Mandu Fort
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About:
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Mandu Fort, also known as Mandavgarh Fort, is an ancient fort situated in
the city of Mandu in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the largest forts in
India and a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning medieval
architecture, palaces, temples, mosques, and intricate carvings. Mandu,
often called the "City of Joy," is famous for its natural beauty and
historical importance, particularly for the romantic tales of Sultan Baz
Bahadur and Rani Roopmati..
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Location info:
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Address:Khargone,Madhya Pradesh, India |
District:Dhar |
Nearest City: Dhar, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar. |
Best time to visit: July to September The best time
to visit Mandu is from October to March, when the weather is cool and
pleasant for sightseeing. |
Climate/Weather:
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Summer (March to June): Hot and dry, with temperatures ranging between 30°C
and 40°C.
Monsoon (July to September): Receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making the
landscape lush and green, but some roads may become challenging to navigate.
Winter (October to February): Cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging
from 10°C to 25°C. Winter is the ideal time to visit Mandu for sightseeing.
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History:
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Mandu has a long and illustrious history that dates back to the 6th
century CE. It gained prominence in the 10th century under the Parmar
dynasty but reached its zenith during the Malwa Sultanate in the 15th
century. Mandu was known for its prosperity and was considered a
fortress of strategic importance.
The fort is closely associated with the romantic legend of Sultan Baz
Bahadur, the last independent ruler of Malwa, and his love for Rani
Roopmati, whose pavilion still stands atop the fort, offering panoramic
views. Mandu became a symbol of Malwa's culture and beauty during this
period.
Later, it fell into the hands of the Mughals, including Akbar, who made
Mandu part of his empire in the 16th century. The fort's architecture
reflects a blend of Afghan, Mughal, and Hindu styles, making it a unique
historical site.
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Interesting things to do:
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Explore Palaces and Monuments: The Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace), Hindola Mahal
(Swinging Palace), and Rani Roopmati's Pavilion are some of the most famous
monuments to explore within the fort complex.
Nature Walks: The fort is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning
views of the surrounding valleys, especially during the monsoon season.
Photography: Mandu is a photographer’s paradise with its stunning
landscapes, intricate architecture, and historical ruins.
Heritage Walk: Take a heritage walk around the fort complex and learn about
the history and architectural significance of the various buildings.
Baz Bahadur and Roopmati’s Love Story: Explore the ruins and hear local
legends of the love story between Sultan Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. |
Interesting things to Visit:
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Jahaz Mahal, Taveli Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Champa Baoli, Jami Masjid,
Ashrafi Mahal, Jain Temple, Baz Bahadur's Palace, etc
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Mobile range info:
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Mobile network coverage in Mandu is generally good, with most major service
providers like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone offering reliable connectivity.
However, connectivity may be weak in some rural or remote areas of the fort
complex.
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How to reach?
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By Air: The nearest airport is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar
Airport, Indore, about 100 km away. From Indore, you can take a taxi or bus
to reach Mandu. |
By Train:The nearest major railway station is Indore Railway Station, well-connected to major cities in India. From Indore, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mandu. |
Road Transport: Regular bus services connect Mandu with
Indore, Dhar, Mhow, Ratlam, Ujjain and Bhopal |
Nearest Visiting places:
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Maheshwar (65 km): A beautiful town on the banks of the Narmada River, known for its temples, ghats, and handloom industry.
The wall encompassing Mandu has 12 major gates or darwazas. The present
road, through which Mandu is reached passes through many of these. Also
encountered are smaller gateways built to provide protection to the
above-mentioned 12 gates.
Omkareshwar (85 km):
A famous pilgrimage site, home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Hoshang Shah's Tomb India's first marble structure, it is one of
the most refined examples of Afghan architecture. Its unique features
include the beautifully proportioned dome, intricate marble lattice work
and porticoed courts and towers. It served as a template for the
construction of Taj Mahal.
Jami Masjid Inspired by the great mosque of Damascus, this humongous
structure is striking in both its simplicity and architectural
style-with large courtyards and grand entrances. The
intricately carved dome of the Jami Masjid.
Dhar (35 km) Known for its historical Dhar Fort and Jain temples.
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Nearest Petrol Pump:
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There are several petrol pumps located in the towns of Dhar and along the road to Indore, ensuring that travelers can easily refuel their vehicles.
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Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
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Malwa Resort: Managed by MPSTDC. Near SADA Barrier Malwa Retreat:
Managed by MPSTDC. Near Sagar Talao Jhira Bagh Palace: 45kms from
Mandu, at Dhar.
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Things to carry:
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Comfortable Footwear: As exploring the fort complex involves a lot of walking, comfortable shoes are essential.
Water Bottle: Keep yourself hydrated, especially if you are visiting during the summer.
Sunscreen and Hat: Protection from the sun is crucial as some parts of the fort complex are exposed to direct sunlight.
Camera/Smartphone: To capture the beautiful architecture and scenic landscapes of Mandu.
Warm Clothes: If visiting in winter, carry warm clothes, especially for the early mornings and evenings when temperatures can drop. |
Tips & Suggestions:
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Best Time to Visit: Visit during the winter months (October to March) for pleasant weather. Monsoon (July to September) is also a good time to enjoy the lush green surroundings, though some paths may be slippery.
Local Guides: Hiring a local guide is recommended to gain insights into the history and significance of the various monuments in the fort complex.
Explore Early: Start early in the day to avoid the afternoon heat and make the most of your visit, especially in the summer months.
Respect Local Customs: While visiting mosques or religious places within the fort, be respectful of local customs and dress modestly |
Help Line/Phone Number:
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Mandu Tourist Information Office:
+91-7324-405008
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Nearest Hospital:
1.Banipark Hospital Kabir Marg, Near Collectrate
Circle, Not Specified, Jaipur, 302004 2.Government
Hospital Bundi, Rajasthan
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