The state of Madhya Pradesh in India is dotted with heritage sites. One such lesser-known destination is Chanderi. The Badal Mahal Chanderi, in many ways is the face of Chanderi, however, there is much more to see and experience in Chanderi. During our visit to Chanderi, the first place that we visited was the Badal Mahal Chanderi, which is a beautiful and historical monument, that is impeccably maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Join us as we take you on a virtual tour of the Badal Mahal Chanderi which is also referred to as the Badal Mahal Darwaza Chanderi or Badal Mahal Gate Chanderi. The town of Chanderi and its vicinity is a treasure trove of ancient monuments and heritage sites with tremendous historical and archaeological importance, however, the images of Badal Mahal Chanderi are the ones that have gained wide prominence and popularity.

Badal Mahal Chanderi – A Victory Monument

India’s history is replete with instances of kings erecting lavish and grandiose monuments to celebrate their victories in war. At first glance, the Badal Mahal Chanderi seems to be a monument without purpose, The monument stands at the end of beautifully landscaped lawns, teasing you to guess the reason for its existence. To understand the rationale behind the building of the Badal Mahal Gate Chanderi, it is necessary to take a step back in history, to the 15th century.

The History of Badal Mahal Chanderi

The Badal Mahal Chanderi dates back in history to the times of Sultan Mahmud Khilji who ruled over the Malwa Sultanate which is now known as Madhya Pradesh. Sultan Mahmud Khalji was constantly engaged in military campaigns to expand his kingdom. He had frequent skirmishes with his arch-rival, Rana Kumbha of Mewar, present-day Rajasthan. He also marched into Gujarat and captured the Champaner fort. He also dared to challenge the might of the Delhi Sultanate and launched a military campaign, which proved to be unsuccessful.

The Badal Mahal Darwaza was built during the reign of Sultan Mahmud Khalji in the 15th century to mark his victory in one of his many military campaigns. However, it is not known, which victory the Badal Mahal commemorates.

The Architecture of Badal Mahal Chanderi

As you emerge from a semi-dark enclosure which is the entrance to the Badal Mahal Darwaza, you are stunned with the beauty that meets your eye. A straight paved path leads to the tall and imposing structure known as Badal Mahal. The path is flanked by beautifully landscaped gardens and lawns. They remind you of the Mughal gardens that one sees at the Taj Mahal and other Mughal monuments including the likes of Qutub Minar and other historical monuments of Delhi.

The gate which is known by the name of Badal Mahal or Badal Mahal Darwaza is a structure that rises to a height of 100 feet. It is ornamented with intricately carved designs, lattices, and motifs. The arch that crowns the structure is made up of a netted window or “Jali”, that is reminiscent of the famous Siddi Sayyed Jali of Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

Though the Badal Mahal Darwaza Chanderi is purported to be a gate, it leads to nowhere. At best, Badal Mahal is a facade, which looks stunning against the backdrop of a hill and the Kirti Durg Fort. A Few white clouds flitting in the backdrop add drama and meaning to the sight of the Badal Mahal.

The Badal Mahal Gate Chanderi is an intriguing structure. Two exquisitely carved arches are stacked one above the other. There is an open space between them. These arches are flanked by tall Minarets on either side. If you look closely, you will be able to spot various religious motifs within the structure of the Badal Mahal Darwaza, the fact that these motifs are from different religions is a testimony to the secular character of Chanderi, where many cultures and religions co-existed in history.

Our guide, Muzaffar Ansari, an expert on Chanderi, explained the religious iconography on the Badal Mahal in detail. The topmost arch of the structure is made up of a network of six-cornered stars that together form an intricate design. The six-cornered star is a symbolic representation of Judaism. Near the bottom of the minaret on the right side can be seen the imprint of a Holy Cross, symbolizing Christianity. The minarets are of course an integral part of the Islam religion as well as Islamic architecture. Some of the geometrical motifs on the Badal Mahal Gate are similar to iconography found in Hindu and Jain temples.

The Badal Mahal gate today leads to nowhere, but Muzaffar Ansari tells us that there could have been a tall building behind it that figuratively touched the clouds, because of which the gate was called Badal Mahal. Neat the Badal Mahal Darwaza, excavations have unveiled underground chambers which could be the remains of a palace. The Badal Mahal complex is enclosed by an old fort-like structure towards the front and sides.

The purpose of the Badal Mahal apart from being a victory monument was used as a reception area for royal guests. They would be accorded a state welcome at the Badal Mahal Darwaza and then escorted to the palace of the king.

Though much of the history and purpose of the Badal Mahal gate remains an enigma, what is undeniable is its striking elegance and importance to Chanderi.

Badal Mahal Darwaza Chanderi – Entry Fee And Timings

The timings of Badal Mahal Darwaza Chanderi are from 9 AM to 7 PM.

There is an entry fee at Badal Mahal Chanderi of Rs. 25 per person. This rate is applicable to Indian citizens, and citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries.

The entry fee for foreign citizens is Rs. 300 per person.

For children below the age of 15 years, entry is free.

There is a charge of Rs. 25 for a Video Camera.

These timings and rates are as of the date of publication of this post and may change over time. Please check for exact timings and charges.

Images of Badal Mahal Chanderi

How To Get To Badal Mahal Chanderi

• The Badal Mahal is located in the center of the town of Chanderi, in the Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh, India
• Badal Mahal Chander is right opposite another historical monument of Chanderi, the Jama Masjid
• Chanderi is around 214 kilometers from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh
• The historic city of Gwalior is around 212 kilometers from Chanderi

Reaching Badal Mahal Chanderi By Air

If you are planning to travel by air to Chanderi, you would need to fly either to Bhopal or Gwalior and then travel by road to reach Chanderi. Both Bhopal and Gwalior are connected to places like Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, etc.

Reaching Badal Mahal Chanderi By Rail

Lalitpur is the closest railhead to Chanderi. Lalitpur is connected to  Bhopal, Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and other places across India. Click here for more information about trains from Chanderi and booking.

Reaching Badal Mahal Chanderi By Road

Chanderi is well connected to other cities of Madhya Pradesh through a road network. One can travel to Chanderi by public bus, cab, or own car as part of an exciting road trip.

If you are planning a trip to Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, India you can book a cheap flight through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here. If you are planning to travel by road to Chanderi from Bhopal or Gwalior, some of the options to reach Chanderi are by self-drive car or cab, or bus.

Where To Stay When Visiting Badal Mahal Darwaza Chanderi

Some of the best places to stay in Chanderi include, the hotel run by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department, known as MPT Kila Kothi. Another budget hotel is the Tana Bana Hotel.

If you are planning a trip to Chanderi, and thinking of accommodation, then you can book your stay in Chanderi hotels through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip, or Priceline and save a lot by getting the best savings on booking your stay.

Other Places To Visit In Chanderi

Here is a list of places to visit in Chanderi and in the vicinity:

• Kati Ghati
• Chanderi Museum
• Kirti Durg or Chanderi fort
• Tomb of Baiju Bawra
• Budhi Chanderi
• Jama Masjid
• Battisi Bawdi
• Shehzadi Ka Roza
• Koshak Mahal
• Ramnagar Palace
• Nizamuddin Auliya Family Tombs
• Bada Madarsa

Madhya Pradesh and Chanderi, are a traveler’s delight with a scintillating array of attractions, Madhya Pradesh is full of gems like the Jain and other Khajuraho temples, the Bhimbetka caves, the incomplete temple of Bhojpur, Sanchi Stupa, Bhopal’s Taj-ul-Masajid, and others.

Madhya Pradesh is also blessed with natural attractions like Kanha, Pench, Pachmarhi, etc. In short, Madhya Pradesh is a travelers’ delight. If you are trying to decide on what to see in MP or what to do in Madhya Pradesh, then book online right here places to see in Madhya Pradesh and cover attractions in Bhopal and MP.

Badal Mahal Chanderi FAQ

When was Badal Mahal in Chanderi built?
The Badal Mahal in Chanderi was built in the 15th century.

Who built Badal Mahal Chanderi?
The Badal Mahal in Chanderi was built by Sultan Mahmud Khalji of Malwa.

Why was Badal Mahal Chanderi built?
The Badal Mahal Darwaza was built to commemorate a victory in war.

Badal Mahal stands today as an iconic synonym for the secular nature of Chanderi. The enigma of Badal Mahal, the gate that leads to nowhere is in many ways representative of the many wonders that Chander has in store for visitors.

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