North of Bhopal, on a small hilltop is some of the oldest and most interesting Buddhist sites in India – the monuments of Sanchi. History tells that when emperor Ashoka once embraced Buddhism he built his first “stupa” at Sanchi and later several more, as well as other religious structures. Some centuries later, when Buddhism was slowly absorbed into Hinduism, the site was forgotten and not rediscovered until 1818 by the Brittish army.

The gates to the stupas – the “toranas” are the real highlight of Sanchi. Absolutely brilliantly carved stone depicts episodes of Buddas life and it is said that the toranas are possibly the best and finest Buddhist art in India.