Mandu : The City of Joy (2019 - Updated)

 Mandu, Mandav or Mandavgad the place where you must visit once and see the Wonders of Madhya Pradesh (M.P.) in India. The place where you will be found the Palaces, Gates, Monuments along with a beautiful experience that makes your life happier and joyfully. Would you like to be a part of this awesome journey with me? So, let's begin.

Points we will cover -   1. History                            4. Road Map

                                       2. Tourist spots                   5. Hotel and Restaurant

                                       3. Mandu Festival               6. Best time to visit

                                                                                        7. Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________                                               

History 

The word Mandu is origin from a Prakrit corruption of "Mandupa Durga".

       

The Paramara dynasty ruled Mandu in the 10th-11th century.

In 1305, Delhi sultan Allauddin Khilji captured Malwa.

Pinterest

In 1401, When Timur captured Delhi, He makes the Afghan Dilawar khan as a governor of Malwa and Dilawar khan set of his little kingdom in Mandu. After his death, his son Hoshang Shah took the throne and shifted his capital from Dhar to Mandu.

In. 1436, Mohammad Khilji take the charge and established Khilji dynasty in Malwa. He was succeeded by his son Ghiyas-Ud-Din which build Jahaz Mahal in Mandu.

In 1526, Bahadur Shah of Gujarat captured the Mandu. After Akbar defeated Hemu in the second battle of Panipat he sent Adam khan and Pir Mohammad khan to captured Malwa. They attacked Malwa and along with Malwa, he won Mandu. One of the reasons of Adam khan to attack Mandu is to see the love of King Baz Bahadur that is Rani Roopmati. But after listening, Baz Bahadur defeated in Battle Rani Roopmati poisoned and died.

After Akbar, Mandu dependence until 1732 when Peshwa Baji Rao (Maratha) takes charge and shifted capital back from Mandu to Dhar.

______________________________________________________________________________

                                              Tourist spots

Roopmati pavilion

a. Roopmati pavilion  

 It's told the love story of Rani Roopmati and Prince Baz Bahadur. The pavilion made off Large Sandstone. In the southern side of pavilion Baz Bahadur palace and the Narmada river flowing through the Nimar plains far below, a river which is very close to her heart.

b. Baz Bahadur palace

Baz Bahadur palace

Baz Bahadur the last independent ruler of Malwa. This palace is a mixer of Rajasthani and Mughal style constructed by Nasir-Ud-Din in 1508-09. It is famous for its large courtyard surrounded by large halls and high terraces. It is in the southern side of Rani Roopmati pavilion and can be seen from the pavilion.

c. Reva Kund

 A Reservoir constructed by Baz bahadur for the purpose of supplying water to Rani Roopmati pavilion. The reservoir is suited below the pavilion and now an architectural marvel.

Jami Masjid

d. Jami Masjid 

 The large courtyard Mosque which is famous for its architecture inspired by the great mosque of Damascus. In front of Jami Masjid, there are ruins of Ashrafi Mahal.

e. Ashrafi palace

  Ashrafi palace which is now a ruin. In the northeast of the palace, there is seven-story wining memorial and a Ram Temple nearby.

Hoshang Shah Tomb

f. Hoshang Shah Tomb 

 An excellent example of Afghan architecture which is India's first marble architecture. Shahjahan sent his architect in Mandu to see Hoshang Shah tomb and took inspiration to
build the Taj Mahal.

i. Hindola Mahal 

 Hindola Mahal means Swinging Palace, name because of its Sloping Side Wall. This Palace is in "T-shape" it's constructed by Prince of Malwa Baz Bahadur in 1425.

Jahaz Mahal/Ship Palace

g. Jahaz Mahal/Ship Palace 

 It is located between two artificial lakes (Munj Talao and Kapur Talao) therefore it is also known as "Ship floating in Water". Jahaz Mahal is constructed by Ghiyas-Ud-Din  Khilji  It is a very beautiful place which makes you feel like Heaven.

j. Champa Baoli and Hammam

 A bath which is constructed in Turkish style. This placed was named Champa Baoli because the aromas of the water were considered to be similar to the flower of Champa (Plumeria alba).

Taveli Mahal

h. Taveli Mahal 

        A monument that is situated in the south of Jahaz Mahal. Constructed from Big rocks, and a wonderful palace of the Mughal period.

j. Nilkanth Mahal

Kakra Khoh Waterfall 

   Nilkanth Mahal is an old Shiv Temple which was later converted to pleasure place. It has a natural stream that flows inside the building which is very typical of many Shiva shrines where natural water flows on the top of the Shivling.

k. Kakra Khoh Waterfall

  A beautiful waterfall located on the way of 7 to 8 km before reaching to Mandu. The view from Kakra Khoh is very pretty you should stop and see nature's beauty.

l. Fossils Park (Ashmodha)

Fossils park

    It is situated near Kakra Khoh. Big size models of dinosaur is one of the attractions. There is a museum with models, different fossils and even dinosaur eggs on display.

k. 12 Gates ( Darwaza )

 It is the main entrance of Mandu which gives you a royal feeling. All the gates tell its story. All the gates is notable and beautiful but the first gate (Delhi Darwaza) is above all others.

Name of all Gates - Delhi Darwaza, Alamgir Darwaza, Bhangi Darwaza, Kamani/Kabaani Darwaza, Gadi Darwaza, Rampol Darwaza, Tripoltya Darwaza, Tarapur Darwaza, Bhagwaniya Darwaza, Jahangir Darwaza, Lohani Darwaza, and Hathya Por Darwaza.

Echo Point

l. Echo point

 Eco point is an inconspicuous spot on the road in route of Rani Roopmati Pavilion. It is near Sagar Taloa. Eco can be heard clearly.

m. Other places 

Darya Khan Tomb

Shri Mandavgarh Teerth, Gada Shah Palace, Dilawar Khan's Mosque, Dia ka Mahal, Andha-Aandhi ka Mahal, Darya Khan Tomb, Ujali Baodi, Chappan Mahal Museum, Chisti Khan's Mahal, Andheri Baodi, Hathi Mahal, and Jali Mahal.

 _____________________________________________________________________________

Mandu Festival

 Mandu festival is organised by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department in September-October for 10 days. It depicts the culture of Madhya Pradesh. It organised in Mandu, Indore and Ujjain. In this event, along with cultural activities, adventure sports are also organised.

                                                             

 There is a lot of adventurous activities held in it like Parasailing, Power paramotor, Air gun shooting, ATV bike, Zorbing ball, Air ballon, Rocket bungee, Barma bridge etc. Mandu Festival is a centre of attraction for Indians and foreigners.

________________________________________________________________________

Hotels and Restaurants in Mandu

1.    Hotel Virasat Mandu       
2.    Roopmati The valley Hotel by Scarlett Hills
3.    Malwa Resort (MPSTDC)
4.    Jahaz Mahal hotel Mandu
5.    Jhira Bagh palace
6.    Hotel Ashray (The city villa)
7.    TBT camping Mandu
8.     Hotel Nilkanth Palace
9.     Hotel Maharaja
10.   Hotel Shivani Resort
11.   Hotel Gurukripa
12.   Hotel Royal Palace  

______________________________________________________________________________    

Best time to visit in Mandu

The full beauty of Mandu is seen in the month of October to March. Winter is the best season to see the beauty of this amazing place. You can visit Mandu any season but in Winter season the climate of Mandu is warm its temperature is around 10 to 25-degree Celsius. During Winter, there is greenery all around and seeing this scenery, you get adorable.

______________________________________________________________________________

Road map of places to visit in Mandu 

                    

                

_________________________________________________________________________

Conclusion

Mandav or Mandu is a beautiful place where you enjoy with your family. His Palace, Tomb, Mosque, Architectures and beauty gives you that experience which you will never forget in your life. Mandav is the place where you come closer to the history of India. Mandu's special Dal-Bati, Ladoo, Imli (Tamarind), Corns, gives you a new taste.
                                                          The history that I told you earlier tells how different dynasties have ruled the Mandu that why we see the varieties of Monument. In short, if you want to see and feel our history, beauty, and want to get experience which is last long so this place is for you.

Are you enjoying the journey? Leave a comment and tell your experience.