Travel to Mandu

Mandu Tourism

Mandu or Mandwa is the ultimate tribute of love, life, and joy of two beautiful people - Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopomati, immortalized by the marvelous structures, monuments, and palaces made up of stone. You can still listen to their euphoric romance from the balladeers of Malwa.

The first thing that will really amaze you is the series of exquisite palaces and monuments built by the rulers of Malwa. Some of the most renowned ones include Hindola Mahal and Jahaz Mahal, Hoshang Shah's tomb, and Jami Masjid (Damascus's great mosque was the inspiration behind its architecture). In fact, these are the structures that inspired Shahjahan to build one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Taj Mahal, centuries later.

You should not miss the 12 gateways, present on the parapets of the wall. The most renowned of them all is the Delhi Darwaza. Other main gateways are Tarapur Gate, Jehangir Gate, and Rampol Darwaza. While visiting Mandu, you should also have a look at the architectural brilliance such as Baz Bahadur's Palace and Rewa Kund. The latter is actually a water reservoir, built by Baz Bahadur for his paramour Roopmati, to ensure adequate availability of water in her palace.

Roopmati's Pavilion is one of the greatest buildings of this place. Rani Roopmati used to stay in the two pavilions, from where she could watch her lover's palace while the lonely Narmada River flows far below through the Nimar plains.

How to Reach Mandu

The nearest airport to Mandu is at Indore which is 99 km away. The flights connect to cities like Indore with Delhi, Mumbai, Gwalior and Bhopal on regular basis.

The nearest rail-head is at Ratlam. Being one of the main railway stations, almost all trains stop at this station.

The road network that connects Mandu to other cities is quite strong. Regular buses connect this city with other cities like Dhar (35 km), Indore, Ratlam, Ujjain (154 km) and Bhopal (285 km via Indore).

Shopping

Besides usual shopping complexes and shopping arcades, having the latest and happening brands, you will find unique handicrafts in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. These handicrafts bear traditional and cultural touch of this place. You will be amazed by witnessing the mystical and inspired craftsmanship. Many of these art forms were on the brink of extinction. This is when Madhya Pradesh Hastshilp Evam Hathkargha Vikas Nigam Ltd. chipped in to protect this art form from extinction. You can collect the local art forms not only as a souvenir but also to decorate the interior of your house. Visit one of the several Craft Development Centers and purchase the ones that attract your fancy.

Some of the local art forms you cannot miss are Chanderi, Block Print, Silk Chiffon Hand Woven Sarees, Zardosi, Maheshwari, Padana and Mandsaur (Handwoven Cotton Bedspreads), Batik, Gudi-Mudi Khadi, Leather Craft, Woollen Panja Dari, Dabu Prints, Tussar Silk Weaving, Bell Metal Craft, Bagh Prints, Tribal Saree Collection, Woollen Carpet, Cotton Panja Dari, and Wood Block Printing. You will be spoiled for choice while visiting the handicraft centers in Mandu for shopping.

Hotels in Mandu

You will find all kinds of accommodation facilities in Mandu, right from boutique hotels to economic or budget ones. However, the total number of accommodations here is limited. Most of the hotels can be found near five popular destinations of this place and they are Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Dai Ka Mahal, Darya Khan's Tomb, and Rewa Kund.

You will find most of the luxurious hotels in the outskirts of Mandu. Most of these boutique hotels provide palatial rooms, air conditioned lobbies, swimming pools, multiple cuisines, and night bars. The average cost of stay here can be anything between Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 4,000. Within the district, you will find mid-range staying places, which come with restaurant facilities too. A stay at these hotels will cost you anything from Rs. 800 and Rs. 1,500. The price differential depends on the availability of air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms. In Mandu, you can also get budget hotels too. They will cost you around Rs. 500 per night.

Some of the most renowned hotels in Mandu are Malwa Resort, Hotel Maharaja, and Malwa Retreat.
 

Cuisines to try in Mandu

Like any other place in India, you will find all kinds of cuisines and delicacies in Mandu. Multi-cuisine restaurants can be found here. You can have Tandoori, Chinese, Continental, and all other delicacies of the world in the restaurants of this place. You should try the local delicacies to enjoy the taste of the place literally. Whether it is Kebabs, Khoprapak, Bhutte ki Kees, Malpua, or Mawa-bati, you can't afford to miss the local delicacies of Mandu.

Places to See in Mandu

• Hathi Mahal
• Jahaz Mahal
• Bagh Caves
• Hindola Mahal
• Rewa Kund
• Baz Bahadur's Palace
• Dilawar Khan's Mosque
• Nilkanth Mahal
• Chhappan Mahal Museum
• Roopmati's Pavilion
• Darya Khan's Tomb complex
• Hoshang Shah's Tomb
• The Darwazas (Gates)