Mandsaur, 84 km north of
Ratlam, is the district headquarters of
Mandsaur District. Part of the princely state of
Gwalior before India's independence in 1947, Mandsaur is a center of the Malwa opium trade.
The town and its neighborhood assume much archaeological interest. Mandsaur has numerous Hindu and Jain remains, though it is predominantly Muslim. Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an important site. Chandwasa-Dharmarajeshwar and Bahi Parashnath Jain Temple, Gandhisagar Dam are the other attractions.
Nearest airport is at Indore. Mandsaur Railway Station is on the Chittorgarh-Ratlam line. National Highway 79 passes through Mandsaur.
