Amidst the rich cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh, there is a jewel which shines bright and also accounts for the unmissable tourist attractions of the state. While Pachmarhi is nature’s haven, Mandu is architecturally brilliant.

Mandu also known as Mandavgarh is a place carved in the times of history for its forts, palaces, cultural diversity and poignant love story. 

Mandu in Madhya Pradesh boasts of around 40 monuments in the form of palaces, places of worship or tombs, each narrating different stories from the past and feeling proud of all that they have seen and been a part of. A few other important places on the list include Lohani caves, Dai ka Mahal, Nilkanth Mahal, Champa baoli and Hammam. 

About Mandu Madhya Pradesh

Mandu was actually called Shadiabad by its Mughal rulers which literally means ‘City of Joy’. 

Located in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, Mandu takes us to the ancient times of happiness and joy through its architectural extravaganza. It is a major tourist attraction in Malwa region along with Ujjain and a perfect one day trip from Indore. 

Mandu in Madhya Pradesh is located at an elevation of 634 Metres from sea level and is at a distance of around 60 km from Indore, their commercial capital. It is protected by the Vindhyachal range of mountains and the Narmada River which during ancient times blocked the entrance of enemies to this town and is manually fortified by three gates mainly known as Alamgir Gate, Bhangi Gate and Delhi Gate. 

Mandu is also famous for its love story of Baaz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. The beautiful and serene landscapes of Mandu have enchanted many couples to spend their honeymoon days here.

During the trip here one experiences great architectural masterpieces and amazing monuments which leave the tourists in the awe of the science and mathematics involved in their construction.

Unmissable places to visit in Mandu Madhya Pradesh

This small town of Mandu holds around 40 monuments which are etched in history as important and notable places. The monuments, palaces and ruins here are spread across the perimeter of approximately 20 sq. km.

Jahaz Mahal 

Mandu in Madhya Pradesh offers the best of genius work in architecture found in India. Jahaz Mahal, is an engineering extravaganza built during the reign of Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji the then-ruler of Mandu in the late 15th century who was known to have a royal consortium of 15,000 women. 

Jahaz Mahal was built to accommodate a large number of women’s family members. It is double-storeyed and is located between two artificial lakes (Munj Talao and Kapur Talao) on a narrow strip of land. 

The reflection of Jahaz Mahal can be seen on the water of the lake giving an impression to people that it is floating like a ship and hence the name Jahaz Mahal as Jahaz in Urdu means ‘A ship’. 

Jahaz Mahal is open from 6 am to 7 pm with a nominal entry fee and an extra charge, especially for video shooting.

Hindola Mahal 

Built by Hoshang Shah in the 14th century, Hindola Mahal was reconstructed by Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji by the 15th century. 

The palace gets its name Hindola which means ‘swinging’ because of its sloping side walls. It was constructed in a way to transfer voice from one end to another, especially during the time of royal discussions. 

The Mahal or palace forms part of a larger set of buildings of the royal fort complex comprising Jahaz Mahal, the Hindola Mahal, the Taveli Mahal, and the Nahar Jharokha. 

Have you been to Orchha Fort? There is a similar complex named Orchha fort complex quite similar to this one on the banks of river Betwa. 

Hindola Mahal is T-shaped and was believed to be used as an audience hall or an open-air theatre. In the evening, after the tourists have visited the fort complex, the Hindola Mahal opens for the light and sound show. 

The love story of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati is narrated by renowned actor Ashutosh Rana through a wonderful theatrical execution. It takes us back in time offering emotions of love, happiness and sorrow, tragedy both. It plays in both the languages English and Hindi.

Rani Roopmati’s Mahal 

There is a poignant love story attached to Rani Roomati Mahal from where the name is derived. 

Baz Bahadur was the last independent ruler of Malwa region. Once he was on his hunting expedition and he came across the shepherdess who was a great singer too. Baz Bahadur, who was an ardent lover of music and arts was smitten by her voice and fell in love with her. He told her to accompany him to Mandu his place and she agreed on the condition that she will only live in a palace from where her beloved Narmada river is visible. The palace was built for Rani Roopmati to have a view overlooking her favourite Narmada river. 

However, their love story was short-lived as Baaz Bahadur had to fight a battle with Adham Khan, who was Akbar’s General and ultimately had to flee to save his life as his troops were outnumbered by Akbar’s. 

Roopmati poisoned herself thus ending her life and also the love story. 

Rani Roopmati Mahal shows beautiful patterns of Afghan architecture and was built in phases during different periods.

Rewa Kund

Rewa Kund, built as an extension of Rani Roopmati Mahal and the pavilion, was an artificial lake built to ensure proper water supply to Rani Roopmati Pavilion. 

Rewa is another name for the sacred river Narmada in which the Rani had a deep faith and was a great worshipper. Rani often came here to worship and to pay respects to the divine mother river Narmada. 

Today, it is used as a resting place for tourists as it gives beautiful and serene views to rest, relax and take photographs. Because of the famous love story and the beautiful surroundings, this place becomes an unmissable place to visit in Mandu.

Baaz Bahadur’s Palace 

Baaz Bahadur palace happens to be a twin-storied structure, located on top of the hill and built by Khilji Sultan Nasir-ud-din for the last ruler of Malwa, Baaz Bahadur. 

It houses big courtyards, large halls and terraces giving photography-worthy looks from all angles. It is placed in the vicinity of Rewa Kund which was located as an extension of Rani Roopmati Mahal which she often used to visit. 

The palace depicts an amazing blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. There is also an octagonal porch which overlooks the beautiful garden. 

When we walk through the palace it speaks about the tales of history and shows us the time from how far we have come from the ancient days of Baz Bahadur to today.

Hoshang Shah’s Tomb 

Mandu, Madhya Pradesh is an outstanding example of Afghan architecture and this tomb is greatly known for its latticework and dome as it is the first ever structure fully made of marble, in India. 

It was constructed before the Taj Mahal and Shah Jahan sent the chief architect to study this tomb and to understand the beauty and intricacies of Afghan architecture. 

The monument has a well-built dome with intricate marble work. The doorway also has bearings of lotus and blue-enamelled stars. 

Jama Masjid, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

Jama Masjid was built during the reign of Hoshang Shah and completed during the reign of Mahmud Khilji in the 15th century. It places itself near Mandu Bazar and is adjacent to Hoshang Shah’s tomb. 

It has three large domes, a courtyard and fifty-four smaller domes and because of its majestic look and opulence, it is said to be inspired by the Mosque of Damascus. Important monuments like this mosque in Mandu are looked after well by the Bhopal circle of the Archeological Survey of India.

Asharfi Mahal 

Asharfi palace was built during the reign of Mahmud I, the first of the rulers of Khilji dynasty. It is located opposite Jami Masjid and to reach the place there is a flight of steps which becomes distinct in recognizing the place mirroring itself with the placement of a mosque. 

It houses three distinct buildings built at three different times. The first one was a madrasa or a school, the second was a mausoleum and the third was Asharfi Mahal which was commemorated as a tower of victory against the Rana of Chittor. 

Most of the towers and buildings of this place have collapsed and its structure is in ruins now. Locals say that it was built hurriedly and carelessly which led to this breakdown. 

It falls under the reign of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Echo point 

En route Rani Roopmati’s Pavilion, is a tourist point in Mandu which has become very famous among tourists. Visiting echo point is one of the most looked forward to places to visit in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh.

Kakra Koh Waterfall 

Photographers and trekkers, Kakra Koh waterfall is for you. 

This waterfall is 7-8 km before Mandu. It garners excellent views during monsoons as the waterfall is at its full capacity giving a picturesque view of the mountains. 

The waterfalls go through the deep ravine and look absolutely beautiful and scenic. 

Here, in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh, one can find many such places which are oozing natural beauty and one can fully enjoy them to relax and unwind with friends and family.

Taveli Mahal 

Located towards the south of Jahaz Mahal, it forms a part of the Mandu Fort complex. It is a two-storied building once used as a stable and house for guards during the Mughal rule. It is now the office of the Archaeological Survey of India and houses a small museum too.

Places to visit around Mandu 

Maheshwar 

Maheswar is located at a distance of 40 km from Mandu and takes approximately an hour to reach by road. Known to be the capital of Holkar state during the 18th century, it is a destination which attracts pilgrims, tourists and shopaholics. 

Along with beautiful ghats on the bank of the river Narmada, it showcases a historic fort which interests history buffs. The Maheswari weavers are famous for their silk and cotton sarees and dress materials as also the accessories made out of it and date back to the 5th century. 

Mhow 

Also known as Ambedkar Nagar, Mhow is an Army Cantonment and is the birthplace of Sh. Bhimrao Ambedkar the author of our Indian constitution. Located around 23 km from Indore, its distance from Mandu is approximately 70 km and it takes one and half hours by road to reach there. It has beautiful pathways and walking areas. 

Once can have a look at the army installations lined on the roads giving a different look to the town. Mhow boasts of great shopping opportunities with smocking (a type of embroidery) dress materials and gowns as also home furnishings at the shops located in the main market.

Omkareshwar 

Omkareshwar is a religious place is associated with Lord Shiva and is amongst the famous 12 Jyotirlingas and considered very sacred. Read about Trimbakeshwar Temple – another jyotirlinga that is located in Maharashtra.

It is located at a distance of around 100 Kms from Mandu along the banks of the sacred river Narmada. There are two jyotirlingas here Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar. The views of ghats and the river are breathtaking and house many temples and shrines. 

One of the biggest tourist attractions here is the Jhula Pul which gives an amazing view of the Narmada river and the temple which is built quite akin to the Laxman Jhoola of Rishikesh.

Also Read about another Shiva temple in Madhya Pradesh – Bhojeshwar Shiva Temple, Bhopal

Dhar 

Dhar city is located in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh like Mandu. This ancient town was founded by Udaji Rao Puar who was a Maratha General and was given the responsibility to expand the Maratha empire here. Dhar houses an amazing fort, a palace, a beautiful mosque and a serene lake making it worth visiting for tourists to spend some time here.

Choral Dam 

This is a great attraction amongst tourists owing to its tranquillity and serenity. It is located at a distance of around 80 km from Mandu and the cool and clear water here along with the greenery and the surrounding hills make this place complete. One can go boating too. It is a perfect place to relax and unwind with one’s friends and family.

Best time to visit Mandu Madhya Pradesh

Summers are scorching in Madhya Pradesh. The heat hinders the energy required for sightseeing. While in monsoon, the palaces and fort complexes become mesmerizingly beautiful during this time and the area around is lush green. The waterfall and the reservoirs etc are in full bloom during this time of the season. Winters are cooler here and give that zeal and energy to go through so many monuments which are the essence of tourism here.

The best months to visit will be from July to March which comprises mainly the monsoon and winter seasons. The average temperatures in these months are quite comfortable for tourists to sightsee.

Must try food in Mandu

Dal Paniya 

This is a local delicacy quite similar to that of Daal Baati. Wherein the baati here is first boiled in hot water and then roasted in tandoor. Many restaurants and hotels serve this local food which they are proud of.

Baobab Trees 

Mandu is home to these trees native to Africa and locals call it Khorasani Imli. It is a kind of fruit and can be added to curries for its tangy taste. Local vendors can be seen selling these outside the fort complex and other sightseeing places too.

How to reach Mandu 

By Flight

The nearest airport to Mandu is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore. Indore is very well connected to all the metros and major cities of India through various flights which commute on a regular basis. From Indore, one can hire a taxi to Mandu or take a bus from the Sarvate bus stand or Gangwal bus stand. It takes around three hours to reach the place. 

By Train

Mandu does not have its own railway station. The nearest railway station to Mandu is Ratlam, about 124 Kms. It is a major train junction located on the Delhi-Mumbai mainline. From Ratlam too, one can either take a bus or book a taxi to reach Mandu.

By Road 

Mandu is very well connected to major cities of Madhya Pradesh through a good road network.

Where to stay in Mandu

There are a few options if you prefer to stay in Mandu. However, being a one-day trip from Indore, Mandu has fewer choices. Madhya Pradesh Tourism has a lovely resort called MPT Malwa Resort that provides a comfortable stay.

If you are staying in Indore, then these are some of the options:

Luxury: Sayaji, Radisson Blu Indore, Indore Marriot

Mid-range: Ginger, Avadh Residency, Hotel Ambassador

Budget: Krishna Residency, Malwa Inn, Atithi Niwas

FAQs for Places to visit in Mandu Madhya Pradesh

Why is Mandu famous? 

Mandu is a famous town near Indore that is popular for one-day trips. Mandu has myriads of interesting places to be visited including forts, gateways, palaces, caves and temples. There are many waterfalls and beautiful nature all around Mandu.

Is Mandu a hill station?

Mandu is a fort town located in the Vindhya mountain range. It is not a typical hill station but if you love architecture and history then there are many places to visit here. It is an easy one-day trip from Indore.

Is Mandu worth visiting?

Mandu, or the ”City of Joy”, is a beautiful hilltop fort, deserted, dramatic and full of history. It is a must-visit in Madhya Pradesh!

Sustainable tips for Places to visit in Mandu Madhya Pradesh

• Carry a bag to store the wrappers and plastic packets. Take it back to the city for disposal. DO NOT under any circumstances throw the plastic in water tanks or kund in the fort.
• Do not dispose of leftover food. 
• Take food only in the quantity that you will consume.
• Do not carry liquor – it is banned to consume it on the fort premises.
• Do not write on or distort the rocks of the fort. You are witnessing a portion of history so respect it.
• The structures of Mandu have stood the test of time. It’s good to respect them by not writing names or scratching the surface.

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