Jahaz Mahal

Located in the Mandu region of Madhya Pradesh, Jahaz Mahal was once a royal consortium that was built by the Sultan of Mandu, Ghiyās-Ud-din Khilji in the second half of the 15th century. The structure repletes the medieval history of Mandu. The name “Jahaz Mahal” was so kept because the structure is surrounded by water and gives an impression of floating gently above the surface of the water. Jahaz Mahal is an architectural marvel with splendid details on it. The monument is a sheer example of stunning Mughal architecture. Interestingly, Jahaz Mahal was built with the purpose of accommodating the 15,000 women consorts of the Sultan.

Literally translating to “Ship Palace”, Jahaz Mahal was constructed with the intention of accommodating the 15,000 women consorts. The very term “Jahaz Mahal” implies “Ship Palace”, the name is inspired by the placement of the monument near a lake known as Hauz-i-Shamsi. The monument renders a mesmerizing reflection on this lake’s clear waters, which apparently looks like a beautiful ornate ship sailing in the sea. Built between the years 1453 and 1525, Jahaz Mahal was also popularly known as ‘Sarai’ in the bygone times. It is also believed that the real reason behind the construction of this monument was for creating a comfortable summer resort for the royal Mughal rulers and their families.

The beautiful palace stands as a stunning specimen of Mughal architecture and a hotspot for history buffs with its splendorous architecture and colorful detailing. The most striking feature of Jahaz Mahal lies in its intricately carved structure with an imposing cenotaph ornamented with blue tiles. As you enter the palace, you will hit upon a rectangular courtyard with impressively arched chambers on all sides. The courtyard which overlooks nature outside the mansion is the most coveted area of the palace and is frequented by locals and tourists for sightseeing and relaxing after a tiring tour. A flight of stairs that once led to the main entrance of the palace from the southern end by a wooden bridge has long disappeared and now the entrance is through the eastern side. The moat which once surrounded Jahaz Mahal is now covered up to give access to its entrance. The beauty of the facade at the main entrance on the eastern side of the palace is completely diminished due to several encroachments on its structure. However, the presence of a mihrab on the western wall of the Jahaz Mahal point toward the existence of a mosque before the construction of the palace.

• Hauz Shamsi – The Hauz Shamsi or Shamsi Talab is a water reservoir that was built in 1230 AD by the then emperor of Delhi, Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish. It is believed that the sultan received an instruction from the Prophet to build a reservoir in a place that was marked by the hoof of his horse.
• Jinnabadi – Located in Sanjay Van at Mehrauli, Jinnabadi is one of the hidden gems of Delhi and a must-visit place. It is considered as one of the most eminent monuments in Mehrauli and adds to the historical significance of the place with its architectural brilliance.
• Rang Mahal – Built in the 18th century, Rang Mahal is one of the largest monuments in Chamba. It is located near the Diwan-I-Khas of the Red Fort and is one of the finest specimens of the blend of Mughal and British architecture which houses the famous Mumtaz Mahal inside its precincts.
• Lal Mahal – Located at a distance of about 20 meters from Bara Khamba in the Nizamuddin area of Delhi, the Laal Mahal (Red Palace) is a hotspot for tourists who take interest in architecture and history. The remnants of the palace in the form of tykhanas stand today as a glaring testimony of Mughal architecture.
• Rajon ki Bain – This is one of the architectural marvels of Mehrauli whose history dates back to the time of Sikander Lodi. The imposing three-storeyed structure of the baoli was constructed by Daulat Khan in 1516. Inside the baoli, there is a 12 pillared tomb and a mosque. The walls are decked with intricate carvings that leave the beholders spellbound.

When talking about the preferable season to visit Jahaz Mahal, then, it should be noted that Summers in Delhi are scorching while winters are nearly freezing. In both these extreme climatic conditions, it is difficult to travel around the palace and see it at length. The months between February-June and August-November is considered ideal for visiting Jahaz Mahal and going sightseeing at the nearest places of interest.

The timings for Jahaz Mahal are from 9 am to 6 pm. However, it is suggested that the best time of the day to visit the Jahaz Mahal is between 8 am - 11 am usually, because there are fewer crowds of tourists.

• Vamoose Mandu Sarai – The hotel is located 30 minutes distance from the center of Mandu. It is perfectly located at a convenient spot for both business and leisure purposes.
• MPT Malwa Resort – Undisputedly the best resort in Mandu. MPT Malwa Resort is a comfortable stay for you and your loved ones.

Since 1720 and up till the finish of the Mughal reign in Delhi, the Phulwalon Ki Sair celebration or 'Festivals of Flowers' was intricately celebrated inside the Palace grounds each year when the flowers merchants of Mehrauli would pay tribute to the Mughal Emperor by giving the flowers of various species completely flowered amid spring season. Today, this celebration is praised just inside the Mehrauli Village and not inside the Palace anymore drawn out by flower dealers from each edge of Delhi amid the period of October consistently.

The closest airport to Jahaz Mahal is Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi Airport) which is located about 12 Km from Jahaz Mahal and takes 30 mins approximately via Vasant Kunj Marg to travel between the places. You can take a bus or avail metro to reach Jahaz Mahal from Delhi Airport at a minimal cost. Either by bus or metro rail it will cost you approximately Rs. (50-80) and will drop you at Jahaz Mahal in about 1 hr. 30 mins. If you want to reach faster and more comfortably, there is an online cab service that will cost you around INR 480 and drop you at your destination in about 12 minutes.