MANDU FORT-MANDAV
Next day again I finished my work till lunch and pushed towards Mandu or Mandav fort. After visiting so may forts in Sahyadri region, Maharashtra egger to explore Mandu fort.
Now, I started inquiring how to reach Mandu fort. No direct bus Indore to Mandu fort so need to go Gangwal bus stand then Indore to Dhar and Dhar to Mandu fort.
My friend drop me to Gangwal bus stand from I got bus to Dhar (60 km fare 50Rs) and Dhar to Mandav (40 km fare 30 Rs).I reached Mandav fort @ 3:00 pm .
Now how to explore Mandu fort?
You need to hire taxi to explore Mandu fort because it’s divided into three part, Total area 102 Sq Km.
So, I started bargain with taxi drivers as I am alone. They charged 500 Rs for Maruti Omni.
After all discussion he agrees for 400 Rs and guide for 250 Rs. And here we started to explore Mandu Fort.
We started our Mandu fort sightseeing around 3.30 pm and end around 6.30pm.
Bus for Dhar on stand immediately got into bus and started my return journey to Indore. Mandu-Dhar-Gangwal bus stand,Indore.
From gangwal bus stand to indore railway station shared auto charged 10 Rs. Reached Indore around 9.30 pm.
Dinner menu was Dal-Baphale.
Total Expense for day = 1000 Rs
Indore-Dhar-Mandu-Dhar-Indore=200 Rs (All public transport)
Taxi hire = 400 Rs
Guide charges = 250 Rs
Food = 100 Rs
(Group of three or more better hire car from Indore itself which cost around 2000 Rs)
(All below info copy paste from Wikipedia and MPTDC website)
1. THE ROYAL ENCLAVE
· JAHAZ MAHAL
Situated between two artificial lakes, this two storied architectural marvel is so named as it appears as a ship floating in water. Built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji, it served as a harem for the sultan.
This 120 mt long "ship palace" built between the two artificial lakes, Munj Talao and Kapur Talao is an elegant two storeyed palace. Probably it was built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji for his large harem. With its open pavilions, balconies overhanging the water and open terrace, Jahaz Mahal are an imaginative recreation in stone of a royal pleasure craft. Viewed on moonlit nights from the adjoining Taveli Mahal, the silhouette of the building, with the tiny domes and turrets of the pavilion gracefully perched on the terrace, presents an unforgettable spectacle.
· HINDOLA MAHAL
Hindola Mahal - meaning Swing palace is so named due to its sloping side walls. The Hindola Mahal might have been constructed during the reign of Hushang Shah about 1425 C.E. but may date to the end of the 15th century during the reign of Ghiyas al-Din. It is one of a set buildings making up the royal palace complex at Mandu, which consists of the Jahaz Mahal, the Hindola Mahal, the Tawili Mahal, and the Nahar Jharokha. The Hindola Mahal may have been used as an audience chamber. There are a number of other, undated structures surrounding the palace - an evidence of the rich and glorious past.Superb and innovative techniques are also evident in its ornamental facade, delicate trellis work in sand-stone and beautifully moulded columns. To the West of Hindola Mahal there are several unidentified buildings which still bear traces of their past grandeur. Amidst these is an elaborately constructed well called Champa Baoli which is connected with underground vaulted rooms where arrangements for cold and hot water were made. Other places of interest in this enclave are Dilawar Khan's Mosque, the Nahar Jharokha (tiger balcony), Taveli Mahal, the two large wells called the Ujali (bright) and Andheri (dark) Baolis and Gada Shah's Shop and House, all worth a visit.
2. THE CENTRAL GROUP
· HOSHANG SHAH’S TOMB
India's first marble structure, it is one of the most refined examples of Afghan architecture. Its unique features are the magnificently proportioned dome, marble lattice work of remarkable delicacy and porticoed courts and towers to mark the four corners of the rectangle. It served as a template for the construction of Taj Mahal. Shah Jehan sent four of his great architects to study the design of and draw inspiration from the Tomb. Among them was Ustad Hamid, who was also associated with the construction of Taj Mahal.
· JAMI MASJID
Jami Masjid Inspired by the great mosque of Damascus, this humongous structure is striking in both its simplicity and architectural style-with large courtyards and grand entrances.
The Jami Masjid was conceived on a grand scale, with a high plinth and a huge domed porch projecting in the centre, the background dominated by similar imposing domes with the intervening space filled up by innumerable domes.
One is struck by the huge proportions and the stern simplicity of its construction. The great court of the mosque is enclosed on all sides by huge colonnades with a rich and pleasing variety in the arrangement of arches, pillars, number of bays, and in the rows of domes above.
3. THE REWA KUND GROUP
· REWA KUND
A reservoir constructed by Baz Bahadur for the purpose of supplying water to Rani Roopmati's Pavilion. The reservoir is situated below the pavilion and hence is considered an architectural marvel.Today, the pool is revered as a sacred spot.
· BAZBAHADUR’S PALACE
Built by Baz Bahadur, this 16th-century. It is situated below Roopmati's Pavilion and can be seen from the pavilion.
The palace's unique features are its spacious courtyards surrounded by halls and high terraces which afford a superb view of the surrounding countryside
· RANI ROOPMATI’S PAVILION
A large sandstone structure originally built as an army observation post it is known today as Roopmati's Pavilion. Rani Roopmati - the love interest of Baaz Bahadur lived here and is said to have gazed at the Baz Bahadur's Palace - situated below and also at Narmada river, flowing through the Nimar plains far below, a river which the queen revered.
The pavilion was originally built as an army observation post. From its hilltop perch, this graceful structure with its two pavilions was a retreat of the lovely queen.
OTHER MONUMENTS
· NILKANTH
This sacred shiva shirine is sited in a magnificent setting, at the very edge of a steep gorge. In its tree-shaped courtyard, a sacred pond is fed by a stream, and pilgrims still gather to worship here.
· NILKANTH MAHAL
Belonging to the Mughal era and close to the Nilkanth shrine, this palace was constructed by the Mughal governor, Shah Badgah Khan for Emperor Akbar's Hindu wife. On the walls here are some inscriptions of the time of Akbar referring to the futility of earthly pomp and glory. Hathi Mahal, Darya Khan's Tomb, Dai ka Mahal, Dai ki Chhotti Behan Ka Mahal, Malik Mughit's Mosque and Jali Mahal are some of the other fascinating monuments. There is also the Echo Point, the 'Delphic Oracle' of Mandu. A shout from here reverberates far below and is heard clearly back. The Lohani Caves and Temple Ruins, not far from the royal enclave area also merit a visit due to their association with Mandu's history and monuments. Sunset Point, in front of the caves affords a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside
The Darwazas/Gate
The 45 km parapets of walls that encircle Mandu are punctuated by 12 gateways. Most notable of these is Delhi Darwaza, the main entrance to the fortress city, for which the approach is through a series of gateways well-fortified with walled enclosures and strengthened by bastions such as the Alamgir and Bhangi Darwaza, through which the present road passes. Rampol Darwaza, Jehangir Gate and Tarapur Gate are some of the other main gateways.
Pls,Visit below link for photos.
