Chanderi

Chanderi is a historic town located in the Ashoknagar District of Madhya Pradesh, India. Known for its rich history dating back to the 11th century, Chanderi is a treasure trove of historic landmarks and natural beauty.

How to Reach

• By Air: The fastest way to reach Chanderi is by air. The nearest airport is at Gwalior, which is about five hour’s drive away.
• By Road: Chanderi has excellent road connections with all major cities in MP. It is 148km from Sagar and 385km from Indore.
• By Rail: The best option is to catch a train to Lalitpur, 40km away from Chanderi.

Get Around

Chanderi is a small town and can be easily explored on foot or by hiring a local auto rickshaw.

Things to Do

Morning: Historical Exploration

Start your day with a visit to the Chanderi Fort. This magnificent monument, located atop a 71m high hillock, was constructed by Kirti Pal, a Pratihara king in the 11th century. The fort has witnessed several attacks and has been rebuilt several times. The fort is surrounded by a 5 km long wall and is approached through three gates. The main gate is known as ‘Khooni Darwaza’.

Afternoon: Architectural Wonders

After lunch, head to Koshak Mahal. This historic monument was built in 1445 CE by the Sultan of Malwa, Mahmood Shah Khilji, to commemorate his victory over Sultan Mahmood Sharki at Kalpi. The palace consists of four mansions of similar size.

Evening: Spiritual Journey

End your day with a visit to the Jama Masjid, the only Jama Masjid in India without minars. This mosque is a testament to the rich history and culture of Chanderi.

Offbeat Places

Some offbeat places in Chanderi include the Archaeological Museum, Badal Mahal Gate, and Chanderi Fort.

Do

Visitors can explore the historic landmarks, visit the local markets, and enjoy the local cuisine.

Fairs and Festivals

Chanderi hosts the vibrant Chanderi Festival, a five-day celebration in the heart of India. Other festivals celebrated in Chanderi with much fervor include Holi, Eid, Diwali, and Dussehra.

Shopping Malls

Chanderi is a small town and does not have large shopping malls. However, it is famous for its handwoven Chanderi sarees.

Food

Chanderi offers a variety of cuisines including North Indian, South Indian, Punjabi, and Chinese. Popular local dishes include poha and samosa.

Stay

There are several accommodations available in Chanderi such as MPT Tana Bana, Hotel Akshita Palace, and Hotel Pragati.

Go Next

After exploring Chanderi, visitors can visit nearby places like Gurilagiri (7 km), Aamanachar (29 km), Bithala (19 km), Bhamon (16 km), Khandargiri (2 km), Thuvanji (22 km), and Bhiyadant (14 km), and Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh (20 km, across the border).