Mandu, due to its strategic position and natural defences, was an important place with a rich and varied history. Some of the notable places are:

The Darwazas (Gates)
The wall surrounding Mandu has 12 major gates or darwazas that run 45km long. The present road, through which Mandu is reached, passes through many of these. Most notable of these is Delhi Darwaza, the main entrance to this fortress city. Also encountered are smaller gateways built to provide protection to the above-mentioned 12 gates. Rampol Darwaza, Jehangir Gate and Tarapur Gate are some of the other main gateways.

Jahaz Mehal (Ship Palace)
Situated between two artificial lakes Munji Talao and Kanpur Talao, this two storied architectural marvel is so named as it appears as a ship floating in water. Believed to have been built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji, it served as a palace for his large harem of 15,000 women. Mugal emperor Jahangir and his beautiful wife, Nur Janhan, lived here often and held memorable lantern-lit parties and functions, about one of which the emperor writes:

"It was a wonderful assembly.In the beginning of the evening they lighted lanterns and lamps all round the tanks and buildings and a lighting up was carried out like of which has never been arranged in any place. The lanterns and lamps cast their reflection on the water and it appeared as if the whole surfact of the tank was a plain fire. A grand entertainment took place and the drunkards indulged themselves to excess".

Viewed on moonlit nights from the adjoining Taveli Mahal, the silhouette of the building, with the tiny domes and turrets of the pavilion gracefully perched on the terrace, presents an unforgettable spectacle.

Hindola Mahal
Hindola Mahal - meaning Swinging palace is named such due to its sloping side walls. The Hindola Mahal is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Hushang Shah about 1425 C.E. but dates back to the end of the 15th century during the reign of Ghiyas al-Din. It was a great audience hall of the King of Mandu. Splendid and innovative techniques are evident in its ornamental facade, delicate trellis work in sand stone and beautifully moulded columns. There are a number of other, undated structures like Dilawar Khan's Mosque, the Nahar Jharokha (tiger balcony), Taveli Mahal and the two large wells called the Ujali (bright) and Andheri (dark) Baolis surrounding the palace - an evidence of the rich and glorious past.

Hoshang Shah's Tomb
India's first marble structure, it is one of the most refined examples of Afghan architecture. Its unique features include the beautifully proportioned dome, intricate marble lattice work and porticoed courts and towers. Among the four architects that Shah Jahan sent to study the design of the tomb was Ustad Hamid, a person associated with the designing and construction of the Taj Mahal.

Jami Mashid
Built on the lines of the great mosque of Damascus this grand mosque stands on a high ground with a porch protruding in the center. This humongous structure is striking in both its simplicity and architectural style-with large courtyards and grand entrances. The great court of the mosque is enclosed on all sides by huge colonnades with a rich and pleasing variety in the arrangement of arches, pillars, number of bays, and in the rows of domes above. Its construction was started by Hoshang and completed by Mahmud Khalji in 1454 A.D

Rewa Kund
Rewa Kund is a reservoir constructed by Baz Bahadur to supply water to Roopmati's Pavilion. It is considered an architectural marvel since the reservoir is situated below the pavilion. Today, the pool is revered as a sacred spot.

Roopmati's Pavilion
A large sandstone structure originally built as an army observation post it is known today as Roopmati's Pavilion. Rani Roopmati, the love interest of Baaz Bahadur lived here and used to peek at Baz Bahadur's Palace. The serpentine flow of the Narmada river can also be observed from here, gushing through the Nimar plains far below. A river which the queen revered, Nirmada is a delight to gaze at especially during sunset or in clear moon-light. The Pavilion is a major tourist attraction and offers many scenic views.

Baz Bahadur's Palace
Built by Baz Bahadur in the early 16th century, the palace's unique features are its spacious courtyards surrounded by halls and high terraces which afford a picturesque view of the surrounding countryside. It is situated below Roopmati's Pavilion and can be seen clearly if observed from the Pavilion.

Nilkanth Mahal:
Belonging to the Mughal era and close to the Nilkanth shrine, this palace was constructed by the Mughal governor, Shah Badgah Khan for Emperor Akbar's Hindu wife. This sacred Shiva shrine is sited in a magnificent setting, at the very edge of a steep gorge. On the walls here are some inscriptions of the time of Akbar referring to the futility of earthly pomp and glory. In its tree- shaded courtyard, a sacred pond is fed by a stream, and pilgrims still gather to worship here.

The nearest airport is at Indore, 99 km away from Mandu. Convenient railheads are Ratlam (124 km) on the Mumbai-Delhi main line and Indore (99km).Regular bus services connect Mandu with Indore, Dhar, Mhow, Ratlam, Ujjain and Bhopal.