Jahaz Mahal, Mandu

A ship like pleasure palace

Also see: Familiarization (FAM) Tour of Madhya Pradesh (MP)

If the great mosque and the tombs of Hoshang and Mahmud, ……………, represents the serene grandeur of the building art of Mandu, the Jahaz Mahal may be said to reflect the spirit of its romantic beauty and joyous hilarity…….

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) booklet on Mandu

Mandu, the city of joy, in the heart of incredible India, is often refereed to as the site of the eternal love affair of Baz Bahadur and Roopmati (Also see: Rewa Kund Group, Mandu).

Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace), Royal Enclave, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh (MP)

On the other hand the magnificent marble mausoleum of of Hoshang Shah, first of its kind in India, dominates the Mandu sky line (Also see: Central Group, Mandu).

Sagar Talao Group, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh (MP)

Sagar Talao Group, Mandu, MP

Malik Mughith’s Mosque, Caravan Sarai, Dai ka Mahal, Dai ki Chhoti  Bahen ka Mahal and Unknown Tomb

Also see: Familiarization (FAM) Tour of Madhya Pradesh (MP)

Sagar Talao, the largest lake in the Citadel of Mandu is located on the southern part of Mandu. Along the eastern banks of the lake are several monuments, which are clubbed together as the Sagar Talao Group.

A panoramic view of the Malik Mughith’s Mosque, Sagar Talao Group, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh (MP)

North of the Sagar Talao Group is the Darya Khan Group and further south is the Rewa Kund Group (see: map).

Rewa Kund Group, Mandu, Baz Bahadur’s Palace and Roopmati’s Pavilion

Rewa Kund Group, Mandu

Baz Bahadur Palace and Roopmati’s Pavilion

Eternal Love Story of Baz Bahadur and Roopmati

Also see: Familiarization (FAM) Tour of Madhya Pradesh (MP)

The Rewa Kund Group, consisting of Rewa Kund, Baz Bahadur’s Palace and Roopmati’s Pavilion is located at the southern end of the Citadel of Mandu in Madhya Pradesh (MP).

L: Baz Bahadur and Roopmati enjoying a horse ride, C: Both riding in the moonlight, R: Attack of Mandu by Akbar’s army (Source: Wikinedia Commons)

The most enchanting and romantic of the Mandu groups is the Rewa Kund Group. It stills speaks of the legend of Baz Bahadur and his consort Roopmati. The stories of the love affair of Baz Bahadur and Roopmati make up some of the most enchanting folk lores of Mandu.

Darya Khan Group, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh (MP)

Darya Khan Group, Mandu, MP

Darya Khan’s Tomb Complex, Hati Mahal and Roja Ki Makbar

Also see: Familiarization (FAM) Tour of Madhya Pradesh (MP)

The Darya Khan Group of Monuments is a small group of scattered monuments and tombs located south of the Central Group and north of the Sagar Talao Group in the Citadel of Mandu.

Darya Khan’s Tomb Complex

The Darya Khan Group is located near the Malwa Resort of MPTDC (Tel: (07292) 263235, Email: mresortm@mptourism.com) and is best explored on foot in the early morning (see: map).

Central Group or Village Group, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh (MP)

Central Group or Village Group, Mandu, MP

Jami Masjid, Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, Ashrafi Mahal & Mahmud Khalji’s Tomb

Also see: Familiarization (FAM) Tour of Madhya Pradesh (MP)

The Central Group or the Village Group is located at the very centre of the Citadel of Mandu. Today the area serves as the main market and bus stop for Mandu and there are several hotels in the vicinity. Thus the Central Group can well be the launch pad for exploration of Mandu.

Ashrafi Mahal and Jami Masjid, Central Group (or Village Group). Mandu. Madhya Pradesh (MP)

The Central Group consists of four monuments. They are Jami Masjid, Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, Ashrafi Mahal and Mahmud Khalji’s Tomb.

Baobab Juice, The taste of Africa in the heart of Incridible India

Baobab Juice

The taste of Africa in the heart of Incredible India

Also see: Familiarization (FAM) Tour of Madhya Pradesh (MP)

Baobab (genus Adansonia), popularly known as the upside down tree, is a native of Africa but grows abundantly in the Mandu region of Madhya Pradesh (MP).

Baobab Trees in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh (MP)

An African native, it is an inhabitant of the dry region. The Baobab grows in abundance in western, eastern and southern Africa, including Madagascar. It is also found in the Arabian Peninsula and even Australia.

Mandu, a ruined citadel in the heart of Incredible India

Mandu

A ruined citadel in the heart of Incredible India

Also see: Familiarization (FAM) Tour of Madhya Pradesh (MP)

The citadel of Mandu is perched on upon a rocky outspur of the Vindhya Range, at an altitude of 634 m. It is separated from the main Malawa Plateau by a deep ravine Kakra Khoh, which runs on the eastern, northern and southern sides of the Mandu hill. To southern slopes of the Mandu hill has a 305 m incline and merges to the Nimar plain, which is fed by the mighty Narmada River.

Mandu Tourist Map (Click to enlarge)

Thus Mandu, with its natural fortification and amazing beauty have been the favorite citadel of many a ruler for over a period spanning over a thousand year.

A Panoramic Tour of Madhya Pradesh (MP)

Compilation of Panoramic Photos from Amarkantak, Pachmarhi, Bandhavgarh, Jabalpur, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar. Hanuwantiya and Mandu

Also see: My collection of Panorama Compilation

Panoramic photography is a technique of photography, using specialized equipment or software, that captures images with elongated fields of view. It is sometimes known as wide format photography. Panorama photos are normally shot by stitching  series of photos with sightly overlapping fields to create a panoramic image.

This blog post contains panoramic photos from Amarkantak, Pachmarhi, Bandhavgarh, Jabalpur, Omkareswar, Maheshwar, Hanuwantia (Jal Mahotsav) and Mandu of Madhya Pradesh (MP).

Amarkantak

Amazing mix of old and new temples

Amarkantak, the source of the Rivers Narmada and Son, is a important pilgrimage for for both Hindus and Jains.

Narmada Kund Temple, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh (MP)

No wonder Amarkantak has innumerable temples and still newer ones are being constucted. Thus the ancient pilgrimage offers an interesting mix of old and new temples.