City of Mandu, India, is a city that will leave you completely fascinated with its complexity. Here, you will have a magnificent experience by getting to know different palaces, fountains, pavilions, and other fantastic locations. For those who love ancient treasures, this will be the perfect place. Be sure to visit this dazzling antiquity with which you will feel like you are taking a journey back in time and entering Indian culture.
Things to do
Jahaz Mahal
To start your trip, you’ll see one of the most amazing buildings in Mandu. At first, you can appreciate its architecture with intricate detailing and sheer craftsmanship. Then, you will see how this historic treasure has been constructed on a narrow strip of land. You’ll find yourself between the Munj Talao and the Kapur Talao.
After that, you will explore its shaped gothic arches. Also, there are some spacious rooms and mesmerizing pleasure pools. This amazing place will make you feel like floating on water.
Roopmati’s Pavilion
This is the most significant place amongst all the architectural marvels in Mandu. Over there, you can get to know the legendary love story of the princes that once ruled that place. Also, you can know the delicacy of its design and beauty. Then, you’ll visit the most interesting and alluring architectural aspects.
Besides its square pavilions and giant hemispherical domes, you can see its intricate arch openings. Before you leave, you are going to visit the distant glint of the sacred Narmada river.
Jama Masjid
When you visit this place, you’ll fall in love with its worn-out rustic interiors. Over there, you’ll appreciate one of the most beautiful mosques in the town. Also, you can learn its history and how it is related to its amazing architecture. In the same way, you’ll walk through its stone-latticed windows and intricate marble carvings. In this place, you’ll explore the largest specimen of Afghan architecture in India.
Baz Bahadur’s Palace
This place will completely delight you with its alluring charms of the old decades. There, you will discover all the corners of the old home of Mandú’s last leader: Baz Bahadur. There, you will find all the curiosities of his different architectonic styles. In this way, you will be able to appreciate the art in the melting pot of Rajasthani and Mughal styles.
Also, you will be able to go inside and discover places like the holy tank of Rewa Kund. In the same way, you will fall in love with their incredible exhibitions. Here you can learn all about Islam and the Rajput culture.
How to get there
There are two main ways to get to the City of Mandu from Ranchi Airport (IXR).
- By taxi: it is a 59-minute journey with an estimated price of $13 to 17 USD.
- By car: you can rent a car and take a 59-minute trip with a cost of $6 to 10 USD.
When to go
The best time to visit this place is from December to February.
How long
To explore all the wonders of the City of Mandu I recommend you to spend at least two days.
Opening and Closing Hours
You can visit this place all year-round. However, the best time for visiting is from 6 am to 6 pm.
Planning
For a better experience, remember to pick up the local tourist guide at the visitor center. This way, you will be able to determine which places to go to and how to do your tour. Also, to spend your night in Mandu you will have beautiful hotels near the city such as the Hotel Rupmati or the Jahaj Mahal. There, you can also get free parking.
You’ll also find family-friendly hotels like Ahilya Fort and Kanchan Recreation. Remember to contact them and make your reservation in advance.
Inside Information
In this touristic place, you must be aware of being cheated. Above all, be careful with those taxi and rickshaw drivers who insist on taking you to specific hotels and shops. They are more expensive than others.
Also, this is a place with lots of crowds. However, it is possible to find plenty of quiet retreats to relax and escape into your journey, don’t forget to ask your guide about them. Also, remember to take your camera and best walking shoes so you can completely enjoy your trip.
History
The origin of the world “Mandu” comes from a corruption of “Mandapa Durga”. This is the place where the temple of Parshvanatha was located. Above all, Mandu started to be a flourishing town in the 6th century according to a Sanskrit inscription of 555 A.D.
At first, this was a fortified city. Also, this became the home of different dynasties like the Khalji dynasty of Malwa. Through the years, this place changed its name to Mandhavgarh, Shadiabad, and others until the suled of Hoshan Shag when Mandu taught to heights of glory.
On the other hand, for many years the city of Mandu remained in constant growth until becoming one of the major tourist attractions. Today, the ruins of this magnificent ancient city will transport you to its past glories and incredible battles.
Websites
Other Nearby Attractions
Hindola Mahal (Swing Palace)
Above all, here you will find one of the best representations of Afghan architecture. Initially, you’ll discover how this place used to be used for high military and government ranks. This small palace and its sumptuous ruins will leave you completely fascinated. You can also imagine how powerful it must have been in its glory days. In this way, you will never forget the daring of its wooden walls and beams.
Hoshang Shah’s Tomb
You can’t visit Mandu without knowing one of the oldest buildings in India. In this way, you will get to know the marble tomb that precedes the Taj Mahal. When you walk through its grand corridor and reach the tomb, you will find unusual things.
For example, you can admire its marble mausoleum built on a marble square platform. Then, you can admire this simple structure with a vaulted roof. Finally, you will admire the courtyard that surrounds the whole place.
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