Quick Facts
Location - Prominent historical city in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
How To Reach - Gwalior is just 321km from Delhi. It afford to have
its own airport,w hich is connected with major cities of India. Gwalior
railhead is one of the important stations in the central India. Road network
also connects major nearby states.
Where To Stay - There are plenty of options available in the city
ranging from star category to budget hotels.
When To Go - Round the year.
Fair And Festivals - In the month of November/December every year, a
classical musical extravaganza has been held here.
Gwalior once a powerful citadel of number of illustrious north Indian
empires. The innumerable historical relics speak the truth of mightiness of
erstwhile rulers. These monuments serve as the major tourist attractions of
Gwalior. Tourist attractions are aplenty. There are massive forts, exotic
palaces, beautiful mandir (temple) and many other attractions. The perpetual
allurements make the place one of the most visited place in India.
Straddling the main Delhi-Mumbai train line, Gwalior is the largest city in
the northern Madhya Pradesh and the site of most fantastic hilltop forts.
The city's history revolves around the its massive Gwalior Fort. According
to an ancient inscription, Gwalior was founded Hun invaders in 6th century
BC. But the local historical account says, the fort was founded by Kuchwaha
prince Suraj Sen. According to legend, it had been cured by a hermit Gwalipa
after whom the city is named. The Kuchwahas's successors, the Parihars were
brutally murdered by Iltutmish army and seiged the fort for 11 months.
Eventually, the fort fell to the hand of Muslim army, the Rajput women
trapped inside committed mass suicide by self- immolation. The golden age of
Gwalior came under the rule of Tomar king who retook Gwalior in 1398. Under
Man Singh, who ascended the throne in 1486, the hilltop gained the
magnificent palaces and fortifications that were to earn ir the epithet "
the pearl in the necklaces of the castles of the Hind". With decline of
Mughals, Gwalior became the base of the most powerful of the four Maratha
clans, the Scindias who legacy still continues in the state.
Sights And Activities
Gwalior Fort
The massive fort is the signature monument of Gwalior, perched at the
height of 100m above town. The fort is 3km long guarded by circular towers
decorated in turquoise tiles. The Gwalior city is clearly visible from the
top of the fort. There are two approaches to the fort. From the west side a
steep road passes through Urvai Gate, where also most of the guides and and
drivers. You can take a taxi to pass the gate. On the east side, it's a
steep 1km slog uphill to the fort compund. It is advisable to drive up to
Urvai Gate and then walk down to Gwalior Gate.
Rock Sculptures
On the way to the Gwalior fort you will witness sculptures carved into the
rock, the most fascinating one those on the long ascent up from Urvai Gate.
It is believed the those sculptures were carved in the 15th century,
represent the nude figures of Tirthankars ( the 24 grat Jain teacher). The
figures were defaced by Babar Muslim army and but repaired after
independence.
Teli Ka Mandir
This 30m high, 8th century temple is the oldest monument in the compund
designed in a mixed architecture of Dravidian and Indo-Aryan decorations.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the prathihara temple is covered
with sculptures and Garuda tops it 5m high doorway. The compound was once
used as a soda factory and coffee shop by the British after 1857 revolt.
Man Singh Palace
The majestic palace is decorated with frieze of ducks also mossaic tiling
of elephants, tigers and crocodiles in blue, yellow and green embellished
the Chit Mandir (painted palace). This beautiful palace was built by
illustrious Tomar ruler Man Singh in the 15th century. It is a fine example
of Hindu architecture where twin courts are surrounded by apartments on two
levels. The Man Singh Palace is also black spotted with ruthless Mughal
emperor Aurangzeb's cruelty to his brother. Here he imprisoned his brother
Murad and slowly poisoned with opium, which rammed him mad and finally
chucked him off.
Jai Vilas Palace & Scindia Museum
This opulent huge palace is an epitome of Scindia legacy. The gold paint
around the durbar hall weighs half a tonne. Eight elephants were suspended
from its ceiling to check it could cope with two 12.5m high,250 light bulb,
3.5 tonne chandlers said to be the largest pair in the world. the rooms are
filled up with diverse kind of items such as Belgian cut glass furniture and
stuffed tigers. There's a ladies only swimming pool with diving boards, a
boat and a wine cabinet.
