City of Joy MANDU
/> A city located approx 35 km from Dhar and 100 km away from Indore and is a major tourist attraction of the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is located in the Malwa region. it’s official language is Hindi. Mandav or Mandu, back in its days was an important military outpost due to its strategic position and natural defenses- The Vindhya Range of mountains and the river Narmada which blocked the enemy’s way, thus leaving North as the only direction to enter from and the three gates to enter the fortified city of Mandu- Alamgir Gate, Bhangi Gate and the Delhi Gate. After the Bhangi Gate the road branches out to the Delhi Gate and Gadi Gate. The extensive and now mainly deserted hill top fort of Mandu is one of the most interesting sights in central India. It’s on an isolated outcrop separated from the table land to the north by a deep and wide valley called Kakra Khoh which encircles it on the east, west and north, over which a natural causeway runs to the main city gate. To the south of Mandu the land drops steeply away to the main plain far below and the view is superb. Deep ravines cut into the sides of the 20 sq. km plateau occupied by the fort. The ruins are spread over an area of 21 sq. km. The Muslim rulers dubbed it Shadiabad or the City of Joy.
Mandavgarh or Mandav or Mandu is famous for its amazing Fort. The fort is 82 km in perimeter and is considered to be the biggest in India. It contain the ruins of palaces, ornamental canals, bath pavilions etc. The fort was once Monsoon retreat of Mughal emperors. Mandu has over 40 monuments which are divided into three category: The central village group, Royal Enclave group, and Rewa kund Group. The city is also famous for the legendary tale of Rani Roopmati and Baaz Bahadur which still hunts the palace. Champa Baodi– a well, the huge 15th century Jami Masjid, the beautiful Jahaz Mahal (ship palace), Hindola Mahal, the romantic Baaz Bahadur palace, Roopmati’s pavilion and Hoshang Shah’s Tomb are some of the unique gems of architecture and must see tourist spots of Mandu. It is believed that emperor Shah Jahan took the inspiration of building Taj Mahal from the Tomb of Hoshang Shah only. Mandu is ideal place to be visited in Monsoon, when the weather is pleasant and surrounding blooming. The mystical beauty of monuments, amidst the sprawling lush green landscape and purple sunset sky, paint the live picture of the bygone era. The effect is completed by the rich surrounding of Mango, tamarind and banyan tree. The palace is also famous for its “Khusrani Imli”, tamarind tree which bare fruit in the rainy season.