Mandu and Ahilya Fort

Discover the magic of Mandu and Ahilya Fort on an off-the-beaten-path India holiday to central India. The family-owned 18th-century Ahilya Fort enjoys a stunning setting on the banks of the sacred Narmada River in the quaint town of Maheshwar. Once the residence of the legendary Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, the fort has been meticulously restored and converted into a heritage hotel. Today, Ahilya Fort is an excellent base for immersive cultural and rural experiences that will allow you to discover the ‘real India’. Discover atmospheric temples in Maheshwar, reputed to be ‘Varanasi of central India, while the daily hustle and bustle along Maheshwar’s ghats (the steps leading to the river) offer a captivating spectacle. Glide down the sacred Narmada River on a hand-poled boat to Baneshwar Temple, considered the Centre of the Universe. Enjoy a cup of tea at the temple, and then release diyas (floating lamps) as an offering to the river. Inside the fort, visit a saree-weaving studio run by the Holkars’ charitable trust, where you can see skilled artisans at their handlooms, preserving a craft that adds to the town’s rich cultural legacy.

Mandu is a historic fortress city located a two hour drive from Ahilya that was once the seat of the powerful Malwa sultanate. Perched on a plateau amidst the Vindhya ranges, Mandu is studded with ruined palaces, tombs, and temples that seem untouched by time. Today, this almost-forgotten town is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. Marvel at the Indo-Islamic splendour of palaces like Jahaz Mahal and Baz Bahadur Palace, the latter immortalised by the tragic love story of Sultan Baz Bahadur and the shepherdess Roopmati. Visit the Roopmati Pavilion, which offers outstanding views of the Narmada River, and pay homage at the Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, India’s first marble monument. Mandu’s serene lakes, lush gardens, and dramatic landscapes complement its historical charm, creating a photographer’s dream.