Mandu is also known as Mandavgad. This fort town is located in the western region of Madhya Pradesh The capital of the Sultanate of Malwa can be approached either from the plains of Dhar or from the mountain pass at Manpur. Towards the end of the 13th century, it came under the sway of the Sultans of Malwa, the first of whom named it Shadiabad - 'city of joy'. From its golden age in the 14th century to the surrender of its rulers to Mughal forces, two centuries later, Mandu attracted the eyes of every conqueror-native or foreigner. Perched along the Vindhyan ranges at an altitude of 2000 feet, the first sight of Mandu is impressive as there is a chasm, a deep wooded ravine that is crossed by a narrow bridge and on the skyline is the largest standing fortified city in the world. It is one of India’s most romantic and picturesque sites. This fortress town on a rocky outcrop, is celebrated for its fine architecture. Mandu celebrates in stone the life and love of the poet-prince Baz Bahadur for his consort, Rani Roopmati. The balladeers of Malwa still sing of the romance of these royal lovers. High on the crest of a hill, Rani Roopmati's pavilion gazes down at Baz Bahadur's palace, a magnificent expression of Afgan architecture. The buildings of Mandu can be divided in three groups: the Royal Enclave Group, the Village Group and the Rewa Kund Group.
Jahaz Mahal is a jewel built somewhere around 1436-1439. According to the legend, this harem was home to 15,000 maidens. It is 120 m long `ship palace’ built between the two artificial lakes, Munj Talao and Kapur Talao on the east and west side of the palace that create a perfect illusion of a ship with its rectangular shape. It’s an elegant two storeyed palace. Probably it was built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji for his large harem. With its open pavilions, balconies overhanging the water and open terrace, Jahaz Mahal is an imaginative recreation in stone of a royal pleasure craft.
Hindola Mahal in Mandu is an ancient construction which was built under the rule of Ghiyas-ud-din. Also referred to as Swing Palace, it was a pleasure dome that gives the impression that the inward slopes of the walls are swaying. The monument is an audience hall and named as swinging palace. Superb and innovative techniques are also evident in its ornamental facade, delicate trellis work in sand-stone and beautifully molded columns. The place is ideal to spot the historic monuments with their wonderful sculpture.
Built by Baz Bahadur in the early 16th century, the palace's unique features are its spacious courtyards surrounded by halls and high terraces which afford a superb view of the surrounding countryside. Baz Bahadur was the legendary king featuring in many folk stories of India for his love with Rupmati. It stands on the hill above the holy Rewa Kund, a tank which supplied water by a water lift.
Mandu,India
The resort is located in Dhar district on the bank of a Lake. It has breathtaking view of nature which gives a charming experience of nature surrounding it. The rooms are relaxing and provide the guests with a beautiful view of the natural lakeside and the lush greenery. This resort has varieties of rooms to select which starts ...
Population: 300000
Average Climate:
| Summer: | 24° C – 45° C |
| Winter: | 08° C – 22° C |
Best time to visit: October to March