Welcome to the hidden gem of spirituality and history, Sankissa. Nestled in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, India, this ancient town holds a treasure trove of heritage and significance for Buddhists and history enthusiasts. Believed to be where Lord Buddha descended from the heavens after preaching to his mother, Sankissa is a destination that marries spirituality with archaeology.
In this blog, we journeyed through the best places to visit in Sankissa, unravelling its rich cultural tapestry and historical wonders. Join us as we explore the mystical allure of Sankissa and discover why it’s a must-visit destination for those seeking to connect with the teachings of the Buddha and delve into India’s ancient past.
Here are the top 7 places to visit in Sankissa:
1- Ashoka's Pillar
The Ashoka’s Pillar at Sankissa is a monolithic column the Mauryan emperor Ashoka erected in the 3rd century BC. It is one of the best-preserved Ashoka pillars in India. The pillar is about 15 meters tall and is made of polished sandstone. It is crowned by a four-lion capital, one of India’s most iconic symbols.
The Ashoka’s Pillar at Sankissa is a significant historical and cultural monument. It is a testament to the power and prosperity of the Mauryan Empire and a symbol of Ashoka’s commitment to spreading the Buddhist faith.
The pillar bears an inscription in Brahmi script, one of the earliest known examples of this script. The inscription records Ashoka’s pilgrimage to Sankissa and his visit to where the Buddha descended from heaven after preaching to his mother.
The Ashoka’s Pillar at Sankissa is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian history and culture. It is a beautiful and imposing monument that offers a glimpse into the world of the Mauryan Empire.
2- Sankassa Stupa
The Sankassa Stupa is a Buddhist stupa in the Sankissa Archaeological Park in the Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India.
The stupa is believed to be where the Buddha descended from heaven after preaching to his mother. According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha spent a summer retreat in the Tuṣita Heaven where his mother had taken rebirth. To repay her kindness he taught the dharma to her rebirth. Local inhabitants built a stupa in Sankassa to commemorate this event.
The stupa is a large, circular structure made of brick. It is about 10 meters in diameter and 15 meters high. The stupa is crowned by a harmika, a square structure supporting a spire. The spire is no longer extant but is believed to have been made of stone.
The Sankassa Stupa is a significant historical and cultural monument. It is a testament to the importance of Sankissa as a Buddhist pilgrimage site. The stupa is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.
3- Jain Temples
Sankissa is an important Jain pilgrimage site. The city has many Jain temples, including the Jain Vishwasthala and the Jain Vidyalaya.
The Jain Vishwasthala is a large Jain temple complex dedicated to the Jain saint Rishabhadev. The temple was built in the 19th century and is known for its beautiful architecture and collection of Jain sculptures.
The Jain Vidyalaya is a Jain school located next to the Jain Vishwasthala. The school offers a variety of educational programs, including Jain studies and Sanskrit.
Other Jain temples in Sankissa include:
- Chakkumalati Jain Temple
- Digambar Jain Temple
- Jain Mandir
- Jain Temple
- Jain Temple Dadra
These temples are all located in the Sankissa Archaeological Park, which is about 10 km from the city of Farrukhabad.
4- Sankassa Museum
The Sankassa Museum is located in the Sankissa Archaeological Park in the Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It houses a collection of artifacts from the Sankissa area, including Buddhist and Jain sculptures, coins, and pottery.
The museum was founded in 1962 by the Archaeological Survey of India. The museum collection is divided into two main sections: Buddhist and Jain.
The Buddhist section of the museum houses a collection of sculptures, including Buddha statues, Bodhisattva statues, and stupa reliefs. The Jain section of the museum houses a collection of sculptures, including Tirthankara statues, Jain symbols, and Jain temple reliefs. The museum also houses a collection of coins, pottery, and other artifacts from the Sankissa area.
The Sankassa Museum is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Sankissa area. It is a must-visit for anyone visiting the Sankissa Archaeological Park.
Here are some additional details about the Sankassa Museum:
- The museum is located about 10 km from the city of Farrukhabad.
- The museum is open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- The admission fee for the museum is ₹5 for adults and ₹2 for children.
5- Sankassa Bird Sanctuary
The Sankassa Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary in the Sankissa Archaeological Park in the Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is home to various birds, including the Sarus crane, the painted stork, and the black-necked stork.
The sanctuary was established in 1987 by the Forest Department of Uttar Pradesh. It is spread over an area of about 10 square kilometers. The sanctuary has various habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands.
The Sankassa Bird Sanctuary is an important habitat for a variety of birds. It is also a popular tourist destination, attracting birdwatchers from all over the world.
Here are some of the birds that can be found in the Sankassa Bird Sanctuary:
- Sarus crane
- Painted stork
- Black-necked stork
- Common crane
- Grey hornbill
- Indian peafowl
- Grey francolin
- Black francolin
- Indian roller
- Common kingfisher
- Pied kingfisher
The Sankassa Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful and peaceful place. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
6- Hirankashipu Temple
The Hirankashipu Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the demon king Hiranyakashipu. It is located in the Sankissa Archaeological Park in the Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh, India.
The temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century. It is a small temple made of brick and stone. The temple has a single spire and a small shrine dedicated to Hiranyakashipu.
Hiranyakashipu was a powerful demon king killed by his son, Prahlad. The temple is dedicated to Hiranyakashipu, but it is also a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of Prahlad.
The Hirankashipu Temple is a significant historical and cultural monument. It is a testament to the importance of Sankissa as a Hindu pilgrimage site. The temple is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.
7- Sankassa Fort
The Sankassa Fort is a ruined fort in the Sankissa Archaeological Park in the Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is believed to have been built in the 12th century by the Gahadavala dynasty. The fort was built to protect the Sankissa Stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage site.
The fort is a large, rectangular structure made of brick. It is about 300 meters long and 200 meters wide. The fort has four towers at each corner. The fort also has a moat and a drawbridge.
The Sankassa Fort is a significant historical and cultural monument. It is a testament to the importance of Sankissa as a Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Here are some additional details about the Sankassa Fort:
- The fort is located about 10 km from the city of Farrukhabad.
- The fort is open seven days a week from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- The admission fee for the fort is ₹25 for adults and ₹10 for children.
Plan Your Sankissa Visit
Sankissa is an ancient city in the Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is a sacred place for Buddhists and Jains, and it is also a popular tourist destination.
Here is a possible itinerary for a 3-day visit to Sankissa:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Sankissa and check into your hotel.
- Visit the Sankassa Archaeological Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park has many important Buddhist and Jain monuments, including the Ashoka’s Pillar, the Sankassa Stupa, and the Jain Vishwasthala.
- Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Sankissa Archaeological Park.
Day 2:
- Visit the Sankassa Fort, a ruined fort built in the 12th century. The fort offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Visit the Sankassa Bird Sanctuary, home to various birds, including the Sarus crane, the painted stork, and the black-necked stork.
- Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Sankissa Bird Sanctuary.
Day 3:
- Visit the Hirankashipu Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the demon king Hiranyakashipu. The temple is located in the Sankissa Archaeological Park.
- Visit the Sankassa Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the Sankissa area.
- Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Sankissa Archaeological Park.
This is just a suggested itinerary; you can customize it to fit your interests and budget. For example, if you are interested in Buddhism, you could spend more time visiting the Buddhist monuments in the Sankissa Archaeological Park. If you are interested in nature, you could spend more time at the Sankassa Bird Sanctuary.
Getting to Sankissa
Sankissa is an ancient city in the Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is a sacred place for Buddhists and Jains, and it is also a popular tourist destination.
There are a few different ways to get to Sankissa:
By train: The nearest railway station to Sankissa is the Farrukhabad Junction railway station. The railway station is well-connected to major cities in India, such as Delhi, Lucknow, and Agra.
By bus: Regular buses from major cities in Uttar Pradesh to Sankissa exist. The bus journey from Lucknow to Sankissa takes about 3 hours.
By car: The drive from Lucknow to Sankissa takes about 3 hours. The road conditions are good, and many petrol pumps and restaurants are along the way.
By taxi: Taxis are available from major cities in Uttar Pradesh to Sankissa. The taxi journey from Lucknow to Sankissa takes about 3 hours.
If you are flying into India, you can fly into the Lucknow International Airport. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India and around the world. You can take a train, bus, taxi, or car from the airport to Sankissa.
Once you arrive in Sankissa, you can get around on foot, by bicycle, or by rickshaw.
Accommodation Options in Sankissa
There are various accommodation options in Sankissa, India, to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Here are a few recommendations:
Budget-friendly guesthouses:
- Hotel Sankassa
- Guesthouse Sankassa
- Sankassa Homestay
Mid-range hotels:
- Hotel Buddha International
- Hotel Sankassa Grand
- Hotel Sankassa View
Luxury hotels:
- Taj Sankassa Resort
- Sankassa Heritage Resort
- The Ashok Sankassa
When choosing accommodation in Sankissa, it is essential to consider your budget, interests, and location preferences.