5 Top Spots in Mandu for your Pre-Wedding Photoshoot

If there’s one thing that the pandemic has taught us, it is to look homeward. Why go international when our beautiful country has so much to offer? Writer Vaishali Sabherwal travels to Mandu, Madhya Pradesh to cover the beautiful Mandu Festival for Wedding Fables. It was organised by MP Tourism and expertly curated by E-Factor Experiences. Mesmerised by its rich historical heritage and its cultural significance Sabherwal lists five top places that is a must-try if you are planning your pre-wedding photo shoot at a quaint and beautiful place. This is the first part of her series.

Featured below, are the top five locations in Mandu perfect for a romantic pre-wedding shoot.

Baz Bahadur’s Palace – Nestled on the foothill close to Rani Roopmati’s Pavilion and facing the sacred Rewa Kund, Baz Bahadur’s Palace is magnificent in every way. It’s a well-planned structure, spacious, with massive rooms, several doors, large courtyards and a cistern where the Sultan enjoyed a royal swim. The architecture defines finesse with special attention to detail that comprises of delicate carvings reflecting a remarkable amalgamation of Mughal and Rajasthani aesthetics that fascinate even centuries later. Interestingly, a leafless pair of Baobab trees full of large pendant-like fruit stand inosculated right outside the main window, metaphorically depicting the royal pair’s eternal love.
Remember to pick a talented photographer who can do justice to this grand monument while immortalizing your love story.

Rani Roopmati’s Pavilion – Perched on the hilltop with unparalleled views of the Narmada River, this breezy structure gazes adoringly at Baz Bahadur’s Palace below. Originally a military outpost, it was later enhanced as a tributefor his consort. An embodiment of the Sultan and Rani Roopmati’s romance, it features two watchtowers and lush green courtyards. There are multiple arched doorways and windows that allow excellent views of the forest and valleys that surround the palace. The walls bear testimony to the much-in-love couple’s passion for music and adoration for each other.Pleasingly aesthetic, this place is perfect for your shoot at any time of the day, especially at sunset!

The Jami Masjid – Clearly one of the most popular and grandest structures in Mandu, The Jami Masjid proudly shows off almost 60 domes made of marble and stonethat can be seen from afar. Reflecting a Pashtun style of architecture, every chamber has countless arches all neatly stacked aesthetically. There are cobbled pathways to walk on, and one sees tall ornate pillars that are interspersed with intricate etchings. The many windows feature Jaaliwork that allows sunlight to filter in most strikingly, making for some fantastic photo opportunities. A glorious porch overlooks a large, lush courtyard garden. Every corner of this magnificent heritage property is overwhelmingly beautiful.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the vibrant play of daylight as it filters through different crevices in the roof and windows. These will give you phenomenal shots!

Hoshang Shah’s tomb – Constructed in 1440, Hoshang Shah’s Tomb is India’s first all-marble monument that also boasts Afghan architecture and related craftsmanship. Pristine to look at, time hasn’t dwindled its beauty. The marble is white as ever and the intricate latticework accompanying delicate enamelled flowers and blue background running on the rim of the dome is something to be seen. Inside the vast dome, our voice echoes as it reverberates from one beautiful wall to another. It is so breathtaking, that Emperor Shah Jahan is said to have been inspired by its beauty and sent out his team of architects to study it before he built the Taj Mahal.
Undoubtedly, choose this place for your royal-themed photo shoot. The results will be mesmerizing!

Jahaz Mahal – Aptly called Jahaz Mahal, this marvellous architecture of a palace is one of the most-visited tourist spots in Mandu. Named so, owing to its ship-like structure and also since it’s accompanied by water bodies on either side, namely the Munj Talao and Kapur Talao which project a brilliant, mirrored reflection of the monument resulting in a ship-like appearance. It housed the women of the royal consortium in the 15^th century and has several other beautiful structures around it – namely the Hindola Mahal translated loosely as the swinging palace because of its unique, sloping exterior. Previously used as an audience hall or Diwan-e-Aam this royal hall is an architectural marvel that intersperses intricate etching and carvings with a play of shadows and light making for some outstanding photoshoots.

So for all those hopeless old-school romantics who love the idea of emulating royalty set against opulent domes, aesthetic arches and stone-carved heritage monuments, look no further than these glittering gems of Mandu, Madhya Pradesh.