1, setup its fallen West & South Gateways and a part of its railing. He also restored the gateway in front of Stupa-3. Later, in between 1912 to 1919, Director General of Archaeology in India, Sir John Marshall restored the monument in its present condition.

The monuments of Sanchi may be divided into two groups, one comprising those situated on the hill-top and the other, the isolated ones on the Western Slope of the hill. Their is a museum also in Sanchi which was set-up in 1919. Sanchi museum was set up on the hill-top to house the loose antiquities found in the course of excavations. After India become independent, the monument and the museum, that had hitherto been under the princely state of Bhopal, were transfered to the Archaeological Survey of India. Since museum building was inappropriate for the proper housing and exhibition of antiquities, a new building was built some years later at the foot of the hill.

Sanchi Museum Timing: 10:00 hrs to 17:00hrs daily.
Closed on: Every Friday
Entry fee for Indian: 10.00 INR.
Entry fee for Foreigners : 100.00 INR.
Free entry for : Children below 15years of age.

Sanchi is about 50kms. from Bhopal city. Single day excursion tour can be done to this World Heritage Site. For accomodation purpose, M.P. Tourism has its hotel in Sanchi and some other hotels are also their in Sanchi for accomodation purpose. Generally tourists stay in Bhopal and do single day excursion tour to Sanchi. Bhopal city have all good quality hotels with all modern facilities and services. Bhopal city is very well connected with flights to all major metro cities of India and train connectivity of the city is also very good.