Mandu

Jami Masjid, Mandu 01 - 300 px|Jami Masjid

Mandu (City of Joy) is a small city in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India, now best known for a fort built by Baaz Bahadur in the memory of his queen Rani Roopmati. Between 1401 and 1561 it was the former capital of a Muslim state in the north of India. The capital was abandoned more than 400 years ago, and it's now a small city but also home to a large ruins site more than 10 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide. The temple dedicated to Shiva also attracts many pilgrims.

Travel to Mandu

Indore (95 kilometers) has the nearest airport and railhead. Ratlam (124 kilometers) located on the Delhi - Mumbai rail route is another option of getting into Mandu

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Mandu

Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore is the nearest airport. There are regular Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Raipur and Kolkata

Travel on a Bus in Mandu

Mandu is well connected from Indore (95 kilometers) and Dhar (35 kilometers). From Indore there are two direct bus to Mandu and the first from Gangwal Bus Stand (08:00) and second from Sarawate Bus Stand (14:00). The journey takes 3 hours.

Alternatively one can make a break journey at Dhar. There are regular bus service from Indore to Dhar and from Dhar to mandu.

By car

You can rent a vehicle in Indore. The best route from Indore is as follows: Indore - Pithampur - Ghatabillod - Labour - Dhar - Mandu. The distance is roughly 95 kilometers and the roads are in good condition.

How to get around in Mandu

GPS 22.3400|75.3979 Apart from a few isolated ruins the runs of Mandu are clustered around a small area.

Walk

Most of the sites of Mandu can be covered by foot.

Bicycles

Can be hired to visit even the scattered sites of Mandu.

Car

Can be hired, and are is easiest and quickest way to visit the ruins of Mandu

Guides

Guides are available for whole ours/ sightseeing tours but most of these guides operate on a fixed circuit. Most of the major locations have guides at the spot.

What to see in Mandu

Hoshang Shah's tomb (3927224664) - Hoshang Shah's Tomb Inside of Jama Masjid - Inside Jami Masjid Ashrafi Mahal 01 - Ashrafi Mahal Taveli Mahal 02 - Taveli Mahal Jahaz_Mahal_03 - Jahaz Mahal Hindola Mahal 01 - Hindola Mahal Jal Mahal (3926533862) - Jal Mahal from Jahaz Mahal Gada Shah's house (3926464780) - Gada Shah's House Baz Bahadur's Palace 10 - Interiors of Baz Bahadur's Palace [[6rani rupmati mahal mandav - Roopmati's Pavilion Dai_ka_Mahal_(3926082173) - | Dai ka Mahal Dai ki Chotti Behen ka Mahal (3926933454) - Dai ki Chotti Behen ka Mahal

The archaeological sites of Mandu can be classified in five broad groups:

Central Group
Royal Group
Rewa Kund Group
Darya Khan's Tomb Group
Sagar Talao Group

Apart from these major groups there are several scattered archaeological sites all over Mandu. There are also several gateways leading to the fortified medieval settlement of Mandu.

Central Group

As the name suggests and the Central Group is located at the very centre of the fortified fortress of Mandu. Today it serves as the main centre of Mandu town and houses its main bus stop. It is also refereed to as the Village Group. It has four archaeological sites, Ashrafi Mahal (along with the tomb of Mahmud Khilji), Jami Masjid and Hoshang Shah's Tomb. There are also two new temples. One of them is a Jain Temple, while the other is a Ram Temple.

Ashrafi Mahal and Mahmud Khalji's Tomb Opposite Jami Masjid 22.34841, 75.39893 - Located opposite the Jami Masjid. The Ashrafi Mahal, probably served as a madarsa (Islamic school), adjacent to the Mosque, during the reign of Mahmud Khilji (1436 - 69). With the passage of time the Ashrafi Mahal has been reconstructed and extended several times and also have been used for several other purposes. Even the central open courtyard of the madarsa was later used for the construction of the massive tomb of Mahmud Khalji. The tomb has long collapsed. Today the Ashrafi Mahal is approached through a long flight of stairs and through a marble pavilion. The dome that crowned the pavilion has long collapsed. A passageway from the pavilion leads to a open courtyard, which once housed the tomb of Mahmud Khalji. The courtyard is lined with small cells on all four sides. The cells probably served as living quarters of students. On the four corners were minarets and during the reign of Mahmud Khalji and the minarets at the north west corner was converted into victory tower, to celebrate his victory over the Rana of Chittoor. The tower also has long collapsed and its foundation is all that remains to this day. Incidentally the Rana of Chitoor also built a victory tower, which stands to this day.

Jami Masjid 22.34847, 75.39743 Opposite Ashrafi Mahal Jama Masjid, Mandu A largest and the chief mosque of Mandu. The construction of the mosque began during the reign of Hoshang Shah and was completed by Mahmud Khalji. The Jami Masjid in Mandu was modeled after the Mosque of Damascus. It is approached through a huge domed gateway on the east. The door has marble jams and lintel, which probably are reminiscent of Hindu architecture. A passageway through the gate leads to a open courtyard with flanked on three side (except west) by pillared halls, most of which have long collapsed. Straight ahead on the western side is a main prayer hall crowned with three gigantic domes, along with 58 small domes. The paryer hall consisting of an amazing amalgamation of pillaars and arches have 17 curved niches on the western wall. The elaborately decorated central marble niche serves as the main mihrab of the mosque. Just next to the main mihrab is a domed pulpit, approached by a flight of stairs. The imam lead the prayers from this pulpit.

Tomb of Hoshang Shah 22.34850, 75.39623 Behind or west of Jami Masjid - Completed in 1440 the Hoshang Shah's tomb is the first marble structure of India. The tomb is housed in a walled complex with entrance on the northern side. On the eastern side of the complex is a pillared hall. The Tomb of Hoshang Shah is located at the center of the complex and stands on a square raised platform. Above the roof is a slightly raised platform with battlement styled edges. It is slightly smaller than the roof and houses the massive marble dome in the centre. At the four corners of the platform are four smaller domes. The entrance to the tomb is through a arched gateway on the north. The gate way is flanked by two smaller arches with decorative marble screen. The southern wall also has similar archways but all of them have decorative marble screens. At the centre of the hall stands the cenotaph of Hoshang Shah (the original grave is located below, within the platform). It is a marble structure and is built is step pyramid style. It is flanked on both side by few more cenotaphs, one the western side there is one while on the eastern side there are two. It is said that Hoshang Shah Tomb inspired the Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan's architect supposedly went to Mandu to study the tomb's architecture before building the Taj Mahal. Chief architect Hamid left an inscription on the left hand side of the arched entrance, mentioning about their visit, which can still be seen to this day.

Royal Group

Jahaj Mahal - Ship Palace - 22.35551, 75.39314 Sandwiched between Manju and kapoor Talao Opening Hours: Sunrise - Sunset The 110 m long and 15 m broad double - storeyed building is located on a narrow strip of land between the Munj Talao and Kapur Talao, giving the appearance of a ship in water. probably built by Sultan Ghiyathuddin Khalji in the later part of the 15th century. It served as a large harem for the sultan and accommodated a staggering 15,000 women. Later it also served as the residence of Noor Jahan and the favourite queen of Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
The southern end of the double - storied building has a stairs leading directly to the terrace. The northern end of the terrace contains a swimming swimmingpool of floral design there is a similar swimmingpool just below it on the first floor. The terrace has two domed pavilion on the southern and northern end of the long Jahaz Mahal. The northern pavilion is not at the very end of the terrace but just south of the swimming pool. The pavilions still contain blue and yellow tiles.

Hindola Mahal - Swinging Palace - 22.3568, 75.3929 North of Jahaz Mahal Hindola Mahal The T - shaped building with sloping buttressed walls probably served as an audience hall. It was built during the reign of Sultan Ghiyathuddin Khalji in the later part of 15th century.

Royal Palace and Champa Bawdi 22.3568, 75.3920 - West of the Hindola and north of Munj Talao is the royal palace. It is in ruins. At the entrance of the royal palace is the Champa Bawdi (Bawdi means step well), it is relatively in good condition. The railing around the Champa Bawdi is a recent addition by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Subterranean passage connects the base of the well to a series of vaulted rooms, thus keeping them cool during the scorching summer.
North of the Champa Bawdi is the hammam (cold and hot water bath) complex, star and crescent shaped holes in the domed roof allow natural light to filter inside the dark interiors of the hammam.

Dilwara Khan's Mosque 22.3578, 75.3924 - The 1405 built Dilwara Khan's Mosque is the oldest Islamic structure of Mandu. It is located on the northern end of the Royal enclave and is the only religious structure in the Royal enclave.

Jal Mahal - Water Palace - 22.3561, 75.3912
Munj Talao 22.3552, 75.3918A large lake on the western side of Jahaz Mahal

Kapoor Talao 22.3553, 75.3945A lake on the eastern side of Jahaz Mahal

Gada Shah's Shop 22.357237, 75.395944
Adheri Bawdi - Dark Step Well - 22.357748, 75.395466
Ujawala Bawdi - Illuminated Step Well - 22.357971, 75.396003
Taveli Mahal 22.35451, 75.39397
Nahar Jharokha 22.35757, 75.39278

Rewa Kund Group

Rewa Kund 22.3132, 75.4066
Baz Bahadur's Palace 22.3140, 75.4077 - A palace with large courtyards surrounded by large halls and high terraces.

Rani Roopmati Pavilion 22.31067, 75.41025 - A sandstone structure built as an army observation post.

Darya Khan's Tomb Group

Darya Khan's Tomb Complex 22.33786, 75.40165
Darya Khan's Tomb 22.33783, 75.40224
Darya Khan's Mosque 22.33807, 75.40157
Lal Sarai 22.33745, 75.40155
Unknown Tomb 22.33823, 75.40208
Somvati Kund 22.33781, 75.40188
Hathi Paga Palace - Elephant Foot Palace - 22.33622, 75.40434
Roja ki Makbar 22.3358, 75.3992

Sagar Talao Group

Dai ka Mahal 22.3276, 75.4026
Dai ki Chhoti Bahin ka Mahal 22.3280, 75.4024
Malik Mughith's Mosque 22.3283, 75.4024
Caravan Sarai 22.3283, 75.4030
Unknown Tomb 22.3278, 75.4020
Jali Mahal 22.3221, 75.4015 North of Sagar Talao, on top of a small mound

Other Monuments

Lohani Caves 22.3489, 75.3918
Delhi Gate 22.3603, 75.3961
Chappan Mahal 22.3425, 75.3973
Nil Kanth Palace 22.3298, 75.3933

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Mandu

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Mandu

Halal Food & Restaurants

Baobab Frucht - The baobab fruit can be up to 25|cm|in|0 long and is used to make a drink

Restaurant for regular Indian fare at Malwa Resort - close to the Jami Masjid.

Traditional daal-baati may be savoured at the Jain Temple.

Try the local delicacies of Malwa region, daal-bafla and daal-paniya

Shivani Restaurant Main Road ☎ +91 72922 63202 - While the quality and hit-and-miss, it does serve dishes from the local region including Dal Bafla.

Baobab juice - Rs 20 The baobab tree, of African origin, grows in abundance in Mandu. Locally it is known as mandu ka imli. The flesh of the baobab fruit is dried and powdered. The powder is mixed in water with a dash of sugar to produce the juice. It's a sour drink and especially refreshing during summer.

Nimboo pani - Rs 10 - Nimboo pani (Indian-style lemonade), which is very popular and easily available, is a refreshing, tasty drink found everywhere in Mandu.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Mandu

Mandu - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Mandu, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Mandu. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Mandu and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Mandu. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Mandu. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMandu: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Mandu.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Mandu: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Mandu, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Mandu.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Mandu, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Mandu, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Mandu and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Mandu, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Mandu, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Mandu without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Mandu is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Mandu.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Mandu is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Mandu, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Mandu Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Temple in front of Jami Masjid The Temple in front of Jami Masjid provided a reasonable-priced stay as of Dec 2009 (₹250 at that time), good for night stay for those who don't want AC or a deluxe room.

Jhira Bagh Palace Thirty kilometers from Mandu is a town called Dhar, where there is an old palace, Jhira Bagh Palace. It has been restored and converted into a hotel. This is a very good place to stay and the food is simply outstanding.

The Rest House Similar rooms.

For hotels, MP Tourism offers excellent options (booking available online). Mandu also has a number of good private hotels:

Malwa Resort 22.3320, 75.3999 Run by MP Tourism. 20 cottages - 10 AC and 10 non AC

Malwa Retreat 22.3557, 75.3969 Run by MP Tourism. 8 rooms - 2 AC and 6 non AC

Hotel Roopmati 22.356572, 75.397698
Hotel Royal Palace Near Jami Masjid ☎ +91 99 77 078671
Jahaz Mahal Hotel - Dhar Road, Mandu, Dist. Dhar Madhya Pradesh (India)- 454010 22.33060, 75.39809 ☎ +91 7292 263272 A private hotel on the eastern banks of Sagar Talao

ASI Guest House Taveli Mahal, Royal Enclave 22.3307, 75.4010 ☎ +91 755 2558250

News & References Mandu

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