Rest day in Mandu

Street party in Mandu, as we walked by with interest they start to drag people out to dance with them, that’s my friend Rich out there having a grand time.

Rest day in Mandu, a much smaller city of about 15,000 people. It’s a nice change from the busy million plus people cities we have stopped in. Still plenty of site seeing to do here. 

Apparently at one time, there were a million people living in this area, now only 15,000. First stop today is the Jahaz Maharana (the ship palace) and Hindola Mahal.

The Jahaz Mahal and Hindola Mahal

The Jahaz Mahal, or the ship palace, resembles a ship sailing in water. There are two lakes, Kapur Talao and the Munja Talao, at the front of and behind the monument. The beautiful reflection of the palace can be seen in the tank waters. This was built in the period of Sultan Ghias-ud-din Khilji as a pleasure resort for his large harem (1,500 women). It was so named, since its reflection (illusion) in the surrounding reservoir looked like a ship floating on a lake. It is inferred to have been built during the Lodi dynasty period (1452-1526) as a pleasure resort, Sarai or an inn.

The Hindola Mahal or the Swing Palace has been built with sloping walls, which make it look like a swing. This was used as an audience hall. There is a step well called Champa Baoli near it, which was connected to underground rooms with arrangements for cold and hot water for bathing.

Jahaz Mahal

Hammam - hot bath is of Turkish style and used by royal persons. Its ceiling is decorated by beautiful stars that have been cut for light and gives the appearance of twinkling stars shinning in the sky around the full moon, even in the daytime. This star type of depiction is also in the Raisen fort.

Hoshang Shah's Tomb is a marble mausoleum in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh, India. It's considered to be the first marble tomb in India and was built in the 15th century. The tomb is said to have influenced the design of the Taj Mahal.

Tomorrow we’ll be back riding, I think I’ve decided to start doing a half day ride. Which means riding in the morning to the lunch stop. Usually that’s about 60% to 70% of the total daily ride. This will give me enough riding but maybe not over do it and keep my saddle sores in check.

We’ll see how it goes.

If you haven’t done this yet, make sure you check out my friend Rich’s YouTube channel: Rich Goes Outside, he’s got lots of great videos of our trip.

Mandala Street Art Series