Things to Do in Mandu

The massive disappropriate dome and the thick pillars give an impression of a standing Elephant to the spectators. Originally built as a pleasure resort, Hathi Mahal today looks like an abandoned landmark in Madhya Pradesh where traces of decorative tile-work and the planned external architectural nuances still leave an impressive mark on the minds of the visitors. 

The masonry moldings, the humongous dome. The octagonal high base and the three arched-opening on all sides look as if it was planned like a Baradari. Places like this are hard to miss and this is among such places to visit in Mandu.

Location: Elephant Palace, Mandav, Madhya Pradesh, India

Timings: 24 hours. Best to go between sunrise to sunset hours.

Entry Fee: Free of cost.

Suggested time required: An hour and a half.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Around 2 KM.

Built under the reign of Mandu Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji who had a vast harem of about 15000 women. In order to accommodate the ladies in a proper building, this monumental palace was constructed. Jahaz Mahal is located in the Mandu Fort near Munj Talab along Gada Shah Mahal and Hindola Mahal.

This double-storeyed palace is encircled by twin ponds that give an impression to the spectators that it is a floating structure. If you are visiting Mandu fort, this can be one of the places to visit in Madhya Pradesh that will intrigue you with its phenomenal architecture.

Location: Jahaz Mahal Internal Rd, Sulibardi, Madhya Pradesh 454010

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.

Entry Fee: INR 5 per Indian adult.

Suggested time required: 1 to 2 hours.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Approximately 1 KM.

This vintage place bestows you with an unparalleled view of the river Narmada. The Pavilion has a backstory of a medieval romance that started between King Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. Earlier this hilltop structure was used as an army ground to keep a watch around and guard the kingdom. 

The pavilion has two watchtowers and beautiful courtyards as well, making it one of Mandu tourist places which are mandatory parts of every itinerary. It is said that Rani Roopmati was an accomplished classical singer and the pavilion was made acoustically so it served her better. It is one of the most exceptional places you should visit in Madhya Pradesh.

Location: Mandu, Mandav, Dhar, Madhya Pradesh 454010

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.

Entry Fee: INR 5 per Indian and SAARC countries adults.

Suggested time required: Over 2 hours.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Around 5.5 KM.

Khilji Sultan Nasir-ud-Din constructed the palace between the year 1508-1509, for the last ruler of Mandu- King Baz Bahadur. The mix styled architecture that includes a glimpse of Mughal and Rajasthani aesthetics is a marvelous piece of art. 

The King became fond of this palace because of his eternal romance with the accomplished singer Roopmati who used to visit the nearby Rewa Kund. There are about 40 broad steps to reach the entrance of the Palace and this hilltop monument offers scenic views of the surrounding region. It is one of the Madhya Pradesh tourists places that you cannot resist clicking and posing at.

Location: Mandav, Madhya Pradesh 454010

Timings: Sunrise to sunset.

Entry Fee: 7 AM to 7 PM on all days of the week.

Suggested time required: Less than an hour.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Approximately 5 KM.

This Mahal is a ‘T’ shaped structure which was earlier used as an audience hall or open-air theatre. The English translation of Hindola Mahal is “Swinging Palace,” and the 77 degrees angled wall which looks buttressing gives an appearance as if it is in motion. The construction of this hall dates back to the year 1425 during the rule of Hoshang Shah. 

The simple aesthetic appeal of this monument needs careful examination to appreciate the neatly chiseled corners and joints.  If you are scrolling through the places to see in Mandu, you must include Hindola Mahal in your bucket list for its fine masonry to get some of the best historical essences of Madhya Pradesh.

Location: Sulibardi, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh 454010

Timings:6 AM to 7 PM on all days of the week.

Entry Fee: INR 5 per Indian adult.

Suggested time required: Around an hour.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Around a kilometer.

Bagh Caves derived its name from the seasonal stream Baghani that runs across these Buddhist sculptures. Bagh Caves have a cluster of sculptures and carvings and are one of the finest among the other Buddhist caves.  Situated in the Bagh town of the Dhar district, you can spot them on the southern slopes of the Vindhya ranges. 

A set of nine rock-cut monuments are said to have been established by the Buddhist monk Dataka between late 4th to 6th century AD. Adorned with ancient mural paintings, the ceilings are covered in brown thick mud plaster. It is one of the amazing and commanding sites to see in Mandu and it is one of the best places for caving experience in Madhya Pradesh.

Location: Bagh Cave Road, Naingaon, Dhar, Madhya Pradesh 454221

Timings: 24 hours.

Entry Fee: INR 5 per Indian and SAARC countries adults.

Suggested time required: At least 2 hours.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Around 120 KM.

The tomb of Hoshang Shah is considered to be India’s first marble tomb and the construction dates back to the 15th century. This imposing tomb was a talk of the town when it was made and before the construction of Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan even sent his architect Ustad Hamid and the team to examine the intricacies and the unique architectural elements which mostly pertain to Afghan art style architecture. It is one of those places to visit in Mandu which brings proud to the state.

Location: Jahaj Mahal internal road, Mandu, Mandav, Dhar, Madhya Pradesh 454010

Timings: 8 AM to 5:30 PM on all days of the week.

Entry Fee: INR 5 per Indian and SAARC countries adults.

Suggested time required: 1 hour to one and a half hours.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Under 500 meters.

This colossal landmark is another wonderful witness of the prosperous history of Mandu and a great example of Afghan art. It was a place where hordes of worshippers would arrive every day in the bygone era and one can see the many chambers and domes used for various purposes. 

A marvelous construction by the Ghauri Dynasty, this is one of the best places to visit in Mandu owing to its plateau-top location and the famous holy reservoir- Rewa Kund.  The elaborate marble designs and carvings are another best things in this Masjid besides its capacity. Witnessing Jama Masjid is one of the best things to do in Madhya Pradesh.

Location: Jahaz Mahal internal Rd, Mandu, Mandav, Madhya Pradesh 454010.

Timings:7 AM to 7 PM on all days of the week.

Another witness of the legendary love story of Roopmati and Baz Bahadur which is located near Jami Masjid. This artificial lake was constructed to ensure the regular water supply to Roopmati Pavilion.  

It is also said that Roopmati, who was a renowned classical singer, often came to worship at this Kund. It is fringed with Pillars and arches of beautiful design and style under the shadow of which tourists and pilgrims can rest and enjoy the timeless beauty of this reservoir.

Location: Near Baz Bahadur Palace, Mandav, Madhya Pradesh 454010, India

Timings: Best to go between sunrise to sunset hours.

Entry Fee: Free of cost.

Suggested time required: An hour.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Around 5 KM.

This tomb is a great specimen of Islamic art which was constructed by Darya Khan during his ruling years between 1510 A.D to 1526 A.D. Before he died the tomb was already constructed and his body was buried in the same. It is closely located with Hathi Mahal and falls between Hosai Village and Rewa Kund. 

The central dome which is the main tomb is cornered with four little domes and the structure is supported with huge arches.  You can retrace the historical architectural style by looking at the designed arrangements of the tiles on the walls inside.

Location: Darya Khan's Tomb, Mandu, Mandav, Madhya Pradesh, India

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.

Entry Fee: Free of cost.

Suggested time required: Less than an hour.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: 500 meters.

Munja Talao is situated to the west of Jahaz Mahal and is the largest among the two water bodies nearby. Bordered by a jumble of ruins, it is generously brimmed by the monsoons in Mandu. One of the monuments that encircle the pond is the famous Jahaz Mahal and one gets an uninterrupted view of the Talao from the Palace.

Location: Internal Rd, Sulibardi, Madhya Pradesh 454010

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.

Entry Fee: Free of cost.

Suggested time required: 1 to 2 hours.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: A kilometer and a half.

Standing as a unique building amidst the many ruins of Mandu, Ashrafi Mahal was initially made a madrasa (Islamic-school) which collapsed with time because of its amateurish design. The edifice was built by  Hoshang Shah during the years between 1405 and 1422 when Mahmud Shah Khilji ruled the area. 

He wished to promote education but while it was being constructed, he decided to make it his own empire. As you wander in the ruined landmark, you will see rows of cells and long corridors, cornered with four tall towers which make the mahal entirely look like a school building.

Location: Opposite Jami Masjid, Mandu, Mandav, Madhya Pradesh 454010, India

Timings: 24 hours. Best to go between sunrise to sunset hours.

Entry Fee: Free of cost.

Suggested time required: 1 hour at least.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Less than 500 meters.

This mosque was constructed in the year 1405 which has an amalgamation of Islamic and Hindu architecture. While you admire the intricacies and detailing of the carvings and construction, look for a dilapidated balcony that is called Tiger’s Balcony or Nahar Jharokha. It has a very interesting story associated with it dating back to it construction years. 

The courtyard in the center is encompassed by arcade and rows of columns on the upper ceiling.

Location:Jahaz Mahal Internal Road, Mandav, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh 454010.

Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM on all days of the week.

Entry Fee: INR 5 per Indian adult; INR 25 per person with a still camera.

Suggested time required: An hour or two.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Around a Kilometer.

Being the largest lake in the entire citadel of Mandu, Sagar Talao is bordered with a number of popular monuments on its eastern, northern and southern banks. This pristine and picturesque lake is fringed with Darya Khan’s Tomb and Rewa Kund and going further south will lead you to Malik Mughis Mosque and Caravan Sarai. 

It has a perennial water supply system that is why it never dries up. The lake is maintained by Madhya Pradesh Tourism board. While you can walk through a number of galleries dating back to the 14th century along the bank of the lake, you can even indulge in a happy boating ride.

Here are some of the water activities of Madhya Pradesh that are a must-to-do if you are a sports enthusiast. 

Location: Mandu, India

Timings: Between sunrise and sunset hours.  

Entry Fee: Free of cost, boating charges can be added.

Suggested time required: Less than an hour.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Around 3 KM.

Shah Bagh Khan constructed this temple for the Hindu wife of Akbar. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the revered places to visit in Mandu adorned with elegant designs carved out of large stones. Nilkanth Mahadev serves as a major pilgrim center in Mandu and it is encircled with thickets of trees and a pond that serves as the main source of water. The shrine of Lord Shiva in the temple faces this holy pond.

Make sure you don't miss out some of the major spiritual delights in Madhya Pradesh.   

Location: Nilkantheshwar Temple, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh, Mandu, Mandav, Madhya Pradesh 454010

Timings: Anytime during the day.

Entry Fee: Free of cost.

Suggested time required: Less than an hour.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: 700 meters.

These rock-cut cells are said to be the primitive residence of Shaiva Yogis. The locals are not sure of the history of these caves but they do know that it was disputed. These caves are completely void of inscriptions and carvings, just a group of sharply cut rocks which appear like cells which are said to have inhabited by humans since the pre-Muslim eras, more precisely the Yogis. 

These excavations belong to the 11th and 12th centuries of Shaivism tradition and are quite unique archeological sites. Many temple ruins were discovered here along with sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses like Shiva and Parvati, some of which can be seen at the  Chhappan Mahal Museum.

Location: Nalchha Tehsil, Mandu, India

Timings: Anytime during the day.

Entry Fee: Free of cost.

Suggested time required: An hour.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Around 500 meters.

Caravan Sarai is an old tavern which is located in front of Jama Masjid. It houses a central open court which is quite spacious, and adjacently located twin halls on each side of the court with vaulted ceilings. Situated further to the Malik Mughis Mosque is this dilapidated set of identical cavern and windows. It was an ancient inn where visitors would rest and rewind on their travel to Mandu.

Location: Mandu Road, Mandav, Madhya Pradesh 454010

Timings: any time of the day.

Entry Fee: Free of cost.

Suggested time required: An hour.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: 800 meters

If history interests you, here are some of the popular historical forts in Madhya Pradesh to mesmerize over the glorious past. 

As you walk in a mesh of ruins, you will spot a step well whose construction is quite influenced by the Turkish baths. The exemplary Mughal architecture built it in such a position that the taikhanas or the vaulted rooms in the Baoli stayed cool even when it was melting hot outside.

Hence, it not only served as a water tank but also as an air conditioner. The name of the Baoli was derived from the Champak flower as according to a folklore, the fragrance of the flower could be sensed in the water of the well.  

Location: West Of Hindola Mahal, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh 454010, India

Timings: Sunrise to sunset.

Entry Fee: Free of cost.

Suggested time required:1 to 2 years.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: About a kilometer away.

Add some thrill to your trip to the state by experiencing some of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh.  

Rupayan Museum is a must-include place in the itinerary of Mandu for the kind of experience it offers, especially to history buffs, archaeologists, anthropologists and anyone interested into analyzing the life of the locals of Mandu during the past decades and centuries. 

The museum sprawls in 10 acres of land which is provided by the Government Madhya Pradesh which also looks after the maintenance of the place. A wide range of ancient tools and crafts primitively used in the ancient times by the natives of the place can be seen here.

Location: Nalchha Tehsil, Mandu, India

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM on all days of the week except Monday.

Entry Fee: INR 10 per Indian adult.

Suggested time required: An hour or two.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Approximately 22 KM.

This renowned temple is dedicated to Lord Shri Suparshawnath Bhagwan and a white stone is carved into his idol inside the temple which sits in a padmasana posture. The temple is situated in Mandavgarh Fort and the idol is 3 feet tall. This temple is a hidden jewel and one of the must-visit Mandu tourist places, especially for the devotees and peace seekers. 

Nestled in the massive campus of the fort that sits atop the Vindhya Parvat gives it a dramatic backdrop. Bhojanshalas and Dharamshalas are available near the temple.

Location: Inside Mandavgarh Fort, Mandu, India

Timings: any time of the day.

Entry Fee: Free of cost.

Suggested time required: 1 to 2 hours.

Distance from Mandu Bus Stand: Less than Kilometer.