One of the popular tourist attractions in Mandu of historical importance, Jahaz Mahal or the Ship Palace, resembling a vessel, stands on a strip of land between two lakes. This is a huge building which is constructed artistically on a narrow strip of land between two ponds. Its shape is like a ship that is the reason for its name (Jahaj = Ship). This palace is 111 meter long 18.5 meter wide and 11 meter high. Some of its portion is extended in the front, probably it is constructed in later course. It is said that this place was the Diwan-e-Khas (special place to discuss secrets) of the sultan of the Malwa.
In this structure, there is none of the ponderous walling or excessive solidity, nor that appearance of stolid dignity so pronounced in the building just described, instead it is in character more lively and entertaining, and its surfaces are gay with friezes of brightly coloured glaze. The body of the building has a continuous arcaded front, shaded by a broad eave above which is a kind of triforium of recessed arches with a wide parapet displaying a repeating pattern of tiles. On the roof are various open pavilions, airy kiosks, and overhanging balconies all of an imaginative nature, the whole of which reflected in the still waters of the lake presents a picture of no ordinary beauty. The interior arrangements consist of pillared compartments, cool corridors, and sumptuous bathing halls, all at one time luxuriously fitted and furnished for the accommodation and diversion of the royal ladies and those of the court. Yet although the building is throughout expressive of pleasurable beguilement and of care-free living, nonetheless every part of its design has been skillfully worked out, and both composition and construction are of no mean order. This specially applies to the shape and grouping of the superstructures, in which elegantly proportioned cupolas alternate with pyramidal roofs while projecting caves and cornices produce gratifying passages of light and shade.
A traveler should try to enjoy Sound and Light Show here and get to know various interesting aspects of this palace. Jahaz Palace is easily accessible as it is located merely a kilometer away from Mandu bus station.