Sanchi Stupa day trip from Bhopal: UNESCO site with lunch

Two ancient temples in one morning, 30 miles from the city

This day trip from Bhopal takes you to Sanchi Stupa, a UNESCO Heritage site 30 miles away, and the 11th-century Udayeshwara Temple 40 miles beyond it. A private air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your hotel, an English-speaking guide leads you through both sites, and lunch at a local restaurant is included. The tour runs 8 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Sanchi Stupa and Udayeshwara Temple

• Pick up from hotel in Bhopal
• Drive to Sanchi town
• Visit Great Stupa and surroundings
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Udayeshwara Temple
• Drive back to Bhopal
• Drop off at hotel

The experience

The Sanchi Stupa is a 54-foot hemispherical dome built in the 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka to preserve Buddhist relics and philosophy. The stone structure is surrounded by a balustrade and four ornamental gateways facing the four directions, each richly carved. A large sandstone pillar on the grounds carries Ashoka's edict in the ancient Brahmi script. You walk the grounds with your guide, who explains the history and the architectural details that have survived over two thousand years.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the drive takes you to the Udayeshwara Temple, built in the 11th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is carved from sandstone with intricate details on the outer wall and main platform. Two inscriptions record its construction between 1059 and 1080 AD under the Paramara King Udayaditya. The guide points out the craftsmanship and the religious significance before you return to your hotel in Bhopal.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Bhopal.
• transport by private air-conditioned vehicle.
• English-speaking guide.
• lunch at a local restaurant (beverage excluded).
• two bottles of mineral water per person.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 29 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SITA World Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're visiting both Sanchi Stupa and Udayeshwara Temple in one day: the shared itinerary coordinates the 40-mile gap between sites so you're not managing two separate trips.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What is the Sanchi Stupa and why was it built?

The Sanchi Stupa is a 54-foot stone dome commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC to preserve Buddhist relics and spread Buddhist philosophy. Ashoka built it after witnessing the devastation of his military campaigns and turning to Buddhism for solace.

How far is Sanchi from Bhopal and how long does the drive take?

Sanchi lies about 30 miles from Bhopal. The full day trip lasts 8 hours, including the drive, time at both sites, and lunch.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Bhopal, transport in a private air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, lunch at a local restaurant, and two bottles of mineral water per person. Beverages with lunch are not included.

What should I wear to visit these temples?

A dress code applies to both sites: knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women, so no shorts or sleeveless tops. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since you will be on your feet exploring the grounds.

When was the Udayeshwara Temple built and what is it dedicated to?

The Udayeshwara Temple was built in the 11th century, between 1059 and 1080 AD, during the reign of Paramara King Udayaditya. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is constructed entirely of sandstone with carved details on the outer walls and main platform.