#Travelgoals | Sanchi |MP

"Breaking the monotony is a must, go fulfill your wanderlust"- Kurious kannya 

Lazing around in bed, a week before exams, the mechanical routine seeped into our souls like a bad disease. All work and no play makes jack a dull boy. And we three jacks, needed something to spark our spirits. While casually fidgeting with our phones (a time before fidget spinners, :p) an idea popped up. On a scorching may day, with the sun glazing bright, were we crazy to plan an adventure? Was the monotony taking a toll on our brains? We didn’t know, all we knew was that we needed a getaway. It was one p.m. and we were still in our jammies, the next bus to the city from campus left in exactly 30 mins. Taking google baba’s advice, we instantly decided to visit Sanchi. So that’s that, 30 mins or nothing. With a nod of mutual agreement we frantically took off to pack, shower and dress. 

Lal ghati, our first stop, we decided to get some food and water for our little trip. Domino’s lured us with its BOGO offer and we obediently went in. With no pre planning and time on our hands while we waited for our order, a search for the cheapest and the quickest travel option began. Compelled by the excitement in our voices and probably concerned for our safety the manager at domino’s kindly came over to give us sound advice. Following his suggestion to take the local bus from a nearby bus stop – Nadra Bus Stand, we took off on a 2 hour 45 minute journey to destination Sanchi, at just a meagre 45 INR per person. Never thought travel could be that cheap, yay us.

At domino's Lal Ghati

Sanchi bus-station, our second stop, with few glances of the stupa sitting at the hilltop while our bus twirled through the path, our excitement reached the zenith. We got off and found a rail of auto walas standing for our welcome. Unlike the usual chaos the process was systematic and without any further ado we were on the go.

The great sanchi stupa, our final stop. Walking up to the main complex area, we took in our surroundings of the simple Buddhist style of art & architecture that is highlighted by the mighty stupas and viharas which amalgamate poetically with their rich green environs. The detailed stone carvings with symbols of wheels, footprints and thrones depict the life of Lord Buddha who himself is depicted by a tree. These illustrations adorn the Toranas – the 4 gateways placed in cardinal directions around the great stupa which encloses the relics of Lord Buddha.

Carved Torana

This huge hemispherical dome called Anda (Egg) made originally of unburnt bricks commissioned by the great emperor Ashoka in 3^rd century BC is one of the largest surviving gem of Buddhist architecture from the Mauryan period. Expanded and restored over centuries, it is now twice its size with stone masonry covering it entirely. The circumambulatory passage is enclosed within a stone balustrade called Vedika made of Thaba, the vertical members and Suchi, the horizontal bars all capped by a rounded stone coping. Embellished on the top with Harmika – a square railing that surrounds an inverted umbrella like stone structure called Chattra, which enunciates the three fundamentals of Buddhism namely – Budhha, Dharma & Sangha. It felt surreal to be walking up the ramp like passage called – Medhi, and to be able to identify all of these elements of Buddhist architecture that we had previously only read and seen in books. We navigated from the great stupa, to the smaller ones, passing through the Vihara, seeing and feeling the ancient heritage. Taking in the culture through the Buddha complex, clicking and getting clicked, we headed out. We could finally relate to our subject, history of architecture. The entire atmosphere was full of peace, beauty and harmony.

Thaba-Suchi-Torana

Vihara

The sun was setting and it was time to hit the road. Unaware of the evening rush hours we were merely descending our way back to the bus stop discussing about the experience. As soon as we reached, a local bus jam-packed with the town people stopped our way. Puzzled by the condition of the bus we decided to wait for another one in hope for some room for us. A mutual feeling of fear was rolling down our spines as it was already getting dark. But to our misfortune all buses seem to be equally full, we had no option left but to take the bitter pill so we got on and jostled our way through the crowd in the already cramped bus. With the physical strain of our adventure and the adrenaline rush fading fast we felt tired to our core. All we wished for was to reach Bhopal so we could relieve ourselves by getting off the horridly chaotic bus and grab a quick bite before the bus scheduled to leave for our college at 9:30 from new market.

We breathed a premature sigh of relief as we got off at the bus stand and hurried through the lanes to get an auto only to be stuck in a massive traffic jam in Old Bhopal. Drained of every ounce of energy we dragged ourselves to Bake & Shake and ordered some snacks and drinks. Like magic, with tummies full, the grin returned to our faces and we went on an endless discussion about our adventure to Sanchi. Laughs and squeals and faces gleaming we were back in our rooms with renewed spirits.

Kurious kannya knows

Timings: 11 a.m. : 5 p.m.

Entry fee: 10 INR per head ( Free upto 15 years of age)

Recommendations : Avoid the rush hours, stay hydrated, carry your umbrellas and caps