Mandu
Mandu, set picturesquely at the edge of the Vindhya range, overlooking the Narmada river was once known as Shadiabad, the Citadel of Joy’. It was the pleasure resort of the rulers of Malwa and echoes with love tales of poet prince Baz Bahadur and Rani Rupmati.
Jahaz Mahal: The 400 ft. long and 50 ft. wide double-story pleasure palace built between two lakes resembles a ship. This remarkable edifice in stone is said to have been built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji for his large harem of 15,000 women.
Hoshang Shah’s Tomb: The beautiful tomb is one of the finest specimens of Afghan architecture and the first marble structure of the country.
Jami Masjid: It is patterned on the great mosque of Damascus and is another great example of Afghan architecture in India.
Ashrafi Mahal or the ‘palace of gold coins: It was built by Mahmud Shah Khilji and was conceived as an academic institution. In the same complex, he built a seven storeyed victory tower to celebrate his victory over Rana Kumbha of Mewar.
Rupmati’s Pavilion: It was built by Baz Bahadur for his queen Rupmati, on the southern crest of a hill, overlooking the Nimar valley. The pavilion commands a panoramic view of the meandering Narmada river, especially on full moon night.
Hindola Mahal: The ‘swinging palace gets the name from its leaning walls that resemble a swing. It combines immense proportions with a simplicity of design. Other attractions include Jami Masjid, Rewa Kund, Baz Bahadur’s Palace, Nilkantha, etc.
Chitrakoot
Chitrakoot, ‘the hill of many wonders’, a legendary Hindu pilgrim center is set picturesquely in the northern spurs of the Vindhyas. Legend has it that Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh took their incarnations on the sacred soil of Chitrakoot. Lord Rama and Sita are believed to have spent eleven of their fourteen years of exile in their peaceful forests. The great sage Atri and Sati Anusuya meditated here and poet Tulsidas came to Chitrakoot in search of spiritual solace.
Ramghat: The ghats that line the banks of the river Mandakini reveal a constantly moving and changing kaleidoscope of religious activity. The rippling blue-green waters of the Mandakini can be traversed by boats, readily available for hire.
Other attractions are – Janaki Kund, Kamadgiri, Sphatik Shila, Hanuman Dhara, and Bharat Koop. Sati Anusuya (16 kms.) and Gupt Godavari Caves (15 kms.) are also worth visiting.
Pachmarhi
Picturesque Pachmarhi, the peaceful hill resort amidst Satpura ranges is noted for its natural beauty and salubrious climate. It is said to be named after the ancient rock-cut caves, where the five Pandava brothers, the heroes of Mahabharta, are said to have taken refuge. However, the lovely hill station was discovered and developed by Cap. Forsyth. in 1857. Pachmarhi offers a park-like woods and glades for quiet walks, shady bridle paths that ribbon through the wooded landscape and lead to breathtaking views at the edge of the plateau, a profusion of streams and waterfalls that collect into cool pools for bathing, the challenge of rugged hills for rock climbing. Another special attraction is the splendor of the red sandstone scarp that reflects fantastic shades of mauve and violet at dusk. The tranquil hill station also provides comfortable inexpensive accommodation and facilities that include a golf course, a recreation center with a skating rink and a school of oriental music.
