About Burhanpur:
Burhanpur is a small town on the north western banks of Tapti river in Madhya Pradesh. Approx. 20 km from Maharashtra border. An ancient place Brighnapur and capital of Khandesh for about 200 yrs. The province of the Khandesh spread in area now known as Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. Also second Mughal capitol Burhanpur, having 5 exclusive historical monuments of the world. One where Begum MUMTAZ breathed her last and construction of TAJ was started, the only MOSQUE of the world having Sanskrit, Arabic and Urdu script in it, the only Granth Sahib of the world signed by 10th Guru Govind Singh in golden ink, Dawodi Bohra community’s famous DARGAH-E-HAKIMI, Worlds unique water system Khundi Bhandara working against gravitational law since 1615, biggest live fort of India and numbers of other monuments. Burhanpur is just 595 km from Mumbai. Situated on central railway an overnight 9 hrs journey. Its major railway station and connected by superfast trains with every corner of India. Burhanpur is a district town of Madhya Pradesh situated in south west part, between Bhusawal Jn. and Khandwa Jn., Ajanta caves are 110 Km, Omkareshwar Jyotirling 110 km, Seemadoh wild life sanctuary is 130 km, Chikhaldara hill station 160 km, Gajananbaba Shegaon 125 km, Pal botanical garden 40 km etc. Nearest airports are Indore 180 km, Aurangabad 210 km.
Places of interest in Burhanpur
Tapti and its ghats:
River Tapti flows close to 700 km across the northern Deccan plateau. Assisting in irrigating plantations on its way. In Burhanpur this river passes by the famous Badsahahi Qila. The Rajghat was used as a base for the boats used by the members of the royal family for short pleasure trips. Many temples were built on the banks at the Rajghat, one of the temple is also dedicated to goddess Tapti. A little into the water we can spot a strange rock formation. Since is looks like an elephant - locals refer to it as the Elephant rock. If legends are to be believed "Locals claim that Aswasthama comes to bathe everyday on the Elephant rock"
Badsahahi Qila:
Standing on the banks of river Tapti is a remarkable structure. The seven storeyed structure rises over 175 feet from the river beds and housed over 400000 soldiers. This structure is now being looked after by the ASI. Once the home of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz. The palaces Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas were built on the terrace of the structure.
Shahi (royal) Hamam:
The royal hamam is situated in the Faruqui fort (Badsahahi Qila). It was constructed by Shah-Jahan, The Mughal Emperor. In the middle of the monument there is an octagonal bath-place. The bath-place was connected with the water system of Khundi Bhandara. Colourful Mughal paintings can be seen on the ceiling of the monument. Local guide point to a painting in the ceiling of the roof here that was the first initial drawing of the Taj Mahal. This room consists of 3 perfume rooms one flowing fountain of hot water and on the opposite wall clear cold water flowing.
Kali Masjid:
One of the oldest Faruqui monuments. As it’s built with black stones, it’s called as Kali (black) masjid. Located in Daulatpur approx. 10 minutes’ walk from Rajghat. Two main minarets (1 rebuilt). It is said that the masjid has shrines of Hazarat Pir Banna Shaib. A Sufi saint lived long time ago.
Bibi Ki Masjid:
Was built by a Faruqui queen between 1520 to 1540. Thou the actual maker is not clearly known, as some also state that a Gujarati princess had made the masjid. Of what remains of the architecture shows designs of Hindu origins. Entry to this masjid is currently closed. Namaz is not offered here.
Jama Masjid:
The uniqueness of this Jama masjid is that it does not have a roof. Begum Ruquiya wife of king Azam Humayum built the first Jama Masjid in Itwara Burhanpur also called as Bibi Ki Masjid. But soon with the growth of the city, ruler Adil Shah Faruqui built a bigger Jama Masjid in the centre of the town, easily accessible to all the people living in Burhanpur. Burhanpur Jama Masjid is similar to the Jama Masjid in Delhi. Two identical minarets (tower) of the mosque are quite a feature. At about 130 feet tall they loom all over the mosque. These minarets are believed to be much taller than those of the Jama Masjid in Delhi. The huge hall of the mosque can hold as many as 500 people praying together easily. It is said there are only two masjids with Arabic and Sanskrit scripture written in the world (one more similar inscription found at Asirgarh fort masjid)
Check the ornamental TASBEH (rosary) of 1000 beads made from Zaitun (olive)
Aahukhana:
It is said to believe that Shah Jahan was so found of the Aahukhana that he named it after one of its daughter (Alamara). Known as Baug -e- Alamara. Located in front of Shahi Qila at the other bank of river Tapti in Zainabad. The place was Royal leisure pavilions during the Mughal time. Body of Mumtaz was buried at this place for six months. This is a very good display of Mughal architecture.
Tombs of Nadir Shah and Adil Shah:
About 3 km from the town centre are several tombs of Faruqui rulers and their queens. Most noteworthy is of Nadir Shah and Adil Shah. Both these tombs and other various graves have a surround compound wall are well preserved. Thou the gardens have overgrown. There is also a small masjid here and a sarai. Locals have confirmed that Namaz is not offered at this masjid now.
Tombs of Shah Nawaz Khan:
About 2 km from the city ride shall take you here. Locals also call it the black Taj Mahal. As black stones were used in its making the external structure is very similar to the Taj Mahal - minus the garden at Agra. Symbolic tombs are on top. While the actual graves at one level under the ground. Watch your head when you go down. Please carry a torch along.
Tombs of Bilquis Jahan:
The tomb of Bilquis Jahan or begum shah Shuja is approx. 2km from Shah Nawaz tomb. This distinctively shaped tomb if one of the preserved structures that the city of Burhanpur has to offer. The painting on the wall inside are still there even today (2015). Beautifully decorated with flower patterns all around the wall. The grave is built on a platform that is 1-meter high. This platform is also shaped in semi circles. Like the external structure of the tomb.
Raja ki Chattri:
Is notable monument which is situated on the bank of the Tapti river about 7 km from Burhanpur. This Chatri was constructed by the order of emperor Aurangzeb in honour of the memory of Raja Jai Singh, the commander of the Mughal force in Deccan. Raja Jai Singh while returning from the Deccan died at Burhanpur. This beautiful structure has one large dome in the centre and 8 small domes, supported by 36 gracefully carved pillars. Locals believe that the stone to build this structure was brought from Asirgarh fort.
Dargah-E-Hakimi:
Situated at Lodhipura village, 2 Kms from Burhanpur town in the memory of Quamili Saiyyadi & moula-e-bava Abdul Quadir Hakimm-ud-din. Thousands of pilgrims of Bohra sect visit the place from all over the world. Dargah consist of a beautiful mosque and a Haquimi garden.
Asirgarh Fort:
A celebrated hill fort in the Burhanpur tehsil about 30 miles (48 km) South of Khandwa and 14 miles (22.4 KMs) north of Burhanpur on Burhanpur-Khandwa road. It is 259 meters high from the base & 701 meters above sea level. This is referred as the "Gateway to southern India" in the medieval history. It is consisting of three separate lines of constructions namely Asirgarh proper (Upper most part), Kamargarh and Malaygarh. Jami masjid & a Shiva temple are another architecture inside the fort. Asha devi mandir of Hindu Goddess Asha-devi is located on the hills of this village. In the vicinity of Asirgarh, there is a tomb of Shah Nomani Asiri, a saint, a believer of Sufism. Moti mahal, the burial place of Moti Begum, beloved of Shah Jahan is to the left of the fort.
Moti Mahal in Burhanpur
The monument is located on the bank of Pondhari river to the south-east of village Moti Mahal. The lower portion of the two-storeyed palace is made of stones. One of the lawns has the grave of Shah Jahan’s lover Moti Begum (unconfirmed). The second storey of the palace is made of bricks and lime with a flight of steps to reach there. Chhajjas are built in north-south portion on the second storey. There is a courtyard in the centre with rooms built on both sides. The top portion of the palace is dome shaped with an inverted lotus figure built on it. The architecture of the palace represents an amalgamation of Mughal-Rajput styles. Due to environmental factors many portions of the palace had been badly damaged especially wall plaster and flooring. This has also given people to come and write their name and declare their love on the walls of the monument. ******* Refer: clydemendes.blogspot
Khundi Bhandara:
Today Madhya Pradesh Tourism looks and maintains Khundi Bhandara. Located approx. 08 km from Burhanpur city. Also known as Khundi Bhandara (rumours of accidental deaths while constructing) and Neher-e-Khair-e-Zari (continuous flow of goodness). This water system was originally used in Iran. Before being replicated in India. Mughal rulers had constructed 8 system of water works with a vision of supplying pure water to the city. This natural system had supplied water to Burhanpur city. These water works are specimen of unparalleled construction technique and may be counted as glorious relics of the Mughal engineering ingenuity and skill which entailed enormous expenditure. This was constructed in the reign of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb.
A complex capsule lift (well #2) carries you down approx. 25 meters / 80 ft. The water is cold, fresh and flowing. Please carry a personal torch while going down. The depth of the water here is approx. 1 meter.
Iccha Devi Temple:
Ichha Devi Temple is situated at Ichha village. It is located 23 Kms from Burhanpur on Burhanpur-Edlabadmain road and dedicated to the Ichha Devi. Maratha Governor made a vow to the Goddess Ichha Devi (Ful-filler of desires) that if he got a son he would build a well and a temple for the Goddess. He built a well and a temple when his desires were fulfilled. An annual fair held in Chaitra Maas (First month of Hindu calendar) is attended by thousands of pilgrims.
Gurudwara:
The place is counted as an important pilgrimage of Khalsa sect. The First and the Last Guru, Guru Nanak Devji & Guru Govind Singh of Khalsa sect had visited the place. Guru Nanak devji has visited the Gurudwara located at the bank of Tapti river (Rajghat). One can still visit the Weapons & Guru Grantha Sahib of Guru Govind Singh Ji Maharaj. The Gurudwara is approx. 400 years old and counted with the Anandpur (Punjab), Patna (Bihar) and Nanded (Maharastra) pilgrimage of sikhs. A major milestone for the Sikhism in the region came in 1708, when the tenth guru "GURU GOBIND SINGH" halted here in Burhanpur. The outcome of Guru Gobind's visit was the establishment of the Burhanpur Sangat. It is also said that Guru Nanak had spent 6 months 9 days meditating here in Burhanpur. An old hand-written copy of Guru Granth Sahib is preserved in this Gurudwara. Its pages have beautifully drawn border in multicolour.
******* Reference: worldgurudwaras.com
Mahal Gulara:
A beautiful retreat during ancient times approx. 21km from Burhanpur city. A 90-meter dam of 3.5-meter height built across the river Badi Utoli river creates an enchanted reservoir on the river. The palace roof offers a lovely view of the surrounding area. Locals says that when Shah Jahan arrived in Burhanpur he fell in love with a beautiful singer name Gulara. And use to spend moonlit night at this retreat. The best view is right after monsoons when the water is flows over this small medieval times dams. The two palaces are in fairly is good shape. Thou the wall painting are faded.
Traveller / Backpacker info
Difficulty Level: Easy
Endurance Level: High - as involves travel in a private vehicle to get to most of the sites.
Food Arrangement: Easy available in Burhanpur city (both Veg and Non Veg)
Transport: Personal private vehicle preferred.
Closest Airport: Devi Ahilya Bai international airport at Indore
Closest railway station: Burhanpur railway station
Nickname: Gate Way of Deccan/Dakkhan Ka Darwaja
District: Burhanpur
Region: Central India
Route from Pune: Pune - Aurangabad - Burhanpur
Route from Mumbai: Mumbai - Nashik - Dhule - Unapdev - Burhanpur
Distance from Mumbai: 595 km approx.
Distance from Pune: 410 km approx.
Best time to visit: October to March
Beyond Burhanpur: One could also visit Khandwa, Indore, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar, Ajanta Caves, Ellora caves.
Other Industries and Occupation in Burhanpur:
Burhanpur is best known for textile industries. It is the largest hub for Power Loom industry in the state. Also, having one NTC (National Textile Corporation) project 'Tapti Mills' and one private owned spinning mill latest state-of-the-art technology.
Block printing: Once a thriving industry, now has only a handfull of homes doing wooden block printing.
Rumal Roti: Burhanpur a land of Rumal Roti - no one can eat just one
Rope Making: Cotton and Nylon rope making is another household industry around Burhanpur
Special Reference:
About eight miles west of Unabdev, in a narrow glen formed by two outlying spurs of the Satpudas, lie the Sunabdev springs. The water is lightly sulphurous and has a temperature varying from 85*C at dawn to 91*C at noon. It is also reported to cure skin diseases.
Najhardev, within a mile or two of Sunabdev, has a hot spring flowing into a built pool. The water has a slightly sulphurous taste and varies in temperature from 100*C at dawn to 103*C at noon.
Reference: https://cultural.maharashtra.gov.in
Note:
The above information is not exhaustive. The details mentioned above is only of reference purpose. TreksandTrails, India does not guarantee the accuracy. We have tried to display the best possible detail. However, it may change unannounced in the future.
Highlights:
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