Tag: Sanchi

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Central India Itinerary

48 Hrs in the Capital City Bhopal

Often regarded as the city of lakes, Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, also known as the heart of India. It was founded in the 11th century by the King Bhoja who ruled the city from the then capital Dhar. The capital city was named after the King Bhoja and a damn, which in Bhopal is referred to as Pal. Bhopal is one of the greenest cities in India and hosts a string of attractions of historical significance.

How to Reach

Being the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is well connected to other major cities in India. If traveling via Delhi, Bhopal Express from Nizamuddin is a good and economical option.

Places to Visit

Sanchi

The Sanchi Stupa is believed to be one of the oldest and the most wonderful structures of ancient India, constructed under the support of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C. Located at about 46 km north-east of Bhopal, the Sanchi Stupa edifices the Buddhist architecture and sculpture beginning from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D.

The carvings on the four archways at the Great Stupa of Sanchi present an overwhelming sight of Brahmi script inscriptions and carvings. These carvings are  a perfect confluence of life events from Lord Buddha’s life and the Jataka Tales.

Bhimbteka

At 46 km away from Bhopal, you can find the  which are also a  UNESCO World Heritage site. These caves date back to the period from the Upper Paleolithic to the Medieval and are evidence to the rich lives of prehistoric humans, their clothes and adornments were worn, art and music, weapons used and animal life. The cave walls rich with paintings reveal interesting details about the everyday lives and lifestyle of the early man. They are regarded as the most exceptional specimens of prehistoric paintings discovered in India.

Lakes
The Bhojtal, also known as the Upper Lake is the largest in Bhopal and among India’s oldest man-made lakes, which is said to have been built by the Parmarah around the 11th century AD. The Upper Lake and the Lower Lake are separated by an over-bridge and the Lower Lake is situated in the old part of the city. This lake is a prime sightseeing attraction of Bhopal.


Birla Museum

The museum that showcases the cultural heritage of the capital city was launched in the year 1971. It is famous for its collection of artefacts and other remnants of historical significance.

Gohar Mahal

Gohar is right behind the famous Shaukat Mahal in Bhopal. It is situated on the edge of the famous Upper Lake. This beautiful Mahal was made in the memory of Gohar Begum, the first female ruler of Bhopal.

Museum of Mankind

The museum has been dedicated to the tribal communities of the country. The museum covers an area of two hundred acres and showcases collections from the pre-historic era.

Bharat Bhavan

Bharat Bhavan is the center of visual arts right in the heart of Bhopal city. It is one of the most visited places in the capital city. Bharat Bhavan has a large collection of visual, performing, and vocal arts.

Sadar Manzil

Bhopal is the center of architectural wonders of India and Sadar Manzil is one such architecture that is also historically significant. It is situated next to Royal Enclaves that once served as the courtroom for the rulers of the capital city.

Laxmi Narayan Temple

Laxmi Narayan Temple is one the most visited places in Bhopal city. It is situated on the top of Arera Hills. This temple is also known as the famous Birla Mandir. As the name suggests, this temple has been dedicated to the Goddess of wealth—Laxmi.

Things to Do

Boating

Bhopal is the city of lakes and the best way to explore its lakes is by taking a boat ride. A boat ride lets you enjoy the real beauty of the capital city.

Shopping

Apart from sightseeing, there are loads of things that you can shop in Bhopal. You can go shopping and splurge on silver jewelry, hand embroidered clothes, chanderi, and Maheshwari Sarees.

Restaurants and Food

Bhopal is not only famous for its architectural heritage but also for its delicious food. Some of the best places to eat in Bhopal are:Greek Food Beyond La Kuchina and Za-aiqa. You can enjoy the best Mughlai and Peshawari cuisine here.

Places to Stay

Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. Hence, it has a variety of hotels, guest houses, resorts, and lodges for people from all walks of life. You can get any accommodation of choice depending on your requirements and budget. Some of the best options to stay are Kinara, 10 Downing Street, The Kasbah, MoMo Café, La Kuchina, Greek Food and Beyond, Neelam Chat and Restaurant and Café Craft.Split by a pair of lakes, Bhopal enamours  you in its own way and vie. The old ancient structures, prehistoric paintings, and the oldest man-made lakes bring your trip to life.

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Architectural Central India

Experience the world of stupas, pillars, and temples at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

Rediscovered by General Taylor in the year 1818, Sanchi is a small hill station in the heart of Madhya Pradesh where hundreds of Buddhist legends found salvation. It hosts temples, stupas, and pillars of historical significance that date back to over thousands of years. The ancient Buddhist pilgrimage has now become one of the most popular tourist attractions in India.

Here is the guide to some of the most important stupas and monuments in Sanchi.

Stupa no.1

Touted as one of the greatest stupas in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, Stupa no. 1 is also the oldest stone structure in India originally built by the Great Ashoka in his lifetime. It was later rebuilt by his followers in 3rd and 2nd centuries BC.

There are four gateways in the stupa: Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western. The Southern Gateway signifies the birth of the Lord Gautam Buddha. The Northern Gateway reflects the miracle of Buddha as told in Jataka tales. The Eastern Gateway highlights Gautam Buddha’s search for enlightenment while the Western Gateway showcases the seven rebirths of the Lord Gautam Buddha.

Stupa no. 2

This is one of the most outstanding stupas at Sanchi that sits at the edge of the hill. One of the most interesting features of this historically significant monument is that it is surrounded by stone balustrade.

Stupa no. 3

Built in around 150-140 BC, this is one of the most popular stupas amongst tourists from around the world. Relics of Sariputra and Mahamoglana—two most famous disciples of Gautam Buddha—were discovered in its inner chambers. On the top of the Stupa is an umbrella to mark its religious value.

Ashoka Pillar

Ashoka pillar was built somewhere in the 3rd century. It has heads of four lions without a wheel called Dharamchakra. However, the Ashoka pillar of Sarnath boasts a Dharmachakra. One of the most attractive features of the pillar is its ancient architecture, art, and finishing.

Other destinations to visit in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

Gupta Temple

Built in 4th century AD, Gupta Temple is one of the oldest temples of the country that also highlights the art of Indian temple architecture. However, the temple is not in a good condition now. It holds immense religious significance.  It has a porch supported by pillars and a chamber with a flat roof.

Great Bowl

The great bowl was used to keep food that was later distributed amongst the monks of Sanchi. It has been made from a single block of a stone.

Vidisha

This city in Madhya Pradesh is around 10 kms from Sanchi. One of the main attractions is the ruins of Brahmanical Shrine that is believed to have used the cement for the first time in India. Do not forget to visit Vidisha Museum.

Udaygiri Caves

There are a group of caves about 4 kms from Vidisha. One of the inscriptions on one of the caves suggest that they were built by Chandragupta II in 4-5 AD.

Local delicacies to try

The town offers a subtle variety; it is a hub of few popular eating joints which offer great North Indian, South Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes. Some local delicacies of Madhya Pradesh that you must try, while here are Dal Bafla, Biryani, Kebabs, Korma, Poha.

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Adventure Central India Corporate Outings Travel Trends wildlife

UNESCO sites that you should visit in North India

In 2014, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognised 32 places as World Heritage Sites in India. These are the places that are great importance of cultural or natural heritage as described in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Of these 32 sites, 25 are cultural sites and the other seven are natural sites.

Here is the list of UNESCO sites which can you should visit in North India

Qutab Minar & its monuments, New Delhi

One of the most popular & visited heritage site in India. It was build in 1311 by the muslim ruler . The Qutab complex includes Qutab Minar, Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, Qubbat-ul-Islam Mosque, Tomb of Iltumish, and Iron Pillar. Its foundation was laid by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, but completed by other rulers.The Qutab Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world, inspired by the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan, The Qutab Minar is 72.5 metres (239 ft) high, has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony carried on muqarnas corbel and tapers from a diameter 14.3 metres at the base to 2.7 metres at the top, which is 379 steps away.

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

This observatory was built by Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh in 1734 CE.  It has a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments. Apart from this it boasts of having the world’s largest stone sundial. The instruments helped in observing astronomical positions with the naked eye.Not only this, it is one of the best preserved observatories but also a great example of the scientific & cultural heritage of India, shared over the centuries.

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

This is one of the hotspot for Buddhist tourist in India. Monuments at Sanchi are the oldest stone structure in India and was originally commissioned by Ashoka, the Great. Sanchi Stupa is the most important of all the monuments here. Stupas are large hemispherical domes, which has a central chamber, in which the relics of the Buddha were placed. The Sanchi Stupa is one of the best preserved early stupas in central India. This stupa is surrounded by a railing with four carved gateways facing all the four directions. This Buddhist vihara is located Sanchi Town in Raisen, 46 km north-east of Bhopal.

Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam

This  famous sanctuary is located in Assam and known for its one horned rhinoceroses. Apart from Rhinos, the park is a home for  many endangered species Tigers, Elephants,wild water buffalos, swamp deer & birds.

The project was started by Lord Curzon in 1905. The park is located in Nagaon district. Nearest airport is Guwahati, which is 271km away from the park.

Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh

The park was established in 1984 & is located in Kullu region. It is part of the Himalaya biodiversity hotspot and is home to  25 different forest types along with a rich collection of fauna species, several of which are threatened. One can spot very rare species of plants and animals such as blue sheep, snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan Tahr, musk deer spruces, horse chesnuts and huge alpine meadows. The park is spread over an area of 1,171 km2 at an altitude of between 1500 to 6000 m. One can do trek and camp inside the park by taking prior permissions.

Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi

This was the first garden tomb of India & was built by Begum Bega in the memory of his husband Humayun. This monument is considered as the precursor monument to the Taj Mahal, which was built a century later. Apart from the tomb of Humayun, it houses about 150 tombs of various members of the royal family.

The Red Fort Complex, New Delhi

Red Fort Complex, also known as Lal Qila is a palace fort built in the 17th century by Shahjahan, when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. It is one of the ceremonial & political centre of Mughal government It got its name Red fort because of the red sandstone used to make the enclosing walls.The fort complex was planned according to iSlamic prototypes & reflect Persian traditions. Today , every year on15th Aug, the PM of India hoists the national flag and delivers the national speech. Light & sound show about the Fort history ,is also a major attraction

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, Uttarakhand

It was established in 1982 , near the peak of Nanda Devi, in West Himalayas. The gentle landscape of the Valley of Flowers National Park complements the rugged mountain wilderness of Nanda Devi National Park &  Together, they form a unique zone between the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalaya.Like GHNP, this park also give shelters to many rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear,snow leopard,musk deer,brown bear, red fox,blue sheep etc.

This summer vacation, get your kids on an educational tour to UNESCO sites, and let them cherish the rich heritage they belong to.

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