Sanchi-The Great Stupa (No. 1),No.2 & No.3 in Madhya Pradesh

Sanchi: Spectacular Sanchi is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its archaeological and historical value. The Sanchi hill teems with stupas, monastries, temples and pillars and is the largest site of Buddhist remains in India. However, it is not directly connected with the life of Lord Buddha as other Buddhist pilgrim centres. The history of Sanchi dates back to Emperor Asoka’s reign in the 3rd century BC and continues upto the 11the century AD. It is one of the most revered centres of Buddhist art in the world. Its architectural forms and sculpture display the Jataka tales in cinematographic continuity. The Great Stupa (No. 1): The world renowned stupa was originally built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka and is an icon of India’s cultural heritage. The present stupa is a superstructure over the original brick stupa and comprises a hemispherical dome. It measures 36.5 mts. in diameter and 16.4 mts. in height. Stupa No.2: The 2nd century BC. stupa lies on the edge of the Sanchi hill. Stupa No.3: This stupa was built during 150-140 BC. The relics of Sariputta and Mahamogallan, two of Buddhas chief disciples were found in the stupa. These relics are at present housed in the Sri Lankan Vihara here.

Reaching there:
By Air
The nearest airport is at Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, is 45 kms away from the site. Bhopal is an important domestic airport in central India, which is served by several airlines.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Vidisha, approximately 10 km from Sanchi.
By Road
Sanchi is located close to important cities in Madhya Pradesh. It is connected with all nearby cities like Bhopal (45kms), Vidisha (10kms), Indore (230kms).

Mandu-Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace) in Madhya Pradesh

Mandu , set picturesquely at the edge of the Vindhya range, overlooking the Narmada river was once known as Shadiabad, the ‘Citadel of Joy’. It was the pleasure resort of the rulers of Malwa and echoes with love tales of poet prince Baz Bahadur and Ran Rupmati.
Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace): The 400 ft. long and 50 ft. wide double storey pleasure palace built between two lakes, resembles a ship. This remarkable edifice in stone is said to have been built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji for his large harem of 15,000 women.

Reaching there:
By Air
Mandu does not have an airport and the nearest airport is Indore Ahilyabai Holker airport. Mandu is about 100 km from the airport. Indore is a domestic terminal which is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur and Ranchi. Delhi is the major international airport connecting to many major cities abroad.
By Train
Nearest railhead is Ratlam railway station, which is about 124 km away from Mandu. This station is well connected to the rest of the major cities in India and is an important junction in the western railways.
By Bus
Many cities in Madhya Pradesh to Mandu are connected by State owned buses. Many private bus services are available from major cities in India to Mandu. Regular deluxe and semi deluxe buses are available from Indore (100 km), Bhopal (277 km), Ratlam (124 km) and Ujjain.

Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh

Gwalior: Gwalior, the ancient capital city has been a cradle of great dynasties and a living heritage of heroism.

The Fort : This magnificent fort atop Gopachal, a sandstone precipice 91 meters above the surrounding plain was built by Raja Mansingh Tomar. It dominates the city like a great monolith and was described as ‘the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind’, by Mughal emperor Babur. The imposing outer walls still stand, two miles in length and 35 feet high. A steep road winds upwards to the fort, flanked by statues of the Jain tirthankaras, carved into the rock face. The fort is dotted with various monuments which are marvels of medieval architecture.