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 ne of the most stunning historical sights in Central India, Mandu crowns a small plateau that spectacularly rises above the surroundings. The views from here in any direction are superb and they become even more magical during the monsoons when several
waterfalls gush down the plateau and the complete area becomes verdant green.
During the magical spell of monsoons, when old buildings of the fort get mirrored in the
lakes, Mandu is considered one of the most romantic historical site in
India.
Architecturally speaking, Mandu is a treasure presenting the best in provincial Islamic
style. A large number of buildings are scattered in a fort surrounded by a 45 km long parapet wall. The site is such that it needs a lot of exploration;
certainly bicycles as the mode are the best.
 The buildings can be divided into four groups. The first group known as
Royal Enclave have two very interesting buildings among several others.
Hindola Mahal or the Swing Palace has inward sloping walls to give it a swaying impression. The other one known as
Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace) is a long narrow ship like structure that reflects in
the lakes around it. The second group has Hoshang Shah’s beautiful tomb as India’s first marble
monument. The Sagar Talao Group also has several interesting monuments including the
Hathi Mahal or elephant palace named so due to the stumpy pillars used to support the dome.
The most beautiful group is the Rewa Kund group. Mandu’s repute of a
romantically inspired place is most pronounced here. Here, the
famous
m usician Prince Baz Bahadur got a beautiful lake and a
palace built for his extremely beautiful mistress
Roopmati just next to his own palace. She was a
shepherdess and agreed to come to Mandu only on condition that she should be able to view the sacred river Narmada.
Narmada River is thus visible from the great height of Roopmati’s pavilion.
 The Palace of Baz Bahadur is also a remarkably large and
beautiful
building. The spectacular views of the countryside and valleys below from both the palaces especially during sunsets and sunrises are sure not to be missed!
Though Mandu literally means ‘the city of Joy’, it has had a chequered history. It
had remained a prized possession of different
rulers since 10th century AD. In a guided tour of Mandu a traveler discovers that apart from its great historical accounts there are several interesting tales and fables associated with it- some romantic and some tragic. Perhaps Mandu is the only place that personifies with itself beauty, art, architecture, monsoons, moods, passions, romance and mystery; all in the same breath.
| QUICK FACTS |
| Getting there |
Nearest airport and important railway station is Indore which is a big commercial center. From Indore it is a 2 hours drive to Mandu. |
| Further connections |
Dhar, Indore, Ujjain, Dewas, Maheshawar and Omkareshwar. |
| Best time to visit |
Very hot in summer months. Winter is cool and pleasant. Monsoon months (July to September) are the best and most pleasant months to visit Mandu (All lakes and ponds get completely filled giving a magical touch to
the whole atmosphere). |
| Important
Information |
Allow a couple of days to fully appreciate the place. It is possible to hire bicycles and explore the area, a mode of sightseeing which is most recommendable and enjoyable.
Bring sunglasses and sunscreen lotions. |
| TOURS TO MANDU | |
  
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