Photo spot in Sanchi
The Toranas (Gateways)
Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
Four elaborately carved stone gateways around the Great Stupa, covered in reliefs of Jataka tales, the Buddha's life (shown symbolically) and processions — the pinnacle of early Buddhist art.
Best time
Morning for the East Gateway and late afternoon for the West Gateway, when low sun picks out the depth of the carvings.
Best angle
Stand close to one pillar and take an upward photo of the carved crossbars, then step back to fit the whole gateway with the dome behind it.
Entry fee
Included
Opening hours
6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit The Toranas (Gateways)
Morning for the East Gateway and late afternoon for the West Gateway, when low sun picks out the depth of the carvings. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for The Toranas (Gateways)
Stand close to one pillar and take an upward photo of the carved crossbars, then step back to fit the whole gateway with the dome behind it. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
Beneath a torana
By the carved crossbars
Outfit guide
What to wear at The Toranas (Gateways)
For photos at The Toranas (Gateways), rust, ochre and cream work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for The Toranas (Gateways).
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Sanchi.
Eat nearby
Food near The Toranas (Gateways)
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for dal bafla nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Start at the North Gateway, the best preserved of the four.
See the East Gateway in the morning and the West Gateway in the late afternoon, when the sun lights their outer faces.
Bring a zoom lens or binoculars for the panels on the upper crossbars.
Look for the symbols that stand in for the Buddha, such as the empty throne, footprints and the wheel.
Carry a guidebook or hire a guide to follow the stories panel by panel.
Do not touch or lean on the carvings, which are about 2,000 years old.
Give each gateway at least 10 minutes, as there is far more carving than you can take in at a glance.
About the Toranas
The toranas are the four carved stone gateways that stand around the Great Stupa, one at each point of the compass. They were added around the 1st century BCE, about two centuries after Ashoka built the first stupa. Each has two square pillars topped by three curved crossbars. Almost every surface is carved, with Jataka tales from the Buddha's earlier lives, scenes from his life, processions, city gates, elephants and lions. Yakshis, or female tree spirits, lean out as brackets where the pillars meet the lowest crossbar. An inscription on one gateway records that ivory workers from nearby Vidisha carved part of it, which helps explain the fine detail.
In these carvings the Buddha is never shown in human form. The artists used symbols instead, such as an empty throne, footprints, the Bodhi tree, a wheel or a riderless horse. The North Gateway is the best preserved of the four, and the South Gateway, near the Ashoka Pillar, is thought to be the oldest.
Questions
The Toranas (Gateways) — FAQ
What is the best time to visit The Toranas (Gateways)?
Morning for the East Gateway and late afternoon for the West Gateway, when low sun picks out the depth of the carvings. Stand close to one pillar and take an upward photo of the carved crossbars, then step back to fit the whole gateway with the dome behind it.
Is there an entry fee at The Toranas (Gateways)?
Entry to The Toranas (Gateways) is included.
What are the opening hours of The Toranas (Gateways)?
The Toranas (Gateways) is open 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM.
What should I wear at The Toranas (Gateways)?
Rust, ochre and cream photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does The Toranas (Gateways) get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: morning for the East Gateway and late afternoon for the West Gateway, when low sun picks out the depth of the carvings.
What food should I try near The Toranas (Gateways)?
Try dal bafla, available at nearby restaurants.
What do the carvings on the Sanchi gateways show?
They show Jataka tales of the Buddha's earlier lives, events from his life, processions, city scenes and animals such as elephants and lions. Many panels read like picture stories, so a guide or guidebook helps.
Why is the Buddha not shown in human form on the toranas?
Early Buddhist art showed the Buddha through symbols rather than as a person. At Sanchi, look for an empty throne, footprints, the Bodhi tree, a wheel or a riderless horse where you would expect to see him.
Which is the best-preserved gateway at Sanchi?
The North Gateway is the best preserved of the four and keeps most of its carving. The South Gateway is thought to be the oldest.
How old are the Sanchi toranas?
They are about 2,000 years old. They were added around the 1st century BCE, when the Satavahanas ruled the region, some two centuries after Ashoka built the first stupa.