Mandu (Mandav), Madhya Pradesh, India

'Mandu is popular for housing India’s largest fort, i.e. Mandu Fort. Muslim rulers call Mandu as Shadiabad, meaning the City of Joy.
Mandu will impress you with views of the setting Sun between the old structures and the love tale of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur. It is one of the ideal weekend getaways from Ujjain/Indore to visit with your friends and family.

How to Reach:

The nearest Airport/Train Station is Indore. You can reach Indore via flight or train and from there you can hire a cab or take a bus to Mandav.

Distance from Indore: 93 Km.
Distance from Ujjain: 150 km

After our visit and stay in Ujjain. The next morning at 7 am we started for Mandav. We took a bus from Devas gate bus stand (2km from Mahakaleshwar temple) for the Dhar bus stand and from there we changed the bus for Mandav. We reached Mandav at 1 pm. Just when we started looking for a hotel someone mentioned Jain Dharmshala at walking distance. We went there and got a room for 500rs for a night after showing government ID proof. We had lunch at a nearby hotel. One of the taxi drivers approached us and said he will show Jahaz places at 3pm and the next day morning he will show us other places. We hired a taxi for 800rs. All places are in the 5km range but it's good to have a hired cab for the tour because there is no taxi available for covering individual points.

Bus fare (Per person):
Ujjain to Dhar - 120rs
Dhar to Mandav - 40rs
Mandav to Indore - 120rs

Places to visit in Mandu can broadly be classified as:

(1) Jahaaz Mahal:

Timing: Monday- closed, open other days 7am to 6pm

Entry Ticket : 25rs/person

Average Time spent: 3-4hrs

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Approximately 1 KM.

Jahaz Mahal is not only the most prominent monument of the royal enclave but also serves as the icon of Mandu. This double-storeyed building stands on a narrow stretch of land sandwiched between the two water bodies of Kapur and Munj Talao. The Jahaz Mahal towers above the two water bodies and in monsoon the water reaches right up to the edge of the monument giving it a ship-like appearance and hence the name Jahaz Mahal.
The Jahaz Mahal was the ultimate place for fun, entertainment, and pleasure.

Other Points inside Jahaz mahal: Jahaz mahal has 14 historical places inside it

(i) Hindola Mahal:

Hindola Mahal or the swing palace is located north of the Jahaz Mahal. This is a T-shaped building with its sloping wall. The roof of the Hindola Mahal has long collapsed exposing the massive pointed arches to the sky.

(ii) Dilwara Khan Masjid:

North of the Hindola Mahal is a series of scattered ruins leading to the Dilwara Khan Masjid, built-in 1405 this is the oldest surviving Islamic architecture of Mandu and the only religious structure in the royal enclave complex.

(iii) Champa Baodi:

At the entrance of the royal palace lies the stepwell of Champa Baodi.
Baodi means step well or water tank, which is relatively in good condition, although the railing has been added by the ASI. A subterranean passage connects the base of the well to vaulted rooms, thus keeping them cool through the blistering summer. It is interesting to see the way water storage systems were designed in Mandu

(iv) Hammam complex:

North of the Champa Baodi is the Hammam complex. The star-shaped opening adorning the dome of the hammam complex allowed natural light to filter into the hammams.

Jal Mahal

(v) Jal Mahal:

Southwest of the Royal Palace and on the furthest end of the Royal Enclave is the Jal Mahal. Barely visited by the tourist it is one of the most enchanting parts of the entire Royal Enclave. During the height of the monsoon when the Munj Talao is full to its brim a narrow passage connects the Royal Palace to the Jal Mahal. The passage contains three pairs of stairs leading to the water on both sides.

Nahar Jharokha Details

(vi) Nahar Jharokha:

Nahar Jharokha is a palace located north of the Hindola Mahal. Nahar Jharokha literally means the tiger window. Today the place does have several windows but the one with the tiger head has long collapsed.

(vii) Taveli Mahal:

The simple-looking, three-storied, building on the right of the entrance of the Royal Enclave once served as a royal stable. The stable was housed on the ground floor while the men in charge of the horses lived on the two top floors. Today it houses the office of Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and a small museum.

(viii) Mandu Royal Palace:

West of the Hindola Mahal and north of the Munj Talao is Mandu’s Royal Palace complex. Although in ruins the complex still provides the grandeur of the golden days of Mandu.

(ix) Kapur Talav:

Kapur Talav

(x) Ancient Hindu Baodi

(2) Rani Roopmati Palace and Baz Bahadur palace:

Timing: 8am to 6pm
Entry Fee: 25rs per person
Average Time Spent: 1hr-1.5hr
Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Around 5.5 KM.

(i) Rani Roopmati Pavalion:

Rani Roopmati, the consort of Baz Bahadur lived here and the balladeers of Malwa have many stories of romance between them.

The legendary love story of Baz Bahadur and astounding singer Roopmati gave birth to the construction of Roopmati Pavilion and Rewa Kund.

The pavilion has two watchtowers and beautiful courtyards as well. It is said that Rani Roopmati was an accomplished classical singer and the pavilion was made acoustically so it served her better.

Baz Bahadur Palace view from Rani Rupmati Palace

(ii) Baz Bahadur palace:

The mix styled architecture that includes a glimpse of Mughal and Rajasthani aesthetics is a marvelous piece of art.
The King became fond of this palace because of his eternal romance with the accomplished singer Roopmati who used to visit the nearby Rewa Kund. There are about 40 broad steps to reach the entrance of the Palace and this hilltop monument offers scenic views of the surrounding region
There is a central pool and one can see steps leading to water from all sides.
This is the place from where Baz bahadur used to conduct his activities. There is a courtyard inside the palace which was used for song and dance programs. Large rooms in the palace were meant for private concerts.

(3) Rewa Kund:

It is situated near Baz bahadur palace. Built by Baz bahadur for Rani Rupmati. It is said that the water source is from the Narmada river. This place needs cleaning & maintenance.

Echo Point

(4) Echo Point:

The place justifies its name. It is on the main road. My wife and kid were quite fascinated by listening to their own voice as an echo.

View from Echo Point

(5) Nilkanth’s Palace:

Nilkantha Mahal is a charming spot named after an Old Shiva temple. One has to go deep down to have a darshan of Lord Shiva. Shiva ling is made-up of Marble stone. Steps are available.

(6) 56 Mahal:

This place is not having much to see and can be avoided if you have less time.
Entry Fee: 5rs

(7) Jama Masjid:

This building is situated at the Mandi bus stand. It also has Hoshang Shah’s Tomb.
Entry Fee: 25rs

(8) Ashrafi Mahal:

The Ashrafi mahal is located opposite Jama Masjid, in the main market. It was originally build to be used as a madrasa means school. The walls were covered with marble slabs and small cubicles were build for students to study in.

(9) Shri Suparshwanath Jain Shwetambar Mandir

It is a beautiful Jain temple with a soothing and peaceful ambiance. Shri Mandavagadh Tirth is dedicated to Lord Suparshwanath. The idol of Lord Suparshvanath is believed to be much older. The idol is white in complexion and is 91.54 cm (3 feet) in height. It is seated in a padmasana posture. The premises have a Jain temple, Dharmashala, Bhojanshala (80rs per person) & open and spacious compound. The place is extremely well maintained and clean. The staff is warm to the travelers and is cooperative. This place holds high importance in Jain history and has many events associated with it!

Related Blogs:

Holy visit to Ujjain (Mahakal Ki Nagari), Madhya Pradesh, India

Places to visit in Madhya Pradesh (M.P.)

Places to visit in Gwalior

Please comment below and let me know which place did you like the most.

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Deepak Jain