Madhya Pradesh


Mhow Fort

Mhow Fort

About:

Mhow Fort is a historical military fort located in Mhow, a cantonment town in Madhya Pradesh. Mhow, officially known as Dr. Ambedkar Nagar, is renowned for its rich military history and has been a key location for the Indian Army since the British colonial period. The fort itself, though smaller compared to other Indian forts, holds great historical significance and is surrounded by lush greenery and military establishments.



Mhow (Hindi:महू) is a small cantonment town in the Indore District of the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh state, India. It is located 23 km south of Indore city towards Mumbai on the Agra-Mumbai Road. The city was renamed to Dr Ambedkar Nagar in 2003, by the Government of Madhya Pradesh.

Location info:
Address:Mhow, Indore district, Madhya Pradesh.
District: Indore
Distance from Indore: Approximately 23 km.
Coordinates: Latitude 22.5544° N, Longitude: 75.7652° E.

Climate/Weather:
Summer (March to June): Hot, with temperatures ranging between 25°C to 40°C. Monsoon (July to September): Receives moderate rainfall, bringing greenery and making the surroundings lush. Winter (October to February): Cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 20°C, making it the best time to visit.

History:

Mhow Fort was built during the British era when Mhow was established as a cantonment town in 1818. It served as a key military outpost and was part of the British East India Company’s strategic defense line. After Indian independence, the fort and cantonment continued to serve as an important base for the Indian Army. Mhow is also the birthplace of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, which adds to its historical significance.

Mhow used to be the headquarters of the 5th Division of the Southern Army during the British Raj. Today this small town is associated with the Indian Army and with Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, a political leader who was born here. MHOW is an acronym for "Military Headquarters of War"

Mhow was a major railway division during the British Raj and till a few years after independence. Later the resources were shifted to Ratlam and Ajmer.The irony is that Mhow still has no broad gauge railway.

According to mythology Mhow is also said to be the birthplace of Parashurama - an avatar of Vishnu, the Hindu God of Sustenance.

Interesting things to do:
Explore the Fort and Military History: While the fort itself is not open to the public for detailed exploration, the military history surrounding Mhow can be experienced through various landmarks and military museums. Visit Military Heritage Museums: Mhow houses the Infantry Museum, which provides insight into the history of the Indian Army and its evolution. Walk through the Cantonment Area: The Mhow Cantonment is one of the oldest in India, with tree-lined streets and colonial-era buildings that offer a nostalgic look into British-era India.

Interesting things to Visit:
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial: Mhow is the birthplace of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and a memorial has been built to honor his legacy. The site is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Infantry Museum: Located within Mhow, this museum provides a detailed history of the Indian Army’s infantry regiment, with exhibits of weapons, uniforms, and other military artifacts. Patalpani Waterfall: Located around 6 km from Mhow, this scenic waterfall is a popular destination for picnics and nature lovers. Choral Dam: About 25 km from Mhow, Choral Dam offers scenic views, water sports, and is a great spot for relaxation and nature walks. Indore City: Indore, the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh, is just 23 km away and offers a range of historical and cultural sites like Rajwada Palace and Lal Bagh Palace.

Mobile range info:
Mobile coverage in Mhow is generally good, with major service providers like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone offering strong connectivity.

How to reach?
By AirThe nearest airport is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore, located around 30 km from Mhow.
By Train: Mhow has its own railway station, Mhow Railway Station (MHOW), which is well-connected to major cities like Indore and Ujjain.
Road Transport:Mhow is easily accessible by road from Indore via NH 52. Regular buses, taxis, and private vehicles can be used to reach Mhow from nearby cities.

Nearest Visiting places:
Indore (23 km): A bustling city with a mix of historical landmarks, temples, and modern shopping hubs. Mandav (85 km): Known for its grand fort and historical monuments, Mandav is a popular tourist destination. Pithampur (15 km): A major industrial hub located close to Mhow, Pithampur is home to several large factories and industries.

Nearest Petrol Pump:
1.Petrol Pump
Indore, Madhya Pradesh 14.9 km

2.Petrol Pump
Indore, Madhya Pradesh 14.9 km

3.Petrol Pump
Madhya Pradesh 15.5 km

4.Petrol Pump
Madhya Pradesh 15.6 km

5.Petrol Pump
Madhya Pradesh 16.4 km

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Things to carry:

Water Bottles

Hats/Caps

Cell phone

Digital camera

Tips & Suggestions:
The best time to visit Mhow is during the winter months (October to February) when the weather is pleasant. Since Mhow is a military cantonment, some areas may have restricted access. Be mindful and respect the security protocols. Plan day trips to nearby attractions like Patalpani Waterfall or Indore city to make the most of your visit. Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended during summer to avoid the heat.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:
1.Police Petrol Pump
Sadar Bazar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 22.4 km

2.Police Thana
South Tukoganj, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 21.6 km

3.POLICE STATION
Madhya Pradesh 24.8 km

4.Rajendra Nagar Police Station
NH 3, Bhim Nagar, Dhanvantri Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 15.5 km

5.Indore Central Jail
Madhya Pradesh 22.8 km