ABOUT GWALIOR:

• The ancient capital city has been a cradle of great dynasties and a living heritage of heroism.
• Its antiquity dates back to 8^th century, when Suraj Sen, a chieftain, founded the city and named it after Gwalipa, a legendary saint who cured him of a deadly disease.
• Gwalior, the city of palaces, temples and monuments witnessed the rule of great Rajput clans like Pratiharas Kacchwahas and Tomars.
• Tradition as a royal capital continued until the formation of independent India, with the Scindia’s having their dynastic seat here.

 

MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Gwalior Airport, Gwalior (GWL), 11 kms away from Gwalior city centre.
• Rail: Gwalior Railway Station, Gwalior, 1 km away from Gwalior city centre.
• Road: Well connected by road.

 

SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:

FORT & MONUMENTS	The Fort   Man Mandir Palace   Gujari Mahal   Tansen’s  Tomb   Jai Vilas Palace   Orchha
HOLY CENTRE	Teli-Ka-Mandir   Sas Bahu Ka Mandir   Sun Temple   Sun Temple   Orchha
SCENIC SITES	Shivpuri
MUSEUM & AUDITORIUM	Jai Vilas Museum   Kala Vithika and Municipal Museum
OTHERS	Scindia School   Memorials
FAIRS & FESTIVALS	Tansen Samaroh or Tansen Sangeet Samaroh Bhavbhuti Samaroh Krishna Rao Samaroh

For more information visit https://www.mptourism.com/destination-gwalior.php

 

ATTRACTIONS OF GWALIOR

 

The Fort:

• Magnificent fort atop Gopachal, a sandstone precipice 91 metres above the surrounding plain was built by Raja Mansingh Tomar.
• It dominates the city like a great monolith and was described as ‘the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hindu’, by Mughal emperor Babur.
• Imposing outer walls still stand, two miles in length and 35 feet high.
•  A steep road winds upwards to the fort, flanked by statues of the Jain tirthankaras, carved into the rock face.
• Fort is dotted with various monuments which are marvels of medieval architecture.

 

Man Mandir Palace:

• Most impressive building in the fort was built by Raja Man Singh between 1486 and 1517.
• It witnessed many battles, jauhars and imprisonments.

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Teli-Ka-Mandir:

• 9^th century Pratihar Vishnu temple has a peculiar plan and design.
• Its roof is in Dravidian style, while the decorations inside are in Indo-Aryan style.

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Sas Bahu Ka Mandir:

• 9^th and 11^th century ‘Mother and Daughter-in-law’ pair of temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

 

Gujari Mahal:

• Elegant palace was built in 15^th century by Raja Mansingh Tomar for his ‘Gujari’ queen, Mrignayani.
• Today, it houses an archaeological museum.

 

Scindia School:

• One of the finest schools in India.

 

Tansen’s  Tomb:

• One of the nine gems at Emperor Akbar’s court is a fine example of early Mughal architecture and a part of Gwalior’s living cultural heritage.
• Annual music festival is held here on a national scale in November/ December.

 

​​​​​​​Jai Vilas Palace:

• Palace designed on the plan of an Italian palazzo is a fine blend of the Italian, the Tuscan and the Corinthian styles.

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Jai Vilas Museum:

• Offers an unparalleled glimpse into the rich cultural and lifestyle of princely India.
• Some of the rich treasure exhibited here are –
  • Napoleon’s golden table (one of the three in the world).
  • A carpet showing Rana Pratap on horseback.
  • A silver mini train with cut-glass wagons, which served guests as it chugged around on miniature rails on the table.
  • A glass cradle from Italy used for baby Krishna on Janamashtami festival.
  • Silver dinner sets and swords of Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan.

 

Memorials:

• Gwalior is also dotted with memorials of the earliest freedom fighters like Tantya Tope, Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi and several Scindia princes.

 

Kala Vithika and Municipal Museum:

• Kala Vithika houses a treasure of arts, while the natural history section of Municipal museum is worth visiting.

 

Sun Temple:

• Newly constructed temple near the Residency at Morar.
• Built on the lines of famous Sun Temple at Konark in Orissa.

 

ATTRACTIONS AROUND GWALIOR

 

Orchha:

• 124 kms away from Gwalior city.
• Medieval town was founded by Rudra Pratap along Betwa River.
• Retains the rich legacy of Bundela rulers, who built fine palaces and temples during 16^th – 17^th centuries.
• Magnificent fort complex is dotted with spectacular palaces and temples.

 

Shivpuri:

• 112 kms away from Gwalior city.
• Summer capital of the Scindia rulers of Gwalior is set amidst thick wooded hills, which were once inhabited by tigers and elephants.
• Magnificent palaces, hunting lodges and cenotaphs reflect the grandeur of the bygone era.