The ancient hill fort of Mandu, with inscriptional evidence dating back to AD 555 is situated only 35 km away from the district headquarters, Dhar. The rock cut caves, namely, Lohani and Sat Kothari, are the earliest and rarer type of architecture amongst the over 60 structural monuments. The important ones are located in three groups, known as,1) Royal Complex 2) Hoshangh Shahs Tomb 3) Roopmati’s Pavilion. The monuments that the visitor must see at the Royal Complex are:

1) The Jahaj Mahal, (Ship Palace) with its elongate construction amidst the waters of the Munj and Kapur Tanks give an impression of a large ship anchored at the port. The palace dated to the closing decades of the 15th century AD

2) Hindola Mahal literally means a “Swinging Palace” a name given to its peculiar sloping sidewalls. The plan of the building is ‘T’ shaped, with a main hall and a transverse projection at the north. The massive vaulted roof of the hall has disappeared though the row of lofty arches, which once supported it, is still intact. This large audience hall is dated to 15th century AD.

3) The Hammam, situated in the deep interior of the Royal Complex is having a unique architecture with bathroom cubicles having perforated domes providing light. These cubicles cold water through parallel grooves carved on the stone slabs.

Open from Sunrise to Sunset

Entrance Fee:

Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) – Rs. 25 per head.

Others:
Indian Rs. 300/- per head

(Free entry to children up to 15 years)