Jal Mahal

Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh


This palace on an island-like spit of land at the corner of Munja Tank is thought to have been a private retreat for noble couples. It has several step-wells and pools in which they could disport.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh attractions

1. Champa Baodi

0.09 MILES

So-called because its water supposedly smelled as sweet as the champak flower, the Champa Baodi is a circular step-well with vaulted side-niches. It was…

2. Turkish Bath

0.1 MILES

Stars and octagons perforate the domed roofs of this tiny bathhouse, which had hot and cold water and a hypocaust (underfloor-heated) sauna.

3. Hindola Mahal

0.12 MILES

Just north of Ghiyas’ stately pleasure dome is the Hindola Mahal, so-called because the slope of its walls sort of resembles that of the ropes of a swing…

4. Jahaz Mahal

0.13 MILES

Dating from the 15th century, this is the most famous building in Mandu. Built on a narrow strip of land between Munja and Kapoor tanks, with an upper…

5. Dilawar Khan's Mosque

0.15 MILES

Built by Dilawar Khan in 1405, this is Mandu’s earliest Islamic building. It was built mainly with material from earlier Hindu temples – particularly…

6. Royal Enclave

0.19 MILES

The Royal Enclave is the largest group of monuments, with several beautiful buildings from the 15th- and 16th-century Ghuri and Khilji dynasties set near…

7. Taveli Mahal

0.19 MILES

These former stables now house a small Archaeological Museum with artefacts found at Mandu, including 11th- and 12th-century sculptures and 15th-century…

8. Palace of Gada Shah

0.2 MILES

This was the dwelling of a powerful merchant chieftain whose 'shop', on the main road outside the Royal Enclave, is even more impressive.