Weekend Getaway: Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

Mandu also known as Mandavgad is located in western Madhya Pradesh in India. Mandu is almost 1000 km from Delhi and you can either drive to Mandu or take a flight to Bhopal. From Bhopal Mandu is only 287 kms by road. The better option however is to take a flight to Indore.

Mandu has a lot of interesting historic places that you can visit. We picked the Jahaz Mahal or the Ship Palace.

It is situated between two lakes and August is the best time to visit. The weather in August is the best and it keeps getting better until the beginning of November.

Jahaz Mahal is a two storied architectural marvel and it is named so because it resembles a ship floating on water. This was built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji. At that time the sultan used this mahal as his harem.

Currently the Jahaz Mahal is getting a chemical wash by the Archaeological Survey of India. The picture above shows what a remarkable difference this wash has made.

Water Filtration System @ Jahaz Mahal

My restaurant of choice at Mandu was Shivani Restaurant. It was recommended by a lot of people and hence we wanted to give it a try. Shivani Restaurant is a simple restaurant that serves Dal bafle and Dal paniye, which should definitely be tried if you are in Mandu. The service is quick and the food is hot, fresh and filling. I would give its food a 3/5.

Other historical spots in the city are Roopmati’s Pavilion, Baz Bahadur’s Palace, Rewa Kund, Darya Khan’s Tomb complex, Shri Mandavagadh Teerth, Sharif Shaikh Abdulla Shattari Dargah, Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, Hindola Mahal, The Darwazas/Gates, etc.

Hotels in Mandu are: Narmada Retreat, Hotel Royal Palace, Malwa Retreat, The Jhira Bagh, Rupmati Hotel, etc.

Ahilya Fort Hotel

If you truly want to experience luxury stay at the Ahilya Fort. It has a marvellous view.

The staff is truly welcoming and polite. This is the kind of place you would want to go back to for another holiday – hopefully a longer one!

It is a very quiet and calm place. It is the kind of place foreigners would pick for their stay because room tariff is Rs.20,000+. So, if you are planning to splurge a little pick this fort to live in.

More pictures for you to enjoy: