Bhimbetka or Sanchi?

saeyedoc · Jun 10th, 2008, 01:11

Will have two days in Bhopal (arriving on overnight train at 7am, leaving on flight to Mumbai on day three in AM). Our host thinks it will take a full day to see either Bhimbetka or Sanchi. We want to spend at least half a day doing nothing but wandering around Bhopal. If we need to choose one, which should it be?

We will be traveling to Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambore Park and Mumbai for the rest of the trip.

My wife is into Archeology so I'm leaning towards Bhimbetka, but I've heard there's more to see around Sanchi. If one of the sites is doable in half a day, that may work too.

hfot2 · Jun 10th, 2008, 02:19

Bhimbetka! And go early in the morning to get there before the crowds.

We arrived early, went through with the [required?] guide who showed us paintings we might otherwise have missed and then we walked around to our heart's content photographing again what we had already seen and photo'ed. As we were leaving, mid-morning I would say, the crowds of school children and tour groups arrived. It's a small place, we had it virtually to ourselves - I think it would be crowded and unpleasant later in the day. Yes you can do it in half a day, but the drive there from Bhopal also takes time.

On the way back to Bhopal, get your driver to take you to Bhojpur. [The road there was horrible last December and I doubt if it's any better now. It might be easier to go back to Bhopal and then return the short distance to Bhojpur] Bhojeswar Temple here is very interesting – the largest linga in the world [they say] enclosed in one great cube of a building. The sloping sand hill on the side gives an idea of how they built the temple. Plus, you can walk to the river and look at the bare rock around the temple grounds which have carvings of the plans for the temple.

Sanchi too can be done in a half day, but the drive time would make it unpleasant to impossible to visit both in one day and each deserves fresh eyes, especially Bhimbetka. There are several other structures to view besides the Great Stupa at Sanchi and the small Archaeological Museum is interesting. The Udayagiri caves are OK. but we've been spoiled by much nicer caves. There's also Heliodorus Column on the road out of town.

Actually, what I would do is go to Bhimbetka one morning and Sanchi the next and skip Bhopal walkabout.

distaff half of hfot2

saeyedoc · Jun 10th, 2008, 03:45

I guess we'll play it by ear. Our train is supposed to get in at 7am, but who knows what time it will actually get there and how much sleep we will have. If well rested, maybe we'll go right on to Sanchi or Bhimbetka and hit the other site the next day. That should still leave us at least a few hours to wander around the Bazaars. The person we're staying with will also be our guide and driver, so we have plenty of flexibility.

Jorge Reverter · Jun 10th, 2008, 04:19

I disagree with hfot2, in my opinion Sanchi is much more interesting and why not, you can visit both places in the same day. Sanchi is very well comunicated with Bhopal by train and bus and you can make the visit in the morning, you'll be almost alone, and in the afternoon you can go back to Bhopal and visit Bhimbetka (only 40 km from Bhopal).

Jorge

singsub · Jun 10th, 2008, 22:47

hmm yes... i think you should visit Sanchi and udaygiri on the day you arrive... and use the next day for a half day trip of bhimbtika and bhojpur and another half day of sight-seeing in bhopal. most of the top sites in bhopal are concentrated near the bigger lake.

worthyquest · Jun 13th, 2008, 10:40

sanchi definately trumps bimbetka! it is one of the loveliest spots in india... do not miss it.

visiting the udaigiri caves is also interesting, though i think could be skipped if you are pressed for time. but i wouldn't necessarily skip them in order to squeeze bimbetka in on the same day. i found bimbetka to be interesting, but i've never gone back after my first visit... whereas i've been to sanchi 3 times.

and make sure not to sell bhopal short. an interesting city.... both the new side and the old. i'm sure your host will show you around, but i would suggest making sure you visit the museum of man (which has a long name in hindi, as well) which is an open-air aadavasi (tribal) museum, where dwellings and artwork have been recreated. sounds cheesy, but really isn't. also visit the bharat bhavan to see the tribal art gallery (and modern gallery) and try to see the huge tribal mural at the parliament building.

wander the old city and the mosques... and maybe take a paddle boat out on the lake.... enjoy...

EOS · Jun 13th, 2008, 11:20

Since you have two full days at bhopal then you can split it into two. First day even if train is late you can cover Bhimbetka and Bhojpur....
Second day start early for Sanchi and come back in afternoon. This leaves you with ample time in the evenings for visiting the city...as suggested by hfot2.
BTW the roads have improved greatly...

Its a lovely city....called the city of lakes...

have a great time..

saeyedoc · Jun 13th, 2008, 19:56

Thanks for all of the suggestions. In keeping with the theme of the rest of my trip "don't try to do too much". I think we'll take a trip to Sanchi and the other sites in that area on our second day and just chill out the first day in Bhopal.
Good to know about the Museum of Man, it does sound cheesy.

hfot2 · Jun 13th, 2008, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by saeyedoc

I think we'll take a trip to Sanchi and the other sites in that area on our second day and just chill out the first day in Bhopal

So, does this mean you will skip Bhimbetka? or try to do both Sanchi and Bhimbetka in one day [which is not in line with your idea of "don't try to do too much"]?

I feel compelled to put in another word for Bhimbetka and I should add that I reserve my recommendations for very few places. Even though I've been to several of the original caves in Europe [before they were closed to visitors and opened nearby with copies of the wall paintings], I found Bhimbetka to be a very worthwhile and indeed significant way to spend a morning.

distaff half of hfot2

saeyedoc · Jun 13th, 2008, 23:51

I think we're going to skip Bhimbetka on this visit. My host, among other people I've talked to and the majority of the opinions on this and other boards, thinks Sanchi is the better choice.

singsub · Jun 14th, 2008, 21:27

its unlikely you will return to Bhopal again just to see bhimbetika. try to squeeze in the place. 2 days are enough for bhimbetika, bhojpur, bhopal, sanchi, udaigiri and heliodorous pillar. how will you travel once you reach bhopal?? by car i assume?

saeyedoc · Jun 14th, 2008, 21:58

I presume our host will have a car. Seriously, I appreciate the suggestions, but I really don't want to rush around to try to squeeze everything in.

singsub · Jun 14th, 2008, 22:53

if your host has a car/you hire a cab, then you wont have to rush in order to include everything.

s.seifert · Jul 8th, 2008, 17:20

coming from jhansi on our way to bhopal, i was wondering if it would be worth to step off in sanchi - what about accomodation there?
or should be head on to bhopal and do a day trip back to sanchi?
how much is approx. to rent a car with a driver for a day trip from bhopal to sanchi?

thanks for the information!

worthyquest · Jul 8th, 2008, 21:49

there are places to stay in sanchi... a MPTDC hotel halfway up the hill to the entrance to the site (also a decent place to stop for lunch), as well as places in the town. i think there are also some ashram-type places you mayb be able to stay.

i've never stayed in sanchi, but always thought it would be nice. the town is very small, so it would also be an interesting stop that way.

just make sure that your train from jhansi stops at the sanchi station.

Jun 10th, 2008, 01:11	#1
saeyedoc Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Antonio Posts: 16	Bhimbetka or Sanchi? Will have two days in Bhopal (arriving on overnight train at 7am, leaving on flight to Mumbai on day three in AM). Our host thinks it will take a full day to see either Bhimbetka or Sanchi. We want to spend at least half a day doing nothing but wandering around Bhopal. If we need to choose one, which should it be? We will be traveling to Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambore Park and Mumbai for the rest of the trip. My wife is into Archeology so I'm leaning towards Bhimbetka, but I've heard there's more to see around Sanchi. If one of the sites is doable in half a day, that may work too.

Jun 10th, 2008, 04:19	#4
Jorge Reverter Maha Guru Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Murcia - Spain Posts: 1,105	I disagree with hfot2, in my opinion Sanchi is much more interesting and why not, you can visit both places in the same day. Sanchi is very well comunicated with Bhopal by train and bus and you can make the visit in the morning, you'll be almost alone, and in the afternoon you can go back to Bhopal and visit Bhimbetka (only 40 km from Bhopal). Jorge Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Jorge Reverter : Jun 11th, 2008 at 00:54. Reason: major blunder

Jul 8th, 2008, 17:20	#14
s.seifert Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: nyc Posts: 10	train from jhansi to bhopal coming from jhansi on our way to bhopal, i was wondering if it would be worth to step off in sanchi - what about accomodation there? or should be head on to bhopal and do a day trip back to sanchi? how much is approx. to rent a car with a driver for a day trip from bhopal to sanchi? thanks for the information!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Bhopal-Bhimbetka;Jalgaon-Ajanta;Aurangabad-Hampi	fisher	India Travel Itinerary Advice	13	Apr 29th, 2008 23:59
From Khajuraho to Sanchi to Diu	tommytoes	India Travel Itinerary Advice	12	Jan 30th, 2008 03:32
Festival date - Sanchi?	hfot2	Madhya Pradesh & Chhatisgarh	0	Aug 17th, 2007 16:34
looking for hotel in Bhopal/Sanchi area	charly	Lodging and Hotels in India	2	Jul 14th, 2005 22:47
Sanchi	Alan D	Madhya Pradesh & Chhatisgarh	0	Aug 28th, 2001 04:09

Jun 10th, 2008, 02:19	#2
hfot2 MemberS Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Vermont Posts: 515	Bhimbetka! And go early in the morning to get there before the crowds. We arrived early, went through with the [required?] guide who showed us paintings we might otherwise have missed and then we walked around to our heart's content photographing again what we had already seen and photo'ed. As we were leaving, mid-morning I would say, the crowds of school children and tour groups arrived. It's a small place, we had it virtually to ourselves - I think it would be crowded and unpleasant later in the day. Yes you can do it in half a day, but the drive there from Bhopal also takes time. On the way back to Bhopal, get your driver to take you to Bhojpur. [The road there was horrible last December and I doubt if it's any better now. It might be easier to go back to Bhopal and then return the short distance to Bhojpur] Bhojeswar Temple here is very interesting – the largest linga in the world [they say] enclosed in one great cube of a building. The sloping sand hill on the side gives an idea of how they built the temple. Plus, you can walk to the river and look at the bare rock around the temple grounds which have carvings of the plans for the temple. Sanchi too can be done in a half day, but the drive time would make it unpleasant to impossible to visit both in one day and each deserves fresh eyes, especially Bhimbetka. There are several other structures to view besides the Great Stupa at Sanchi and the small Archaeological Museum is interesting. The Udayagiri caves are OK. but we've been spoiled by much nicer caves. There's also Heliodorus Column on the road out of town. Actually, what I would do is go to Bhimbetka one morning and Sanchi the next and skip Bhopal walkabout. distaff half of hfot2

Jun 10th, 2008, 03:45	#3
saeyedoc Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Antonio Posts: 16	I guess we'll play it by ear. Our train is supposed to get in at 7am, but who knows what time it will actually get there and how much sleep we will have. If well rested, maybe we'll go right on to Sanchi or Bhimbetka and hit the other site the next day. That should still leave us at least a few hours to wander around the Bazaars. The person we're staying with will also be our guide and driver, so we have plenty of flexibility.

Jun 10th, 2008, 22:47	#5
singsub Account Closed Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: right next door to hell Posts: 1,173	hmm yes... i think you should visit Sanchi and udaygiri on the day you arrive... and use the next day for a half day trip of bhimbtika and bhojpur and another half day of sight-seeing in bhopal. most of the top sites in bhopal are concentrated near the bigger lake.

Jun 13th, 2008, 10:40	#6
worthyquest Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Philadelphia, USA Posts: 18	sanchi definately trumps bimbetka! it is one of the loveliest spots in india... do not miss it. visiting the udaigiri caves is also interesting, though i think could be skipped if you are pressed for time. but i wouldn't necessarily skip them in order to squeeze bimbetka in on the same day. i found bimbetka to be interesting, but i've never gone back after my first visit... whereas i've been to sanchi 3 times. and make sure not to sell bhopal short. an interesting city.... both the new side and the old. i'm sure your host will show you around, but i would suggest making sure you visit the museum of man (which has a long name in hindi, as well) which is an open-air aadavasi (tribal) museum, where dwellings and artwork have been recreated. sounds cheesy, but really isn't. also visit the bharat bhavan to see the tribal art gallery (and modern gallery) and try to see the huge tribal mural at the parliament building. wander the old city and the mosques... and maybe take a paddle boat out on the lake.... enjoy...

Jun 13th, 2008, 11:20	#7
EOS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: India Posts: 147	Since you have two full days at bhopal then you can split it into two. First day even if train is late you can cover Bhimbetka and Bhojpur.... Second day start early for Sanchi and come back in afternoon. This leaves you with ample time in the evenings for visiting the city...as suggested by hfot2. BTW the roads have improved greatly... Its a lovely city....called the city of lakes... have a great time..

Jun 13th, 2008, 19:56	#8
saeyedoc Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Antonio Posts: 16	Thanks for all of the suggestions. In keeping with the theme of the rest of my trip "don't try to do too much". I think we'll take a trip to Sanchi and the other sites in that area on our second day and just chill out the first day in Bhopal. Good to know about the Museum of Man, it does sound cheesy.

Jun 13th, 2008, 23:51	#10
saeyedoc Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Antonio Posts: 16	I think we're going to skip Bhimbetka on this visit. My host, among other people I've talked to and the majority of the opinions on this and other boards, thinks Sanchi is the better choice.

Jun 14th, 2008, 21:27	#11
singsub Account Closed Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: right next door to hell Posts: 1,173	its unlikely you will return to Bhopal again just to see bhimbetika. try to squeeze in the place. 2 days are enough for bhimbetika, bhojpur, bhopal, sanchi, udaigiri and heliodorous pillar. how will you travel once you reach bhopal?? by car i assume?

Jun 14th, 2008, 21:58	#12
saeyedoc Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Antonio Posts: 16	I presume our host will have a car. Seriously, I appreciate the suggestions, but I really don't want to rush around to try to squeeze everything in.

Jun 14th, 2008, 22:53	#13
singsub Account Closed Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: right next door to hell Posts: 1,173	if your host has a car/you hire a cab, then you wont have to rush in order to include everything.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password

Jul 8th, 2008, 21:49	#15
worthyquest Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Philadelphia, USA Posts: 18	there are places to stay in sanchi... a MPTDC hotel halfway up the hill to the entrance to the site (also a decent place to stop for lunch), as well as places in the town. i think there are also some ashram-type places you mayb be able to stay. i've never stayed in sanchi, but always thought it would be nice. the town is very small, so it would also be an interesting stop that way. just make sure that your train from jhansi stops at the sanchi station.