Mandu is a celebration in stone, of life and joy, and the love of poet-prince Baz Bahadur and his beautiful consort, Rani Roopmati. Mandu is a medieval city perched on a plateau, surrounded by hills and valleys. Mandu is home to many architectural marvels such as the Jahaz Mahal, the Hindola Mahal and the Hoshang Shah’s Tomb. Mandu is a place where you can feel the romance and nostalgia of a bygone era.
How to reach:
– By Road: Indore to Mandu (95 km, 2 hours) via MH SH 27.
– By Train: Indore to Ratlam (95 km, 2 hours) + Cab to Mandu (40 km, 1 hour).
Best time to be here:
October to March.
Activities:
1. Visit Jahaz Mahal, a magnificent palace with a ship-like structure.
2. Explore Roopmati’s Pavilion and enjoy panoramic views of the valley.
3. Trek to the ruins of Mandu’s fort and discover its rich history.
4. Go on a cycling tour around Mandu and soak in the scenic beauty.
5. Experience the thrill of paragliding and get an aerial view of Mandu.
Must-try food:
1. Bafla: A traditional Malwa dish of wheat dough boiled and roasted.
2. Bhutte Ka Kees: Grated corn cooked with spices and garnished with coriander.
3. Malpua: Sweet pancakes made of flour, milk, and sugar syrup.
4. Daal Baati: Wheat balls served with lentils and ghee.
5. Garadu: Fried yam snack, a specialty of Indore, often served with chutney.
Don’t forget to pack:
1. Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the historical sites.
2. Sunscreen and sunglasses for protection against the sun.
3. Light cotton clothing for daytime and warm layers for evenings.
4. A camera to capture the architectural marvels and scenic landscapes.
5. A travel guidebook or app to learn about the history and significance of Mandu.
Stays:
1. Malwa Resort: 9/10
2. Hotel Rupmati: 8.5/10
3. Hotel Royal Palace: 8/10
4. Jahaj Mahal Hotel: 8/10
5. Malwa Retreat: 7.5/10
Interesting facts about Mandu:
1. Mandu is known as the “City of Joy” and is famous for its architectural wonders.
2. The city was ruled by the Malwa Sultanate and witnessed the romance between Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati.
3. Mandu’s architectural marvels showcase a blend of Hindu and Afghan styles.
4. The Hindola Mahal (Swinging Palace) is an impressive structure with sloping side walls.
5. Mandu is home to the world’s largest stone-made baobab tree, locally known as Hathi Mahal.
