On a hill overlooking the plain, about 40 km from Bhopal, the site of Sanchi comprises a group of Buddhist monuments (monolithic pillars, stupas, temples and monasteries) all in different states of conservation most of which date back to the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. It is the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence and was a major Buddhist centre in India until the 12th century A.D. The site is now designated UNESCO World Heritage Center

Did you read Bhopal above. Yeah, thats right, and thats what took me here (my parents currently stay in Bhopal). A pleasent surprise was a very nice group of Japanese pilgrims paying a visit at the same time (see picture)