Historical Background:
The word ‘Mandu’ has been derived from the word Mandapa which means Hall Temple. The history of this city dates back to as much as the 6th century. Later it came under the rule of the Paramaras dynasty. Some of the great kings of the dynasty such as Jayavarman and Jatugi ruled over this land. Mandu was then ruled by the Delhi Sultanate under Alauddin Khilji and eventually, it passed on to British hands from the Mughals.
Things to Do and Major Attractions:
Soak in the historic ambience once you are in Mandu and start the proceedings with a visit to the Jahaz Mahal which is shaped like the bridge of a ship and thus gets its name. Another popular tourist attraction is Rani Roopmati’s Mahal which has caught the fancy of the tourists due to the numerous stories surrounding the building. It is said that this Hindu singer had been the love interest of ruler Baz Bahadur.
His Palace in Mandu is also a great spectacle and tourists watch in amazement how the 600-year-old construction still stands strong today. The Champa Baoli and Hammam and Hindola Mahal are some of the major architectural wonders of Mandu and both of these places have an interesting historical background. The Jain Temple, Ashrafi Mahal, and the Taveli Mahal are other places of interest in Mandu. Do stop by the Hoshang’s Tomb since it is said to be among the earliest instances of marble edifice being used in India. The Jami Masjid in Mandu is also a historic mosque that has been there for decades.
People and Culture:
This historic land has been the origin of some of the deepest Indian Philosophies. The people here mostly speak Hindi and you can also communicate in other languages such as English. They are warm and welcoming and hence Mandu is known for being a safe place to visit for the tourist.
Local Food and Popular Shopping Items:
One of the delicacies of Mandu is a vegetarian dish called Poha. The region is largely vegetarian but there are some non-vegetarian options available in some restaurants such as Malwa Resort Restaurant. There are some delicious local imlis and these are going to steal your heart with their quirky taste. Mandu is famously known for its rich home-décor items and showpieces. You can shop for such things as a souvenir or you can pick from some of the fabrics and colorful textiles of this region which are famous for their quality.
Best Time to Visit:
If you plan a trip to Mandu, avoid the harsh summer conditions. The ideal time for travel is from October to March when it is the winter season here. The temperatures are comfortable and you can road around comfortably.
Availability of Accommodation Type:
There is no dearth of luxury living options in Mandu and you can stay at places like MPT Malwa Resort and Vamoose Mandu Sarai. On the other hand, Shivani Resort and Vamoose Maharaja Manudu offer more economical options for staying in Mandu.