Sanchi is situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The town lies 46 km east of Bhopal, the capital city of the state. Sanchi is strewn with a number of stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars belonging to the distant past. The first and foremost to visit is the stupa built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka the Great.

Ashoka's Stupa : The Ashoka's stupa at Sanchi is the cynosure of all eyes. The stupa was erected by the Buddhist emperor Ashoka during the 3rd century BC. King Ashoka had a change of heart after the gory scene in the battle of Kalinga and thus converted into a Buddhist. He later built a number of pillars and stupas. Originally, there were eight stupas at Sanchi. Unfortunately, only three stand today.

ASI Museum : The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Museum is yet another big draw for tourists here. The museum displays numerous antiquities belonging to the Mauryan Period. The artifacts displayed also include a number of metal objects that were used by Buddhist monks in the past. Ancient sculptures dating back between the 3rd and the 1st century BC can also be viewed here.

Toranas or Gateways : Erected in 35 BC, the four toranas or gateways are fine representation of the early Buddhist art. The gateways depict scenes from the life of Buddha. Some of the symbols on the toranas include Lord Buddha's birth, his being enlightened under the Bodhi Tree and even his footprints.

Ashokan Pillars : Sanchi is replete with Buddhist pillars and remains of pillars. All the pillars bear some important proclamations made by emperor Ashoka. For instant, the pillar lying close to the Southern Gateway comes along with a warning against schism in the Buddhist community.