The Lohani Caves (Western) Group

Unknown Pillar (Sunset Point)

Location : Google Maps 

To the south of the caves is a monolithic pillar bout 5 m high which probably adorned the front of a temple. There is also reason to believe that within the massive walls of Hindola Mahal such materials, Hindu temple elements, now lie embedded in huge quantities, for some of them can now be seen peeping out of the core of their fallen masonry.    Source 

 Lohani Caves & Lohani Gate (Sunset Point)

Location : Google Maps 

Lohani Caves are a set of ancient caves located on the western edge of Mandu. The caves predates the Sultanate period of Mandu. They are Hindu caves dedicated to Lord Shiva. The caves are free of any ornamentation or statues, although according to historical records several statues of Hindu gods and goddesses were found from the caves. Although not much of historical importance the Lohani Caves offer great views of sunset.    Source 

These caves are located on the way from Mandu village to the Royal Enclave. The caves are ordinary excavations without many carvings and without any inscriptions. In plan they represent a few rock-cut cells meant primarily for residence, perhaps for Shaiva Jogis. In front of the caves is a rock-cut cistern. After cleaning the debris from the caves, some 80 images were found which are kept in the local museum in the dharmashala of Hoshang Shah's Tomb. On exploration, the entire surroundings of the caves were found scattered with carved fragments from the ruins of now lost Hindu temples.    Source 

Local guides seem unsure just how old these rock-cut chambers are, but they may have been the residences of Shaivite sadhus in pre-Muslim times. Some insist that a now-blocked tunnel leads from the caves to Dhar, 35km away. One thing is certain, they command a fabulous view of the ravine below, to which you can hike down from here. There are often troops of monkeys here enjoying the view as well.    Source 

These Caves Are the oldest Monolith / Shrine in the City of Mandav , They Were Made Through Simple Excavation and they are no Inscription regrading the Time they Were Made , From the looks of it , One Can Say that they were Excavated Around 11th and 12th Centuries . the Caves Look like a Shell Shaped room and they were probably made to serve as a Resedent for Shaivism Sages . There is a pool in front of the Cave which was filled with Debries and when the Archaeological department removed it , They found 80 Statues of Hindu God's and Goddesses which Are now kept in the Local Museum along with the Statue there was a also a Document with a Prayer of Lord Vishnu on it. It is sad that the relics of temple around this caves indicate in old lord shiva temple. There is a 5 meter long piller on the southern Side of the Cave which is Undestroyed and believed to be a part of one of the temples.    Source 

Two Unknown Pillars & GB's Sunset Point

Location : Google Maps 

I noticed these pillars when I was at the Unknown Pillar. Made it a point to get here  and pinned it to Google Maps. Def worth a visit - one of the few original structures in Mandu (i.e. not 'restored' by the ASI).

To get here : Just beyond the revolving gate to Lohani Caves, on the right, is a path. Might be difficult during/just after the monsoons since you will have to cross a stream and the grass/weeds will be thigh high. 

Looks like I was right to assume that this is the site of a Hindu temple. From MANDU The City of Joy by G. Yazdani, M.A. (1929). link  :

Further up he will pass by a mound which has on its top the remains of a tenth century Hindu temple. Two piers marking the site of a doorway are still intact; they are elaborately carved, bearing figures of acrobats, animals, birds, and fabulous beings.

I realised that this is also a fantastic sunset point. Pinned it to Google Maps as GB's Sunset Point.

Chhapan Mahal 

Location : Location 

Although referred to as a mahal or palace the structure is actually a mausoleum and like many other mausoleum of Mandu the occupant remains unknown. Chappan means fifty-six and according to legend in 1899 (the local calendar year was 1956) there was a famine in the area. The local king in order to provide work and pay the poor men of his kingdom took up the initiative of rearing the structure and hence the name Chappan Mahal. The square structure is topped with a huge dome. The tomb is located inside a wall complex. The complex also houses a small site museum. This is located exactly south of the central group.     Source 

Also within Mandu is the Chappan Mahal, originally a tomb which was converted into a hunting lodge by the Maharajas of Dhar. Today, the mahal houses an archaeological museum.    Source 

There are remains of a mahal (?) here  and a small stepwell here .

Ek Khamba Mahal

Location : Google Maps 

Located on the south west of Chappan Mahal this structure is slightly off the road and contains a single domed mausoleum. Again nothing is known about the occupant of the grave.     Source 

Tomb and Mosque

Location : Google Maps    (labelled Masjid Makabara)

This is south of Ek - khamba Mahal. The complex is on the main road and for persons travelling south it will be on his right side. The complex consists of a square tomb topped with a dome along with a three domed mosque in the back. Nothing is known about the occupant of the tomb.    Source 

Chorkot

Location : Google Maps     (not yet pinned to G Maps)

 This small complex is south of the unknown tomb and mosque and lies on the same side of the road. Since it is located a bit far from the city the abandoned structure once served as a refuge of thieves and antisocial persons. Hence the name chorkot (chor means thief and kot means fort). The structure follows the standard format of other Mandu complex with a single domed tomb in the foreground along with a three domed structure in the background.    Source 

Nagaria Mahal & Mosque

Location : Google Maps

I noticed these structures from the road across Sagar Talav (near Echo Point). On my second visit to Mandu I made it a point to get to this place. Pinned it to Google Maps. Attaching a route-map from the road to Nilkanth to help you get here. Def worth a visit, one of the sites in Mandu never visited by people. Site is clean. On the banks of Sagar Talav.

Nilkanth

Location : Google Maps 

Nilkanth Palace or Mahal was once a temple dedicated to Lord Mahadeva. It was later converted into a pleasure palace by Akbar's general Budag Khan. This is located south of the Chorkot Mosque and lies on the same side of the road. A winding trail descends from the main road to the Nilkanth Palace. Apart from historical importance the place has immense natural beauty. The northern side offers great views of the undulating lush green landscape of Mandu. The U shaped palace is centered round a octagonal pond, with its south side open. A series of waterways and channels brought water to the pond. A Persian inscription on the walls of the palace narrates the story of the Mahal or Palace. Today the temples again functions as an active temple.     Source 

Nilkanth is a charming spot named after an old Shiva shrine which once existed here. The present structure, built of red stone, is a pleasure-house constructed by a governor of the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century CE, as recorded in an inscription on the site. This architectural style is typical of the period of Akbar. It is approached by a long flight of steps, 61 in all, leading down to western projection of its court. The main portion of the court is enclosed by rooms to its west, south and east, the northern portion being kept open to enjoy the view of the valley. In the centre of the court is a fine cistern to which water was supplied by a channel or cascade built along the plinth of the apartment on the southern side.The main apartment is on the southern side, where now a Shiva-linga is housed. An inscription on this building states that this building, designated as Imarat-i-Dilkhusha (the heart pleasing abode), was constructed at the order of the great ruler Jalalud-din-Akbar in 1574 CE. Another Persian inscription says that after the conquest of Deccan and Khandesh, Emperor Akbar set out for Hind (North India) in 1601 CE. This is written by Masum Nami.    Source 

Sonegarh Fort & Darwaja

Location : Google Maps 

Sonegarh Darwaza is on the south west of Mandu citadel and is complete with a fort like structure. It is off the road it is approachable by a dirt road.     Source 

I could not get to this place, too far off :-)

Tarapur Gate

Location : Google Maps 

Located on the south-west this comprises of three gates. See info below from : link 

Dharma Mahal

Location : Google Maps 

I noticed this structure while walking to Tarapur Gate. Abandoned. Not maintained or even cleaned. One of the locals referred to it as Dharma Mahal.

Teen Gumbad Masjid

Location : Google Maps 

Close to Dharma Mahal (above). Abandoned. Not maintained or even cleaned. Actually quite a nice mosque. One of the locals referred to it as Teen Gumbad (three domed) Masjid..

Budhi Mandu

Location : Google Maps 

The city of Mandav is renowned in the country and the world for its history and architecture. Not a lot of people know that the beginning of this city was from a place called Budhi Mandu . Now  enshrouded in ruins, Budhi Mandu , seems deserted in the pages of history too. To reach here one has to go past a dense forest and through inaccessible roads. The scattered relics here tell the stories of Hindu architecture art and style. In its golden period. the area of Budhi Mandu was wholly  populated.

It was fortified and there were two entry gates one on the northern side and the other on the southern side. There used to be a big lake here which has turned dry. Around this lake, there was a cluster of temples the beautifully carved relics from these can be seen even today. According to  historians, the Mandapika mentioned in Pratihar and Gurjar inscriptions points here instead of the present day Mandu . It is believed that the Parmar rulers, during the last days of the 10th century, left Budhi Mandu and started fortifying the Mandu which is known today.    Source     Pics