Mostly Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Central Region of India that i.e Madhya Pradesh are known for their rich cultural heritage and ancient buildings. Talking about Madhya Pradesh Orchha, Mandu, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Ujjain, all these are most visit destinations due to heritage significance, ancients monuments and great ambience.
In all such cities, Mandu or Mandavgarh is the land of happiness for many travel aspirants as weel well as history buffs. This blog is totally dedicated to those travels, who want to explore Mandu.
Take a look –Â
Exploring the City of Joy – Mandu
Located in the Vindhya Range at Dhar district, Mandu is the known due to its heritage structures surrounded by blissful natural vistas. The landscape of Mandu offers rich ancient history to learn and see the best of India. Talking about beautifully created Rani Roopmati Mahal, Hathi Mahal, Jahaz Mahal and Masjids, they all remind us of the era of different rulers.
Today, Mandu tourism offers a getaway for every travel freak and photography lovers. Apart from this, Mandu provides a culinary taste of traditional Malwa cuisines such as Daal Baati and Malpua and. You can also participate in the Malwa festival organised by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department during your holiday trip.
Historical & Architectural View of Mandu
Mandu was founded by Raja Bhoj in the 10th century and was later occupied by the Muslim rulers of Delhi in 1304. Numerous ponds and lakes scattered throughout further enhance the beauty of the site. Each structure in Mandu is an architectural gem and has been constructed over a span of barely 125 years, i.e. between 1401 A.D. and 1526 A.D. Structures such as the huge Jami Masjid and the tomb of Hoshang Shah were also inspired to design the glorious Taj Mahal.
Also Read: Madan Mahal The Fort of Queen Durgawati – An Epitome of Architecture
Popular Attractions to See at Mandu
Splendid palaces, temples, monuments and tombs represent Mandu’s culture. Three groups, namely, the Royal Enclave, Rewa Kund Group, and the Village Group, roughly categorize these attractions.
Jahaz Mahal
Jahaz Mahal is a stunning, well-kept, historically significant part of Mandu. The location and the presence of a ship between two lakes, Kapur Talao and Munj Talao, gave the palace its name, Ship Palace. Created under the power of Mandu Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji who had a vast harem of about 15000 women.
In order to accommodate the ladies in a proper building, this monumental palace was constructed. This place was ideal as there are numerous fountains and the serenity of flowing water through the canals. The architecture, including two floors, numerous pillars, arches and features, such as tiling over the arches, makes it worth visiting the place, among many others. For photographers, the panoramic view of the lakes, surrounding landscaped gardens and the greenery is the best location.
Hindola Mahal
The Hindola Mahal was one of the many buildings that made up the royal palace at Mandu. Believed to be constructed during Hoshang Shah’s reign, the Mahal was probably used as a durbar or meeting hall where the king addressed his citizens. This Mahal is a ‘T’ shaped structure and known as Swinging Palace due to its 77° angled wall that gives a swinging look.
During Hoshang Shah’s rule, the building of this hall dates back to 1425. If you are browsing through the places to see in Mandu, to get some of the best historical essences of Madhya Pradesh, you need to include Hindola Mahal in your bucket list for its fine masonry.
Hathi Mahal
Originally designed as a pleasure resort, Hathi Mahal today looks like an abandoned landmark in Madhya Pradesh where the tourists’ minds still have an amazing traces of architectural tile work and the intended external decorative variations.
The huge distorted dome and the thick pillars give the viewers an image of a standing elephant. It’s hard to miss places like this, and this is one of those places to visit in Mandu.
Rani Roopmati Palace
This vintage place of Rani Roopmati presents you with the unparalleled scenery of the river Narmada. The Pavilion still pertains to the love story of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur today. Earlier this hilltop structure was used as an army ground to keep a watch around and guard the kingdom. While the original structure was designed as an observation point for the army, the western additions to the structure allowed the queen to gaze at the palace of her lover and Narmada river. The picturesque views from the palace today amaze travellers.
The pavilion has two watchtowers and beautiful courtyards as well, making it one of Mandu tourist places which are mandatory parts of every itinerary. Another popular attraction situated very close to the place is Echo Point. The sunset views over the Narmada river from the palace make a mark on all those witnessing the sight. It is one of the most exceptional places you should visit in Madhya Pradesh.
Also Read: Explore The Hidden Gems of Chitrakoot in 2021
Baz Bahadur’s Mahal
Baz Bahadur’s Palace is one of the most visited places in Mandu and is visible from the Roopmati Pavilion. The Palace of Baz Bahadur is a building from the 16th century that includes enormous courtyards, large halls and terraces that give stunning views and has drawn visitors from all over the world.
The palace offers the other half of the love tale, a love that transcends faith and worldly relations, between Roopmati and Baz Bahadur. While the walls of the palace reflect the effects of time and nature, the traces of a resplendent history are heard in the palace when walking through the long corridors amid the various pillars and arched entrances. The palace is an outstanding example of the period’s art and architecture.
Hoshang Shah’s Tomb
The tomb of Hoshang Shah has considered the first marble tomb in India and the building dates back to the 15th century. This imposing tomb was a talk about the city when it was made and Shah Jahan also sent his architect Ustad Hamid.
Later the team to investigate the intricacies and specific architectural elements that mostly apply to architecture in the Afghan art style before the construction of Taj Mahal. In Mandu, it is one of those places to visit that gives pride to the state.
Bagh Caves
The name Bagh Caves derives from the seasonal Baghani stream that passes through these Buddhist sculptures. There is a cluster of sculptures and carvings in the Bagh Caves and they are one of the finest among the other Buddhist caves. Located in the Dhar district of Bagh town, you can spot them on the southern slopes of the Vindhya Ranges.
It is said that the Buddhist monk Dataka founded a collection of nine rock-cut monuments between the late 4th and 6th centuries AD. The walls, decorated with ancient mural paintings, are covered in thick brown mud plaster. It is one of the most beautiful and important places to see in Mandu and it is one of the best places for caving in Madhya Pradesh.
Also Read:Â An Offbeat Tour to the Most Famous Caves of India
Note: A nominal fee of INR 100 and INR 5 for foreigners and Indians, respectively, is necessary for entry into any of these classes. Mostly these heritage sites open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. So plan your trip accordingly.
Modes of Reaching
By Airways: Indore Airport is the nearest airport to reach Mandu. After arriving at the airport, you may hire a taxi or cab to reach Mandu.
By Railways: Indore Railway Station is the nearest railhead to reach Mandu. There are taxis and cabs available for hire to reach Mandu.
By Roadways: Many buses operate from Indore to Bhopal via Dhar. To reach Mandu, you need to change your route to Dhar.
Bottom Line
Mandu is an ideal destination for visitors glancing for a leisure vacation. You can best explore this destination via hiring a guide to learn the history or by a cycle on renting easily. Mandu’s picturesque beauty is at full bloom during winter making it one of the best places to visit in India.
