Mandu- India, Places To Visit And How To Reach!

Mandu is a town in the state of Madhya Pradesh standing head straight for its walls made of stone and getaways. The architectural brilliance of this Indian town is not that typical of the Indian culture and tradition but specific to the Afghan heritage.

Majestic forts seen in every nook and corner are the signature of Mandu. The Baobab tree found in the town is also exclusive to the city and its geography. Since you can see a lot of Afghan elements in the town.

It can also be obvious that the city is quite ancient and it has been in the pages of history since the 6th C BC. Taj Mahal and its architecture are credited to have been inspired by construction that is located in this fort town.

Mandu is also the home to the biggest fort in India. Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur, two legends had their romantic life marked in Mandu town. 

Things To do/Places To Visit In Mandu

1. Ship Palace

Ship Palace is a rare architectural excellence in Mandu town situated between two lakes. But both lakes are artificial and made to serve the purpose of accentuating the visual elegance of Ship Palace.

The construction is named so since it creates the visual illusion of a ship sailing through the waters. Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khalji is credited with the construction of the palace. Ship Palace has also got the name of Jahaz Mahal among the natives.

The construction is built in two stories. 

2. Rani Roopmati Pavilion

This structure made using sandstones was initially built as a post for army memorials. Later on, the memorial got renamed Rani Roopmati Pavillion. The queen was romantically chased by the king, Baaz Bahadur.

People believe the queen to have lived here once and admired the king and the river, Narmada. Rani Roopmati, the legend behind the structure was a melodious singer and poet. The structure is now maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The pavilion visit also gifts you a magnificent view of the Narmada river. 

3. Hindola Mahal 

The translated meaning of the name “Hindola Mahal” is “Swing Palace”. The sloping position of its walls is the reason behind this naming. The reigning period of king Hushang Shah during the 15^th C is estimated to be the period of construction of the palace.

During ancient times, the Swing Palace had been used for the purpose of conducting royal performances as well as to accommodate the audience. The palace is now existing in a T-shape. An open-air theatre and an audience hall are the facilities set up inside the hall.

4. Hoshang Shah Tomb

The Hoshang Shah Tomb is a pure construction exclusively using marble stone. This structure is regarded as the first-ever marble construction in India. People also believe that the Taj Mahal’s construction concept was adapted from the Hoshang Shah Tomb.

Signs of Hindu architecture become visibly superior in the pillars of this tomb. It was constructed during the ruling period of the Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji, a Mandu king. The king used to accommodate women in this structure. 

5. Jami Masjid

This is one of the historically relevant mosques situated in the town of Mandu. Mughal Architecture is the predominant aesthetics in Jami Masjid. It was king Hoshang Shah who ordered the construction of this historical mosque.

But the construction was wrapped up when Mahmud Khilji was on the throne in the year 1454. There are 3 domes for this mosque structure. Gigantic red stones make this mosque visible even from a faraway place.

It was the Omayyed Mosque located in Syria that incited the dream of building a similar mosque in the mind of the king, Hoshang Shah. The construction of the mosque took 49 years. 

Mandu is a town with a glorious past that beautifully reflects in all its legendary monuments. Travel to this perfect monsoon destination and relax in the serene environs of the MPT Malwa Resort. The property has elegant cottages that offer views of the garden & lake.#MPTourism pic.twitter.com/YfXlrtdqPZ

— Madhya Pradesh Tourism (@MPTourism) July 10, 2020

6. Baz Bahadur Palace

The construction credit for this palace goes to the king, Nasir-ud-Din during the early 16^th century. The subtle integration of Mughal architecture and Rajasthan royalism is the peculiar feature of Baz Bahadur’s Palace.

As the name suggests, the palace was built for the last Mandu king, Baz Bahadur. The king was obsessive about this palace and the Rewa Kund nearby also because of the fact that the location was the venue for his romantic life with the celebrated singer, Roopmati.

The palace is a construction of pride with its positioning at the top of the hill. Moreover, you can’t reach the entrance of the palace without climbing a total of 40 steps. The palace visit helps you see most of the Mandu region in its entirety. 

7. Lohani Caves and Temple

These rock boulders located in the town of Mandu have got considerable spiritual significance too. It is believed that the Shaiva Yogis used to meditate in the place and the caves are renowned as their residence now.

You won’t be able to gather much info regarding the temple from the natives here. Unlike other constructions and forts in Mandu, the Lohani Caves don’t have any architecture or inscriptions on them.

But archaeological experts often find the place potential of revealing facts of history. They have even found the ruins of Hindu god sculptures on the site and the same can be visited in the museum of Chappan Mahal. 

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8. Ashrafi Mahal 

The structure was originally an Islamic school. The construction collapsed before its expected lifetime since the architecture and design were not that perfect and surviving. The reigning period of Hoshang Shah and Mahmud Shah Khilji is believed to;

It is to be the construction period of the Ashrafi Mahal. The structure is currently in its ruins. The objective of constructing the Mahal was to promote education. 

9. Kakra Khoh Waterfall

In the entire fort town of Mandu, you will only find one other natural site waiting for you here. The Kakra Khoh waterfall often gets dried up during summer so it is better to visit during the monsoon.

You can find a bunch of local street vendors nearby the location selling snacks, water bottles, and many more.

How To Reach Mandu?

Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Mhow Railway Station (MHOW)

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