Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh – Surrounded by hills, lakes & forests here you can trace the footsteps of history
Surrounded by hills, lakes and forests the picturesque town of Chanderi is located in the Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh. It is a town of great historical importance. The documented history of Chanderi goes back to the early 11th century and is a kaleidoscope of movement and activity prompted by its strategic location. The place is spotted with numerous monuments reminding one of the era of Mughals, Malwa Sultans, Scindias and Bundelas.
Places to see at Chanderi: Being a historical town Chanderi is spotted with a number of historical destinations.
The Fort
Dominating the skyline of this lovely old town, is a Mughal fort. The vast fort was built on a 200 metre high hill during the Mughal period. Its main gate is known as the “Khooni Darwaza”.
Koshak Mahal
According to historical records, Koshak Mahal was ordered to be built by Mahmud Khilji of Malwa when he passed through Chanderi in 1445 AD. The original plan of the Khilji ruler was to construct a seven-storey palace though only two could be completed during his life time. The Mahal is divided into four equal parts and has architecture similar to Mandu.
Badal Mahal Gate
A gate without a Mahal, it was constructed to commemorate some important victory.
Jama Masjid
With imposing domes and long arcades, this is possibly the biggest mosque of the erstwhile Madhya Bharat State.
Shahzadi Ka Rouza
The name is attributed to some unknown princess. The building is decorated on the exterior with ornamental arches and a band of geometrical designs.
Parameshwar Tal
Built by Bundela Rajput Kings, the picturesque Parameshwar tank is situated half a mile to the north-west of Chanderi town. It has on its bank a well-carved temple and cenotaphs of three Rajput Kings.
Battisi Bavdi
Built by Sultan Ghiyasuddin Shah in 1485, the Battisi Bavdi derives its name from a flight of thirty two steps.
Buddhi (Old) Chanderi
The old Chanderi city has a number of Jain temples of 9th and 10th centuries. It attracts thousands of Jain pilgrims from all parts of the country every year.
Thruvanji
26 km South-West of Chanderi is the old village of Thruvanji. The village has a number of Jain temples of the early medieval period.
Handloom Unit
The weaving tradition that occupies the pride of place of Chanderi today, with its shimmering fabrics having survived the trials of time and changing ruler-ship. While handloom weaving was always a significant activity in Chanderi, for the past 400 years it has been the primary occupation of the town’s residents.
Archaeological Museum of Chanderi
The museum houses an impressive collection of sculptures from in and around Chanderi. The museum is open from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm for visitors.
Nearby attractions of Chanderi: While staying at Chanderi you can easily make excursions to places like
Boodhi Chanderi
Located on the right bank of the Urr River, Boodhi Chanderi, Chandrapuri of the ancient past, was a large settlement of the Gurjara Pratiharas and possibly their capital.
Deogarh
On the banks of the Betwa River, Deogarh is not only a place of captivating natural beauty but also of great historical importance. Situated 71 km from Chanderi, today it is just a small village but in times past, it must have been a flourishing town and an important religious centre.
Thubon
From Chanderi, Thubon lies at a distance of 28 kilometres on the road leading to Ashok Nagar. Located between the rivers Urr and Lilawati, Thubon’s importance, historically, is as yet unrecognised. However, with the remains of innumerable temples in evidence, this importance is by no means deniable.
Kadhvaya
The ancient construction in Kadvaya is an 8th century monastery which appears to be Shaiva in affiliation and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The next structures belong to the 11th and 12th centuries. These are the half-preserved Hindu temples which would have been patronized by the Gurjara-Pratihara kings.
Malhargarh
The only place of historical and architectural importance is the Pathrigarh – Hasangarh Fort which was founded during the Mughal era. It later came to be controlled by the Khinchi rulers and in the 17th century it was under Malhar Rao Holkar.
Things to do at Chanderi: Shopping is an important thing you can do at Chanderi. The place is famous for its textile products i.e the Chanderi sarees that derives its name from the place. This saree is a must keep in every women’s wadrobe. So the shopaholics do not delay to bag at least one of it. Beside this the scenic place of Chanderi with its historical remnants is itself a visual delight and worth a visit.
Best time to visit Chanderi: The best season to visit Chanderi is the winter season. The temperature remains comfortable and is apt for visiting the places of interest in Chanderi. The best period to visit Chanderi is from October to March.
How to go ?
By air:
The nearest airports are at Bhopal (258 km) and Gwalior (259 km).
By bus
Chanderi is connected by bus with Gwalior, Indore, Guna, Shivpuri, Ashok Nagar, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Tikamgarh, Vidisha, Sanchi and Bhopal.
By rail
Lalitpur (36 km) and Jhansi (124 km) on the Delhi-Chennai and Delhi-Mumbai main line, are the convenient rail-heads. Ashok Nagar (46 km) and Mungaoli (38 km) also serve Chanderi.
Where to stay ?
Chanderi offers accommodation in medium and budget ranges. Mid-range hotels can be found all over the town. Some options are:
Hotel Tana Bana: +91-(07547) 252222
Hotel Shrikunj: +91-075 47 253225
Hotel Yuvraj Inn: +91-07543-225511
Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.
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