Madan Mahal Fort is a small 900-year-old fort built on top of a huge rock in Jabalpur city.
It was a watch post of the brave Gond queen Rani Durgavati, so it is also called Rani Durgavati Fort. Want it on a planned trip? See our Jabalpur tour packages.
- Where: inside Jabalpur city.
- Built: about 900 years ago.
- Built by: Gond king Raja Madan Singh (Madan Shah).
- Famous for: Rani Durgavati and the city view.
- Entry: free.
- Timings: about 8 AM to 6:30 PM.
Madan Mahal Fort Quick Facts
History of Madan Mahal Fort
- Built by Gond king Raja Madan Singh, around 1116 AD (some say later).
- Used by Rani Durgavati as a watch post.
- Rani Durgavati fought the Mughal army bravely in 1564.
- The fort was a watch tower and army post of the Gond kingdom of Garha.
What to See at Madan Mahal Fort
- ✅ War rooms and small stone rooms.
- ✅ The rock base the fort sits on.
- ✅ Old water tank and stable area.
- ✅ Narrow paths and sharp turns.
- ✅ Wide view of Jabalpur city from the top.
- ✅ Great photos at sunrise and sunset.
Tip: Wear shoes with grip. The rocky path can be slippery.
Places Near Madan Mahal Fort
1Balancing Rock
A huge rock resting on another rock on a tiny point.
- Did not fall even in the 1997 earthquake.
- See it with the fort.
2Rani Durgavati Museum
Old statues and the story of Rani Durgavati.
- Small ticket, closed on Mondays.
3Bhedaghat Marble Rocks
A boat ride between tall white marble cliffs.
- Go here after lunch.
Short Plan for the Day
- 8 AMMadan Mahal Fort.
- 9 AMBalancing Rock.
- 10 AMRani Durgavati Museum.
- 2 PMBhedaghat and the Marble Rocks.
Our Jabalpur Bhedaghat Tour Package covers the fort, Balancing Rock and Bhedaghat.
How to Reach Madan Mahal Fort
- From Jabalpur Junction: about 7 km.
- Nearest local station: Madan Mahal.
- By auto or taxi: 15 to 20 minutes from the city.
- Last part: a short walk up the hill.
Tips for Your Visit
- 👉 Go early morning, it is cool and quiet.
- 👉 Carry water, there are few shops on top.
- 👉 Do not climb on the old walls.
- 👉 Go with a group in the evening.
Planning a Jabalpur trip? We handle the car, hotel and the full city tour. See our Jabalpur city tour packages. Want to see more of the state? See our Madhya Pradesh tour packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who built Madan Mahal Fort?
Gond king Raja Madan Singh (Madan Shah), around 1116 AD.
Why is Madan Mahal Fort famous?
For its spot on a giant rock and its link with Rani Durgavati.
Where is Madan Mahal Fort?
On Madan Mahal hill inside Jabalpur city.
Is there an entry fee for Madan Mahal Fort?
No, entry is free.
What are the Madan Mahal Fort timings?
About 8 AM to 6:30 PM. Mornings are best.
How far is the Balancing Rock from Madan Mahal Fort?
It is on the way to the fort, a few minutes apart.
Is Madan Mahal a railway station too?
Yes. Madan Mahal is also a local railway station in Jabalpur.
