Chanderi Tourism And Travel Guide

Chanderi is a small town in Madhya Pradesh. It is located around 127km from Shivpuri. Surrounded by beautiful hills near the River Betwa, Chanderi has been mentioned in the Mahabharata where it is written that Shishupal was the king of Chanderi. Later in current history, Chanderi has been mentioned by the Persian scholar Alberuni in his writings in 1030. Chanderi was well known for being on the trade route that passed through Central India. Today it is known as a destination for tourists who are attracted by its forts and lakes. Chanderi saris are also well known. Tourism in Chanderi consists of a mix among forts, monuments, lakes and temples. A travel guide for Chanderi is placed below for visitors.

Chanderi does not have its own railway station. It also does not have its own airport. However, it has good road connections with the rest of the country.

By Road:

Chanderi is 110km from Jhansi and 40km from Lalitpur. The roads to Jhansi, Lalitpur, Sagar and Indore are all generally well maintained. There is an active state bus service between Chanderi and other important cities in MP.

By Rail:

As mentioned Chanderi does not have its own railway station. However, Lalitpur which has its railhead, is only 40km from Chanderi. Lalitpur has excellent rail connections with all major cities in India. Once you reach Lalitpur you can catch a taxi or bus to Chanderi which is only 40km away.

By Air:

Chanderi does not have its own airport. However, Gwalior has one and so do Indore, Bhopal and Khajuraho. Gwalior is about 210km from Chanderi. It will probably take you around 5 hours to reach Chanderi by a taxi.

Chanderi has a tropical climate. It is hot in summer, wet in monsoon and cold during the winter. Barring the summer it will probably be all right to visit Chanderi any other time of the year. However, the winter is no doubt the best choice for visitors.

Summer (March-June):

The summer in Chanderi is most uncomfortable and hot. The temperature could rise to 45°C and sometimes even more than that. Since the temperature rarely comes down to less than 30°C, visitors should avoid the summer months in Chanderi.

Monsoon (July-September):

The monsoon in Chanderi starts in July and lasts till the month of September. During this period the countryside becomes lush green. However, the humidity is still high although the temperature comes down.

Winter (October-February):

Chanderi’s winter is undoubtedly the best season for touring. Visitors will find the weather very pleasant although slightly cold at times. The temperature may drop to 5°C and you will need adequate woollens, especially after sunset.

Explore Chanderi Fort: 

Situated on top of a hill of height 71m, Chanderi Fort gives you a panoramic view of the town below. The once commanding fort, today has only some ruins left. Some of these include the remains of the mosque, Naukhunda Mahal and the monuments of Johar which was built to commemorate the honourable suicides of the women. There is also a memorial of the still popular musician Baiju Bawara who was born in Chanderi. There is an attempt to restore this fort and run the place like a resort.

The Mystery of Koshak Mahal: 

The Koshak Mahal is simple and also imposing. It is also the most important among all the palaces in Chanderi.  Located 4km from Chanderi on the Isagarh Road, this Mahal was built to commemorate a victory in 1445 by the Sultan of Malwa, Mahmood Shah Khilji, who had defeated Sultan Mahmood Sharki at Kalpi. There is an interesting story of how the 7-storey building was built. It seems that once the ground floor was built, it was buried and then the 1st storey was built and similarly for all the floors. After the building had been completed the soil was removed one floor at a time. This provided employment to the workers and also solved the problem of getting heavy stone blocks on to the higher floors. Two ponds were created once the boulders used in the construction were quarried from near Fatehabad. The ponds are known as Sultania and Mallukha.

Visit Badal Mahal Gate: 

Although the gate is called Badal Mahal Gate there is no Mahal nearby. However, there are a few more similar examples of isolated gates in Chanderi as well as other places. It is possible this gate was a commemorative gate. The height of the gate is 50’ and there is a double arch. The gate is very imposing, especially with the hill fort in the background.

View Majestic Kati Ghati Gateway: 

This majestic gateway, situated on the south side of Chanderi is cut completely out of a rock. It stands at 230’ height AGL while the gate is 80’ high and has a width of 39’. There is an inscription in two scripts, one being Devnagari, so we know that the gateway was commissioned by one Jiman Khan who was the son of Sher Khan, Governor of Chanderi, in 1495 AD.

A Trip to Rajghat Dam:

A trip to Rajghat Dam will bring you to a site which is serene and peaceful. This dam is a combined project of the governments of UP and MP. The dam is constructed 14km away from Chanderi on the River Betwa about 22km away from Lalitpur in UP. You must try to see the sunset from the dam site. It is an amazing sight.

There are several places for you to try out the food in Chanderi. Mahaveer Bhojnalaya, Shrikunj are two of these restaurants. Pappu ka Dhaba is yet another restaurant which is “a nice midway stop” according to a traveller. Try MPT Kila Kothi for the ultimate dining experience.

Chanderi is a small town. However, it is famous for its Chanderi Saris. There are some exclusive shops where one can buy Chanderi saris of different types. Some of these include cotton saris, handloom saris as well as saris that are made from a mix of cotton and silk. Try Chanderi Saris from Chanderi which is located in Ashok Nagar. There are other popular shops as well all over Chanderi.