Hathi Mahal, Mandu - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 2 km from Mandu Bus Stand, Hathi Mahal is an ancient palace located in the famous tourist destination of Mandu in the Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. Situated near Darya Khan Tomb, it is one of the must-visit Mandu tourist places.

Hathi Mahal is another notable structure in the tiny city of Mandu. The name Hathi Mahal apparently means an elephant stable, but the building was originally constructed as a pleasure resort and later converted into a tomb. The building got its name from the massive pillars of the structure, which resemble an elephant's leg. There are four such pillars in each corner of the rectangular structure. Each of the four sides has two similar pillars in the middle, thus making it a total of 12 elephant leg pillars.

Hathi Mahal is planned like a baradari with three arched openings on each side and crowned with a massive dome. The dome has a high octagonal base divided into bands of masonry moulding which have imparted an unusual height to the dome. Traces of decorative tile-work in the bands are still seen on the exterior. At the center of the open courtyard of Hathi Mahal stands alone memorial the actual grave lies in the crypt below. The sealed entrance to the crypt can still be seen to this day. Unlike the other monuments of Mandu, which are constructed on a high plinth the Hathi Mahal is constructed on the ground level.

Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Rs. 25 for Indians & Rs. 300 for Foreigners