Day excursion to Mandu
Background: The hilltop citadel of Mandu rose into prominence in the 15th century, when Hoshang Shah Ghor, a governor of the Delhi Sultanate, declared himself Sultan and made Mandu his capital. Until then, the nearby city of Dhar had been the capital of previous dynasties.
Hoshang Shah built many fine monuments in Mandu, such as the Jami Mosque, which he modelled on the grand Umayyad Mosque of Damascus. He also built elaborate fortifications, which earned him a reputation as a military strategist. Successive rulers of Mandu continued to build more monuments, and laid out sophisticated water systems and gardens, creating a large, green and beautiful fortified town. Although some of Mandu’s rulers were constantly engaged in wars, some spent their days in the pursuit of pleasure. The love-story of the music-loving Sultan Baz Bahadur and his consort Rani Rupmati, became immortalised in local songs.
In the 17th century, the Mughal empire established itself in large parts of India, including Mandu. The fourth Mughal emperor Jahangir, was fascinated by Mandu, and spent 7 months here. Jahangir’s son Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, sent four of his chief architects to study the buildings in Mandu. It is popularly believed that the inspiration for the Taj Mahal came from Hoshang Shah’s marble tomb in Mandu.
In the 18th century, with the decline of the Mughal empire, the entire Malwa area fell to the Marathas. They chose to make their base in Dhar, rather than Mandu. Over time, Mandu lost its political relevance and fell into disuse. However, the beautiful monuments still remain, telling stories of conquest, love and beauty.
About this tour: This is a private day excursion from Indore, to see the highlights of Mandu. The drive takes 2.5hrs and goes through farming countryside and hills. We will visit the following in Mandu:
- The impressive gates and fortification walls
- Jahaz Mahal, the elegant ‘Ship Palace’
- Hindola Mahal, the ‘Swing Palace’
- Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, which is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal
- Rani Roopmati’s Pavillion
Starts: 6:30 am from your hotel in Indore. Please ask the hotel for packed breakfast. The drive to Mandu is 2.5hrs.
Duration: 10 - 11 hrs including drive time and lunch break. We will depart Mandu at 3 pm and return by 5:30 pm.
When: All days of the week.
Tour Notes: Please wear sensible and comfortable shoes. There are small restaurants in Mandu where you can have Indian lunch. If this does not suit you, please bring packed lunch and fruits.