History, culture and religion come alive and merge seamlessly in the city of Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh. This city is perhaps best known for the part it played in the Mahabharata, as there are many mentions of it in the mythological epic. In fact, many temples in Mandsaur deify Ravana and his wife, as this is believed to be her hometown. This fact itself is an anomaly in India. The name of the region, too, is believed to have come from the epic.
Thanks to its rich history, Mandsaur is a tourist’s delight. Dotted with ancient temples and imposing forts, there is much to see and do in this small, central city. Mandsaur also happens to be one of the few large-scale producers of opium not just in India, but in the world. The rivers that flow through Mandsaur give it a rustic appeal and, along with its enriching history and the traces left behind by erstwhile rulers, the city is a treasure trove for tourists.
Mandsaur is best known across the country for the Lord Pashupatinath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated on the banks of the River Shivna, this temple is believed to be extremely sacred, thus attracting devotees in thousands through the year. The deity inside the temple is absolutely stunning—made of a copper-hued stone, it weighs over 4,500 kilos and is over seven feet tall. A source of pride and joy for Mandsaur, this temple, along with others such as the Nacha Mata Temple and Taxakeshawar Temple, is a must-visit.
The Mandsaur Fort was constructed in the 15th century and is another popular tourist destination in Mandsaur. This fort is known especially for its marvelous architecture. It was built by Hoshang Shah Gori who was known for his aesthetic eye and was one of the first Islamic kings of the Malwa region.
The Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, spread across over 300 km on the border of Mandsaur and Nimach, is a place all nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts should visit. The Chambal River passes right through the sanctuary, which is filled with a variety of flora and fauna.
The most common modes of transport in Mandsaur are auto-rickshaws and tempos, both of which are usually shared. Buses will also take you around within the city and to nearby districts as well. To travel more comfortably, you could hire a private taxi from a car rental.
On a daily basis there are approximately 6 flights that operate at Maharana Pratap Airport.Air India and SpiceJet are the most popular airline brands that fly frequently to this airport.
Besides flying you can also reach Mandsaur through train.Mandasoris one of the most popular train stations in Mandsaur.On an average about 35 trains pass through Mandsaur on a daily basis.Chittaurgarh to Mandsaur, Neemuch to Mandsaur, Ratlam to Mandsaurare some of the most popular routes to Mandsaur with 61, 53, 52 trains weekly respectively.
By road Mandsaur is surrounded by Neemuch, Jaora, Nimbahera which are 29.4 km, 29.92 km, 44.9 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.