Other Unknown Monuments in Mandu

Not far from Darya Khan’s Tomb stands the Ruby Palace, or Lal Mahal—though today it is more commonly called the Lal Bungalow. In its heyday, this was a cherished summer retreat for Mandu’s sultans, a place where royalty escaped the heat. As historian D.R. Patil notes, the remnants of old water channels and cascading systems still hint at the cool, refreshing ambiance that once filled its courtyards.

Time, however, has not been kind to this once-elegant palace. Its ruins are now so fragmented that piecing together its original layout feels like solving an ancient puzzle. Yet its dramatic setting—perched boldly atop a high cliff—speaks of the grandeur it once commanded. The palace seems to have doubled as a monsoon retreat as well, offering sweeping views of the rain-washed landscape below.

In the eastern wing, faint traces of murals and painted walls still cling to the stone, fragile echoes of artistic beauty that once adorned the rooms. A small cellar beneath the pavilion adds another layer of intrigue, suggesting hidden spaces where courtly life unfolded away from the harsh summer sun.

Though weathered and broken, the Ruby Palace continues to radiate the charm of a forgotten royal refuge—its ruins whispering stories of Mandu’s opulent past.

Not far from Mandu’s more familiar monuments stands the Chhappan Mahal, a graceful yet lesser-known gem. Its name comes from the year of its renovation—Unnis-sau Chhappan (Samvat 1956). Within its quiet walls lies the grave of an unidentified nobleman, adding an air of mystery to this elegant structure. The Mahal’s domes and arches are beautifully proportioned, reflecting the clean simplicity of Islamic design softened with delicate Hindu decorative elements. This refined blend leads archaeologists to believe it dates from the sixteenth century, the final, most sophisticated phase of Mandu’s architectural evolution.

Today, Chhappan Mahal is privately owned by the Maharaja of Dhar, and visitors must arrange permission in advance—adding to its intrigue as a rare and privileged sight.

Just nearby stands the enchanting Nilkantha Palace, built on land once occupied by a Shiva temple. Since Shiva is also known as Nilkantha, meaning “blue-throated one,” the palace inherited the deity’s name. Set in serene surroundings, it commands a breathtaking view of the sweeping valley below. The palace is arranged around a courtyard with chambers on three sides, leaving the northern face open so its occupants could gaze endlessly over the landscape.

Inside, history comes alive on the walls—some rooms still preserve inscriptions recalling Akbar’s campaigns in Khandesh and the Deccan. Jahangir, a great lover of Mandu, considered Nilkantha Palace one of the most delightful places in the entire citadel.

On one of the palace walls, a poetic verse still whispers across the centuries:

“The whole of a life well spent we deem
In the building thus if o’er us gleam
Some faintest hope that the soul of grace
Shall find repose within this place.”

A fitting tribute to a palace built for beauty, reflection, and the quiet poetry of life in Mandu.

Baobab trees—known locally as khurasani imli—are among Mandu’s most astonishing sights. Rare in most parts of India, these giants look almost otherworldly, as if they were planted upside down with their roots stretching into the sky. They remain bare for most of the year, sprouting leaves only during the rains.

It’s believed that baobabs reached Mandu from Africa, carried through trade routes that flourished during the reign of Mahmud Khalji. The French botanist Adanson, who studied these remarkable trees, claimed they are the longest-living trees on Earth, even dating one specimen to an astonishing 5,150 years!

Not far from these ancient giants lie the rock-cut caves of Mandu—mysterious chambers carved into the hillside. Scholars believe these caves were excavated during the 11th or 12th century and once served as dwellings for Shaiva yogis and yoginis, who sought solitude for meditation and spiritual practice.

Scattered around the caves, as well as behind the group of chambers known as the Sat-Kothari or “seven cells,” archaeologists have discovered the remains of numerous temples. Several beautifully carved deity images found here now reside in Mandu’s local ASI Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s deep spiritual past.

Together, the ancient baobabs and the enigmatic caves form a magical pairing—nature and history intertwined, each whispering stories of Mandu’s timeless legacy.