Mandu- The essence of love

Mandu is situated 2000 feet above the sea-level, it is a place better known as Capital of physical pleasure for Mughal Kings and on the other hand famous for the love story of Baz Bahadur a poet prince and Queen Roopmati.

History of Mandu

The place was ruled by Parmars till 13th Century when Mughals invaded. Seeing the nature's beauty the Mughals named it Shadiyabad which means a place of pleasure or joy. The place is situated at the bank of river Narmada in Madhya Pradesh and is about 45sq km in area. 12 gates are crossed to reach Mandu.

Places to see at Mandu

Mandu is a place of architectural beauty blessed with the various type of monuments, palaces, tombs and mosques. Important places for tourists are -

Jahaj Mahal- As the name suggests there is a palace of ship shaped which is 120 meter long. It was made by Gayasuddin Khilji between two artificial lake named Munji Talab and Kanpur Talab. The palace looks like sailing as a ship in the lake. Sultan Gayasuddin Khilji used it for fulfillment of his sexual desire and used as harem keeping about 15000 women.

Hoshang Shah’s Tomb- This is a great creation of Afghan reign. It has a beautiful dome, marble lattice work, porticos, courts and towers. This is the first Indian monument made up of 100 percent marble. The tip of the monument is very attractive and the nets and pillars are example of great creation.
Shah Jahan sent his craftsmen including Hamid the main architect before making Taj Mahal to inspire with the great creation.


Asharfi Mahal- This palace was made by Mahmud Shah Khilji an ascendent of Hoshung Shah which intended to be a Madarsa a school for Muslim community. After winning the battle from Mewar by Rana Kumbha, he built this seven storeyed pillar. At present only one pillar is intact.
This palace is also known a 'Palace of Golden coin'. There is an interesting story behind this name. The plaace contained 200 stairs and women kept by Sultans were asked to climb up and down and was awarded with an asharfi 'Golden coin' as reward. This was done with an intention to keep those women slim and attractive.


Hindola Mahal- This is also called Swinging Palace as the wall of the palace were slopy and looks as hanging or swinging. This was made by Gayasuddin Khilji as a audience hall and his meeting and conference. The palace was made by a special stone called Balua. This used to be Diwan-e-Khas for Sultans of Malwa.


Jami Masjid- This grand Mosque is among the biggest mosque in Asia and is made by inspiration of mosque of Damascus. Its construction was started by Hoshang and completed by Mahmud Khalji in 1454 A.D. In the centre of the mosque the porch is sorrounded by many decorated pillars.


Lohani caves- It is the lone ancient monument in the Mandu fort at present.They were made in about the eleventh or twelfth century A.D. for residence of "Shiva Jogis". In their front is a rock-cut cistern. Their premises were once filled with Debris, which when cleared yielded some 80 sculptures or carvings now in the local museum at Dharmasala attached to Hoshang’s tomb.

Rewa Kund- This is a reservoir built with an aqueduct to provide water to the palace of Rani Roopmati. Now a days it is considered as sacred place.

Baz Bahadur Palace- This was made in 6th century and is situated on the slopes of a hill in the midst of picturesque natural scenery with a wide courtyard and encircled by halls and high terraces.

Roopmati’s Palace- This is situated beyond the Baz Bahadur Palace from where she could see Baz Bahadur’s palace and the sacred river Narmada,the stream of which is seen is from here on a clear sunny day, winding about like a white serpent on the plains below.

There are other places like Hathi Mahal, echo point etc. Those who are interested to see historical creations, Mandu is an ideal place for them.

How to Reach Mandu

Indore is the nearest airport, Railhead and even best approachable by road. Mandu is about 100 km from Indore airport and 95 Km from the Railway station and roadways. Private vehicles are also available on hire at Indore.

Overall Mandu is a pride of Madhya Pradesh which is considered as Heart of India.