QUICK TOUR OF MANDU & MAHESHWAR (FROM INDORE)

At a distance of 1.5 km from Mandu Bus Stand, Jahaz Mahal is an ancient palace located inside the Mandu Fort in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Also called Ship Palace, it is one of the prime places to visit as part of Mandu tour packages.

A part of the Royal Group of Monuments, Jahaz Mahal was built in the 15th century by Emperor Mohammed Shah's son Ghiyas-ud-din who had a vast harem of about 15000 women. This double-storeyed structure was constructed to accommodate the royal women. Here, the Sultan's consorts enjoyed a life of luxuries and pleasures. However, Jahaz Mahal lost its original splendor after Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji's death. This double-storeyed palace is encircled by twin ponds Munj and Kapur that give an impression to the spectators that it seems to be floating gently above the surface of the water and hence it is also named as Ship Palace. Here 'Jahaz' refers to a ship and 'Mahal' refers to a palace.

Emulating the appearance .....

At a distance of 1.5 km from Mandu Bus Stand, Hindola Mahal is an ancient palace located inside the Mandu Fort in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Situated just beside Jahaz Mahal, it is one of the top heritage places near Indore, and among the prime places to visit in Mandu.

Hindola Mahal is one of the buildings making up the royal palace complex at Mandu, which consists of the Jahaz Mahal, the Hindola Mahal, the Taveli Mahal, and the Nahar Jharokha. The Hindola Mahal might have been constructed in 1425 during the reign of Hoshang Shah but may date to the end of the 15th century during the reign of Ghiyas-ud-din. This palace was majorly used by Mughals for leisure.

Also known as Swinging Palace, it is one of the beautiful structures and the whole structure gives the impression of being on a swing because of the slanting walls and arches. A sample of the Malwa style of architecture, this T-shaped building .....

At a distance of 1.5 km from Mandu Bus Stand, Champa Baoli is an ancient stepwell located inside the Mandu Fort in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Situated to the northwest of Jahaz Mahal, it is one of the best places to visit in Mandu.

Champa Baoli is a construction that stands in the midst of the Jahaz Mahal complex depicting the past. A part of the Royal Group of Monuments, it is an extensively constructed stepwell that was very much inspired by the styles of the Turkish bath. This place was named Champa Baoli because the aroma of the waters was believed to resemble that of the Champa flower. The place is a must-visit for all tourists roaming in Mandu.

It is an epitome of Mughal architecture. The vaulted rooms or Taikhanas were well connected to keep the bath remained cool during extreme high temperatures. The structures of the chambers in the cellars built inside this stepwell are like a maze. Lower ground levels have very narrow passages to go to. One of them is connected to .....

At a distance of 1.5 km from Mandu Road, Taveli Mahal is an old palace located in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Situated to the south of the Jahaz Mahal, it is one of the must-visit Mandu tourist places.

Facing Kapur Lake, Taveli Mahal was used as a stable and a guardhouse during the Mughal rule. The name Taveli is a corrupted form of 'Tavela' which literally means 'Stable'. The ground floor of the building was used for the stables while the apartments in the two upper storeys were used to house the guards.

Now, it houses a museum of Archaeological Survey of India and houses various artifacts found at Mandu, including 11th- and 12th-century sculptures and 15th-century stone slabs with Persian inscriptions in Naskh script. The terrace affords a splendid view of the surrounding area and the ruins.

Timings: 7 AM - 6.30 PM

Entry: Rs. 25 for Indians & Rs. 100 for Foreigners, Rs. 25 for Video

At a distance of 500 m from Mandu Bus Stand, Jama Masjid or Jami Masjid is an old mosque that belongs to the Central Group or the village Group of Monuments in Mandu. Situated opposite Ashrafi Mahal, it is one of the wonderful and among the most visited Mandu tourist places.

Located in the center of Mandu Bazar and adjacent to Hoshang Shah's Tomb, the mosque is believed to have been built during the reign of Hoshang Shah and completed during the reign of Mahmud Khilji in 1454. The doorway has an inscription written on it which indicates that the mosque was modelled on the mosque of Damascus. The mosque was once a place for thousands of worshipers is now nothing but bears history.

Built-in Mughal style of architecture, the Jami Masjid was conceived on a grand scale. The eastern side is the main entrance of the mosque, which has a domed entrance hall and a wide flight of steps. In addition, there .....

At a distance of 500 m from Mandu Road, Hoshang Shah Tomb is a mausoleum located in the Village Group of Monuments in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Situated beside Jama Masjid, it is one of the wonderful heritage places to visit as part of the Mandu tour.

Hoshang Shah Tomb is the mausoleum of Sultan Hoshang Shah Ghori, the first formally appointed Sultan of the Malwa Sultanate of Central India. This edifice is a part of the Village Group or the Central Group of Monuments in Mandu. Stands in a courtyard to the west of the Jami Masjid, the construction of this cenotaph was started by Hoshang Shah and was completed by Muhamad Khilji in about 1440 CE. The tomb was constructed entirely with white marble and is considered to be the first marble mausoleum in India. Legends have it that the construction of the Taj Mahal was inspired by this tomb.

Built-in Afghan style of architecture, the tomb is a square structure on a plinth crowned by .....

At a distance of 500 m from Mandu Bus Stand, Ashrafi Mahal is an ancient structure located in the center of Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Situated opposite Jama Masjid, it is one of the wonderful heritage places to visit as part of Mandu sightseeing packages.

Known as the 'Palace of Gold Coins,' Ashrafi Mahal is a part of the Village Group or the Central Group of Monuments in Mandu. Initially, it was constructed as a Madrasa, an Islamic School of learning, by Mahmud Khilji, the successor of Hoshang Shah. As you wander in the ruined compound, you will see rows of cells and long corridors, cornered with four tall towers which make the mahal entirely look like a school building.

The madrassa courtyard was subsequently filled in to create a terrace 27' high on which the royal mausoleum of Mahmud Khilji could be built. The terrace was approached by a grand flight of steps projecting from the front on top of which a pillared portico was .....

At a distance of 500 m from Mandu Bus Stand, Suparshvnath Swetamber Jain Mandir is a holy place located in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Situated near Jami Masjid, it is one of the best religious places to visit in Mandu.

Amidst ancient architectural marvels inspired by Islamic methods, stands Suparshvnath Swetamber Jain Mandir in Mandu. Dedicated to Shri Suparshwanath Bhagwan, it is a modern-day structure boasting silver, gold, and marble statues of Jain Tirthankaras. There is a 3 feet high white stone idol of Shri Suparshwanath Bhagwan in the padmasana posture in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

The temple complex also has a theme park Jain museum which is inspired by Shatrunjaya, the hilltop temple complex at Palitana in Gujarat. The place is well maintained and also an ideal place to visit with friends and family. Besides, a trust called the Shri Jain Shwetambar Teerth Pedhi manages this temple, along with the nearby Dharamshala and bhojanshala.

Timings: 5.30 AM .....

At a distance of 5 km from Mandu Bus Stand, Baz Bahadur Palace is another ancient palace located in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. A part of the Rewa Kund Group of Monuments, it is one of the famous tourist places in Mandu.

Baz Bahadur Palace is situated on the hill slope to the east of Rewa Kund and is set amid picturesque greenery. As per the Persian inscription on the entrance arch, it was built in 1508 by Nasir-ud-Din, the Sultan of Malwa. Incidentally, Nasir-ud-Din Shah Khilji is credited with designing this aesthetic structure which underwent repairs and renovations during the period of Baz Bahadur. The King became fond of this palace because of his eternal romance with the accomplished singer Roopmati who used to visit the nearby Rewa Kund.

With the blend of Rajput and Mughal style of architecture, the main gateway to the palace is approached by 40 broad steps. Tall, sleek arches welcome the visitors .....

At a distance of 5 km from Mandu Bus Stand, Roopmati Pavilion is an old observation post located in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Situated on the southern side of the Baz Bahadur Palace, it is one of the must-include places in Mandu holiday packages.

Constructed during the 16th century, Roopmati Pavilion is a part of the Rewa Kund Group of monuments in Mandu. It is perched regally on the edge of a 365m precipice overlooking the Nimar Valley. It is amongst the many monuments and palaces that adorn the historical city of Mandu famous for the legendary tragic love story of Prince Baz Bahadur and Roopmati. The structure was originally built as an army observation post and was later transformed into the abode of Roopmati.

According to legend, Roopmati was a Hindu singer and shepherdess with whom Sultan Baz Bahadur, the Muslim ruler of Malwa fell in love. She agreed to marry him and became the Queen of Malwa. Mughal Akbar decided to conquer .....

At a distance of 1.5 km from Maheshwar Bus Station, Maheshwar Fort is an ancient fort located in the town of Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh. Situated on the banks of River Narmada, it is one of the major places of heritage in Madhya Pradesh, and among the prime tourist places in Maheshwar.

Popular called Holkar Fort, Maheshwar Fort was built in the 18th century AD by the Holkar Dynasty. It was once the residence of the famous queen of Malwa, Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, hence the fort is also known as Ahilya Fort or the Queen's Fort. Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar ruled Maheshwar from 1765 to 1796 and built Ahilya Wada, her residence, offices, and darbaar audience hall, within the fort. In 2000, Prince Richard Holkar, her descendant, and son of the last Maharaja of Indore converted his home in Ahilya Wada into a heritage hotel known around the world as the Ahilya .....

At a distance of 1.5 km from Maheshwar Bus Station, Ahilyeshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh. Situated in the Maheshwar Fort Complex, it is one of the popular religious places to visit as part of Maheshwar tour packages.

Maheshwar Fort houses several temples dedicated to different incarnations of Lord Shiva. The most number of Shiva temples in Maheshwar rename the town as 'Gupt Kashi'. Ahilyeshwar Temple is one of those temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Maheshwar. Lies on the banks of the sacred Narmada river, it is one of the biggest and oldest temples in Maheshwar.

Built-in Maratha and North Indian Style, this temple is testimony to the architectural skills of the Maratha workmen. It took 34 years to build this temple with a cost of 1.5 crore Indian rupees. The sanctum santorum has a Lord Shiva statue with Nandi. The premise of this temple showcases extremely beautiful carvings .....

At a distance of 1.5 km from Maheshwar Bus Station, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the popular religious Hindu temples located in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh. Situated in the fort complex, it is one of the old and among the renowned temples of Maheshwar.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is another renowned Shiva temple situated on the sacred land of Maheshwar. Built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar in 1786 as the Gupta Kashi, near to her Maheshwar Palace. She commissioned this temple after building the Kashi Vishwanathnath Temple in Varanasi. It is across the ghat steps from Swar Ashram at the farthest end of the Easternmost Narmada Ghat.

The temple displays astounding architectural beauty and is said to be modeled on the temple at Kashi. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses a large Shiva Lingam. Built on a terrace overlooking Narmada, the mandapa of the temple houses an exquisitely carved Nandi. It is believed that once devotees offer prayer to the holy shivalinga .....

At a distance of 1.5 km from Maheshwar Bus Stand, Maheshwar Ghat is a river ghat situated in the pilgrimage town of Maheshwar. Located on the banks of the holy Narmada River, it is one of the popular places to visit as part of the Maheshwar tour.

Also known as Ahilya Ghat, Maheshwar Ghat is situated right below the Maheshwar Fort or Holkar Fort. It was built by the Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar. The architecture of the ghat is a mixture of Maratha, Rajput, and Mughal architectural styles. The Narmada Ghat here is lined up with many small temples and chhatris that one can see from the top of Ahilya Fort. One can see small and big Shivalinga's all along the ghat.

Maheshwar Ghat is very clean and well kept. The ghat is safe to walk and take photos of Maheshwar Fort. The Narmada River flows beside hence you can sit and watch it for hours. There is also a beautiful shiva temple on the banks of the river. This is a picturesque location .....

At a distance of 1.5 km from Maheshwar Bus Station, Rehwa Society is a non-profit foundation located in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh. Situated within the Maheshwar Fort, it is one of the must-visit Maheshwar tourist places.

Rehwa Society is a non-profit organization that works for the welfare of weavers in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh. The weaving history at Maheshwar dates back to Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar and she brought in weavers from Surat in Gujarat and Mandu, Madhya Pradesh, and established them at Maheshwar to weave special nine-yard saris (Navvari saris) for the ladies of the royal household, and turban fabric.

Established in 1979 by Richard and Sally Holkar, the Rehwa Society started with the objective of reviving the ancient hand-weaving craft of Maheshwar, and giving employment to women. Using a grant from the Indian Central Welfare Board, they started with eight looms and eight women weavers from the local Meru community. The society has expanded to 250 weavers over .....

At a distance of 1.5 km from Maheshwar Bus Station, Shri Raj Rajeshwar Temple is an old Hindu temple located in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh. Situated near Ahilyeshwar Temple, it is one of the beautiful and best places to visit in Maheshwar.

It is said that there are more than 100 temples in Maheshwar. Most temples are spread along the right bank of the river near Maheshwar ghat and the vicinity of the Holkar Fort. Shri Raj Rajeshwar Temple is one such temple situated close to the Ahilyeshwar Temple and boasts of very rich and intricate architecture. In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Rajarajeshwara Swamy. The Raj Rajeshwar Mandir is believed to be the trance place of Somvanshiya Sahastrarjun Kartviry Arjun.

Also called Rawaneshwar Temple or Sahasrajun Temple, the temple displays brilliant architectural design on the walls and the ceiling inside the sanctum sanctorum. The temple is known .....

At a distance of 6 km from Maheshwar Bus Station, Ek Mukhi Datta Temple is a newly constructed Hindu temple located in Sahastradhara, Jalkoti, Maheshwar. Situated on the banks of river Narmada, it is one of the must include places in Maheshwar holiday packages.

Also called Shiva Datta Dham, Ek Mukhi Datta Temple is dedicated to Lord Dattatreya. This temple is constructed in 30 acres of area. The temple is situated at the bank of the historical Narmada River in its most serious, calm, adventured, and horrible form. This temple has admirable architecture and fantastic history. The main highlight of this temple is the attractive idols of Lord Ek Mukhi Datta, Maa Narmada, and Lord Ganesha.

Sadguru Shri Narayan Maharaj of Shri Kshetra Narayanpur (Anna) and his disciple are building 'Char Datta Dhams' in four different directions in India, of which 2 Dhams have already been completed. Shiva Datta Dham, Jalkoti is the first of .....

At a distance of 7 km from Maheshwar Bus Station, Sahastradhara Waterfall is a wonderful waterfall located in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh. Situated in Jalkoti, it is one of the popular waterfalls in Madhya Pradesh, and among the must-visit Maheshwar tourist places.

Sahastradhara literally means a thousand streams. Narmada river flows over a rocky patch here and so the main flow breaks down into many streams. With sunlight falling over the streams, it creates a silvery and gleaming river. Visitors won't see this sight in the monsoon as the river will have a lot more water to break down. Hence, winter is the best season to visit the waterfall where one gets totally engrossed in the mesmerizing play of the streams of Maa Narmada.

Besides, there are numerous streams of crystal clear water, and it is very pleasant to sit by the side of the .....