Mandu Tourism And Travel Guide

By Road: 

Mandu is well linked by road to other cities such as Bhopal and Indore. There are buses that ply directly from Mandu to Indore, Bhopal and other cities. The state buses also have shuttle services between other cities and Mandu. Besides buses, one can also hire taxis from Mandu to other important cities in the state.

By Rail: 

Mandu does not have a railhead. However, it is quite convenient to catch a train from any city in India to Ratlam which is well connected and only 124 km away from Mandu by road. So visitors can land at Delhi or Mumbai from abroad and catch a fast train to Ratlam from where one can quite easily catch a taxi to Mandu.

By Air: 

Though Mandu does not have its own airport visitors can land at Indore which is only 99 km away from Mandu. A number of airlines have flights from other cities to Indore. So visitors can fly to Indore and from there take a taxi or bus to Mandu.

Summer (April-June):

Summers in Mandu are unbearably hot with temperatures going beyond 40°C. The heat does not abate till mid-June. Visitors will find it very uncomfortable to move around and do any sightseeing during this period.

Monsoon (July-September): 

The monsoon season is very pleasant in Mandu. Though the temperature ranges around 30-40°C, it is not uncomfortable to visit places during this season. Mandu is lush green and smells of wet earth. One does not feel tired in the monsoon season in Mandu. 

Winter (October-February):

Mandu is just amazing in winter. There is freshness all around and no pollution. The humidity has been taken out of the system and the temperature is suddenly unbelievably cool. You feel energetic and now is the time to move around in Mandu, do sightseeing and taste all the local food.

Sound and light show Mandu:

Mandu has a Sound and Light Show which is set against the impressive backdrop of the Hindola Mahal in the premises of Jahaz Mahal. It is a spectacular show that unfolds the history of the Mandu region spread over 1400 years. The show begins with the rule of the Parmars till the Sultanate period. You will enjoy the insights of Mandu’s rich past when it used to be known as the City of Joy. The show narrates the beautiful love between Baz Bahadur and his Rani Roopmati. This is one story that though filled with beauty and emotion ultimately ends with separation and tragedy.

Rani Roopmati Pavillion:

The tragic story of Mandu is etched firmly in the architecture of its various monuments. Two of these monuments are the Rani Roopmati Pavillion including Rani Roopmati’s Palace and the Baz Bahadur’s Palace. Both of these monuments are an ode to their eternal love. The Rani Roopmati Pavillion is located on the top of a hillock very close to Baz Bahadur’s Palace. You can see the scenic view of the Narmada flowing below the pavilion.

Baz Bahadur’s Palace:

Baz Bahadur Khan reigned between 1555 and 1562 as the last king of Malwa. Unfortunately, the king spent more time with the arts and his queen and that left him no time for his army or his kingdom. He was therefore defeated by the Moguls quite easily and ultimately his queen poisoned herself. Baz Bahadur did regain his kingdom but was finally defeated by Emperor Akbar in 1562. Visitors will admire the blend between Rajasthani and Mogul styles of architecture in this palace. 

Jogi Bhadak Waterfall:

Jogi Bhadak Waterfall is one of the favoured places for a picnic in Mandu. However, the waterfall comes alive only during the monsoon. Nevertheless the waterfall is very scenic right through the year. You have to trek through a jungle before you come to Jogi Bhadak Waterfall.

Lohani Caves and Temple:

The Lohani Caves near Mandu date back to the 11^th/12^th century and are caves that have been cut out of rocks. There are temples dedicated to Shiva Parvari and Vishnu Laxmi within the complex and these suggest the existence of a Shaivite Monastery in the years gone by. The entire complex has been declared as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Champa Baoli and Hammam:

Baoli means a well and Hammam means Bath. So, essentially this baoli served as a Turkish bath in the years gone by. In the hotter months people rested in the Taikhanas, which were connected with the baoli and were therefore cooler.

Chhappan Mahal Museum:

This is a museum which showcases tribal arts and crafts besides ancient artefacts of the entire region. There are audio visual aids which along with better lighting improve one’s appreciation of the visit to the museum.

When you are in Mandu you will find that the food in the place is simply awesome and this is the right place for people in search of gastronomic delights. There are several dhabas that are kind to your pockets as well as diverse eating joints. For those that have pockets with great depth there are chic restaurants that have very classy interiors so that one can enjoy a little extra comfort and charm while savouring good food to go with it all.

Mandu is the perfect place to shop for ethnic goods. This is one of those rare places in India where urbanization is yet to make a dent. You will therefore get the feel of the old world here. While shopping, look for handicrafts to take back as souvenirs. Some of these articles include curios and showpieces besides home decor items. Buy local fabrics and textiles and you cannot go wrong.