You will be picked up from your hotel in Bhopal and driven to the town of Sanchi in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Visit the Great Stupa here, a large hemispherical structure that contains the relics of the Buddha. The Stupa was commissioned in the 3rd century B.C. by Emperor Ashoka who was dismayed at the huge loss of life in his military campaigns and took solace in Buddhism. The Stupa was built to preserve and spread the Buddhist philosophy.  The huge hemispherical dome of the Stupa is 54 feet high and is surrounded by a stone balustrade. Four ornamental gateways facing the four directions of the universe lead to the central dome. A large sandstone pillar stands on the grounds of the complex. The edict of Emperor Ashoka is engraved on it in the ancient Brahmi script. After the visit to the Stupa, stop for lunch (beverage excluded) at a local restaurant.