|
Besnagar
The ruins of
Besnagar, known locally as Khambaba, lie couched in a tiny
village down the main road from Vidisha, 5km after the Udaigiri turn-off.
One small monument, however makes the short detour worthwhile.
Bhojpur
The
ancient city of Bhojpur lies 28 kms southeast of Bhopal.
The city is famous for the immense Bhojeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva. Also referred to as the `Somnath of the East', this
impressive temple overlooks a vast, now dried-up lake.
Bhimbetka
Known
for their prehistoric paintings, the famous Bhimbetka has nearly 1000 caves
dating back to pre-historic times, located at
about 46 kms south of Bhopal. The caves, surrounded by the
northern fringe of the Vindhyan ranges, are believed to have provided
shelter to the primitive man.
Satdhara
Set among
verdant rolling hills 30km north of Bhopal, Satdhara ("seven
streams") is well worth the detour for stupa enthusiasts. There are
no less than 34 stupas dating from the Mauryan period in the third
century B.C and 14 monastries.
Sanchi
Located
about 46 km northeast of Bhopal, the town of Sanchi is famous for the
Buddhist works of art dating from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century
AD. The ancient stupas, monasteries, temples, and pillars form a major
source of attraction here. Of these, the most famous is the Sanchi Stupa
1, originally built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka.
Vidisha
The District
derives its Name from the Head Quarters town of Vidisha, 12 kms
away, was an important city in Mauryan times. Standing at the conjunction
of the Betwa and Bes rivers it was also known as Besnagar.
Udaigiri Caves
A modest
collection of ruined temples and 5th century rock-cut caves stand just 6km
west of Vidisha, at Udaigiri.
The caves date from AD 320 to 606. An inscription in one
of these caves states that it was produced during the reign of Chandragupta II (AD 382-401).
Travel Links For Bhopal
|
Excursions