Burhanpur is located in Madhya Pradesh almost bordering Maharashtra along the bank of Tapti River. There are regular trains from Mumbai which goes through Burhanpur Railway Station (8 hours Journey). Two days are enough to go around. Famous for Mawa Jalebis & Roomali Rotis. Two days are enough to go through the Monuments and Forts in the City.
Places visited in Burhanpur:
Gurudwara Bari Sangat, Dargah-e-Hakimi, Asirgarh Fort, Jama Masjid, Kundi Bhandara, Shahi Qila Fort, Black Taj (Tomb of Shah Nawaz Khan), Moti Mahal, Raja Jai Singh ki Chattri, Ahukhana
Gurudwara Bari Sangat, copy of Guru Granth Sahib that has been signed in gold by Guru Gobind Singh himself can be seen here. Photography was not allowed, once you enter the gate.
Dargah E Hakimi is a tomb complex of Syedi Abdul Qadir Hakimuddin, a Dawoodi Bohra Saint, who was buried in Burhanpur. This complex has a pristine white Tomb with Mosque, Garden & accommodation facilities for the Pilgrims who come from all over the world. Proper attire is needed to visit this place.
Khooni (mool) Bhandara is a unique water management system which regulates the underground water and distributes it across the City through 100+ wells, which can be seen while going towards Khooni Bhandara along the road side, protected by fencing. This system is fed by natural rain water. There is a small electric lift (which is unfortunately closed for visitors now), it is supposed to take you almost 25 mtrs. down towards the walkway, wherein the total water management system can be seen. The brain behind this is said to be Abdul Rahim Khanekhana, also known as Poet Rahim, Subedhar of Emperor Jehangir. There is a beautiful garden on the ground above the System.
The amazing Asigarh Fort (25 kms to Burhanpur) also known as ‘Key To The Deccan’ since it connects the northern and southern India. Stories spread around is that it Is haunted. Also, some legends say that Ashwathama roams around in the Fort and regularly visits the Temple and offers flower to the Shivling. The temple is known as Ashwatthama Temple. There is a small tank adjacent to Temple.
Moti Mahal is situated on the banks of Pandhari river near Asirgarh fort. The lower portion of the two-storeyed palace is made of stones and the second storey is made up of Bricks and lime. There are steps to reach the second floor. It has a deserted look. Architecture is mixture of Mughal & Rajput styles.
Jami Masjid has an inscription in Arabic & Sanskrit Language, only kind I have seen, in the stone carved niches, also, the caretaker showed us Rosary with large sized 1000 beads.
Shah Jahan built the Shahi Qila Fort for his wife along with many other monuments of historical significance. There is a picture of Taj Mahal (before, it was built in Agra) in the Hammam or Royal Bath in Shahi Qila (kind of inspiration for Original Taj Mahal). Hammam has ceiling paintings, we were shown the headgears of Mumtaz & Shahjahan. The tapti Ghat can be seen from here.
On the way to Ahukhana, we saw Wheat & Cotton Fields!
Ahukhana looks like a secluded monument from far. It was used for hunting the deers by the Royal Women.
This is the Chhatri or memorial of Raja Jai Singh. It is a free-standing pavilion with 32 pillars and five domes.
Bara Dari is a building or pavilion with 12 doors designed to allow free flow of air. The structure has three doorways on every side of the square-shaped structure.
Black Taj Mahal also known as Tomb of Shah Nawaz Khan is similar in design to Taj Mahal but made from local Black Stone and smaller in size.
Burhanpur was supposed to be the original place, where Taj Mahal was supposed to be built. Because, Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz died in Burhanpur during childbirth and her body lay in Burhanpur for a few months, later on it was shifted to Agra.
Some more tombs – Tomb of Adil Shah Faruqi, Tomb of Nadir Shah Nawaz Khan & Tomb of Bilkish Begum. These Tombs are built on high Platform with carvings on the door and fresco on the walls.
Burhanpur is famous for its Mawa Jalebis & Roomali Roti made on reversed Tawa on top of Tandoor.
And then, there is me with selfies!
Backpack, Camera & Me 