GWALIOR Location : North Western Part of MP Popular As : Fort City of India. Major Attraction : Gwalior Fort Most Famous Event : Tansen Musical Festival

Indore Jabalpur

Bhopal Pachmarhi

Ujjain Sanchi

Embrace the Fort City of India - Gwalior

Gwalior, the fort city of India, sends its solicitation to all the tourist in all the corners of the world to come and enjoy this legendary land. The massive fort in the city has earned the denomination of being the 'pearl in the necklace of the castles of Hind'. This chivalrous city of Madhya Pradesh has watched over the transmutation of various dynasties. Rich in heritage this is also an important city from the commercial point of view. Precipitous in the brilliancy of its past, the ancient capital of Gwalior has made a successful metastasis into a neo Indian city, vivacious and bustling. Want to see a camouflage of culture and modernity, come to Gwalior. If Madhya Pradesh is considered to be a blanket then definitely the beaded glitters will be the city of Gwalior. So do not squander your time in reverie, visit the dream destination called Gwalior.

Interwoven History and Culture

• History

History of Gwalior have been interlaced by the mythos that are intricately adhered in the cultural minds of the residents. The most ardent legends that revolves around the inception of this city is that it was the reverence by Suraj Sen to his shaman Gwalipa. Suraj Sen, who was an army superintendent, was a victim of the deadly disease of leprosy. The chief is believe that on the occasion he lost his way and landed up on an isolated hill. There he encountered a saint who should him a pond to quench his thirst. This magical pond not only relieved him of thirst, but also cured him of his leprosy. To show his gratitude he fulfilled the saints wish of fortifying the hill and hence we have the ever flourishing Gwalior.

Congruous to the other cities of the state, Gwalior too has been the witness of the upsurge and plunge of the dynasties that claimed to be the ruler of this city. Huns were the first one to hold the regime of the city. Falling into the hands of the Kachwaha Rajputs, they were the only Hindu rulers of the region. Then this city slipped into the hands of the Muslims and British who finally handed the reigns of this city into the great Scindias rulers, who still have great influence in Gwalior.

Enchantments of Gwalior

Forts and Palace – Acropolis of History

• Monuments

The forts and palaces of Gwalior are magnanimous and are the major attractions. The presence of these historical treasure make this city a megalomaniac. The Gwalior fort is the reminiscent of the Raja Suraj Sen, who after being cured by saint Gwalipa, laid the foundation of this fort. Claiming to be the grandest and largest fort in the world, is straggles on an area of three and a half kilometers and rise up to a great height of thirty five metres. Being the only fort in Gwalior, this fort sits on an enormous rock. The road to the fort rests between the intersperse of the various Jain statues, some of then soaring up to 3 storey.
The places of Gwalior is also an important card that draws people towards this city. Lest the gullible may other wise, the Man Mandir palace is not a temple. This plat du jour is located inside the fort and is also known as the Chitra mandir or palace of paintings due to the blue, gold and traces of green on the walls with animal figurines on them has credited this palace to be called as the painted palace or Chit Mandi. This palace had has wide chambers that once served as music halls. A charming architectural ornament here replicates the paddling of ducks in turquoise water. There is also a museum that displays the sculptures and carvings of the fort.
Gujari Mahal, was basically a gift by Raja Man Singh to his most favourite queen, Mrignaini. It is the most preserved part of the fort and now has a museum that showcases Hindu and Jain sculptures belonging to the ancient times. Speaking of the grandeur that was brought on the face of Gwalior by the Scindia rule, is the Jas Vilas Palace, which is also the current residence of the Scindias. This palace also has a museum where one can see artifacts and archives from all over the world. Do not miss seeing the crystal staircase and two of the world's largest chandeliers.

Monuments and Museums – The Glorious M's of Gwalior

• Gwalior Fort

The fort an palace are not the only things to overwhelm you. If you think that by covering the colossal forts and palaces, your Gwalior tour is complete, then you are in for misreckon. The monuments of the city are still left for your tarriance. Want to visit the living culture of the city. See the Tansen's tomb, one of the courtiers in Akbar's court. An annual Tansen music festival is held to commemorate this legend of music.
Another very important halt will be the tomb of Afghan prince Ghous Mohammed. This sandstone mausoleum has exquisite architectural pattern that has pierced stone techniques which makes it appear like a lace. Two of the very early freedom fighters too have their memorial here. Rani of Jhansi (Lakshmi Bai) known as the fiery queen of Jhansi and Tatiya Tope have their memorials located near phoolbagh.

Gwalior is in possession of some of the best museums in the country. The Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum, houses some of the rare antiquities whose origin dates back to the dawn of 1st century. Do not miss the Shalbhanjika, the statue of the tree goddess kept inside the museum. This statue can be seen only by request. Monday being an exception, the museum is open from ten in the morning to five in the evening. Want to feel the house of rhythm – go to Sarod Ghar museum. This is the home of the legendary Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan, which has been converted into a museum. The Municipal Corporation Museum, is another good place to view some historical wealth. Other important museums that too deserve a mention are the Museum of Music by the Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan Memorial Trust and The Kala Vithika, another treasure hoard of the arts.

The Temples of the Fort City

• Pilgrim Destinations

Do not forget to pay your reverence to the temples of Gwalior, that too are renowned for their architectural patterns and historical epoch. Most of the temples of Gwalior are located inside the fort and are hence you do not need an extra day or effort to visit them.
The most splendid of all the temples in Gwalior, is the Teli ka Mandir, a unique blend of the Dravidian and Indo – Aryan styles of architecture and built in the 9th century. The decorations reflect the influence of Nagara style of architecture and this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The entrance is 10 m and has a topping of sculpture of the Garuda (Vehicle of Lord Vishnu). You must spectacle the beautiful sculptures that are kept inside the temple.
Do not miss visiting the two pillared temple called as the Saas – Bahu temple, which too is inside the fort. Again dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple to see the unique architectural pattern of the doorway which illustrates Indian ternion of, Lord Brahma, the creator, Lord Vishnu the Preserver and Lord Shiva the Destroyer.
Chaturbhuj Mandir, built in the 876 AD at the north – east entrance of the fort and is alos dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Attractions to Bait You

There are other places too in the fort city that too deserve some recognition. The Suraj Kund is the pious lake which is believed to have been the reason for the cure of Suraj Sen off leprosy. Built in the 15th century, its presence can be traced back from 425 AD. Locals believe that this lake still has retained its magical powers. Do not believe it, come and find for yourself.
TThere is also a Gwalior zoo in the city that is ideal for picnicking. Open from eight in the morning to 3 in the evening, this zoo has some of the rare wildlife kept in natural surroundings. For all those who believe in theism come to the historic landmark of Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod, that was built to commemorate the 6th Sikh Guru who was imprisoned here by Jehangir for over two years.
Do not miss visiting the two pillared temple called as the Saas – Bahu temple, which too is inside the fort. Again dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple to see the unique architectural pattern of the doorway which illustrates Indian ternion of, Lord Brahma, the creator, Lord Vishnu the Preserver and Lord Shiva the Destroyer.
There are the Chhatris that were built by the Scindia rulers which is also an interesting thing to sight.

Gwalior – Host of the Tansen Festival

• Khajuraho Dance Festival

The Tansen festival is one occasion that invites huge attention of the tourist from all over the world. Night long sessions of classical songs and ragas by the eminent personalities from the country, entertain people. Some of the famous participants belong to the Gwalior gharana of music. Dhrupad singers of Raja Mansingh's patronage are also famous. This annual Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, is held every winter in the months of November/December. Visit this city during this festival and keep alive the memories of Tansen alive.

Gwalior – The Flourishing Shopper's Paradise

• Shopping

Your trip to Gwalior will be lacking of you do not stroll around the shops and bazaara for some exclusive Gwalior shopping. The shops in Gwalior have a bloodline of centuries and were once condescend by the royal line in Gwalior There are a few things that Gwalior specialises in, so make sure you do not miss out on them. Owning the oldest bazaars of Madhya Pradesh shopping in Gwalior is a immaculate experience. Shops near Rajwara, Laskar and Patankar Bazaar specialise in souvenirs with a traditional touch, while there is also a good range of art and crafts that includes lacquer ware, dolls, handwoven carpets, wall hangings and jewelery. There are government emporiums from where you can buy collection of arts and crafts of Madhya Pradesh from dokra figurines and tribal jewelery to hand-woven sarees and fabrics. Looking for the traditional Chanderi saris then go to Chowk at Bara. Do not miss buying the leather items that are a big attractions. From the leather range you can buy chappals, (slippers) loafers, moccasins, sneakers, sandals and pumps.
This is not all there are narrow lanes and alleys that showcase local products that are one of their kin in the world.

The Way to the Fort City

Being the fort city of India, it is an obvious fact that this city is very well connected to the major airports of the country. Indian Airlines connects Gwalior to Bombay, Bhopal, Indore, and Delhi by regular flights.
Trains are another mode you can exploit for reaching this city. Gwalior is on the main Delhi-Bombay and Delhi-Madras rail link. Among major trains, the Taj and Shatabdi Express connect Gwalior with Delhi and Agra. Once you are inside the premise of the state there are various bus service that connects the city to the major areas of Madhya Pradesh. The period from October to March is the best time for you to visit this city, when the weather is moderate.