Mandu – Your Next getaway from Delhi

Posted on August 1, 2019 by Ghoomophiro

Madhya Pradesh is full of small cities and towns that are relatively less known among tourism lovers and are historical delights that often need a day or less to visit them. The walled city of Mandu is one of the most important of these towns

Mandu or Mandavgad is an ancient city located in the Malwa region of western Madhya Pradesh, India, at 35 km from Dhar city. It is located at a distance of 100 kilometers from Indore, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. It is a great option to consider for your next weekend getaway.

How we reached Mandu?

First, you need to reach Indore. Indore is nicely connected to the rest of the world via rail, road, and airways. From Indore, we took a bus to Mandu as railway connectivity leaves much for asking. You can also take a taxi from Indore.

When to visit?

The weather is most pleasant in monsoon. We will recommend avoiding both the coldest and, particularly, the hottest times of the year. If you are considering it as an add-on for a tour to Indore or Madhyapradesh, consider the local festivals or events you might be interested in.

Where to stay?

Mandu has several accommodation options catering to all pocket sizes. We stayed at Malwa resort though it was not too much to recommend, it met our most immediate accommodation needs

What to see in Mandu?

 The Darwazas (Gates)

Madu is a walled city. It is surrounded by a 37-kilometer wall which is punctuated by 12 gateways. Naturally, these were too many to keep one’s interest in seeing them all in but the gates are probably the first thing you will see in Mandu as they are located at entrance themselves.

Roopmati’s Pavilion

This pavilion is a large sandstone structure that was originally built as an army observation post. Rani Roopmati, who was the love interest of Baaz Bahadur, is said to have lived here. It is said she would often gaze at the Baz Bahadur’s Palace which is situated below (and next in our list of Mandu’s attractions) and also at Narmada river, flowing through the Nimar plains far below, a river which she revered.

Baz Bahadur’s Palace

Just next to Roopmati’s pavilion is Baz Bahadur Palace and can be seen from the pavilion. Baz Bahadur built this palace in 16th-century structure.

Rewa Kund

Rewa Kund was the reservoir constructed by Baz Bahadur for supplying water to Roopmati’s Pavilion.

Darya Khan’s Tomb complex

Darya Khan was an important minister in the court of Mahmud Khalji II, and his tomb lies in the walled complex along with another tomb, a mosque, a pond, an inn, etc. Hathi Paga Mahal (literally Elephant Leg Palace) is located on the south-eastern side of the Complex and is crowned with a massive dome.

Shri Mandavagadh Teerth

Next in our list of sites worth seeing in Mandu is Shri Mandavagadh Teerth. It is dedicated to Lord Suparshvanatha and belongs to Shwetambar Sect of Jainism. The 3 feet tall idol of Lord Suparshvanath is seated in a padmasana posture. The fort also has a smaller temple dedicated to Lord Shantinath and there are ruins and idols of several temples – according to one source, there were once as many 700 Jain temples here.

Chaturbhuj Sri Rama temple

This temple of Mandu is unique for feature a Lord Rama statue, the only one of its kind – that shows him with four arms.

Jama Masjid

Mandu’s Jama Masjid is said to be inspired by the great mosque of Damascus and tries to replicate the Damascus Mosque in its simplicity as well as architectural style-with large courtyards and grand entrances. In the front, there are ruins of Asharfi Palace. The complex of buildings has a seven-story winning memorial at the north-east of the palace as well as a Rama Temple, which was built by Maharani Sakarwar bai Pawar in 1769 AD.

Hoshang Shah’s Tomb

The tomb of Hoshang Shah is yet another important monument in Mandu as it is considered to be India’s first marble structure. Its dome, marble latticework, porticoed courts, and towers show the influence of Afghan architecture. It has been said that it served as a template for the construction of Taj Mahal.

Jahaz Mahal

Jahaz Mahal (literally Ship Palace) and also known as Water Palace of Mandu is a palace located between two artificial lakes and gives the appearance of being a ship floating in the water. This wonderful two-story architectural marvel was built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khalji and served as a harem for him.

Hindola Mahal

Last in our list of sights to see in Mandu is Hindola Mahal. Hindola Mahal literally meaning Swing palace gets its name from its sloping side walls. Though the architectural splendor shows that this palace has enjoyed a rich past, historians are in no agreement as to the time of its construction or the purpose it served.

Conclusion

The best way to visit Mandu is either on a weekend getaway from Delhi or a one-day trip while being on an extended tour in Indore. A possible plan might involve visiting it after you are done with Indore and then head to Maheswar and/or Omkareshwar. The lack of tourists in this town will make you feel like discoverer or new tourist attractions.  J