About 90 km from Indore is the historic tourist place 'Mandu' which is also known as the city of happiness. Mandu used to be the capital of the Paramar kings of Malwa in the tenth century. It was ruled by the Sultan of Malwa until about the 13th century.

It was then named Shadiabad. Mandu is situated at an elevation of about 592 meters from the Vindhya hills. It is the largest fort city in the world. Forts surround this city from all sides. The walls here still look the same as they were 300 years ago. Here you can see hundreds of mango, tamarind, and banyan trees. The beauty and greenery of Mandu increase after the rains. The greenery here looks as if emerald gems are scattered all around.

Tourists come from far and wide to see the finest architecture of Mandu. The beautiful forts built on the small hills here attract everyone. Although these forts have been torn down over time, it still has its charm.

There is a love story hidden in the beauty of Mandu as well as peace. It is said that King Baz Bahadur loved his girlfriend, Roopmati, who was a very beautiful Rajputana princess. One day while passing through the forests, King Baz Bahadur heard the song of Roopmati and then he fell in love with her. The king also built many palaces for them. But both were taken captive by the Mughals. Rani Roopmati was kept for the entertainment of the Mughal commander but before she touched the queen committed suicide.

Mandu was discovered by Raja Bhoj in the tenth century. Its ruler became the Afghan king in about 14th century. The fort built on the highest hill of Mandu was also discovered in the 10th century. When the rule of Malwa began here in the 15th century, many palaces were built such as the Jahan Mahal, Hindola Mahal, and Roopmati Mandap.

The history of Mandu tells the story of the great empire. The Afghan rulers, Malwa, Mohammad Shah, the Mughals, and then finally the Marathas ruled over it. In 1732 it passed into the hands of the Marathas. Later, the Marathas left Mandu in a dilapidated state and made their capital in neighboring Dhar.

There is a lot to see in Mandu like Jama Masjid, Ship Palace, Hindola Mahal, Neelkanth Temple, Rekha Kund, Rani Roopmati Mahal and Hoshang Shah's Tomb.