Mandsaur Fort

About Mandsaur Fort

Mandsaur Fort, also known as Dashpur Fort, is situated in Mandsaur city in Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh state of India. He is also remembered for his wonderful taste in architecture. Bandi Ji Ka Baag: A Temple with Glass interiors. Bandi Ji Ka Baag is a 120 Yrs old Jain temple with interiors done with Glass. A worth visit place. It is very near to Main Bus Stand. Deputy Director Veterinary Services .

The town was known as Dashpur in ancient times. The area was ruled by Dasharna people during Mahabharata period. It is probably Dasharna janapada which gave name Dashpur to the Mandsaur town. It is the monolith pillar at Mandsaur that testimonies the victory of Yasodharman, a Jat King of Malwa

History

• Mahabharata period

The Mahabharata Book 2: Sabha Parva SECTION locates Trigartas along with Dasharnas, the Sivis, the Amvashtas, the Malavas, the five tribes of the Karnatas around Rohtak in Haryana

Vaisampayana said,–“I shall now recite to you the deeds and triumphs of Nakula, and how that exalted one conquered the direction that had once been subjugated by Vasudeva. The intelligent Nakula, surrounded by a large host, set out from Khandavaprastha for the west, making this earth tremble with the shouts and the leonine roars of the warriors and the deep rattle of chariot wheels. The hero first assailed the mountainous country called Rohitaka that was dear unto (the celestial generalissimo) Kartikeya and which was delightful and prosperous and full of kine and every kind of wealth and produce. The encounter the son of Pandu had with the Mattamyurakas of that country was fierce.

• Aulikaras of Dashapura

Epigraphical discoveries have brought to light two ancient royal houses, who call themselves as Aulikaras and ruled from Dashapura (present-day Mandsaur). The first dynasty, who ruled from Dashapura from the beginning comprised the following kings in the order of succession: Jayavarma, Simhavarma, Naravarma, Vishvavarma and Bandhuvarma. Bandhuvarma was contemporary of Kumaragupta I.

Yashodharman ruleVictory pillar of Yashodharman at Sondani, MandsaurInfo of Victory pillar of Yashodharman at Sondani, Mandsaur

Yashodharman Sondani is a small village at a distance of about 4 km from Mandsaur situated on Mahu-Nimach National Highway towards Mahu. Two monolith pillars were erected here by King Yasodharman in 528 AD with inscription which describe his exploits including victory over Hunas.Excavations by the Indian Archaeology Department show that these pillars are lying at their original site.

• Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty Mahendrapala II

The Gurjara Pratihara empire was extended up to Mandasor during the reign of Mahendrapala II.The Mandsaur city is situated on the border of Malwa and Mewar and as such is strategically very important. After the attack of Timur, the Delhi Sultanate became weak. Dilawar Khan Ghauri was governor of the Malwa province of central India during the decline of the Delhi Sultanate.

• Hinglaj Fort Darbar Hall

Hinglajgarh or Hinglaj Fort is an ancient fort situated near village Navali in Bhanpura tehsil of Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh. Its coordinates are Latitude 25°30’ N and Longitude 65°31’ E. It is situated at a distance of 165 km from Mandsaur town and 26 km from Bhanpura town in Madhya Pradesh. This fort has been at its peak of grandeur during Parmara rule.

• Princely State

In 19th century before India’s independence in 1947, Madsaur was part of the princely state of Gwalior. It gave its name to the treaty with the Holkar Maharaja of Indore, which concluded the Third Anglo-Maratha War and the Pindari War in 1818. At the turn of the 20th century it was a centre of the Malwa opium trade.

Interesting things to Visit

• Lord Pashupatinath Temple, Mandsaur
• Chandwasa- Dharmarajeshwar, Garoth
• Bahi Parashnath Jain Temple, Pipliya Mandi
• Hinglajgarh, Hill Fort Bhanpura
• Gandhi Sagar Dam, Bhanpura

Nearest Visiting places

• Taxakeshwar temple

Taxakeshawar or Takhaji is a place of religious and historical importance in Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh. It is situated at a distance of 22 km from Bhanpura town on Hinglajgarh road.

• River Chambal in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary

Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary is wildlife sanctuary situated on the northern boundary of Mandsaur and Nimach districts in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is spread over an area of 368.62 km squire adjoining Rajasthan state in India.

Things to carry

Digital Camera

Cell phones

Hats/Caps

Water bottles

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.Polic Station
Bairagarh, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462030

4.Police Chowkey
Police Chowki, Lalghati, Lalghati, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462032

5.Police Thana
**Gotame Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001

Nearest Hospital:

1.Government Hospital
Bundi, Rajasthan

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

3.Koh E Fiza Hospital
Koh E Fiza, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

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

5.Gandhi Medical College
Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya, Sultania Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

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Location info

• Address:Mandsaur city, Madhya Pradesh, India.

• District: Mandsaur district

• Nearest City: Indore

• Best time to visit:

How to reach Mandsaur Fort

**Nearest Railway Station:Mandsaur is situated on Ajmer-Akola track of Indian Railways and is under Ratlam rail division of WR. Currently there are 6 trains available from Mandsaur. Mandsaur has direct trains for Mumbai, Ajmer, Udaipur, Agra, Kota, Indore, Ujjain, Ratlam.
**

• Nearest Airport:

• Road Transport:Mandsaur is situated on Ajmer-Lebad(Indore) NH-79 as well as Mhow-Neemuch SH-31 (soon becoming 4 Lane).

Nearest petrol pump

1.Petrol Pump
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

2.Petrol Pump
Borkhera, Kota, Rajasthan
**
3.Petrol Pump**
SH 51, Dhanmandi, Kota, Rajasthan

4.petrol pump
Station Rd, Nayapura, Kota,
**
5.Petrol Pump**
SH 33, Rawatbhata, Rajasthan

Best time to visit Mandsaur Fort

October to March; avoid summer heat (April-June)

Timings & opening hours

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily; closed on Mondays

Entry fee & tickets

INR 25 for Indians, INR 300 for foreign nationals; additional INR 25 for camera

Duration needed

2-3 hours

Safety tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes; carry water; be cautious on steep steps and uneven surfaces; avoid climbing restricted areas

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Accommodation options available in the nearest town/city. MP Tourism hotels, private resorts, and budget lodges are available near major tourist destinations. Advance booking recommended during peak season (October-March).

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.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Orchha, Gwalior, and Mandu have heritage hotels and guesthouses near their fort complexes. Gwalior and Bhopal offer the widest range from budget to luxury.

Things to do at Mandsaur Fort

Explore the fort ramparts and bastions, visit the palace chambers and durbar halls, photograph the architecture, watch the sound and light show (if available), and enjoy panoramic views from the top.

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 is the history of this fort? Most MP forts date back to the medieval period, built by Rajput or Maratha rulers between the 10th and 18th centuries.

How much time is needed to explore? Typically 2-3 hours for a thorough visit.

Is there a guide available? Local guides are available at the entrance; audio guides may also be available.

Are there food facilities inside? Basic refreshment stalls are usually available; full meals are available nearby.

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.