Shab e Malwa (Malwa Nights)

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Jhira Bagh Palace near Indore, where we stayed.

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The heritage city of Mandu.

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Jahaz Mahal.

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Baz Bahadur Palace.

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Baz Bahadur Palace.

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View of Rupmati Pavillion from the palace.

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Jami Masjid.

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Jami Masjid.

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Hindola Mahal.

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Dilawar Khan’s mosque, the pillars, and the ceilings of this mosque are the remnants of former temples.

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These are photos of my trip to Mandu last July, during the monsoons. I had heard that the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh in which Mandu is situated, is very picturesque and enchanting during the monsoons. Therefore, decided to visit during that time. It was indeed beautiful and we enjoyed every bit of the trip. However, we had to remain indoors on some days due to heavy rain and missed out on some sightseeing. Was planning to visit again this year, but had to postpone the trip due to the pandemic.

One of the best things about visiting heritage sites in India is the opportunity to hear all the delightful stories about them. I always make it a point to hire an experienced guide who knows the history. According to our guide Pervez, there’s a popular phrase in the region – “Subah e Benaras, Shaam e Awadh, and Shab e Malwa”. The Mughals considered the mornings in Benaras, the evenings in Awadh, and the nights in Malwa to be the most magical!!

Compared to the days of the Mughals, there are fewer forests now due to deforestation, and the rains are not so abundant. Nevertheless, we were lucky to visit on a day when it was drizzling and not pouring – the perfect weather to stroll around the monuments. 🙂 It was charming and one felt like lingering on and enjoying the romance in the air….. especially around the Baz Bahadur Palace and Roopmati Pavillion.

  4 comments for “Shab e Malwa (Malwa Nights)

  1. Mridula Chamaria.
    17 Jul 2020 at 4:30 am

    A very lively presentation

    • Aparna Rao
      17 Jul 2020 at 5:32 am

      Thanks! 🙂

  2. Kaushiki
    17 Jul 2020 at 4:58 am

    What an evocative description of malwa. Love the pix

    • Aparna Rao
      17 Jul 2020 at 5:31 am

      Thank you! 🙂

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