Chanderi Fort

About Chanderi Fort

• Introduction to the Chanderi Fort

The Chanderi Fort dates back to the Mughal Period. The Muslim rulers took a lot of initiative to construct the fortification walls of the fort. The Mahals within the fort were built by the Bundela chiefs.

Deogarh or Fort of the Gods and Chanderi Fort: These forts are on the either side of the Betwa River on the main route to the Deccan. They enclose the broken curtain walls and the remains of over 30 Jain temples, dating back mostly to the 9th and 10th centuries but Varaha temple dedicated to the boar incarnation of Vishnu, date back to the 5th century.

Below the fort, not far from the banks of the Betwa is a gigantic black-painted statue of Shantinath, one of the Jain pontiffs whose symbol, as at Gwalior, is an Antelope.

The monuments of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh mirror the impact of Mughal style of architecture. Chanderi, 34 km west of Lalitpur, was once a town of considerable strategic importance, picturesquely sited in a great bay of sandstone hills pierced by narrow passes. It was the northern capital of Malwa, an independent dominion of the Muslim sultanate. In the early 16th century it was conferred on Medini Rao and then it was seized by Babur in 1528. The monuments of Chanderi date from the 4th Century A.D. to the 19th century.

The Ghuri and Khalji sultans of Mandu left a number of interesting architectural monuments. The widespread use of recycled temple columns, a trabcated style and the small, domed kiosks found on a number of the buildings are also indicative of an early example of Rajput style.

Interesting things to Visit

• Shri Choubisi jain mandir
• Jami Masjid
• Shahzadi ka Rauza
• Jageswari devi Temple
• Chanderi Museum
• Khandar Giri Atishay Khetra
• Malan Kho
• Baiju Bawra’s Samadhi(Cenotaph)

Nearest Visiting places

Koshak Mahal
Impressed with the remarkable architecture of Mandu, Mohammed khilji ordered to build the Koshak Mahal in 1445 AD. The original plan of this Khilji ruler was to construct the seven-storey palace but only two could be completed during his lifetime. The intricate designs and motfis of the palace display the perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal style of art and architecture.

Jama Masjid
Built by the Malwa Sultans, Jami Masjid has imposing domes and long arcades. It is possibly the biggest mosque of the erstwhile Central India.

Badal Mahal Gateway,
Badal Mahal is a gateway without a mahal built in the 15th century. It was constructed by the King of Malwa, Sultan Mehmood Shah Khilji to commemorate a significant victory. Garnished with exquisite carvings and motifs, the gate was used in welcoming and giving honors to the kings and other prominent state guests.

Shahazadi ka Rauza
Built by the Malwa Sultans in the memory of a princess, the building has intriguing arches and geometrical designs. The exterior of the Shahazadi ka Rauza is decorated with ornate arches and a band of geometrical designs.

Parmeshwar Tal
The Placid Parmeshwar Tal rests half a mile to the north-west of Chanderi town. The credit goes to the Bundela Rajput Kings for the construction of this impressive tank. An ancient temple and many memorials built in the honor of the royal Rajput kings are also present here.

Battisi Baowdi
Built in 1485 by Sultan Ghyasuddin Shah, the place derives its name from a flight of thirty-two steps.

Thruvanji
The quaint town of Thruvanji is located in the South West of Chanderi. The village is noted for its Jain temples that belong to early medieval period.

Kati Ghati
Jimam Khan built Kati Ghati Gate in 1480 AD by cutting the solid rocks.

Chanderi Fort
Situated on a lofty hill, Chanderi Fort was constructed by the Muslim rulers of Chanderi. The main gate of this vast Mughal fort is known as the “Khooni Darwaza”.

Buddhi Chanderi
Buddhi (Old) Chanderi is located at a distance of 19 kms from present Chanderi town. The town rests on the banks of river Urvashi. Buddhi Chanderi also finds its reference in Puranas as Chaidnagar. Legend goes that when Raja Nala left Damayanti asleep in the forests of Narwar she moved through dense Jungles and reached Chaidnagar protecting her self from wild animals. The place also has number of Jain temples that date back to 9th and 10th century.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Check out the Circuit House, Dak Bungalow and Rest House near the bus stand. Also

• Hotel Shrikunj
• Hotel Sadabahar
• Shri Digambar Jain Dharamshala
• Shri Parshunath Dharamshala
• Shri Yugal Kishore Dharamshaladeri is connected by regular bus services with Gwalior, Indore, Guna, Shivpuri, Ashok Nagar, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Tikamgarh, Vidisha, Sanchi and Bhopal.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

1.Habib Ganj Police Station
MP Nagar Zone-II, MP Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
**
2.Police Station**
Nishat Pura, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462030

3.Police Thana
Gotame Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001

4.Piplani police station
Piplani, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

5.Cantonment Police Station
NH 26, Sagar Cantt., Sagar, Madhya Pradesh

Nearest Hospital:

1.District Hospital
Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh

2.Bhagyoday Tirth
Khurai Road, Kareela, NH26A, Shastri Nagar, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh 470002

3.Shekhar Hospital
A-69, Shah Pura, Near Manisha Market, Shahpura, Bhopal, Madhya pradesh 462016

4.Govt District Hospital
Tikamgarh, Uttar Pradesh

5.Ajwani Eye Hospital
115, Berasia Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462038

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Location info

• Address:“Chanderi fort located at Chanderi in Ashoknagar District of Madhya Pradesh state in India is situated at a distance of 127 km from Shivpuri

• District: Ashoknagar

• Nearest City: Bhopal, Kulpahar and Lalitpur

• Best time to visit: October to March

History of Chanderi Fort

Chanderi is mentioned by the Persian scholar Alberuni in 1030. Ghiyas ud din Balban captured the city in 1251 for Nasir ud din Mahmud, Sultan of Delhi. Sultan Mahmud I Khilji of Malwa captured the city in 1438 after a siege of several months. In 1520 Rana Sangha of Mewar captured the city, and gave it to Medini Rai, a rebellious minister of Sultan Mahmud II of Malwa. The Mughal Emperor Babur captured the city from Medini Rai, and in 1540 it was captured by Sher Shah Suri, and added to the governorship of Shujaat Khan. The Mughal Emperor Akbar made the city a sarkar in the subah of Malwa. The Bundela Rajputs captured the city in 1586, and it was held by Ram Sab, a son of Raja Madhukar of Orchha. In 1680 Devi Singh Bundela was made governor of the city, and Chanderi remained in the hands of his family until it was annexed in 1811 by Jean Baptiste Filose for the Maratha ruler Daulat Rao Sindhia of Gwalior. The city was transferred to the British in 1844. The British lost control of the city during the Revolt of 1857, and the city was recaptured by Sir Hugh Rose on February 14, 1858. The city was transferred back to the Sindhias of Gwalior in 1861, and became part of Isagarh District of Gwalior state. After India’s independence in 1947, Gwalior became part of the new state of Madhya Bharat, which was merged into Madhya Pradesh on November 1, 1956.

How to reach Chanderi Fort

Nearest Railway Station: Lalitpur (36 km) and Jhansi (124 km) on the Delhi-Chennai and Delhi-Mumbai main line are the closest railheads. Ashok Nagar (46 km) and Mungaoli (38 km) also serve Chanderi.

• Nearest Airport:The nearest airports are at Bhopal (258 km) and Gwalior (259 km).

• Road Transport:Bus and Cars for hire

Nearest petrol pump

1.Petrol Pump
Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh

2.Petrol Pump
Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh
**
3.Petrol Pump**
Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh

4.Petrol Pump
Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh

5.Petrol Pump
Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh

Best time to visit Chanderi Fort

October to March (pleasant weather)

Timings & opening hours

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily (some forts closed on national holidays)

Entry fee & tickets

INR 25 (Indians), INR 300 (foreigners); free for children below 15

Duration needed

2-3 hours

Safety tips

Wear comfortable shoes; Watch your step on uneven paths; Carry water; Avoid climbing restricted areas

Things to carry

Comfortable walking shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, water bottle, camera, sunglasses

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station: Lalitpur (30 km) or Ashoknagar.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Madhya Pradesh. 4G is reliable in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and along national highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench national parks. Most hotels and resorts in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Forts in MP (Gwalior, Mandu, Orchha) have snack stalls and chai points near the entrance. Gwalior and Mandu have the best food options near their fort complexes. The nearest town offers traditional meals — dal bafla, poha, and kebabs.

Things to do at Chanderi Fort

• Shri Choubisi jain mandir
• Jami Masjid
• Shahzadi ka Rauza
• Jageswari devi Temple
• Chanderi Museum
• Khandar Giri Atishay Khetra
• Malan Kho
• Baiju Bawra’s Samadhi(Cenotaph)

Climate & weather

Madhya Pradesh has a subtropical climate with three distinct seasons. Winter (October–March) is the best time to visit: temperatures range from 8°C to 28°C with clear skies and pleasant days — ideal for wildlife safaris and temple visits. April–June is very hot, with temperatures reaching 42–45°C in most areas. The monsoon (July–September) brings moderate to heavy rainfall, making the landscape lush green, though wildlife parks close during peak monsoon.

Frequently asked questions

What are the fort visiting hours? Typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily; some forts remain closed on national holidays.

Is there a guide available at the fort? Yes, licensed guides are available at the entrance; audio guides also available at major forts.

Are there light and sound shows at the fort? Major forts like Gwalior and Mandu have evening light and sound shows in Hindi and English.

Accessibility

Historic forts typically have uneven stone pathways, steep staircases, and no ramps. Forts are built on elevated ground — reaching them requires a climb on foot or by vehicle to the base followed by stairs. Visitors with mobility issues may find the outer grounds and lower levels more accessible than the upper ramparts. Wear sturdy footwear and allow extra time.

Rules & restrictions

Do not climb on unstable walls or beyond marked boundaries. Some bastion platforms are partially collapsed. Graffiti and defacement are illegal. Alcohol and smoking are not permitted inside most historic sites. Drones may require permission. Large bags may be checked at the entrance. Photography is permitted but tripods may need special permission. Respect heritage rules — these monuments are protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.

Best photography spots

The ramparts offer the best panoramic views — arrive early morning or late afternoon for golden light across the landscape. The bastions and arched windows make excellent natural frames. Wide-angle lenses capture the scale of the fortifications; telephoto lenses isolate details of the stonework and distant views. Sunset silhouettes of the fort walls against the sky are iconic.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Madhyapradesh
• Category: Forts

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.