One-Day Heritage Tour to Sanchi and Udayagiri from Bhopal
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6h - 7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Embark on a day tour from Bhopal to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sanchi Stupa, known for its ancient Buddhist architecture and rich history, and the Udayagiri Caves, featuring stunning Gupta-era rock-cut sculptures and inscriptions. This journey offers a glimpse into India’s ancient art, culture, and spirituality.
Available options
CAR + GUIDE + LUNCH
LUNCH<br/>CAR<br/>GUIDE<br/>Pickup included
CAR + GUIDE
CAR<br/>GUIDE<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Professional and experienced English Speaking Guide.
Private Air Conditional vehicle throughout the tour.
Parking and tolls.
Pick up & drop: Bhopal City Hotels only.
01 Litre water bottle per person.
All Applicable Taxes.
Detailed itinerary
1
Morning pickup from Bhopal City Hotels. And drive to visit Sanchi which is about 48 km from takes around 1.5 hours to reach. Enjoy the scenic drive through the countryside.
Arrive at SANCHI STUPA COMPLEX and start exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Great Stupa (Stupa No.1): Marvel at the beautiful gateways and intricate carvings.
• Stupa No. 2 and Stupa No. 3: Smaller stupas with historical significance.
• Ashoka Pillar: The pillar with its famous lion capital.
• Buddhist Viharas and Temples: Visit the ancient monasteries.
• Sanchi Archaeological Museum: View artifacts dating back to the Mauryan era. (Closed on every Friday).
2
Then drive to UDAYAGIRI CAVES, located approximately 13 km (about 20–30 minutes) from Sanchi.
Start exploring Udayagiri Caves by visiting the rock-cut caves dating back to the Gupta period (4th-5th Century CE):
• Cave 5: The famous Varaha Avatar sculpture of Lord Vishnu rescuing Goddess Earth.
• Cave 6: Features beautiful carvings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga.
• Cave 1: Iconic sculptures of Lord Shiva and Ganesha.
• Other caves: Admire the various carvings, inscriptions, and rich symbolism.
3
After visiting the Udayagiri caves, enjoy lunch at good restaurant.
Then drive to VIDISHA MUSEUM (Closed on every Monday), showcases a rich collection of ancient sculptures, inscriptions, and artifacts from the Gupta and post-Gupta periods, highlighting the region's historical and artistic heritage.
Later, head back to your hotel in Bhopal, concluding the heritage and cultural day tour.
What's not included
Tips and gratuities are optional, based on guest discretion and service satisfaction.
Entrance fee for the monuments is charged directly at the site
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tour can be customized as per customer's requirement or location.
Pickup from the airport and hotels outside the city will incur additional costs and payable directly.
Car Type: for one to two people, four Seater Sedan.
Car Type: for three to four people, five Seater Innova.
Car Type: for five to eight people, nine Seater Tempo Traveler.
The entrance fees mentioned are approximate, as per government norms, and are subject to change in the future.
About Bhopal
Bhopal is a vibrant city in central India known for its serene lakes, rich history, and a blend of modern and traditional architecture. The city is famous for its natural and artificial lakes, earning it the nickname 'City of Lakes'.
Top Attractions
Upper Lake (Bhojtal)
A large artificial lake created in the 11th century, offering scenic views and boating activities.
Nature
2-3 hours
Free (Boating charges apply)
Lower Lake (Chhota Talaab)
A smaller lake connected to the Upper Lake, popular for water sports and picnics.
Nature
2 hours
Free (Water sports charges apply)
Van Vihar National Park
A zoological park with a variety of animals and a beautiful natural setting.
Nature
2-3 hours
20-50 INR
Shaukat Mahal
A historic building showcasing a blend of Indo-Islamic and European architectural styles.
Historical
1 hour
Free
Lal Parade Ground
A historic parade ground with a rich colonial past, now a popular recreational spot.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Birla Museum
A museum showcasing a collection of artifacts, sculptures, and paintings.
Museum
1-2 hours
50-100 INR
Must-Try Local Dishes
Poha
A flattened rice dish cooked with turmeric, mustard seeds, and peanuts.
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Bhopali Bhutte Ka Kees
A sweet dish made from grated corn, cooked with milk, sugar, and nuts.
Snack
Vegetarian
Dal Bafla
A hearty dish made with lentils and wheat balls, served with ghee and spices.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian
Mawa Bati
A sweet dish made from mawa (reduced milk) and deep-fried in ghee.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Boating
Water sports
Hiking
Picnicking
Visiting parks
Visiting historic sites
Shopping in local markets
Attending festivals
Best Time to Visit
October to March
The best time to visit Bhopal is during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Hindi
- Widely spoken: English, Urdu
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone
GMT+5:30
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Bhopal is generally safe for tourists, but petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams can occur. Be cautious, especially in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable taxi services or app-based cabs.
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
- • Avoid sharing personal information with strangers.
Getting there
By air
- Bhopal Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Bhopal Junction, Rani Kamlapati Railway Station
By bus
ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal), Jabalpur Bus Stand
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common mode of public transport in Bhopal. They are affordable but can be crowded.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Ola
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old City
New Market
Arera Hills
Jyoti Club
Day trips
Sanchi Stupa
46 km from Bhopal • Half day
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest stone structures in India, dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
Bhojeshwar Temple
28 km from Bhopal • Half day
A historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its unique architecture and ancient inscriptions.
Raisen Fort
39 km from Bhopal • Full day
A historic fort with a rich past, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Festivals
Bhopal Utsav • December
Eid-ul-Fitr • Varies (Islamic calendar)
Diwali • October/November
Pro tips
- Visit the lakes early in the morning for a peaceful experience.
- Try the local street food, but be cautious with hygiene.
- Bargain in markets and with auto rickshaws for better prices.
- Use app-based cabs for fixed fares and to avoid negotiation.
- Carry small denominations for street vendors and auto rickshaws.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
