Sanchi Stupa, one of India’s most significant Buddhist monuments, is located in Madhya Pradesh and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, it is famous for its intricate carvings, Toranas (gateway arches), and Buddhist relics. A visit to Sanchi Stupa is an enriching experience for history enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and travelers looking to explore ancient Indian architecture.
For those traveling from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, reaching Sanchi Stupa is easy as it is well-connected by road, train, and air. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the best travel options from Bhopal to Sanchi, including distance, time, costs, and essential travel tips.
Where is Sanchi Stupa Located?
Sanchi is a small town in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, about 50 kilometers northeast of Bhopal. It is situated on a hill and surrounded by smaller stupas, monasteries, and temples that reflect the rich Buddhist heritage of India.
Distance Between Bhopal and Sanchi Stupa
- By Road: 50 km (takes around 1 to 1.5 hours)
- By Train: 46 km (fastest trains take 35-45 minutes)
- By Air: No direct flights; the nearest airport is in Bhopal
Best Ways to Reach Sanchi Stupa from Bhopal
There are three main ways to reach Sanchi Stupa from Bhopal:
- By Road (Car, Taxi, or Bus) – Most Convenient & Flexible Option
- By Train – Fastest & Budget-Friendly Option
- By Air – Not Required as Bhopal is the Nearest Airport
Below is a detailed look at each travel option.
Suggested Itineraries for Madhya Pradesh tour:
- UNESCO Heritage Tour – 7 Days in Madhya Pradesh
- Sacred Journey – 6 Days in Ujjain & Indore
- Wild & Spiritual Retreat – 5 Days in Jabalpur & Kanha
1. Bhopal to Sanchi Stupa by Road – Best for Comfort & Flexibility
Traveling by road is one of the most convenient ways to reach Sanchi Stupa. The route offers scenic countryside views and passes through Vidisha, another historical town known for Buddhist sites like Udayagiri Caves.
Best Road Route from Bhopal to Sanchi Stupa
Bhopal → Vidisha Road → Sanchi
- Total Distance: 50 km
- Travel Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Road Condition: Good, with well-maintained highways
Transport Options for Road Travel
| Travel Option | Approximate Cost | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Drive Car | ₹500 – ₹800 (fuel) | 1-1.5 hours | Families and groups |
| Private Taxi | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 | 1 hour | Comfortable travel |
| State Transport Bus (MPRTC) | ₹50 – ₹100 per person | 1.5-2 hours | Budget travelers |
| Luxury AC Bus | ₹200 – ₹300 per person | 1-1.5 hours | Comfortable budget travel |
Pros and Cons of Road Travel
Advantages:
- Most convenient and comfortable option.
- Perfect for families and those who prefer flexible travel schedules.
- Opportunity to visit Udayagiri Caves or Vidisha on the way.
Disadvantages:
- Traffic congestion in Bhopal city may delay the journey.
- Limited public transport options, especially for tourists.
2. Bhopal to Sanchi Stupa by Train – Fastest & Budget-Friendly Option
Traveling by train is the fastest and most economical way to reach Sanchi Stupa from Bhopal. Sanchi has its own railway station (Sanchi Railway Station – SCI), which is located just 1 km from the monument complex.
Best Trains from Bhopal to Sanchi
| Train Name | Train Number | Departure (Bhopal) | Arrival (Sanchi) | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhopal – Bina Passenger | 51611 | 7:30 AM | 8:20 AM | 50 minutes | Daily |
| Shatabdi Express | 12001 | 6:00 AM | 6:40 AM | 40 minutes | Daily |
| Vindhyachal Express | 11271 | 9:30 AM | 10:20 AM | 50 minutes | Daily |
Find out: The best way to book train tickets for India travel.
Train Journey Details
- Distance: 46 km
- Travel Time: 35-45 minutes
- Train Fare: ₹30 – ₹500 (depends on class and train type)
- Best For: Budget travelers, solo travelers, and those short on time
How to Reach Sanchi Stupa from Sanchi Railway Station?
- The stupa is just 1 km from the railway station.
- Options to reach Sanchi Stupa from the station:
- Walk (takes 15-20 minutes).
- Auto-rickshaw (₹50 – ₹100, takes 5 minutes).
- Cycle rickshaw (₹30 – ₹50, takes 10 minutes).
Pros and Cons of Train Travel
Advantages:
- Fastest travel option from Bhopal to Sanchi.
- Budget-friendly with multiple train choices.
- Comfortable and avoids road traffic.
Disadvantages:
- Trains may be crowded during peak hours.
- Limited train frequency at certain times of the day.
3. Bhopal to Sanchi Stupa by Air – Not Required
There is no airport in Sanchi, and the nearest airport is Raja Bhoj International Airport in Bhopal. Since Bhopal is already close to Sanchi, air travel is not necessary.
For Air Travelers Coming from Other Cities
- Take a flight to Bhopal Airport (BHO).
- From Bhopal Airport, hire a taxi (₹2,000 – ₹3,000) or take a bus/train to Sanchi.
- Total travel time from Bhopal Airport to Sanchi: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Which Travel Option is Best for You?
| Travel Option | Best For | Travel Time | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car/Taxi | Road trip lovers | 1-1.5 hours | ₹500 – ₹2,500 |
| Train | Budget travelers | 35-45 minutes | ₹30 – ₹500 |
| Bus | Budget travelers | 1.5-2 hours | ₹50 – ₹300 |
| Air | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Sanchi Stupa
- Visit early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as there are many monuments to explore.
- Carry water and snacks as there are limited food stalls near the site.
- Hire a local guide to understand the history and significance of each structure.
- Combine with a visit to Udayagiri Caves, which are just 13 km away from Sanchi.
Nearby Attractions to Visit Along with Sanchi Stupa
- Udayagiri Caves (13 km)
- Ancient rock-cut Hindu and Jain caves from the 4th-5th century CE.
- Famous for the Varaha (Boar) incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
- Vidisha (10 km)
- Known for the Heliodorus Pillar, an ancient Greek pillar dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Bhojpur Temple (65 km)
- Home to the largest Shiva Lingam in India, built by Raja Bhoj.
Final Thoughts
Reaching Sanchi Stupa from Bhopal is quick and easy, with train travel being the fastest and most economical option, while road travel offers flexibility and comfort. Visitors coming from other cities can fly to Bhopal and then take a taxi, train, or bus to Sanchi. Regardless of the mode of transport, a visit to Sanchi Stupa is a rewarding experience, offering a glimpse into India’s ancient Buddhist heritage and architectural brilliance.
Check Out These Suggestions:
- Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in February – Weather & Travel Tips
- Khajuraho for Foreign Travelers – Entry Fees & Must-Do Activities
- Easy Ways to Reach Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Top Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh in December
- Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi: History Travel Guide
Dive Deeper Into These Topics:
- Travel from Chennai to Mahabalipuram – Best Routes
- Delhi to Karnaprayag – Travel Guide
- How to Get to Majuli Island – Road, Air & Ferry
- Bangalore to Gokarna – Travel Tips & Best Time
- Delhi to Mount Abu – Road, Train & Air Guide
- Best Ways to Reach Somnath
- Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Travel Routes
- Patna to Darjeeling – Train, Road & Air Travel
- How to Reach Kashmir from Major Indian Cities
- Delhi to Baidyanath Jyotirlinga – Travel Guide
- Kedarnath from Delhi – Train, Road & Air Options
- Katra to Srinagar – A Complete Travel Guide
- Kolkata to Darjeeling – Travel & Fare Guide
More to Explore:
