Mandu: A 'city of joy' in Madhya Pradesh which is home to majestic palaces
Jahaz Mahal
Entering Mandu through one of its pols or gates, it is hard not to miss the stately Baobab tree, a native of Madagascar that looms majestically over the landscape. Tall, with a substantial girth, its expansive branches make it a showstopper.
But thatâs not the only tourist attraction in this ancient fort city. From monuments, caves and nature in all its glory, thereâs plenty here to satisfy an avid traveller.
Baobab tree
When history beckons
As this was my first trip in the middle of the pandemic, to say I was extra cautious would be an understatement. However, as masks were mandatory at most tourist spots, and sanitizers and thermal scanning were compulsory, I felt safe. Accessible by road from Indore, the 90-km stretch takes under two hours. What strikes you as you enter the town is the large number of monuments. I later learnt that the town has over 3,000 monuments! Interestingly, Mandu was also known as the âCity of Joyâ as it once bustled with a population of over 9 lakh, which has now of course dwindled to about 10,000.