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Brief -
  
 
If there is a place in India, that captures the magical moments of romance, it is Mandu. The fort city of the Parmara rulers and later the Afghans, Mandu is believed to be, one of the most romantic places in Madhya Pradesh, especially during the monsoon. Mandu is a celebration of life and love and its magic, still lives on in its palaces, mosques, and in its ballads. The balladeers of Malwa, still sing of their love, and the ruins still echo with their tales of love. The palace of Baz Bahadur, is a striking example of Afghan architecture and pavilion of Rani Roopmati,placed strategically, overlooks the palace. Architecturally, Mandu represents, the best in a provincial Islamic style, restrained and lacking in an elaborate external ornamentation.
  
     
 
History -
 
 

Mandu, known as the city of joy, has had a chequered history. Mandu was fortified as early as the sixth century. By 1261, King Jayavaram, transferred the Paramara capital from Dhar to Mandu itself. The whole area, fell to the Muslims in 1293, though Mandu remained under Hindu rule until 1305, when it came under the Khaljis in Delhi. The first of these Pathan sultans, re-named Mandu as Shadiabad (City of Joy). Hoshang Shah (1405-35), made it his capital and as Mandu's strategic importance grew, he embellished it, with its most important civic buildings. From the Mughals, it effectively passed into Maratha hands in 1732. Baz Bahadur's palace, is an outstanding example of Afghan architecture. A fossil park, housing remains, dating back to pre-human existence, is being set up to display fossils, dating back several centuries, remains of mammoth trees which have disintegrated into stones and remains of dinosaurs.

  
     
 
Culture -
 
 
The Malwa region, is known for fun and colourful festival celebrations. The Ganesha Chaturthi, is celebrated with much pomp and fanfare. These celebrations are a window, to the rich and colourful cultural heritage, which this place inherits. During these festivals and fairs, tribal art and crafts,are displayed. Excellent pieces of art and crafts, made in clay, wood, metal, bamboo, cloth, leaves etc visual treats are good purchases for decorations and gifts. This festival, among other things, brings the traditional art and cultural heritage to the fore ground.
  
     
  Climate & Geographical Location -  
 
The Summers are hot with the temperature rising to nearly 36 deg C during the day. During winters, the minimum temperature touches 7deg C, making it quite cold. Mandu is located to the south of Indore, in the western part of Madhya Pradesh, on the Vindhya ranges.
  
     
 
How to Reach -
  
 
Mandu is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the nearest airport is at Indore at 100 Km and is well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Gwalior, Bhopal and other different parts of the country. By rail, the most convenient railheads are Ratlam at 124 km on the Mumbai-Delhi line and Indore at 99 km on a branch route. By road, buses ply regularly to Mandu from Indore, Dhar, Mhow, Ratlam, Ujjain and Bhopal.
  
     
  : T O U R I S T   P L A C E S :  
     
  Jahaz Mahal -  
 
The Ship Palace, is probably the most famous building in Mandu. It really is shiplike, being far longer (120m) than it is wide (15m), and the illusion is completed by the two lakes, that flank it, to the east and west.
  
 
 
 
Jami Masjid -
  
 
The mosque of Damascus, inspired the famous Jami Masjid of Mandu. The sheer hugeness of the structure, coupled with a stark simplicity of design, is really overwhelming. The mosques court, is encircled on all sides by massive columns, complemented by arches and pillars.
  
     
 
Baz Bahadurs Palace -
  
 
Baz Bahadur was the last independent ruler of Mandu. His palace, constructed around 1509, is beside the Rewa Kund and there was a water lift at the northern end of the tank, to supply water to the palace. A curious mix of Rajasthani and Mughal styles, it was actually built well before Baz Bahadur came to power.
  
 
 
 
Rani Roopmatis Pavilion -
  
 
At the very edge of the fort, the pavilion offers wonderful views of the countryside below and the sparkling Narmada. It is believed, that Rani Roopmati, accompanied Baz Bahadur to Mandu, on the express condition, that she should be able to view the Narmada, from her palace. And the local legend goes, that Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati often sat together on the domed terrace of the pavilion, enjoying music and poetry.
  
 
 
 
Maheshwar -
  
 
Maheshwar was the glorious city, at the dawn of Indian civilization, when it was Mahishmati, capital of king Kartivarjun. This temple town, on the banks of the river Narmada, finds mention in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It saw a period of resurgence, under Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, in the late 18th century. Revived to its ancient position of importance, Maheshwars temples and mighty fort complex, stand in quiet beauty, mirrored in the river below. An important cultural and political centre, at the dawn of Hindu civilization, Maheshwar is now associated with the gossamer thin Maheshwari saris, that usually come in ethereal pastels and are Maheshwars biggest claim to fame.
  
 
 
 
Omkareshwar -
  
 
The temple town Omkareshwar, is the sacred home of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (self-born phallic manifestations) of Shiva. The sacred island, is shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, the Om, and has drawn, hundreds of generations of pilgrims. Located at the confluence of the rivers Narmada and Kaveri, the devouts gather to kneel before the Jyotirlinga, at the temple of Shri Omkar Mandhata. The Omkareshwar temple, built in the Nagara style, is characterized by a lofty shikhara. There are also shrines to Annapurna and Ganesha, where the works of nature, complement those of man, to provide a setting awe-inspiring in its magnificence. Its temples and forts are worth a visit.
  
 
 
 
Others -
  
 
 
 
ASHRAFI MAHAL - The Ashrafi Mahal, palace of gold coins, built by Hoshang Shah's successor, Mahmud Shah Khilji, was conceived as an academic institution for young boys. To commemorate his victory over Rana Khumba of Mewar, Mahmud Shah also added a seven - storeyed tower.
  
 
 
 
CHAMPA BAODI - To the west of the first two Royal Enclave structures, is this interesting step-well on the north edge of the tank. Its subterranean levels, featured cool wells and bathrooms and it was obviously a popular hot-weather retreat.
  
 
 
 
HINDOLA MAHAL - Just north of Ghiya's stately pleasure dome, this church like hall, is known as the Swing Palace, because the inward slope of the walls is supposed to create the impression, that the walls are swaying.
 
 
 
 
HOSHANG SHAHS TOMB - The Central group of ancient monuments, includes Hoshang Shahs Tomb, India's first marble edifice and one of the supreme examples of Afghan architecture. The impressive dome, the intricate marble latticework, the porticoes, and courts, are some of the memorable things.
  
 
 
 
JAIN TEMPLE - There are numerous buildings in this modern and ever-developing temple complex. The temples are richly decorated and feature tirthankers in marble, silver and gold, some with glinting jade eyes.