Beautiful Tourist Places in Mandu, Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, India

Beautiful Tourist Places in Mandu, Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, India

Mandu is located in Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh known for imposing forts and palaces. Mandu is approx 35 kms from Dhar and about 100 kms from city of Indore. Hindi is the main language of Mandu and its coordination lies at 22.20’7” degree North Latitude and 75.24’57” degree East Longitude.

Mandu History:

Earlier Sanskrit inscriptions say that Mandu history dates back to 555 A.D. and the city of Mandu was found in 6^th century B.C. Mandu attained prominence during 10^th and 11^th century as the place was ruled by Parmar kings. Formerly Mandu was known as “Shadiabad” meaning city of happiness and joy which was given by Mughal Emperor Alauaddin Khilji. Mandu was under the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar until it was taken over by the Marathas in the year 1732.

Places to see in and around Mandu:

Hindola Mahal:

This mahal is also known as Swing Palace is situated in Mandu and is named due to sloping side walls. The Hindola Mahal was built in the year 1425 and is a major tourist spot in Mandu.

Darya Khan’s Tomb:

Darya Khans Tomb is situated near Hathi Mahal and is known for its intricate patterns on mosaic tiles. It is one of the major tourist place in Mandu.

Jahaz Mahal:

Jahaz Palace is also called as Ship Palace and was built in 15^th century by Ghiyas-Uddin. The double storey structure lies between 2 artificial lakes namely Munj Talab and Kapur Talab. The Palace has pavilions, open terraces and balconies.

Dai Ka Mahal:

Dai ka Mahal also called as Nannys Palace used to be womens residences who were hired to look after the babies of the Mandu rulers.

Rewa Kund:

This is a tiny reservoir built by Baz Bahadur used to supply water to Rupmati Pavilion.

Jami Masjid:

This is a gigantic mosque built as per Afghan style of architecture located on a high elevated ground with a plinth and domed porch in the center. The mosque was constructed by Hoshang Shah and completed by Muhammad Khilji in the year 1454.

Baz Bahadur’s Palace:

The Palace was built by Baz Bahadur in 16^th century which has high elevated terraces and large halls. The Palace is being built as per Afghan style of architecture and was built in memory of tragic love story between Rani Rupmati and Baz Bahadur.

Hathi Mahal:

Hathi Mahal is also called as Elephant Palace due to the presence of large pillars resembling the legs of an elephant. It is one of the major tourist place in Mandu.

Bagh Caves:

These caves dates back to 400 A.D. and are known for their old paintings similar to the one that is located in Ajanta. Overall there are 9 Buddhist rock cut caves used by Buddhist monks as a place of dwelling.

Dilawar Khan’s Mosque:

This is one of the earliest Indo-Islamic structures located in Mandu built in the year 1405 by Dilawar Khan Gauri. The mosque has a main entrance, huge corridors on all three sides and a prayer room for offering Namaz.

Rupmati Pavilion:

This monument is built using a huge sandstone located opposite to Baz Bahadur Palace. It is said that Rani Rupmati used to stay at this Palace from where she used to see river Narmada. The Palace also offers an ideal place for watching sunset over river Narmada.

Hoshang’s Tomb:

The tomb is considered to be one of the first Indian marble structures built in the year 1440. The tomb is square in shape and has a dome with high towers, open courts.

Other attractions in and near Mandu include:

Dai ki Chotti Bahen ka Mahal
Nilkanth Mahal
Rupayam Museum
Chhappan Mahal Museum
Darwazes
Malik Mughith Masjid
Nilkanth Shrine
Sri Madhavgarh Teerth

Connectivity to Mandu:

Mandu is well connected by road and rail modes of transport. Many bus services are available from Mandu to Dhar and Indore at regular intervals. The nearest railway station and airport is Indore which is approx 100 kms from Mandu.

Accommodation facilities in Mandu:

Mandu has some good hotels and guest houses that provide decent accommodation facilities to the tourists. The hotels range from 1 star rating to 5 star rating providing host of amenities and world class services at the fingertips of the visitors. List of some of the hotels located in and near Mandu are: