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Madhya Pradesh
Places to Visit in Gwalior

16 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Gwalior

Gwalior Overview
Top 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior
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Gwalior Fort

#1 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior

At a distance of 4 km from Gwalior Junction, Gwalior Fort is one of the most beautiful historical and architectural marvels situated in the center of Gwalior city. Known as the pearl amongst fortresses in India, Gwalior Fort is one of the best historical forts in India and also one of the top places to visit in Gwalior. The fort was built by a local king, Suraj Sen in 8th century AD on a solitary rocky hill called Gopachal. According to legend, the king was cured of leprosy, when a sage named Gwalipa offered him the water from Suraj Kund, now lies within the fort. The king constructed a fort, and named it after the sage. Since then many dynasties ruled over the place from Tomars, Mughals, Marathas and the British. Finally, Gwalior Fort was acquired by Scindias in 1886 and ruled until the independence of India in 1947. It was here that Tatya Tope and Rani Jhansi Lakshmi Bai fought for their freedom. Spread over an area of 3 sq. km, Gwalior Fort is one of the biggest forts in .....

Jai Vilas Palace

#2 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior

At a distance of 2.5 km from Gwalior Junction and 4 km from Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Mahal or Jai Vilas Palace is a 19th century palace in Gwalior, India. It is one of the important heritage places in Gwalior city and was rated among the well maintained palaces of Madhya Pradesh state. Jai Vilas Mahal was constructed in the year 1874 CE by Jayajirao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior, at a cost of Rs. 1 crore. It is a fine example of European architecture, designed and built by Sir Michael Filose. The palace was the residence of the royal family of Scindia's. A segment of the Jai Vilas Palace was converted into a museum now. The Palace is well-known for its beautiful architecture. The palace features a beautiful blend of Tuscan, Italian and Corinthian styles of architecture. Spread over an area of 12, 40, 771 square feet, the palace has 400 rooms and a huge Durbar Hall. The interior of the Durbar Hall is decorated with gilt and gold furnishings and adorned with a huge carpet .....

#3 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior

At a distance of 5 km from Gwalior Fort and 5 km from the Gwalior Junction, Surya Mandir or Sun Temple is a Hindu temple in the historic city of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Situated near the Residency at Morar, Sun Temple is one of the most famous heritage monuments in Gwalior and also one of the top places to visit in Gwalior. Dedicated to Sun God, Surya Mandir is one of the popular pilgrimage places in Gwalior. Also known as Vivaswan Temple, Surya Mandir was constructed in 1988 by G.D Birla, the famous industrialist of India. The Surya Mandir is a new one in the list of the grand historical monuments of Gwalior and it does not even have any historical significance. The temple is the replica of the famous Sun Temple of Konark in Orissa. The temple is one of the architectural wonders and has a beautiful sculpture of Lord Surya in the temple premises. The temple building is created in the shape of chariot pulled by seven horses each one depicting seven days of the week. One can .....

Gwalior Zoo

#4 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior

At a distance of 2 km from Gwalior Junction and 3 km from Gwalior Kila, Gwalior Zoo is an ideal spot and also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Gwalior. Also known as Gandhi Prani Udhyan or Gandhi Zoo, Gwalior Zoo is one of the most beautiful zoological parks in Madhya Pradesh. The Gandhi Zoo is a part of a huge garden known as Phool Bagh which was built by Madhao Rao Scindia in 1922 and it was inaugurated by Wales Prince in the same year. The Gwalior Zoo is maintained by the Municipal Corporation of Gwalior. The Phool Bagh campus also includes a gurudwara, a mosque, a theosophical lodge and a prayer hall. Spread over an area of 8 hectares, Gwalior Zoo is home to some rare species of animals including a white tiger. The main animals which are present in the zoo are deer, monkeys, Royal Bengal Tiger, serpents, crocodile, spotted deer, sambhar, hyena, lion, rabbits, panther, bear, hippopotamus, etc. The zoo also has some rare and colorful birds, snakes, lizards, .....

Chhatris Of Scindia Dynasty

#5 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior

At a distance of 5 km from Gwalior Junction and 6 km from Gwalior Fort, the Chhatris are the memorial of Scindia dynasty rulers of Gwalior. Situated in Chhatri Bazar, the Chhattris of the Scindia dynasty are one among the prominent attractions in Gwalior city. Renowned for its architectural brilliance and beautiful structures, the Chhatris are located in a beautiful garden. These are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions used as an element in Indian architecture. The first chhatri was built in 1817 CE to commemorate Jayaji Rao Scindia. Since then other Chhatris have been added. The older ones are built in yellow and pink sandstone and are of great architectural value. Apart from others, the Chhatris of Jiwaji Rao Scindia, Daulat Rao Scindia and Janko ji Rao Scindia are well known. These Chhatris preserve the beauty of the medieval period and are decorated with stone carvings of elephants, horses and tigers. These monuments have been built with pink and white stones. There is a .....

Gwalior Trade Fair

#6 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior

At a distance of 2.5 km from Gwalior Junction, Gwalior Trade Fair is one of the largest fairs of Madhya Pradesh. It is the most colorful fair of North India and one of the major attractions of Gwalior. Gwalior Trade Fair was started in 1905 by Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia, the king of Gwalior. The fair is held at the Mela Ground, also known as Pragathi Maidan in the Race Course Road of Gwalior. Started as a cattle fair, this Trade Fair now emerged as the biggest fair in Madhya Pradesh. The fair is not only popular in India but it is also enjoys its international acclaim. The fair is organized by Gwalior Trade Fair Authority (GTFA), a nodal agency of Government of Madhya Pradesh. Usually the fair starts every year around the middle of December and lasts for a month. The Mela Ground spreads over an area of 104 acres which is divided into several pavilions and sectors. It has 1200 permanent pavilions, more than 500 platforms and 3000 kiosks. Both private national and multinational .....

Tombs Of Mohammed Ghaus & Tansen

#7 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior

At a distance of 1 km from Gwalior Fort and 3 km from Gwalior Junction, Tombs of Mohammed Ghaus & Tansen are situated in the town of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Well known for its architecture, the tomb complex is one of the prominent sightseeing attractions in Gwalior. The Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus was built in 16th century AD during the Akbar's rule. Ghaus Mohammed was an Afghan Prince who later converted into a Sufi saint. According to legend, Mohammad Ghaus assisted Babur when he was conquered the fort of Gwalior in 1526 CE. The Sufi saint who belongs to 16th century occupies an important position in the history of Mughal India and is said to have had great influence over Mughal emperors like Babur and Humayun. Tomb of Ghaus Mohammed is a prominent pilgrimage center of both Muslims and Hindus. The structure of this tomb is typical Mughal architecture with hexagonal pillars stand at each of its four corners. The building is square in plan and topped by a square dome decorated .....

Maharani Laxmi Bai Park

#8 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior

At a distance of 1.5 km from Gwalior Junction and 3 km from Gwalior Fort, Maharani Lakshmi Bai Park is a memorial situated in the Phool Bagh area of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The Samadhi of Rani Lakshmi Bai is located here and is one of the best places to visit in Gwalior. Lakshmi Bai, the Rani of Jhansi was born on 19th November, 1835 CE at Banaras and died on 18th June, 1858 CE at Gwalior. She is a well-known freedom fighter, who fought against the British for the freedom of the princely state, Jhansi. She was one of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and became for Indian nationalists a symbol of resistance to the British Raj. For paying tribute and respect to the Rani, an eight metalled tall statue of Rani Lakshmi Bai has been installed by the ruler of Gwalior in 1920 AD. She is shown riding a horse with sword in her hand and a child at her back. In her honor and memory, every year a fair is organized in Gwalior on 18th June. Timings: 6 AM to 6 .....

#9 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior

At a distance of 20 km from Gwalior, Tighra Dam or Tigra Dam is a fresh water reservoir situated at Tighra near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. It is the primary source of drinking water to the city of Gwalior and also one of the popular picnic places to visit near Gwalior. Tighra Dam was constructed in 1916 on the Sank River and is a major source of water for the city of Gwalior. This dam has been constructed in the vicinity of eleven villages. The villagers depend on this dam for their irrigation, drinking and domestic purpose. The dam is an engineering marvel and is 24 meters high at its crest, and 1341 m long. The reservoir has a capacity of 4.8 million cubic meters. The dam was failed twice due to infiltration in 1917 & in 1970 respectively. However, today it has emerged as a favourite destination for families to spend some good time together. As tourism gained popularity, the tourist department started a boating club here. One can enjoy speed boating, jalpari boat, paddle .....

Madhav National Park

#10 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior

At a distance of 5 km from Shivpuri, 89 km from Jhansi and 116 km from Gwalior, Madhav National Park, one of the oldest parks in India, is situated in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the major wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh and among prime place to visit on a Gwalior tour . The park was established as Madhya Bharat National Park in 1955. It was declared as a National Park in the year 1959 and renamed as Madhav National Park after Madhav Rao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior. It was originally the shooting reserve of the Maharaja. Even before this, during the reign of the Mughals, its dense forests were the hunting grounds of the Mughal emperors. It is also believed that from the dense forests of Madhav National Park, Akbar once captured elephants for his stables in the year 1564 CE. Since the area was a royal shooting reserve, it was well protected and flourished with wild life and was famous for its tigers. .....

Shanischara Temple

#11 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior

At a distance of 23 km from Gwalior and 29 km from Morena, Shanischara Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Aiti village in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the well-known ancient temples in Madhya Pradesh and also one of the popular attraction not to miss in a Gwalior tour packages . Shanischara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shani Dev. According to legend, the place is the mark where Shani Dev fell, when he was thrown by Sri Hanuman from Lanka to be rescued from Ravana. The Hindus consider Shani or Saturn in great awe and respect. In fact, Saturn is the only deity whose kind glance is believed to bestow prosperity, while a fierce look can cause unparalleled misfortune on the object of its attention. The temple houses the original black idol of Shani brought from Lanka. The main offering to Lord Shani is mustard oil. The statue of Hanuman ji is also installed outside the temple. A grand prayer is organized on .....

#12 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior

At a distance of 5 km from Gwalior Junction and 5 km from Gwalior Fort, Sarod Ghar is a museum situated at Jiwaji Ganj in the historical town of Gwalior. It is one of the famous places to visit in Gwalior for music lovers. Also known as Kala Vithika, Sarod Ghar was established in Gwalior with a motive to promote classical Indian music, heritage and culture. The museum has been housed in the ancestral home of Amjad Ali Khan, the renowned Sarod Maestro, who donated the property for this purpose and is owned by Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan Memorial Trust. The museum also aims at creating awareness about Indian classical music and musical instruments of India. The museum exhibits ancient instruments of the great Indian Masters and an impressive collection of photographs and documents. The first instruments exhibited at the Sarod Ghar museum are the instruments belonging to the forefathers of Amjad Ali Khan. The exhibits of the museum includes, Sarods of Nanne Khan & Rabab belonging to .....

Bateswara Group Of Temples-Morena

#13 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior

At a distance of 35 km from Gwalior Junction and 28 km from Morena, Bateshwar Temples are a group of historical temples situated in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh. Bateshwar is one of best heritage place in Madhya Pradesh and also one of the prominent places to visit in Gwalior . It is maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. Bateshwar complex is home to about 200 sandstone temples. Spread over an area of 25 acres in the ravines of Chambal, Bateshwar Temples were constructed during 8th to 11th century CE by the Kings of Gurjara - Pratihara dynasty. Most temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva while some are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple complex was ruined due to the earthquake in the area. The Archaeological Survey has begun the restoration work in 2005. More than 100 temples have been restored till now. Bateshwar Temple Complex is wonderful with its stone architectures, intricate .....

Italian Garden

#14 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior

At a distance of 2 km from Gwalior Junction, Italian garden is a park situated next to the Gwalior Zoo in the Phool Bagh area of Gwalior. It is an ideal picnic spot for the whole family or a group of school children. The Garden adjacent to the Palace grounds is built in Italian style. Beautiful fountains, cascading waters make this is a beautiful place. The lush green gardens make the place even more beautiful. It is very closely connected to the Moti Mahal, the former Palace of Scindia dynasty which is now turned into a Government office. The garden is also connected with the Baiji Ki Tal which is a garden along with a beautiful pool. The major attractions here are the boating area and stone fountains add to the beauty and splendor of this park. Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Dargah Hazrat Khwaja Khanoon Sahib

#15 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior

At a distance of 1.5 km from Gwalior Junction and 2 km from Gwalior Fort, Dargah Khawaja Khanoon Sahib is popular mosque situated in Gwalior town of Madhya Pradesh. Dargah of Khanoon Sahib is one of the popular religious places in Gwalior and also one of the popular places to visit in Gwalior. The Dargah was built in the memory of Khwaja Kanoon Sahib Nagauri. He was born in 853 (1434 AD) in Nagore, a village near Jodhpur, Rajasthan. He was a resident of Marwad and arrived to Gwalior in 1481. His full name was Saiyed Saiyeeduddin Khanoon Rehmat Ullah Aleh Chishtiya, which is carved on the dome of the Dargah. He died in 940 Hijri, according to Islamic Calendar. It is believed that visiting the Dargah for regularly 40 days fulfills all the desires. This feature of this tomb attracts a lot of the peoples from different region of the country. Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM

#16 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior

At a distance of 40 km from Lalitpur, 103 km from Orchha, 105 km from Jhansi, 207 km from Gwalior, 218 km from Bhopal, 227 km from Khajuraho, 293 km from Narsinghpur, 309 km from Jabalpur,334 km from Kanpur, 337 km from Satna, 389 km from Indore, 415 km from Lucknow, and 540 km from Nagpur, Chanderi is a historical town located in the Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh. Positioned beautifully along the River Betwa, it is one of the popular tourist places in India and among the must-include places in Madhya Pradesh tour packages . Chanderi is a small 11th-century town nestled between Malwa and Bundelkhand in Madhya Pradesh. Surrounded by magnificent hills, forests, and beautiful lakes, Chanderi boasts of a kind of scenic beauty that should be experienced by travellers of all sorts as part of Chanderi tour packages . This small ..... Distance (From Gwalior): 207 Kms Trip Duration (From Gwalior - Including Travel): Full Day .....

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"Tourism Capital of Madhya Pradesh"

Gwalior tourism.

Gwalior is a historic city located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Popular because of the hilltop fort, Gwalior is full of palaces and glorious temples giving this city a majestic charm which speaks volumes of its glorious past.

A historic city founded by king Surajesan, Gwalior is a city where India's most eminent royalty once resided. Jai Vilas Pala has the largest carpet in the world which took almost 12 years to weave and two most massive chandeliers in the world that weight close to 3.5 tonnes. The great Indian musician Tansen was born in Gwalior, and the tomb of Tansen is also an important place here. Every year, in November/December, a four-day Tansen Music festival is celebrated in the city where various classical musicians from all over the country perform on the stage near the tomb itself. Visit the various monuments and museums, eat the local delicacies like namkeen and go boating in Tighra Dam while you are in the city.

Places To Visit In Gwalior

Gwalior Fort

Jai Vilas Palace

Gujari Mahal (State Archaeological Museum)

Man Mandir Palace

Tomb of Tansen

Teli Ka Mandir

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Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday closed) It displays ancient artifacts and finely carved stone sculptures from the 1st…

Timings: 6:00–8:000 am, 5:00–8:00 pm The Italian Garden in Gwalior is a hidden gem that holds its own unique significance. Tucked away…

Chhatris of Scindia Dynasty are the memorials built in the memory and honour of the rulers of the Scindia Dynasty….

Built in honor of the warrior queen of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmi Bai, her Samadhi is a famous attraction. Apart from…

Gwalior Zoo is established by the royal family Madhao Rao Scindia back in 1922, the Gandhi Zoois actually a section of…

Tighra Dam or Tigra Dam is a fresh water reservoir situated at Tighra near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. It is…

A splendor of a different kind exists in the Jai Vilas Palace, current residence of the Scindia family. Some 25…

Located near the Residency at Morar, the newly constructed Sun Temple takes its inspiration from the famous Konark Sun Temple…

The sandstone mausoleum of the Afghan prince, Ghaus Mohammed, is also designed on early Mughal lines. Particularly exquisite are the…

Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the city and is its most significant monument. It has…

Gwalior Tourism

Gwalior Fort
Jai Vilas Palace
Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum
Tansen Tomb
Sun Temple Gwalior
SasBahu Temple
Gopachal Parvat
Teli Ka Mandir
Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhod Qilla Gwalior
Madhav National Park
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6 Best Places to Visit in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

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Planning a trip to Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh? Looking for tourist places in Gwalior? Here’s a round-up of the best places to visit in Gwalior for you to plan a Gwalior itinerary.

Best known for its impressive hilltop fort, Gwalior is home to a rich and storied cultural, spiritual, and musical heritage. History comes alive in its lanes, forts, palaces, temples, and tombs. It’s a bucket-list-worthy Indian city.

As you stroll through the narrow, dusty, and mostly busy streets of Gwalior; the epic tales of illustrious battles, gutsy empires, divergent rulers, and legendary musicians intertwined in the fabric of the city unfurl, one at a time.

Did you know? The ancient name of Gwalior was Gopagiri or Gopadri.

Gwalior has some amazing things to see and do for all kinds of travelers and tourists and that’s the reason it’s recognized as the tourist capital of Madhya Pradesh, India.

Also, it’s one of those perfect destinations to explore with kids, as it not only brings the class history lessons alive but turns them from boring to fascinating.

Learn More: Ways to Experience Indian Culture & Traditions

Places to Visit in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

Here’s our take on what to do while in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

Gwalior Fort

The imposing Gwalior Fort rises dramatically above the city of Gwalior on a central hillock, Gopachal . It’s thought to be one of the most invincible forts in India and thus was rightfully called the Gibraltar of India .

Here’s a detailed post that tries to unearth the historical and architectural secrets behind the imposing Gwalior Fort. Give it a read!

I prefer to read about the history of a place before I make a visit there. I’d recommend you get a bit of insight into the city of Gwalior and its history. It makes your trip more fun and meaningful.

If reading isn’t what you like, go watch the sound and light show at Gwalior Fort the night before you plan to explore the fort. Amitabh Bachchan successfully makes history interesting with his profound voice and captivating way of storytelling.

light and sound show places to visit in gwalior madhya pradesh

Most of the famous attractions in Gwalior are in fact inside the Gwalior Fort premises. Inside the fort are numerous palaces, temples, and other historical structures built by different rulers.

The fort has two entrances. Urwahi Gate is accessible by car and Qila Gate or Gwalior Gate is accessible only by a walk along the ramp.

If you enter the fort through Urwahi Gate, don’t miss the sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras carved into the rock face on the way to the fort. The sculptures, set up within caves (Gopachal and Siddhanchal caves) and alcoves in seated (Padmasana) and standing (Kayotsarga) postures depict all 24 Tirthankaras.

Just at the entrance of the Gwalior Fort Complex is an ancient step-well with 80 pillars, Assi Khamba ki Baori.

Man Singh Palace , Raja Man Singh Tomar’s abode during his reign with its blue and yellow tiles stone lattice screens, and lovely mosaic work are the most impressive of all the attractions inside the fort.

man singh palace gwalior fort places to visit in gwalior Hathi Pol Hathi Gate Gwalior Fort Pearl amongst the fortresses of India

The 11th-century Saas-Bahu Temple , dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva is the architectural brilliance.

The 8th-century Teli-Ka-Mandir dedicated to Vishnu is unique because of its architectural style that marries the elements of north India (Nagara) and south India (Dravidian).

Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhor within the fort is a memorial to the sixth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Hargobind Sahib who was imprisoned by Mughal Emperor Jahangir at Gwalior fort.

Chaturbhuj Temple at the Hathi Pol dedicated to Lord Vishnu with the stone inscription comprises the first-ever recorded description of zero in the 7th century and thus is called the Temple of Zero .

Tombs of Muhammad Ghaus and Tansen

The mausoleum of Muhammad Ghaus , a 16th-century Sufi saint and mentor of a celebrated singer, and composer of his times and one of the Navratnas (nine jewels) in Akbar’s court, Tansen is situated in Hazira aka Old Town.

mausoleum of Muhammad Ghaus gwalior madhya pradesh

In the same garden complex, right next to the tomb is a Samadhi of Tansen (Tansen Memorial). Come December, the complex becomes the site for the famed musical event, Tansen Samaroh or Tansen Sangeet Samaroh that attracts music lovers from all across the country.

tomb of tansen places to visit in gwalior madhya pradesh

A tamarind tree near Tansen’s grave is a special one. A saint sitting near the tree told us that if you eat a leaf or two from the tree, your voice becomes as melodious as Tansen’s. That’s another thing you should definitely do while you’re here because you never know 🙂

Samadhi Rani Laxmi Bai

Located in the Phool Bagh complex, the Samadhi of Rani Laxmi Bai is a tribute to the great woman warrior of Jhansi, Rani Laxmi Bai famously known as Jhansi ki Rani who bravely fought with the British in 1857.

Looking at the tall statue of Jhansi ki Rani filled me with pride and I saluted the undaunting spirit and sacrifice of the great queen warrior.

About 23 km from Gwalior, Tighra Dam or Tig Dam on the Sank River is a nice recreation or picnic spot. There are many activities on and off the water like boating, jalpari cruises, river rafting, parasailing, and rock climbing for adventure lovers.

Or you can just sit and relax while appreciating the serenity and beauty of the region.

tighra dam or tigra dam gwalior madhya pradesh

Jai Vilas Palace makes it to the list of things to do in Gwalior, mostly. But I didn’t find it worthy enough for the amount of time and entrance price it demands.

Read my Jai Vilas Palace Experience

With more time in Gwalior, you can add Chhatris of the Scindia dynasty, Gwalior Zoo, Padavali, and Bateshwar to your Gwalior itinerary.

Shopping in Gwalior

Gwalior’s bazaars are utterly noisy, and chaotic but great places to shop for unique traditional handicrafts and handlooms.

Have you been yearning to possess a pure Chanderi saree for long? What better place to grab one than Gwalior?

Gwalior exports Chanderi and Maheshwari silk fabric all across the world.

There are also a variety of handicrafts you can shop for like Dhokra or metalcraft, woodcraft, and leatherware.

Patankar Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Maharaj Bada, and Topi Bazaar are the best markets for shopping in Gwalior.

Mrignayanee Emporium , a state government-run emporium at Sarafa Bazaar is a reliable shop as the price and purity of the product are guaranteed.

Best Time to Visit Gwalior

Winter (October to February) is the best time to explore Gwalior. Days are comfortable though be prepared for subzero temperatures at night.

Summers are harsh here. The exploration becomes almost impossible with day temperatures soaring as high as 45 degrees Celsius.

Spring (March to May) can also be considered as the weather is comfortably warm and pleasant mostly.

How to Get to Gwalior

Gwalior is located in the northern part of the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India and is well-connected by air, rail, and road to Delhi and other major cities in India.

The nearest airport is Gwalior Airport. Air India has a direct flight from Delhi to Gwalior that takes an hour to reach.

SpiceJet runs direct flights from Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jammu, and Kolkata to Gwalior.

The second nearest airport, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport, Agra has more regular connections from other major cities in India and is 126 km from Gwalior.

Gwalior Junction (main railway station) has direct trains from Delhi. The train journey takes about 5 hours. Grand Trunk Express from New Delhi to Chennai, Kerala Express from New Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram, Kalinga Utkal Express from Hazrat Nizammudin to Puri, Dehradun Indore Express, and Shridham Express from New Delhi to Jabalpur are some of the regular trains.

Habibganj New Delhi Shatabdi Express is the fastest that takes less than 4 hours to reach Gwalior. Also, it leaves Delhi quite early in the morning and saves your day.

Driving is a great option to travel to Gwalior from Delhi or Agra. Roads are well-maintained and smooth. It takes around 7 hours from Delhi to Gwalior via Taj Express Highway aka the Yamuna Expressway and NH44.

How to Get Around Gwalior

Gwalior is best explored on your own car. Car rentals are also available in Gwalior.

Else autorickshaws, tempos, Ola cabs, and metered taxis are easily available in the city.

Taking guided tours is another great option to explore the city. Everything is preplanned and prebooked for you. Just enjoy the sights, smells, and colors of the place.

Where to Stay in Gwalior

We stayed at Deo Bagh , a 17th-century heritage property renovated to perfection by the Neemrana Group of Hotels, and loved every second of our stay there.

What makes it unique is the presence of ancient structures like Maratha temples, Mughal char bagh, and a Baradari (pavilion).

Once inside the property, the commotion of the city fades away. The quietness, solitude, and the old world charm – Neemrana’s Deo Bagh has it all.

Check the availability and prices on Booking.com

Check the user reviews on TripAdvisor

neemrana's deo bagh gwalior madhya pradesh

Usha Kiran Palace is a Taj Heritage property for those who crave luxury. Budget travelers can go for Dera Haveli Heritage Homestay and MPT Tansen Residency .

Where to Eat in Gwalior

Gwalior is historically and culturally rich. You know right? But do you know that it’s gastronomically rich too? The divergent rulers not only left behind their legacy in the form of various monuments but also influenced the culinary scene in Gwalior.

You can experience the culinary culture in Gwalior in its variety of cuisines.

Have Bedai (a poori or kachori stuffed with spicy lentils) and Jalebi for a hearty breakfast at S.S.Kachori Wala , an 80-year-old iconic hole-in-the-wall in Naya Bazaar.

Walk down to Bahadura Sweets to relish the best boondi ladoos in Gwalior or if you have a stuffed tummy just parcel them to eat later. Anywhichways you gotta taste them!

Lunch? Sorted. How about hot, huge, crispy, and delicious Parathas (layers of dough with your favorite fillings cooked in pure ghee) with achar and sabzi for lunch? Already hungry? Head to Dilli Parathewala in Sarafa Bazaar for the mouthwatering parathas.

You can’t leave Gwalior before you eat at one of its Kwality Restaurants . So, make your way towards this simple yet awesome fine-dining restaurant that serves finger-licking food for dinner.

Kwality has two outlets in Gwalior – City Center and Lashkar. Paneer malmal and chicken tikka masala are their must-try dishes.

Buy a box or two of Morena gajak from Daulat Ram Gupta Gajak Bhandaar at Nai Sadak, Lashkar before you leave Gwalior. Bring back home the finest gajak in the country for friends, relatives, and of course yourself.

Have you ever been to Gwalior? How was your experience? We love talking to our readers.

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Anjali Chawla

2 thoughts on “6 Best Places to Visit in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh”

Your guide is quite helpful for me as I just shifted here and being a wanderlust I want to explore this place. Thank you ??

Hey, Shalini! Glad that you loved our guide. Gwalior is a city buzzing with history and culture. I plan to visit it again pretty soon ? All the best for your travels!

15 Things To Do In Gwalior No Traveler Should Miss Out

Wondering what to do in Gwalior for a wonderful vacay? There are numerous exciting things to indulge in while staying in Gwalior. Apart from its rich culture and heritage, there are numerous colors of this vibrant city that has remained a pillar of this place. Check out the below list of best things to do in Gwalior.

Visit The Glorious Gwalior Fort
Get Mesmerised By The Sasbahu Temple
Get Bedazzled By The Grandeur Of Jai Vilas Palace Museum
Shop At Patankar And Sarafa Bazaars
Spend Time At The Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum
Pay Homage To The Music Maestro At Tansen’s Mausoleum
Beat The Heat At Splash The Suncity
Marvel At Gopachal Parvat Rock-cut Sculptures
Admire The Architectural Splendour Of Teli Ka Mandir
Get Enthralled By The Beauty Of The Sun Temple
Go Boating In Tighra Dam
Explore Wildlife At Madhav National Park
Visit The Gwalior Zoo
Bateshwar’s Beautiful Architecture
Enjoy Coffee At Indian Coffee House

1. Visit The Glorious Gwalior Fort

Rightly called the pearl of fortresses in India by Babur, the majestic Gwalior fort is perched on an isolated rock outcrop towering over the old city. The turquoise tessellations on the facade make it stand out even from a distance. With 6 palaces, rock-cut temples and unique architectural elements like Chinese dragons, exploring this magnificent hill fort is one of the top things to do in Gwalior. The riveting light and sound show every evening takes you through the fort’s history and must not be missed.

Famous For: Architecture

Location: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh Timings: 6AM to 5:30PM every day Entry fee: INR 75/adult for Indians; INR 250/adult for foreign nationals.

Must Read: 30 Places To Visit In Gwalior For Its History And Culture!

2. Get Mesmerised By The Sasbahu Temple

Located right inside the fort is this remarkable 11th century temple complex, with the larger temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the smaller one to Lord Shiva. These ornately carved twin temples in sandstone are an exquisite example of exceptional architectural beauty. The detailing and craftsmanship of the edifice, pillars as well as the dome are sure to leave you spellbound. The four sculptures of Lords Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and goddess Saraswati at the entrance are the finest amongst many adorning the walls. Perched on a cliff, the temple also offers panoramic views of the city below. This is amongst the most interesting temples in Gwalior .

Famous For: Architecture

Location: Located in Gwalior Fort Timings: 6AM to 5:30PM Entry fee: INR 15 for Indians; INR 200 for foreign nationals.

Suggested Read: 7 Best Places To Visit In Madhya Pradesh In June To Roll In Summers Like A Pro

3. Get Bedazzled By The Grandeur Of Jai Vilas Palace Museum

This grand palace built by Jayajirao Scindia offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the royal family. With 35 of the rooms converted to a museum, it is one of the best places to witness some rare and impressive pieces of art. From lavish to quirky to spectacular artefacts and furniture, the erstwhile residence of the Scindia’s is a scintillating display of their luxurious lifestyle. The durbar hall with some of the grandest chandeliers in the world and glittering gold detailing will take your breath away. Do not miss the silver train in the magnificent dining hall that served after-dinner cigar and brandy! This is one of the most famous palaces in India .

Famous For: Enormous collections

Location: Lashkar, Gwalior Timings: 10AM to 4:45PM (April to September); 10AM to 4:30PM (October to March). Closed on Wednesdays. Entry fee: INR 120 for Indians; INR 800 for foreign nationals.

Suggested Read: A Thorough Post-Covid Travel Guide To Madhya Pradesh: Sojourning The Land Of Temples And Wildlife

4. Shop At Patankar And Sarafa Bazaars

At the end of your sightseeing around the city, one of the most satisfying things to do in Gwalior is to stroll through the local markets. The Patankar and Sarafa bazaars offer a range of local handicrafts, traditional handlooms and exquisite stone carved artefacts to take back home with you. When done with your retail therapy, the bazaars also offer some yummy soul food like sweet imartis and crunchy kachoris to satiate the foodie within.

Famous For: Local handicrafts, traditional handlooms, sweets

Location: Khurjewala Mohalla, Daulat Ganj, Gwalior Timings: 10.00am to 9.00pm Entry fee: NA

Suggested Read: India’s Fastest Train Will Get You From Delhi To Gwalior In Just 3 HOURS, Not 7

5. Spend Time At The Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum

Built by king Man Singh Tomar for his beloved wife Mrignayanee, the Gujari Mahal is now home to the archaeological museum displaying an enviable collection of artefacts and sculptures. The impressive entrance is guarded by mythological man-lion figures and the museum also proudly showcases the Indian Mona Lisa in stone, Shalabhanjika. You may have to ask the curator to unlock the room to view this .With sculptures dating back to Gupta period (Varaha avatar statue), the museum is a treasure trove of historical masterpieces.

Famous For: Artefacts and sculptures

Location: Lohamandi, Gwalior Timings: 10AM to 5PM, Tuesday to Sunday. Entry Fee: INR10 for Indians; INR 100 for foreign nationals.

Suggested Read: Shopping In Gwalior: The Land Of Chanderi Silk & Handicrafts

6. Pay Homage To The Music Maestro At Tansen’s Mausoleum

To walk amidst the gardens where the legendary musical genius Tansen walked many years ago, is a delightful experience for music lovers. Laying close by is the tomb of his teacher and sufi saint Muhammad Ghaus. With beautiful mughal styled latticed screens, this is a tranquil site for contemplation and stepping into the pages of the history of music. Come December, this historical site is transformed into a great stage for music aficionados during the Tansen Music Festival. Lit up and reverberating with the ragas, it is an experience to remember.

Famous for: Tansen was a prominent musician during Mughal era in India, and was amongst the Nav Ratna of Akbar Darbar.

Location: Gwalior, Tansen Nagar Timings: 8AM to 6PM Entry Fee: No entry fee

Suggested Read: Restaurants In Gwalior: 8 Best Places To Eat Approved By Locals

7. Beat The Heat At Splash The Suncity

If you are wondering what to do in Gwalior , indulge in some unadulterated fun moments with friends and family at this amusement park right in the heart of the city. With 18 thrilling rides for adventure seekers and more than 10 water rides, Splash the Sun City is great way to spend a few exciting hours. The water park has 3 huge pools with play area and many cool slides.

Famous for: Amusement Park

Location: Race Course Road, Gwalior Timings: 10AM to 7PM Entry fee: Amusement Park- INR 200/adult; INR 150/child. Water Park – INR 400/adult; INR300/child

Suggested Read: 10 Honeymoon Places In Madhya Pradesh Every Couple Should Visit

8. Marvel At Gopachal Parvat Rock-cut Sculptures

Located along the slopes near the Gwalior fort and nestled amidst lush foliage is the Gopachal parvat with stunning rock-cut sculptures of the 24 Jain tirthankars (spiritual teachers). Amongst the best things to do in Gwalior, visiting these impressive sculptures carved out of the cliff is a spiritual and awe-inspiring experience. The 47-feet high towering monolithic image of Adinath seated on a lotus is a sight to behold. Built between by the Tomar kings between 14th and 15th centuries, these magnificent statues are one of a kind architectural marvel.

Famous for: Magnificent statues

Location: Phulbagh Rd, Gopachal Marg, Lashkar, Gwalior Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM Entry fee: No entry fee

Suggested Read: Street Food In Gwalior: 7 Dishes To Treat Yourself The Gwalior Way!

9. Admire The Architectural Splendour Of Teli Ka Mandir

With its architecture as interesting as its name, this 30-metre high temple is the loftiest and oldest monument inside the fort. With a Dravidian style carved shikhara and many Nagar style elements, the temple beautifully blends the northern and southern temple architecture styles and is one of the best things to see in Gwalior . With an eye-catching display of unique sculptures of coiling snakes, river goddesses and garuda, this is a fantastic site for lovers of history and architecture.

Famous for: Architecture

Location: Fort Campus, Near Schiendhi School Gwalior Fort Timings: 6AM to 5:30PM Entry fee: INR 15 for Indians; INR 200 for foreign nationals. Ticket also covers entry to Sahastrabahu temple and Man Singh Palace

Suggested Read: 25 Best Places To Visit Near Gwalior When Wanderlust Beckons !

10. Get Enthralled By The Beauty Of The Sun Temple

Image Source The striking structural beauty of the Sun Temple makes it one of the top things to do in Gwalior. Inspired by the ancient sun temple at Konark, this captivating architectural marvel boasts of one of the best statues of sun god which is lit up by the rays of the sun from any one of the four sides. The bright red sandstone exteriors beautifully contrast with the sparkling white marble interiors to make this a must-see site in Gwalior. Plan to visit just before sunset to be rewarded with some splendid views.

Location: Residency Rd, Mahaveer, Morar, Gwalior Timings: 6:30AM to 6PM Entry Fee: No entry fee

Suggested Read: Chanderi In Madhya Pradesh: A Detailed Guide To This Unique Town

11. Go Boating In Tighra Dam

Other than the places of religious and historical importance, Gwalior is one of the best places to visit for adventure seekers as well. The city offers an excellent opportunity for boating. Indulge in various kinds of boating such as Jalpari boating, speed boating and paddle boating. For some more fun, ride a water scooter. Besides the adventure retreat, it is an excellent spot for nature and landscape photographers, making it one of the best things to do in Gwalior.

Famous for: Boating

Location: Sank River, 23 km from Gwalior Boating Fees: Speed Boat- INR 50 per person | Paddle Boat- INR 100 | Water Scooter- INR 350 | Jalpari Boat- INR 50 Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Suggested Read: 10 Best Places To Visit In Madhya Pradesh In Summer For A Soothing Trip

12. Explore Wildlife At Madhav National Park

Located in Shivpuri town, Madhav National Park is one of the most prominent parks offering a thrilling weekend destination for all the adventure lovers visiting Gwalior. It is a must-visit place for all the wildlife lovers. The park features a variety of flora and fauna species. One can witness major animal species such as wild boar, wolf, leopard, porcupine, jackal and marsh crocodile. The other highlights include lakes, jungle safaris. Located at a distance of 120km from the city, it is a wonderful weekend retreat.

Famous for: Wildlife

Location: Madhav National Park, Shivpuri Entry Fee: Indian- INR 15 per person | Foreigner- INR 150 per person Timings: Morning- 6:30 AM to 10 AM PM | Evening- 2:30 PM to 6 PM

Suggested Read: 9 Mystical National Parks Of Madhya Pradesh That You Should Visit!

13. Visit The Gwalior Zoo

Visiting Gwalior zoo is one of the best places to visit to explore the wildlife in Madhya Pradesh. If you don’t want to indulge in jungle safari adventure, it is the most convenient place to visit with the entire family. You can see a wide range of wildlife species from leopards to the zoo house, black bucks to the exotic animals. The zoo also has a variety of exotic birds and snakes making it great fun place for both adults and kids. The highlights, however, include white tiger.

Famous for: Exotic animals

Location: Lashkar, Gwalior Entry Fee: Indian- INR 20 per adult | INR 5 per kid Timings: Morning- Saturday to Thursday | 9:15 AM to 5:30 PM

Suggested Read: 4 Best Tourist Circuits In Madhya Pradesh

14. Bateshwar’s Beautiful Architecture

Bateshwar temple is a group of around 200 sandstone temples. It is one of the most iconic things to see in Gwalior as the temple has beautiful architecture worth seeing. It attracts visitors from all across the world and leaves them mesmerized. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, the temple was built during the reign of Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty. A visit to these beautiful temples is one of the best things to do in Gwalior to witness the marvel architecture and for any historic enthusiast.

Location: Padavali Village, Morena Entry Fee: Indian- INR 15 per person Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Suggested Read: 5 Places To Visit In Tikamgarh For An Enlightening Trip To Madhya Pradesh

15. Enjoy Coffee At Indian Coffee House

Indian Coffee House - oldest and biggest chain of restaurant in all of Kerala

Indian coffee House is a must-visit place for all the coffee lovers. It is located outside the railway station of Gwalior. It is famous for its your excellent food quality and simple ambience. Among many other great items, coffee is a must-try here. With reasonable prices here, start your day with a delicious coffee and enjoy the quick service and peaceful ambience.

Famous for: Delicious coffee

Location: Indian Coffee House, Near Gwalior Railway Station, Gwalior Entry Fee: NA Timings: 7:30 AM to 10 PM

Further Read: 40 Tourist Places In Madhya Pradesh That You Should Be Visiting

Gwalior has so much more you can do before you wrap up your visit to the city with some wonderful memories. So, wait no longer and plan your Plan a trip to Gwalior for an amazing time with your closed ones.

Frequently Asked Question About Things To Do In Gwalior

How many days are enough for Gwalior?

2-3 days are enough to visit Gwalior and cover all the major sightseeing points. You can easily cover all the places like Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior Fort, Sun Temple, Tighra Dam and many more in about 3 days.

Is it safe to visit Gwalior, given the covid situation?

Yes, it is safe to visit Gwalior, given that you follow all the necessary precautions and get yourself vaccinated before travelling. Even while travelling make sure to follow all the guidelines issued by the government like wearing masks at all times, maintaining social distance and sanitizing yourself regularly.

How can I go to Gwalior?

Gwalior airport is located at a distance of 8 kilometres away from the main city. Most of the airlines connect Gwalior to major cities in India, including Mumbai, Indore, Bhopal, and Delhi. Gwalior railway station, on the other hand, lies on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai rail links.

What is the famous food of Gwalior?

Gwalior is known for its delicious street food like kachoris, samosa, poha, and bedai, to name a few. Also, don’t forget to try Dal Bafla, jalebi, imarti, rogan josh, kebabs, corn dishes, malpua, and Morena gajak while you’re here.

Which language is spoken in Gwalior?

The most common languages spoken in Gwalior are Hindi, English, and Marathi.

Is Gwalior a metro city?

Gwalior is an upcoming metro city that is well-connected to the nearby towns in Gwalior in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The place is known for its architectural marvels and prominent temples.

How can I go from Mumbai to Gwalior?

There are 7 direct trains that go from Mumbai to Gwalior. The journey takes around 15 hours. The 7 trains are Ltt Nzm Ac Exp (22109), Mangala Ldweep (12617), Bareilly Exp (14313), Lashkar Express (12161), and Punjab Mail (12137).

What can I buy in Gwalior?

Some of the famous things to buy in Gwalior include silk saris, wall hangings, dolls, handmade carpets, lacquer ware and ornaments.

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Best 18 Places to Visit in Gwalior (2024): ✔Timing, Entry Fee

Budget Hotels > Travel Blog > Destinations > Gwalior > Best 18 Places to Visit in Gwalior (2024): ✔Timing, Entry Fee

Gwalior, the city with a celebrated history, is the tourism capital of Madhya Pradesh . From massive forts to beautiful temples and stunning monuments, the city has a galore of attractions to delight travelers. That’s not all! Gwalior has given the most talented musicians to our country. It was in this city where Tansen learned his art and created many ragas and Dhrupad compositions, strengthening the foundation of Indian classical music. The cultural and historical significance of Gwalior cannot be described in words. You must visit the city to understand the importance of its contribution to our country’s rich heritage and culture.

Read these State-wise Quarantine Rules to Avoid any Inconvenience

Places to visit in Gwalior:

1. gwalior fort, gwalior.

Gwalior Fort | #1 of 18 Best places to visit in Gwalior

Known as ‘the pearl amongst fortresses in India’, the impenetrable Gwalior Fort has witnessed many wars and events. Standing tall atop a rocky mountain, this architectural marvel spreads over an area of 3 sq. km and is visible from all the corners of the city. There are several attractions inside the fort including palaces, temples and water tanks, and it might take almost a day to explore the place.

Timings : 06:00 am – 05:30 pm
Entry Fee : ₹ 75 for Indians; ₹ 250 for Foreign Tourists

Explore recommended places to stay in Gwalior at best price

2. Phool Bagh, Gwalior

The late Madho Rao Scindia built Phool Bagh, and it was inaugurated by the Prince of Wales in 1922. A museum and a residential palace; this site encompasses a gurudwara, a temple, a mosque, and the city zoo in its campus. The place is famous for well-maintained and beautiful gardens, where you can enjoy a picnic or spend time with family and loved ones. Read also – Things to do in Gwalior

Timings : 05:30 am – 07:00 pm
Entry Fee : Free

3. Gujari Mahal Museum, Gwalior

Gujari Mahal Museum | #3 of 18 Best places to visit in Gwalior

Built by Raja Man Singh Tomar, this 15th-century palace museum is located inside the Gwalior Fort. Gone through the test of time, this archaeological museum will give you an insight into the history of the city and its rulers. The rare collection of sculptures displayed here are a highlight of the museum. You will also see terracotta items, stone & copper plate inscriptions, coins, bronze sculptures, arms and weapons, replicas of Bagh Cave paintings and excavated material in its exhibits.

Timings : 09:00 am – 05:00 pm (Closed on Monday)
Entry Fee : ₹ 10 for Indians, ₹ 100 for Foreign Tourists

Book Couple friendly Hotels in Gwalior

4. Sarafa Bazar, Gwalior

Sarafa Bazar | #4 of 18 Best places to visit in Gwalior

From jewelry to handicrafts and textiles, Sarafa Bazar is a must-visit place for shopaholics. It is one of the oldest and the most famous markets in Gwalior. You can buy lacquer work, chanderi silk, home décor, handmade carpets and vases with intricate designs here, at unbelievable prices. Don’t forget to try pani puri and other lip-smacking street food at the market.

Timings : 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

If you want to know more about where you can enjoy some good food, read our blog on restaurants in Gwalior !

5. Teli Ka Mandir, Gwalior

Teli Ka Mandir | #5 of 18 Best places to visit in Gwalior

An ancient religious site famous for its Dravidian architecture and detailed artwork, Teli Ka Mandir is the tallest structure inside the Gwalior Fort complex. It is around 100 ft. tall, and the architecture is a blend of Buddhist and Hindu styles. According to historians, this temple was constructed during the 8 th or 11 th century and is the oldest temple in the fort. It is devoted to Lord Vishnu in the form of his mount ‘Garuda’ and also has structures of coiled serpents and river goddesses inside.

Timings : 08:00 am – 06:00 pm
Entry Fee : ₹ 20

6. Gwalior Zoo, Gwalior

Gwalior Zoo | #6 of 18 Best places to visit in Gwalior

Gwalior Zoo is a must-visit place for wildlife lovers and a great place to spend the weekend with kids and family. The zoological park was built by the royal family in the year 1922 and is spread in an area of 8 hectares. It is home to various rare animal species including a white tiger and others like hyena, golden pheasant, black buck, bison and spotted deer.

Timings : 08:00 am – 06:00 pm (Closed on Friday)
Entry Fee : ₹ 20 per Adult; ₹ 5 per Child

7. Samadhi of Rani Laxmi Bai, Gwalior

The brave warrior Rani Laxmi Bai was an inspiration during India’s struggle for freedom. To celebrate her fierceness and pay homage to her sacrifice, an eight-meter tall metal statue of hers is installed in the heart of Phool Bagh. Every year in June, a fair is organized at the Samadhi of Rani Laxmi Bai.

Timings : 24 hours

8. Moti Mahal, Gwalior

One of the most historic buildings in the city, the 19 th -century Moti Mahal has some beautiful gardens and fountains within its premises. It was once the office of Madhya Bharat Government and has now been converted into offices of the State Government. The beautiful tempera colors, wall paintings and mosaic work depicting Ragas and Raginis are the highlights of this palace.

Timings : 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Closed on Sunday)

9. Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior

Jai Vilas Palace | #9 of 18 Best places to visit in Gwalior

Only 650 meters from Moti Mahal, Jai Vilas Palace is a grand structure built by Jayaji Rao Scindia in 1874. The building has European style architecture and is quite famous for its Durbar Hall, which is adorned with some of the grandest chandeliers in the world and a huge carpet that took nearly 12 years to weave. The rooms in the palace have been converted into a museum, and exhibit furniture, paintings, sculptures, decorative art, textiles and more collected by the royal family.

Timings : 10:00 am – 04:45 pm (April – September) 10:00 am – 04:30 pm (October – March)
Entry Fee : ₹ 140 for Indians, ₹ 800 for Foreign Tourists

10. Amma Maharaj ki Chathri, Gwalior

Amma Maharaj ki Chathri is just a kilometer from Jai Vilas Palace and is popular for the cenotaph of Late Madho Rao Scindia. If you are looking for some peace and solace, you will be in love with the beautiful, lush green gardens here.

Timings : 01:00 pm – 05:30 pm

11. Tomb of Muhammad Ghaus, Gwalior

Tomb of Muhammad Ghaus | #11 of 18 Best places to visit in Gwalior

Muhammad Ghaus was a 16 th -century Sufi Saint, who was an advisor to King Babur and teacher of music maestro Tansen. His tomb has hexagonal pavilions and stone carvings depicting the elegance of Mughal architecture.

Timings : 06:00 am – 06:00 pm

12. Tomb of Tansen, Gwalior

Tomb of Tansen | #12 of 18 Best places to visit in Gwalior

Walk a few steps from the Tomb of Muhammad Ghaus, and you will see a smaller, simpler memorial of Tansen. He was the renowned singer in Akbar’s kingdom and the father of Indian classical music. A national-level music festival is organized every year at his tomb in November-December.

13. Sun Temple, Gwalior

Sun Temple | #13 of 18 Best places to visit in Gwalior

Also called Surya Mandir, Sun Temple is another pride of Gwalior. It was built in 1988 and its design is inspired by the Sun Temple of Konark. Its exteriors are made of red sandstone, making the temple a picture-perfect spot for morning and evening photo shoots. The sculptures inside the temple are carved out of white marble. The temple receives several tourists and pilgrims throughout the year.

Timings : 06:30 am – 12:00 pm; 01:00 pm – 06:00 pm

14. Sarod Ghar, Gwalior

Sarod Ghar is a music museum showcasing ancient musical instruments that were once used by the legendary musicians of India. In addition, you will also see a collection of age-old photographs and documents related to music meet-ups in the bygone era. The museum is set up inside the house of legendary sarod player Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan.

Timings : 10:00 am – 06:00 pm (Closed on Sunday)
Entry Fee : ₹ 20 for Indians, ₹ 100 for Foreign Tourists

15. Sas-Bahu Temple, Gwalior

Sas-Bahu Temple | #15 of 18 Best places to visit in Gwalior

Located inside the Gwalior Fort , the Sas-Bahu Temple has two ornately carved temples made in red sandstone. The larger one is devoted to Lord Vishnu and the smaller one to Lord Shiva. Unlike what the name suggests, this temple is actually named after sahastrabahu , another name of Lord Vishnu. King Mahipala of Kacchapaghata Dynasty constructed this temple in the 11 th century.

Timings : 08:00 am – 05:00 pm

16. Gopachal Parvat, Gwalior

Gopachal Parvat | #15 of 18 Best places to visit in Gwalior

Another popular structure inside the Gwalior Fort, Gopachal Parvat is an ideal place for those who want to see ages-old Jain iconography. It is the site of a group of rock-cut sculptures with carvings dating back to 7 th to 15 th centuries. The Tirthankaras can be seen meditating in a seated or standing position here. It is one of the most important sites in Gwalior for the followers of Jainism.

17. Man Mandir Palace, Gwalior

Man Singh Tomar of Tomar Dynasty built the Man Mandir Palace, situated inside the majestic fort in the city. The four-storied palace has many beautiful carvings and designs that exhibit the splendor of Rajputana architecture. The palace also has a Jauhar pond, where Rajput women performed the Sati tradition.

Timings : 10:00 am – 05:00 pm

18. Tigra Dam, Gwalior

Built on Sank River, Tigra Dam is a freshwater reservoir and a major source of water for Gwalior city. It is also a popular picnic spot, where one can enjoy speed boating, paddle boating as well as water scooter rides. If you are looking for a peaceful spot that is a little far from the city, we recommend Tigra Dam.

Timings : 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Distance from Gwalior: 23 km
Boating Cost : ₹ 50 per person for speed and Jalpari boats; ₹ 100 per person for paddle boat; ₹ 350 per person for water scooter

Gwalior is a fascinating city with multiple facets. You can plan a weekend getaway or a long vacation in Gwalior as the city has a lot to offer owing to its rich and varied culture and heritage. Don’t forget to book one of the hotels in Gwalior in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle.

Places to Visit in Gwalior (Video):

Frequently Asked Questions About Gwalior:

Q: Suggest some good places to eat in Gwalior.

A: Hungry Birds, Shere Punjab, Param Food Complex, Indian Coffee House, Boulevard 69, Silver Saloon, Alfanzo, Victorian Vantage, Cafe Prizon and Kwality are a few of the best restaurants in Gwalior.

Q: How is the air connectivity to Gwalior?

A: Gwalior Airport does have some scheduled domestic flights to and from Delhi, Mumbai, Jabalpur, Bhopal and Indore; however, they do not operate on a daily basis.

Q: What is the best means to reach Gwalior?

A: It is quite easy to reach Gwalior by train from most major cities in India including Delhi, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Patna, Kolkata, etc. You can also choose to drive to the city as it is well-connected by national highways like NH 3, NH 75 and NH 92.

Q: How is the public transportation in Gwalior?

A: Tempos, autos, buses and taxis are all easily available from anywhere and everywhere to get around Gwalior.

Q: What are the entry timings and charges of Gwalior Fort?

A: Gwalior Fort remains open to tourists from 6 am to 5.30 pm. The entry fee of Gwalior Fort is INR 75 for Indians and INR 250 for foreigners. For kids below 15 years, the entry is free.

Q: Where to go for shopping in Gwalior?

A: Start your shopping spree at Sarafa Bazaar that has shops stocked with lacquer work, handmade carpets and carved metal storage boxes. Other places to shop in Gwalior include Patankar Bazaar and Bada Market for Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees and printed textiles and Topi Bazaar for baubles and bangles.

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15 Best Things to Do in Gwalior
Madhya Pradesh

With a diverse range of interesting places to visit, there is also an impressive spectrum of things to do in Gwalior. One of the major cities in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior is an important tourist destination that attracts hordes of tourists throughout the year.

The fame enjoyed by this city is owed to the great collection of ancient forts and Hindu temples it houses. Besides various places of interest, there is also a range of interesting activities you can enjoy here which make it a hotspot for all kinds of tourists. From temple visits and fort explorations to adventure sports and jungle safaris, Gwalior offers all sorts of amusements to all types of visitors.

Whether you want to add colors of spirituality to your vacation or you want to bask in the rich history of Madhya Pradesh , Gwalior can make your time worthwhile. This historical city is a paradise for the patrons of art, architecture, and history. On your visit to Gwalior, you get to create memories by visiting the grand Gwalior Fort, palaces, and a plethora of ancient temples that dot its geography.

And if you are a nature lover or a wildlife enthusiast, there is no dearth of spots for you either, since the city features places like Madhav National Park and Tighra Dam. Besides, Gwalior also gives you an exciting opportunity to set out on a shopping spree at marketplaces like Sarafa Bazar and Patankar Bazar.

Here is an exciting list of the best things to do in Gwalior:

Quick navigation, explore the glory of jai vilas palace museum.

If history and architecture are your areas of interest, there is no better place for you to visit in the entirety of Madhya Pradesh than Jai Vilas Palace. This palace, designed by Michael Filose and built by Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia in 1874, is an exemplifying example of fine European architecture in India.

A palace once, Jai Vilas serves as a museum now. From chandeliers to carpets, everything about this palace expresses elegance and regality. The museum boasts a great collection that will leave you awe-inspired and wanting for more.

It consists of the world’s largest pair of chandeliers, malabar furniture, oil paintings, silver train, and much more that surpasses your imagination. The museum also features an excellent collection of artifacts belonging to the 19th and 20th-century and find itself among the top places to visit in Gwalior .

Highlights : Architecture, interiors, and artifacts.

Location : Jai Vilas Palace, Lashkar, Gwalior

Entry Fee : Indian- INR 120 | Foreigner- INR 800

Timings : 10 AM to 4:45 PM (April- September) | 10 AM to 4:30 PM (October- March)

Enjoy Sound and Light Show at Gwalior Fort

Gwalior Fort is one of the most prominent heritage sites in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The fort tells the tales of the glorious past of Madhya Pradesh and the turbulences the fort has stood through its structure, its architecture and through the sound and light show that is held here every evening.

Attending the show is a great means to get an insight into the interesting history of the fort and the region. The show is quite popular among local and foreign tourists. Sometimes, visiting a place is just not enough to know everything about it. Hence, the sound and light show takes the responsibility to convey the details in an intriguing manner.

The show is held at the amphitheater at Man Mandir Palace at Gwalior Fort. Moreover, the show is available in Hindi and English languages separately.

Highlights : History of the fort and the region through a sound & light show

Location : Man Mandir Palace, Gwalior Fort, Gwalior

Price : Indian- INR 75 | Foreigner- INR 250

Timings : Hindi version- 7:30 PM | English version- 8:30

Also check here, famous palaces & forts of Madhya Pradesh one must definitely visit.

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Enjoy Rides at Splash the Fun City

Gwalior is replete with fun places which will not let boredom enter your life for a moment. Apart from varied historical and religious places, Gwalior also has a number of places of amusement within its ambit that provide the much-needed relief to the residents of this city from the daily grind of urban life.

Splash The Sun City is one of such places, offering a full day fun to visitors. This amusement park features a good range of slides, rides, and pools, and caters to visitors of all age groups. Spend a day here, teasing your adrenaline or basking under the sun in a pool.

Experiencing a day full of laughter and joy at Splash The Sun City with friends and family is one of the most fun things to do in Gwalior.

Highlights : Amusement park, Theme rides, and pool.

Location : Race Course Road, Gwalior

Entry Fee : Adult: INR 500 | Kid: INR 300 | Couple: INR 800

Timings : 10 AM to 6 PM

Check out more: Watersports adventure in Madhya Pradesh.

Get Mesmerised by the Sasbahu Temple

Sasbahu Temple, located close to the Gwalior Fort, is one of the major factors behind the popularity of Gwalior among local and foreign tourists. The temple was built in 1093 by King Mahipala of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty and has endured numerous attacks since then.

It is said that the original name of the temple is Sahastrabahu Temple which has been altered into Sasbahu Temple over time. The architecture of the temple is brilliant and the temple stores, within its walls, intricately built idols of Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma.

A site is an interesting place for anybody with curiosity for history and culture. Visiting this temple to take a dive into the cultural heritage of Gwalior is one of the most recommended things to do in Gwalior.

Highlights : History, architecture, and idols.

Location : Gwalior Fort, Gwalior

Timings : 8 AM to 5 PM

Also, you must go through this list of famous temples of Madhya Pradesh one must definitely visit.

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Boating in Tighara Dam

If you are under a wrong impression that Gwalior has nothing to offer other than the places of historical and religious significance, boating experience at Tighra Dam is all you need to change your conception of Gwalior.

Tighra Dam is an ultimate destination for adventure seekers, offering an opportunity to indulge in various kinds of boating, namely speed boating, paddle boating, and Jalpari boating. One can even ride a water scooter here.

Besides, the breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery enhance the experience of visiting this place. It is frequented by locals and tourists visiting Gwalior alike. Tighra Dam is an excellent retreat for adventure lovers and is also a great spot for landscape and nature photographers in Gwalior.

Highlights : Scenic beauty and boating.

Location : Sank River, 23 km from Gwalior

Boating Fees : Speed Boat- INR 50 per person | Paddle Boat- INR 100 | Water Scooter- INR 350 | Jalpari Boat- INR 50

Timings : 9 AM to 5 PM

Explore the History of Gwalior at Gujari Mahal Museum

Gwalior possesses a number of explored as well as hidden gems for history lovers in the form of places of historical significance like palaces, forts and ancient temples. Gujari Mahal is another historical site in Gwalior treating its visitors with its unmatched beauty. The building has exceptionally beautiful exteriors and equally captivating interiors.

This grand palace was built by Raja Mansingh for queen Mrignayani in the 15th century, and since then, the palace has seen many ups and downs but stood through it all. A part of Gujari Mahal Fortress, this building serves as a museum now.

You can find an excellent collection of Hindu and Jain sculptures, articles from the 2nd and 1st century, weapons, and many other things that will give you a sneak-peek into the culture and lifestyle of that period.

Highlights : Hindu and Jain sculptures, archaeological pieces, and architecture.

Location : Lohamandi, Gwalior

Entry Fee : INR 10 per person

Timings : 10 AM to 5 PM

To explore more about the history, check here the historical places to visit in Madhya Pradesh .

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Explore Wildlife at Madhav National Park

Wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh and the biodiversity they hold to act as a magnet to wildlife lovers all around the world. Madhav National Park , located in Shivpuri town of Madhya Pradesh is among the most prominent ones, offering a thrilling escapade to adventure junkies visiting Gwalior.

Within its area of 354 sq. km, the park features a great range of flora and fauna species. The terrain of the park encompasses plateaus and lakes, adding picturesqueness to its aura. The major animal species one can witness here are a leopard, porcupine, wild boar, wolf, jackal and marsh crocodile among many others.

Since this sanctuary is located at a short distance of 120 km from Gwalior city, it qualifies for a thrilling weekend destination from Gwalior.

Highlights : Animal species, jungle safari, and lakes.

Location : Madhav National Park, Shivpuri

Entry Fee : Indian- INR 15 per person | Foreigner- INR 150 per person

Timings : Morning- 6:30 AM to 10 AM PM | Evening- 2:30 PM to 6 PM

Enjoy Melodious Music at Tansen's Mausoleum

Gwalior possesses some great sites that are prominent in the history of this place – Tansen’s Mausoleum is one of them. Tansen is hailed as one of the most prominent figures of Hindustani classical music and was one of the nine jewels of Akbar’s court.

His tomb is located inside the mausoleum complex of his Sufi Master, Muhammad Ghaus, in Gwalior. The tomb displays simple Mughal architecture and is a major tourist attraction in Gwalior. The place is frequented by music lovers and history buffs in great numbers all through the year.

To honour the legendary musician, an annual festival called ‘Tansen Samaroh’ is organized here.

Highlights : Mughal architecture and Tansen's tomb.

Location : Tansen Nagar, Gwalior

Timings : 9 AM to 6 PM

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Visit the Gwalior Zoo with your Family

If you want to explore wildlife in Madhya Pradesh, but not by indulging in jungle safari adventure at one of its wildlife sanctuaries, Gwalior Zoo is the most convenient option you have.

This place is fun for adults as well as kids. The wide range of wildlife species at the zoo is one of the best things to see in Gwalior. From leopards to black bucks, the zoo houses some exotic animals for you to watch. Spanning across an area of 8 hectares, the zoo also has a variety of exotic birds and snakes.

The star attraction at the zoo, however, is a majestic white tiger.

Highlights : White tiger, crocodiles, and birds.

Location : Lashkar, Gwalior

Entry Fee : Indian- INR 20 per adult | INR 5 per kid

Timings : Morning- Saturday to Thursday | 9:15 AM to 5:30 PM

If jungle and nature inspire you, check this list of national parks in Madhya Pradesh .

Get Mesmerised by Bateshwar's Beautiful Architecture

A group of around 200 sandstone temples, Bateshwar Temples are one of the most iconic things to see in Gwalior. Built during the reign of Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty, these temples are an architectural marvel that renders the spectator speechless.

The intricate carvings that the temples feature are brilliant. These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu and are located in Padavali Village at a distance of 36 km from the city of Gwalior. Their proximity to Gwalior makes them an excellent choice for a weekend outing.

Having such a huge number of temples so closely built is a wonder in itself. A visit to these wonderful temples is one of the most exciting things to do in Gwalior for any architecture or history enthusiast.

Highlights : 200 temples and architecture.

Location : Padavali Village, Morena

Entry Fee : Indian- INR 15 per person

Timings : 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

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Be Amazed at Gopachal Parvat Rock-cut Sculptures

The state of Madhya Pradesh is dotted with religious places that date back to the ancient times. One of the places in Gwalior that claim huge religious and historical prominence is Gopachal Parvat that is the home to Giant Jain Tirthankara Statues, cut out of rocks.

The major attraction at this interesting site is the 40 feet tall statue of Parshavanatha. Besides, statues of Rishabhanatha, Neminatha and Mahavira can also be seen here. The carvings are believed to have their origin between the 7th and 15th century.

Taking a tour of this interesting site replete with ancient idols is one of the best things to do in Gwalior and this is one of the most scenic road trips to take in Madhya Pradesh ..

Highlights : Jain statues, and intricate carvings.

Timings : 24 hours

Admire the Architecture of Teli Ka Mandir

If you are a fan of fine architecture, there is no chance you are not going to enjoy visiting Teli Ka Mandir. Located within the Gwalior Fort, this Hindu temple was constructed sometime around the 8th or 9th century.

Though the temple was badly damaged during the plunder raids over time, it still holds its enchanting charm and impresses its visitors with the intricate carvings and the unique architectural it exhibits. Owing to its charismatic structure, it is frequented by locals and tourists visiting the Gwalior Fort in great numbers.

Highlights : Hindu temple and architecture.

Entry Fee : INR 10-20

Timings : 8 AM to 6 PM

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Enjoy Coffee at Indian Coffee House

Though Gwalior has no dearth of excellent cafes and restaurants serving toothsome delicacies and rich coffee, Indian Coffee House holds a special spot for coffee lovers in the city. Located outside the railway station of Gwalior, Indian Coffee House, owing to its simple ambiance and excellent food quality, enjoys a great reputation among the residents of Gwalior.

Among many other delectable food items, one must try at this coffee house, coffee is the most important one. Moreover, the prices are quite reasonable here. Start a day with a cup of creamy and flavorsome coffee at Indian Coffee House, enjoying its peaceful ambiance and quick service.

You must try the coffee here in order to comprehend as to why doing so is among the best things to do in Gwalior.

Highlights : Simple ambiance, south indian food, and rich coffee.

Location : Indian Coffee House, Near Gwalior Railway Station, Gwalior

Timings : 7:30 AM to 10 PM

Shop at Patankar and Sarafa Bazaars

Among the places in Gwalior that are loved by locals and tourists alike are Patankar and Sarafa Bazars. These lively markets, clad in a thousand different shades of joy are unmissable spots while you are in Gwalior. Owing to the great range of handicrafts, jewellery and textiles that you can find here, Patankar and Sarafa are a shopaholic’s paradise.

Whether you want to decorate your house or want to make some interesting additions to your wardrobe, these bazars will meet your desires. Besides shopping, you can also indulge in a street food spree at these markets as some mouthwatering food items are also available here.

Shopping at these shoppers’ paradises is among the most exciting thing to do in Gwalior.

Highlights : Textiles, jewellery, artifacts, handicrafts and street food.

Location : Daulat Ganj, Gwalior

Timings : 10 AM to 10 PM

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Capture the Beauty of the Sun Temple

Numerous ancient and newly built religious place adorn the land of Gwalior with their presence, dissolving spirituality in its air. The Sun Temple, built in 1988 by G.D. Birla is one such place in Gwalior. This beautiful temple features a wonderful architecture and houses a brilliant sculpture of Lord Surya within its bounds.

The style of the temple draws inspiration from the Sun Temple at Konark, Orissa. The exteriors of the temple are built out of red sandstone and the interiors are made of white marble. The outstanding beauty of this temple is one of the best things to see in Gwalior.

Highlights : Architecture and sculpture

Location : Morar, Gwalior

Timings : 6:30 AM to 6 PM

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Gwalior Fort: All You Wanted To Know

29-Nov-2023

20 Views | 5 Min Read

This is the most comprehensive travel guide to the Gwalior Fort ever. Show me a bigger travel blog on Gwalior Fort and I shall show you a live dinosaur! I have mentioned in detail about each place you can see in the premises of the Gwalior Fort in this exhaustive travelogue.

Such rare information is not available in the old school newspapers, travel magazines and travel guide books. Do share this blog with your friend and family so that more and more people learn about the things to do in Gwalior Fort. I am sharing many trivia and fun facts about the Gwalior Fort in this exhaustive blog. Here is all you wanted to know about the Gwalior Fort.

My Experience of visiting Gwalior Fort

I was transported back in time as I uncovered Gwalior Fort one layer at a time.For a history buff like me,a visit to the Gwalior fort was like moving into a time warp. As I enter the time warp which Gwalior Fort is, every stone of its walls spoke volumes about the endless series of dynasties which won and lost this ancient bastion. It is not every day that I see such huge fort premises.

I was invited by the Time Passion Trails in association with Madhya Pradesh Tourism for a weeklong trip across Gwalior and nearby attractions. As much as I learnt about unheard of places, many of which were off the touristy trail, I also had an amazing time bonding with friends who were also on this trip. Good company, exciting destinations and amazing chemistry between all the participants made this trip memorable.

Why is Gwalior Fort famous?

Thanks to its unique history and the stunning architecture of palaces and medieval temples , Gwalior Fort is famous across the world. I was also treated with unforgettable views of the Gwalior city from this sprawling fort.

Gwalior Fort is known for its strategic location, scale, rich history and grand architecture. What also makes the Gwalior fort so famous is the fact that it is one of the largest forts of India. The fame of the Gwalior Fort continued for centuries as it exchanged hands from one dynasty to another. Gwalior was one of the most important political bastions of the bygone era . This is why Gwalior fort always stayed important and relevant throughout the centuries. No prizes for guessing, the Gwalior fort is still one of the most famous forts of India.

Who is the main deity of Gwalior Fort

Shiva Bhagwan and Vishnu Bhagwan

are the main deities whose temples are built across the Gwalior Fort. I visited many Hindu temples as I hopped from one tourist attraction to another while visiting the Gwalior Fort.

Nomenclature/Etymology of Gwalior Fort

Gwalior Fort is also known as the Gwalior Kila or Gwalior Qila. Did you know that the word Gwalior is a derivation of the word Gwalipa. As per the local folklore, the local chieftain Suraj Sen founded the city of Gwalior in the name of Gwalipa because he cured him of leprosy.

Where is Gwalior Fort located?

Gwalior Fort is located in the heart of the Gwalior City in Madhya Pradesh in Central India. Gwalior Fort is perched atop a sandstone hill because it provides a natural defence advantage to the fort. Its strategic location reminded me of the colossal Mehrangarh fort of Jodhpur in Rajasthan .

Who built Gwalior Fort?

Gwalior Fort was built and renovated by many dynasties over several centuries.

Who ruled Gwalior Fort?

Not many people know that this hill fort was ruled by various dynasties of different kingdoms over several centuries. Below are some of the main rulers of Gwalior Fort:

History of Gwalior Fort

As we have seen above, Gwalior Fort has had a very rich history which spanned centuries. From Kachchhapaghata rulers to brave Tomar Rajputs; from Mughals to the Scindias and British, everyone finds a mention in the annals of history here. Keep reading, as I share some of the most fascinating facts about the Gwalior Fort of Madhya Pradesh in Central India.

Mughal Invasion: Who attacked Gwalior Fort?

Gwalior Fort is known to be one of the most impenetrable forts of India. However, in the year 1527 C.E., the army of Mughal ruler Babur attacked the Gwalior fort. Known to be iconoclasts, the army destroyed the faces of deities , whether Hindu Gods and Goddesses or Jain Tirthankaras .

The signs of defacing the idols can still be seen today. I also noticed that the army of Babur had also destroyed the genitals of the idols of the naked Digambara Jain Tirthankaras. But the good news is that except for the faces and genitals of few statues, much of the Rock cut images of the Tirthankaras are still intact and in good shape.

When was Gwalior Fort constructed?

How old is the Gwalior Fort? Did you know that the Gwalior Fortis one of the oldest forts in Madhya Pradesh as well as in India? After a deep study, the archaeologists, scholars and historians have concluded that Gwalior Fort is at least more than a thousand years old, maybe more! The origins of Gwalior Fort can be traced back to the Tomar dynasty . However, historical records which date back to 3 rd and 4 th century have also been observed in Gwalior Fort.

What is Gwalior Fort made up of?

Gwalior Fort is built with Vindhyan sandstone, lime and mortar. It was easy to see why Gwalior Fort is so robust and impenetrable. The fort walls here are one of the tallest I have seen yet (and I have seen a lot!). No wonder, the strong medieval structures here still stad strong even after so many centuries.

What are the main entrances of Gwalior Fort?

What is the name of the gate in Gwalior Fort? Hathi Pole and Urvai Gate are the main entrances of the Gwalior Fort.

Which gate is best for Gwalior Fort? I entered from the Urvai Gate because it is walking distance from the Siddhanchal rock cut Jain temples, Man Singh palace, Johar sthal , Chaturbhuj Temple etc.

The lesser-known Dhondapur Gate and Ladhedi gate are also other entrances to Gwalior Fort. These are some of the best kept secrets of the Gwalior Fort.

How many gates are there in Gwalior Fort?Overall, there are 6 gates inside the Gwalior fort.

Area of Gwalior Fort

The sprawling Gwalior Fort is spread across an area of a whooping 3 square kilometres. This makes it one of the largest forts in India and Asia .

Architecture of Gwalior Fort

What is the architectural style of Gwalior Fort? The architecture of Gwalior Fort is spellbinding, to say the least. Fortified by solid sandstone walls , the Gwalior Fort is home to three temples, many water tanks and as many as six palaces. This architectural marvel is to be seen to be believed. Though it is not rare to find such grand ruins in India, I was still spell bound by the sheer scale and architectural brilliance of the monuments within the walled premises of the massive Gwalior Fort.

What are the architectural features of Gwalior Fort? While studying the minute details of various monuments of the Gwalior Fort, what I found most interesting is amalgamation of several architectural styles. Rajput, Mughal and Hindu architectural styles could still be easily seen on the walls of Raja Man Singh Palace etc. This blend of architectural styles speaks volumes about various dynasties who ruled Gwalior and the surrounding region over several centuries.

Light and Sound Show at the Gwalior Fort

During my lonely post prandial walk on the roof top terrace of the luxurious Taj Usha Kiran Palace, I was swept off my feet when my eyes rested on the beautifully lit Gwalior Fort. It looked ethereal and reminded me of the forts of Rajasthan which are also lit beautifully in the night! Did you know that it is possible to visit the Gwalior fort even during the night? How cool is that! Much like how I visited Petra in night during my weeklong trip in Jordan in Middle East !

The 45 minutes long Light and Sound Show at the Gwalior Fort is not to be missed.

The timings of Light and Sound Show at the Gwalior Fort are

March to October:

Hindi: 7:30 p.m. and

English: 8:30 p.m.

November to February :

Hindi: 6:30 p.m. and

English: 7:30 p.m.

Top places to see in Gwalior Fort

Till I visited, I had no idea that there are so many exciting places to visit in the Gwalior Fort Complex. This fort is so huge that even a day is not enough to explore all its corners in depth. Till I visited, I had no idea that the famous Raja Man Singh Palace, Chaturbhuj palace, Jahangir Mahal, Shahjahan Mahal are also located within the premises of the Gwalior Fort. Below are some of the best places to see in the Gwalior Fort premises.

Raja Man Singh Palace: Top Place to see in Gwalior Fort

As soon as I arrived at the Gwalior Fort, few local kids asked me to pay them a fortune in promise of a magic show! But the real magic was unfolding right before my eyes! The blue glazed tiles, figures of ducks, elephants etc on the fort walls and blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture made it one of the most unusual forts I have ever seen.

Leading India archaeologist of ASI, K.K. Muhammed sir told us stories behind the small details on the walls of the temple, "You see this, that's a Hindu element! That part is Islamic architecture !" I listened to K.K. Muhammed sir, agape mouthed as he made us see the what our untrained yes failed to.

As per the ASI signboard,

Raja Man Singh Palace is one of the finest examples of Hindu architecture. It was built by Tomar King Man Singh Tomar in the year 1508 C.E. Overall, Raja Man Singh palace has 4 storey, 2 of which are underground. The plan of the third storey consists of 2 open courtyards and various rooms supported by different decorated pillars and brackets. There are jhulaghar, kesar kund and phansighar below this storey.

The palace is decorated with beautiful paintings, glazed tiled of different colours, various figures such as plantain trees, ducks, peacocks, elephants, human beings, lions and attractive pillared domes.

The palace is constructed on the outer wall of the Gwalior fort, raised over the cliff at about 300 feet from the ground level. Unfortunately, in the 16 th century C.E. when the fort was attacked and captured by the Mughal army, Raja Man Singh palace was used as a state prison.

I visited all the parts of the Raja Man Singh Mahal, including the basement which was used as a spot for performing Jauhar by the queen. The interiors of the Raja Man Singh palace are even more stunning. The glazed blue tiles make an appearance again. Large courtyards, several rooms, narrow stairs, secret passages are some of the highlights of this grand palace . K.K. Muhammed sir took us to the ladies' quarters, where they would see the proceedings from the privacy of the room.

He added, " Khus curtains which are made with vetiver grassroots work as a natural coolant. This part was covered with khas ki tattiyan or Khus curtains during summer to keep the temperatures low." Some natural air cooling this! The bygone era was indeed a carbon-negative world !

Siddhanchal rock cut Jain statues

My jaws dropped as I came across the imposing fort walls of Raja Man Singh Palace from the Urwai gate of Gwalior Fort. The Siddhanchal rock cut Jain idols fell on my right as well as my left as I approached the Raja Man Singh Palace.

These colossal idols were chiselled between 7 th century C.E. to 15 th century C.E. Sadly, Babur from the Mughal dynasty ordered destruction of these beautiful idols in the 16 th century. Later some of these were restored. However, I was heartbroken to see some of these idols without a face. The idols here depict all the 24 Jain Tirthankaras. Siddhanchal rock cut Jain idols are not to be confused withsimilar idols at Gopachal Parvat which is located outside the Gwalior Fort.

The 58.4 feet or 17.8 metres tall idol of Lord Rishabhanatha is a must-see here. He is also associated with Kailash Parbat which is now located in Tibet . Do read my blogs on the epic Kailash Mansarovar Yatra , a spiritual journey which changed my life !

There are several caves, small reliefs on the walls and 22 colossi here. You can also take the stiars to go down and have a closer look. Do not miss visiting the Siddhachal Jain collosi cave temples.

Chaturbhuj Temple- The Zero temple no one told you about!

Did you know you can see the earliest known written documentation of Zero in the world in the Chaturbhuj Mandir? This is one of the lesser-known fun fact about Gwalior Fort.

Located within the premises of the huge Gwalior Fort, the Chaturbhuj temple is a must-visit tourist attraction.

Soul Window Thoughts

It is a well-known fact that Aryabhatta (476-550 CE), a mathematician-astronomer from ancient India has given 0 to the world. You may not have noticed, but it is the zero which is running the world today. Be it computers, mobiles, economics or geo politics, you can't move an inch without the inevitable zero. Thanks to its importance, many international tourists also ensure they visit the Chaturbhuj Temple.

It is easy to miss the Chaturbhuj Temple because it takes a bit of an effort to reach here. The sloping road (yes, this fort has tar roads, eh!) at the intersection of the Raja Man Singh Palace and Gwalior ASI Museum leads to the Chaturbhuj Mandir. I didn't need to ask for directions as the signboards clearly mention it. You must visit the place with a local guide who can not only help you spot the zero but also explain the history of the place.

Teli Ka Mandir: Best Place to visit in Gwalior Fort

Devoted to Vishnu Bhagwan , the preserver and protector of the Universe, Teli Ka Mandir is located within the premises of the sprawling Gwalior fort. Apart from the odd name, the first thing I notice as I enter the main gate was that how tall this temple is. The modern patchwork on the upper part of the temple also caught my attention. India's celebrity archaeologist K.K. Muhammed sir told me that it was the restored part of the temple. He further added that the Archaeological Survey of India or ASI takes care of the maintenance and upkeep of Teli Ka temple.

What also intrigued me was the huge size of the garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum, accessed by a short flight of stairs. It is not very often that I see garbhagriha as big as this. But the spartan garbhagriha was empty. Neither was there any idol nor any adornment. It is lost to time. How did we then figure out that this temple is devoted to Vishnu ji . K.K. Muhammed sir taught me how to identify a Vishnu temple, only after chanting a few mantras with the same ease and sincerity of a child reciting poems. He pointed out to the beautiful Garuda figure on the main doorway. Where there is Nandi , there is a Shivalinga and where there is a Garuda , there is Vishnu ji .

As is common in temples of this region, the images of holy rivers Maa Ganga and Maa Yamuna flank either side of the temple doors. This 100 feet tall ancient Hindu shrine located in the Northern Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is also the oldest and tallest structure found within the Gwalior Fort complex.

Why is it known as Teli Ka Mandir or Telika Temple? Well, the Teli community or the oil merchants from that era are credited as the builder of this temple, which is why it is also known as the Oilman's temple. Constructed in 8 th or 9 th century C.E., the unusually named Teli Ka Mandir is one of the top places to see in Gwalior Fort.

A unique blend of the North Indian Nagara and South Indian Dravidian style of architecture, I was awestruck with the sheer grandeur of the temple. I circumambulated around the temple, admiring the beauty of each of its carvings, most of which depicted sculptures of various Hindu deities. The more I see, the more I discover.

The oblong vaulted roof constructed in the Buddhist style adds to the uniqueness to this unusual temple. The The rectangular design of Telika Mandir is unusual as well. Shaiva and Shakta Dwarpalas in the inner and outer doorways corresponds to the worship of Goddess Shakti . Unlike many nearby temples, there is no mandap here.

Saas Bahu Mandir: Must-see place in Gwalior Fort

These 11 th century twin temples of Gwalior Fort are a must-visit. Devoted to Vishnu Bhagwan in his Padmanabha form, I was crestfallen to see that the tower of the temple has fallen off. Constructed in the North Indian Bhumija style architecture, these temples look magnificent even if partially ruined. Luckily the entrance porch, rich carvings and the mandapa have survived the test of time.

The stone inscription found on the portico of the bigger Saas mandir mentions the details about its construction along-with funds allotted for the temple and mention of religious congregation, folk rituals etc.

The carvings of Brahma, Vishnu and Saraswati above its entrance door are awe-inspiring. I walk around the temple premises, admiring the ceiling and pillars which depict the carvings on Shaktism, Vaishnavism and Shaivism.

I noticed the Krishna-leela scenes and image of garuda on the walls of the bigger Saas temple. The external walls of the saas temple beautifully carved with geometric designs, musicians, dancers, floral patterns, elephant figures etc. The architectural grandeur of the saas-bahu temples is a perfect representative of the temple building tradition of the Kachchhapaghata rulers.

The smaller bahu temple, offers breathtaking bird's eye view of the Gwalior City. Much like the bigger Saas temple, the Bahu temple is also embellished with beautiful designs and patterns. It comprises of a vestibule and a small central hall.

Sasbahu Temple which is also known as the Sahasrabahu Temple , Sahastrabahu Temple, Sas-Bahu Mandir, Harisadanam temple or Sas-Bahu Temples is one of the best places to see in Gwalior Fort. Located on the eastern corner of the Gwalior Fort, the construction of this temple was started by started by King Ratanapala. The temple was however completed later during the rule of King Mahipala in the year 1093 C.E.

Why is Saas Bahu temple called so? The literal translation of Saas-Bahu is mother-in-law and daughter-in-law respectively. The Saas temple corresponds to the bigger temple while the bahu temple corresponds to the smaller temple. The original name of the Saas-Bahu temple was however, Sahastrabahu temple . Sahastrabahu means: thousand arms. Gradually, the locals started calling it as Saas-Bahu mandir.

As per the signboard,

"The fully developed temple plan is aligned in North-South direction having garbhagriha, antarala mahamandapa and ardhamanapa from South to North. The exuberantly carved pillars and ceilings of the central hall are flanked by porches on the 3 sides."

Gwalior Fort Museum or ASI Archaeological Museum

Gwalior Fort Museum is located at walking distance from the Raja Man Singh Palace. Established as recently as the year 1993, the ASI Archaeological Museum, this unique museum is a former jail which was subsequently used as a hospital in the colonial era . This museum is not to be confused with the state run museum situated in the premises of the sprawling Gujari Mahal at the foot of the hill. Gwalior Fort Museum, though smaller than the Gujari Mahal Archeological Museum, is still a treasure trove of various idols and artefacts from the bygone era. The signboards in Hindi and English add context to the displays. The ASI Museum of Gwalior provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate the traditions and styles of art, from nearby important historical destinations like Padhawali, Bateshwar, Sihonia, Pawaya, Surwaya, Amrol, Terahi, Kherat, Naresar and Ater.

Some of the notable exhibits here include:

It takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour to see all the displays at the Gwalior Fort Museum or ASI Archaeological Museum. I would suggest that you club a visit to the museum alongside the Raja Man Singh Palace.

Dhondapur Gate

Dhondapur Gateis one of the less talked about places to see in the Gwalior Fort. As opposed to the popular Urwai gate, the Dhondapur Gate is a hidden gate of Gwalior Fort. As per the signboard, the Dhondapur Gate of Gwalior Fort is located in the same direction as the area which houses Karan Mahal, Jehangir Mahal etc. You can visit it right after visiting the Raja Man Singh Palace.

Karan Palace

Also known as the Karn Mahal, it is one of the best state protected monuments inside the Gwalior Fort. Offering grand views of the city below, the Karan Mahal is one of the top sightseeing places in the Gwalior Fort. Karan Palace is located right opposite the Vikram Mahal. Constructed by Kirti Singh, who happened to be the 2 nd king of the powerful Tomar dynasty, the grand Karan Mahal is a sight to behold. It is a delight that much of its structure still stands tall.

Despite the simple structure of the Karan Palace, this medieval edifice stands out with its sheer size. The lattice-screens and sculptures are cherry on the cake. Very well restored, Karan Palace is older than Man Mandir.

Jauhar Kund of Gwalior Fort: The Biggest ever?

"I refuse to believe that the Jauhar Kund of Chittorgarh is the biggest. I am certain that the Jauhar Kund of the Gwalior Fort is the biggest ever. It is just that no one talks about it!", my local tour guide announced with the same conviction and a tone of finality, with which he said later that "It was in Madhya Pradesh and not Maharashtra that Ganesh Chaturthi processions started."

He may be right. History often gets lost in translation and protocols and the same narrative runs for centuries without any one daring to question the accepted. Did you know these interesting fact about Gwalior Fort?

The huge Jauhar Kund is where the Rajaput Queens and their maids self-immolated themselves to save themselves from the barbaric attack of the invader. This huge water tank was originally constructed in order to provide water all around the fort. Unfortunately, it ended up becoming the venue of Jauhar for large number of women during Islamic attacks . This event took place when the ruler of Gwalior was attacked by the invading army. It was one of the worse ever Islamic attacks on the Gwalior fort.

As per the noted historian Mata Prasad Shukla, Khadag Rai , the writer in the court of Akbar had written a book known as Gopachal Akhyan in which he mentioned that in the year 1232 C.E. that Shamsuddin Iltutmish had attacked the Gwalior Fort from all the corners despite the structure build atop a slopy hill. The battle continued for a long time. Even though Iltutmish and his army had a disadvantage because the fort was perched atop an elevation, they didn't give up on the attack.

Eventually, due to the depleting resources and logistics inside the fort, the battle had to be moved to open field. This was the undoing for the King and the inhabitants of the Gwalior Fort. Their army was lesser in numbers than that of Iltutmish. No prizes for guessing it was a one-sided war.

Sensing defeat and sexual slavery by the winning army, the queen and her maids self-immolated themselves in this huge water tank, saving not just their bodied but also their honour and self-respect! A similar goose-bumpy scene also can be seen in the Bollywood movie Padmavat. This scene is also available on Youtube . After this unfortunate event, this water reservoir came to be known as Jauhar Kund or Jauhar Sthal .

Soul Window Ruminations!

I stood there, in silence, numb with all the horrors of the atrocities committed in the past! The melancholy of the place was growing on me, even as the tourists scattered around the fort chirped around, oblivious to the pains the Indians of the bygone era went through. I have nothing but respect for these valiant women , who offered themselves to agni (fire) than to the barbaric invading army !

These practises were very common in medieval India, especially in the North . These brave women would rather self-immolate themselves, than be sexually misused in the harems of the winning army ! There is indeed a lot we can learn from the history ! But then history often repeats itself.

The Jauhar Kund or Jauhar Sthal is located near the Cenotaph of Bhim Singh Rana and towards the west of the Jehangir Mahal.

Cenotaph of Bhim Singh Rana

This 3-storeyed cenotaph, flanked by a dome is not to be missed. Located near the Jauhar Kund, you can easily visit this place while exploring the Gwalior Qila.

Cenotaph of Bhim Singh Rana or the Chhatri of Bhim Singh Rana is one of the lesser-known places to see in the Gwalior Fort. Also known as Bheem Singh Rana Ki Chhatri, it was built in the memory of Bheem Singh Rana, the King of Gohad, Bhind (in Madhya Pradesh) who ruled between 1717 and 1756 C.E.

He took over the fort when the Mughal Empire was on the decline. However, later Bhim Singh Rana succumbed to his injuries in the year 1756 during the battle with Marathas which was led by the Shindes. For those who don't know Shindes are now Scindia. Later, Rana Chhatar Singh constructed the Cenotaph of Bhim Singh Rana in the memory of the latter. Bhim Singh Rana was the descendant of Rana Jai Singh Bamrolia .

The throne of Gohad is known as the Gaddi of Lord Narasimha. Lord Narasimha is the deity of Bamrolia Jats and Gohad Kingdom . Read More

Written by Savita B

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Gwalior Travel

Gwalior Travel & Tourism Guide, Madhya Pradesh

One of the most beautiful cities of Madhya Pradesh in India, Gwalior is very famous for its marvellous palaces, old temples and the medieval fort. Being the birthplace of the great musician Tansen, the city is also highlighted for its majestic history and rich cultural heritage. Known as the fort city, the huge hill fort of Gwalior was earlier served as the seat of various northern Indian kingdoms. It is believed that the fort was described as the pearl amongst fortresses in India. This majestic hill that looks across the entire city, presents an enrapturing look to the scenic atmosphere of this exciting place.

Founded by the king Surajesan, Gwalior has a majestic charm that speaks volumes of its magnificent past. Encircled by beautiful hills and greenery, it's a beautiful historic city where the most prominent royalty of India domiciliated. The royal charm of Gwalior is reflected through its striking architecture. When it comes to famous tourist attractions, Gwalior has much to offer top its globetrotters. Some of the popular attractions in Gwalior like Suraj Kund, Phool Bagh, Hathi Pool, Jai Vilas Mahal and Man Mandir Palace are worth to visit.

With embracing structures like sandstones mosque, rock temples and magnificent statues, Gwalior cares its majestic tradition of the yesteryear. Known as the city of music, Gwalior is one of the most erstwhile gharanas or schools of Hindustani classical music. Above all, tourists can enjoy the major cultural event which took place every year during winter to mark the memory of great musician 'Tansen'.

Moreover, the city offers plenty of things to see and do for travel junkies. The beautiful Gwalior Fort, Man Mandir Palace, Gujari Mahal, Pratihara Vishnu Shrine and many more will keep you enchanted. All in all, a plenty of temples are also located here that flaunts everyone with its uniqueness and architecture. So come hither and explore the vista of Gwalior!

Interesting facts

Gwalior city is famous for its forts and monuments, built by the kings of long-gone era
Tourists can find the tomb of Mohammad Ghaus, who was an Islamic saint during 16th century
In last few years, Gwalior has been developed into an educational centre where you may get prominent government and private universities/institutions like IIITM Gwalior, IITTM Gwalior, Jiwaji University, Raja ManSingh Tomar Music University, Scindia School, and J.C.Mill's School, Birlanagar.
The city has the Railway Hockey Stadium with artificial sward
The city holds a unique repute in Sangeet(Music) and has maintained Indian traditions and the wealth of music integral over the years.

Things to Do and See in Gwalior

One of the famous tourist attractions in Gwalior which should not be ignored is Gwalior Fort. Settled on a rocky massif, this imposing heritage building with its blue tiled palace is overlooked from everywhere in the city. With marvellous walls and towers, it also has well incorporated palaces, temples, gardens, tombs, and splendid places of interest. It’s really worth to visit here
Then next you can visit to Scindia School which lies within the fort. It’s a residential boy’s school founded by the former Maharaja of Gwalior over one hundred years ago.
One of the popular castle in Gwalior which is named as Man Singh Palace, is also a must see attraction. Beautifully constructed in an imperial style, it’s totally worth to see the outer wall of the palace that has a frieze of yellow ducks and early Hindu architecture. The most interesting is the Son-et-lumiere show which is held every year in the palace.
If you haven’t been to any museum of Gwalior then you should visit Jai Vilas Palace which has 400 rooms in which 40 rooms are changed into Jiwaji Rao Scindia Museum. There are two Belgian chandeliers at Durbar Hall that weighs 7 tonnes and believed to be one of the most enormous in the world.
Enthral yourself by exploring the 15thcentury Gujari Mahal, which was built by Raja Man Singh for his beloved Mrignayani (Gujar Queen). Now it has turned into an archaeological museum with huge collection of exhibits dating back to the 1st century AD. There is a statue of tree goddess called ‘Shalbhanjika’, which is the main attraction of tourists.
Puckered away in the winding lanes of the old town, there is the tomb of Mohammed Gaus where a plenty of tourists visit to pay tribute to the Tansen tomb.
Above all, tourists may also explore several other tourist attractions in Gwalior like Surya Mandir (sun temple), Baija Taal cultural complex, museum of the freedom fighters, and Kala Vithika.

Fairs and Festivals There are large numbers of fairs and festivals in Gwalior that are celebrated every year with pomp and gaiety. The most popular is Tansen Music Festival (November-December) in which the leading artists gather to pay tribute at Tansen's tomb (the great musician). Other festivals are Bhavbhuti Samaroh, Baba Hira Bhumia's Fair, Gwalior International Trade Fair, Krishna Rao Shankar Pandit Samaroh, Ramleela Festival, Diwali and Vishwakarma Puja.

Where to Stay There are plenty of accommodation options in Gwalior which ranges from luxury resorts to the standard hotels. It has a couple of heritage hotels which are well furnished and equipped with modern amenities.

Some of the popular hotels in Gwalior are:

Taj Usha Kiran Palace
Neemrana's Deo Bagh
Girnar Guest House
Hotel Adityaz
Hotel Golden Square
Hotel Gwalior Regency
Hotel Kailash Lodge
Hotel Midway
Hotel Royal Inn
Hotel Silver Oak
Hotel Sun Estate
Hotel Sunbeam
Hotel Grace
Hotel Suruchi

Shopping in Gwalior is very exciting as there are many shops selling several items like wall hangings, lacquer ware, ornaments, handmade carpets, hand-woven sarees, etc. If you're looking for traditional handicrafts, then you may visit Laskar and Rajwara shopping areas where you can find a huge collection of handicrafts items to buy. Patankar Bazaar is also a good option to shop reasonably.

If you need to explore more, then head towards the old shops near the Chowk in Bara House where you can not only buy Chanderi sarees and other traditional fabrics, but also wooden carvings and artefacts. One can also choose to buy jute crafts, dokra figurines, silverware, brassware and tribal wooden jewellery from Arihant Emporium. For brocade and chanderi silk sarees, you may visit to Safara Bazaar and close to it you'll get Topi Bazaar from where you can find a huge variety of leather products.

How to Reach

By Air: Gwalior Airport is the nearest one which is located at the distance of 8 km from the city.

By Rail: Gwalior Railway Station is the nearest station to reach the city.

By Road: There are several tourist and private buses from Delhi (319 Km), Indore (169 km), and Jaipur (348 km), which are well connected to Gwalior.

Best Time to Visit: October to March is the best time to visit here as the weather remains pleasant. A large number of tourists throng this place during this time.

Madhya Pradesh Tour Packages

Madhya Pradesh Spiritual Tour
Pachmarhi Honeymoon Tour
Short Escape to Mandu
Weekend Trip to Bandhavgarh
Best of Madhya Pradesh Tour
Indore Ujjain Spiritual Tour
Tour to Khajuraho and Orchha

Tourist Places in Madhya Pradesh

Omkareshwar
Bandhavgarh
Panna National Park

Wildlife in Madhya Pradesh

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Description

The historic fortress of Gwalior, was initiated by Raja Sourya Sena who finished the fortification system around the plateau in 773CE. As per its strategic location on the basalt rock hills, it is mentioned as ‘Gopachala, Gopagiri’ and other allied names all meaning ‘cowherds’ hill in the old Sanskrit Inscriptions. The modern name Gwalior appears to have been derived from ‘Gopalikera’, one of the ancient names.

The Gwalior Fort has a long history dating back to the Stone Age, as evidenced by the numerous artifacts discovered in Gupteshwar, 3 km west of Gwalior. Early rulers of this region included the Mauryas, Sungas, Kushanas, and Nagas, who held power there until the fourth century CE. Guptas ruled over this place till the last quarter of the 5th century CE. In 525 CE Mihira Kula was ruling over the region which was referred from the inscriptions found on Sun temple on fort. The next historical record on the fort are the two inscriptions on the Chaturbhuja temple, dated in 875 and 876 CE, which shows that Gwalior was included in the kingdom Kanauj. From 1398 AD -1516 CE Gwalior came under the Rajput Dynasty OF Tomars and was extensively constructed in the reign of Raja Mansingh Tomar. Shortly after his death, the fortress fell to Ibrahim Lodi and passed over to the Mughal Sultanate when the latter succeeded the Lodi dynasty at Delhi. The fort was recovered by Akbar in 1550 CE from Sher Shah Suri. With the decline and fall of the Mughal empire, Gwalior passed into the hands of the rising Maratha power represented by Scindias in Central India. General White bombarded and captured the fort during the second Maratha War but an agreement signed in the 1805 CE gave it back to Scindia until 1857. It was in British occupation till 1886 CE when it was finally restored to the Scindias in exchange for Jhansi. After India gained independence in 1947 CE, Gwalior, along with the fort, became a part of the newly formed Indian state. The Scindia dynasty's association with the fort and Gwalior continued, but it came under the protected monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India and the Madhya Pradesh State Archaeology. Because of the chequered history the fort has a wide range of structures, both in terms of style and typologies.

Among the Palace Structures in the fort, Man Mandir Palace and Gujari Mahal were built by Raja Man Singh Tomar in 15th century. Vestiges of the Bagh Paintings are found on the glazed tiles adorning the façade of the palace of Man Mandir. Domed turrets, a row of elegantly carved brackets supporting the eaves, and a few horizontal bands of carved moulding that are inlaid with enameled tiles break up the simple and massive facade of Gujari Mahal. Karan Mandir was built between 1454 CE -79 CE by the second King of the Tomar dynasty, Kirti Singh. Vikram Mahal was built in 1516 CE by Vikramaditya Singh (the eldest son of Man Singh tomar), this lies between the Man Singh Palace and the Karan Mahal. The Fort also houses impressive palace structures constructed later by the Sultanate and Mughal rulers; Jahangir Mahal was called Sher Mahal as it was built by Sher Shah. Shahjahan constructed the Shahjahan Mahal, which is directly across from Jehangir Mahal. It is constructed in the Mughal style, but it is considerably less ornate than other Mughal palaces of the time.

Among the Ancient Temples, the Gwalior fort includes the Teli ka Mandir, dedicated to lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Matrikas. The Chaturbhuj temple holds a position of significance because of its mathematical connection where the second oldest reference to zero in mathematics is seen in a carving. The adjoining twin temples are known as Sas Bahu temples. The larger Sas Bahu temple which is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu has an inscription from 1150 CE.

The fort area also houses Jain rock cut sculptures of Gwalior Fort carved in caves and niches in the steep cliff below the fortress wall. The principal sculptures fall into five groups, those in the Siddhanchal (Urvahi) group on the west, Gopachal Parvat (SE Group), SW Group, NW Group, NE Group. They were all constructed within a span of 3 years from 1450 to 1480 CE during the rule of Tomar dynasty.

The fort has impressive ramparts and gateways. Its primary entrance is on its eastern side, where a long ramp ascends to the rock's summit via six gates. The main entrance of the Man Mandir, constructed by Man Singh Tomar, is the Hathi Pol Gate (or Hathiya Paur). Raja Dungar Singh Tomar constructed the Ganesha gate in the fifteenth century. Gate of Lakshmana was constructed in the 15th century and is named after Lakshmana Singh of the Tomar dynasty. Hindola Gate, also known as Badal Mahal Gate, was built in the 15th century and is named after Raja Man Singh's uncle Badal Singh Tomar. Gwalior gate is the main entrance to the fort connecting the historic city of Gwalior to the fort. Also known as the Alamgiri gate, it is attributed to the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. With chhatris placed on the gates and corner bastions, its architecture is modeled in Mughal and Rajput style.

Among the water management systems, the fort has access to water with a number of reservoirs such as Mansarovar Tal, Gangola Tal, Ek Khamba Tal, Katora Tal, Rani Tal, Chedi Tal, and Jauhar Kund. The Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhor serves as a monument to Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth guru of the Sikhs. The Bhim Singh Rana Chattri was built in his honor close to the lake that Rana created and which the locals call Bhimtal. Bhim Singh Rana was the person who regained the Gwalior fort from the Mughal emperors. The Scindia School, founded in 1897 CE by Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia, is also located within the fort complex.

Justification of Outstanding Universal Value

Among the historic forts of India, the Gwalior Fort exhibits the richest repository of typologies and stylistic variations by virtue of its association with the Rajputs, Sher Shah Suri, Mughals, Marathas, Sikhs and Jain culture. It is an extraordinary example of architectural and artistic amalgamations showing an intercultural exchange through various centuries of regional and imperial rule. Its Palace structures such as the Man Mandir remains unmatched in it artistic expressions and innovations among other contemporary palace structures in India and served as a reference for later palace structures built by the Bundela Rajputs and the Mughals.

Criterion (ii): The architectural blend of Mughal and Rajput elements on the fort illustrates the cultural and architectural fusion of architectural elements with extraordinary artistic expressions in mosaic tiles, stone jalli patterns, stone columns and brackets and domed turrets not found elsewhere. The fort's architecture reflects the eclectic monumental arts, advancements and innovations of different dynasties. Exceptional stone carved elements such as the serpentine brackets in the Man Mandir have inspired similar forms in later Bundela architecture of Chanderi and the Salim Chisti Dargah at Fatehpur Sikri.

Criterion (iv): The strategic location and defensive structures of Gwalior Fort were enhanced by successive rulers. The towering walls, gates, and bastions reflect the military strategies of the Tomar Rajputs and Mughals. The intricate stone carvings, elaborate designs, and artistic details found in structures like the Saas Bahu Temples and the Man Singh Palace showcase the unique craftsmanship and artistic skills marking them exemplary typologies in Indian Architecture.

Statements of authenticity and/or integrity

Gwalior Fort has undergone several renovations, additions, and modifications over its long history, as it was ruled by various dynasties and empires. Therefore, while many of the structures within the fort are original or have historical significance, there might also be elements that have been restored or reconstructed to some extent. Many of the structures within Gwalior Fort are built from locally available sandstone and limestone. As per Archaeological Survey of India records, the restoration work for the Teli ka Mandir was carried around 1881- 1883 CE and for the Sas Bahu temple in the year of 1844 CE while Man mandir palace was restored in 1881 CE.

Comparison with other similar properties

A variety of forts are present in the southern part of India, with a majority of them built on a higher elevation like rocks, hills overlooking valleys owing to the terrain. The Bekal fort (9th – 19th century AD) in Kerala is a sea front fort built in the regional style. Within the Vijaynagara empire, the fortified city of Chandragiri (10th – 18th century AD) served as the capital of the Vijayanagara rulers, and the citadel exemplifies a regional style primarily influenced by Hindu architecture while also assimilating certain Islamic forms. The forts of Chitradurg (14th – 18 th century AD) and Gingee (16th – 18th century AD, one of the 12 nominated), both recognized as significant historical sites, demonstrate fortifications spread across multiple hills, showcasing a regional Hindu architectural style with the integration of some Islamic features. Furthermore, several forts in the region reflect a fusion of Indo-Islamic architectural elements and later European influences. These forts exhibit a mix of styles, incorporating features such as domes, minarets, and intricate ornamentation.

The forts of the Sultanate era in India showcase a remarkable fusion of national and international Islamic architectural styles, blending harmoniously with the prevailing Hindu architecture of that time.

Mughal During the 16th to 18th centuries, Mughal forts were strategically situated along river banks, utilizing the river as a defensive feature, distinguishing them from the hill fort style observed in Maratha, Rajput, and Sultanate forts. Additionally, the secular architecture within Mughal forts incorporated elements inspired by Rajput architecture.

Notably, the Red Fort in Delhi, Red Fort in Agra, and Fatehpur Sikri are prominent Mughal forts designated as World Heritage Sites. The Agra Fort built magnificently in red sandstone by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century is presumed to be the model for the Red Fort at New Delhi. And its adjunct positioning with the Taj Mahal built later by Shahjahan has added to its distinctiveness. The Red Fort at Delhi built later in the 17th century is considered to represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which, under the Shah Jahan, was brought to a new level of refinement.

The architectural styles and planning of Rajput and Mughal forts exhibited mutual influence from the 16th to the 19th century. The introduction of artillery during the 16th century led to significant changes in the construction and design of forts, akin to the transformations seen in Western forts due to the advent of gunpowder. These changes encompassed the reduction in wall height, thickening

of walls, and the further extension of bastions.

Hill Forts of Rajasthan (ii)(iii)

Architectural representations of Rajput gallantry, bravery, feudalism, and cultural traditions, as seen in various historical texts and artworks from India’s late-medieval and medieval periods, are seen in the sixenormous hill forts. Their sophisticated fortifications, which were constructed to safeguard not only garrisons for defence but also palatial structures, temples, and urban centres within the diverse physiographic and cultural zones of Rajasthan, are an exceptional testament to the

cultural traditions of the ruling Rajput clans and to their support of religion, the arts, and literature in the area of Rajasthan over many centuries.

Fatehpur Sikri (ii)(iii)(iv)

The earliest planned city of the Mughals, Fatehpur Sikri was characterized by magnificent palaces, public structures, mosques, and housingquarters for the court, the army, the king’s personal attendants, and an entire city. The Mughal emperors continued to visit Fatehpur Sikri on occasion after shifting the capital to Lahore in 1585. A remarkablewitness of Mughal culture at the end of the 16th century is the city of Fatehpur Sikri which serves as a singular illustration of exceptionally well-built architectural ensembles created between 1571 and 1585.

Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park (iii)(iv)(v)(vi)

The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a collection of ancient cultural heritage properties, including architecture, temples, and water-retaining installations, as well as religious, military, and agricultural structures. The park dates back to the 16th century and the regional Capital City built by Mehmud Begda. It provides a glimpse into long-gone cultures and is a unique representation of their history. The structures, especially the Great Mosque (Jama Masjid), which served as a model for later mosque construction in India, reflect a perfect fusion of Hindu and Muslim architecture. This unique style dates back to the crucial era of the regional sultanates. With a larger diversity of structures at a smaller scale, Champaner lacks the level of exchange that is visible in Orchha.

At the international level, comparison can be made with several forts inscribed on World Heritage List such as the Rohtas Fort in Pakistan, Dayabakir Castle in Turkey, Suomenolinna Sea Fort in Finland, Fort Wall of China, Hwaseong Fortress in Korea and Vauban Forts in France.

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Gwalior Fort: All you wanted to know!

Last Updated on November 11, 2023 by asoulwindow

Table of Contents

About Gwalior Fort

Gwalior Fort is one of the top places to see in Gwalior. The main fort of Gwalior is so big that there are roads inside the fort premises, it is like a mini township with temples, palaces, lawns and even a functioning heritage school. Accessed by the Urwai gate, places like the Siddhanchal rock cut Jain statues, ASI Museum, Karan Mahal, Vikram Mahal, Teli ka Mandir, Saas Bahu Mandir, Dhondapur Gate, Jauhar Kund, Fort Bastion Hamamkhana, Bandichor Gurudwara and Scindia School are some of the best tourist places to see in the Gwalior Fort premises.

My Experience of visiting Gwalior Fort

Why is Gwalior Fort famous?

Who is the main deity of Gwalior Fort

Shiva Bhagwan and Vishnu Bhagwan

are the main deities whose temples are built across the Gwalior Fort. I visited many Hindu temples as I hopped from one tourist attraction to another while visiting the Gwalior Fort.

Nomenclature/Etymology of Gwalior Fort

Where is Gwalior Fort located?

Who built Gwalior Fort?

Gwalior Fort was built and renovated by many dynasties over several centuries.

Who ruled Gwalior Fort?

Not many people know that this hill fort was ruled by various dynasties of different kingdoms over several centuries. Below are some of the main rulers of Gwalior Fort:

History of Gwalior Fort

Mughal Invasion: Who attacked Gwalior Fort?

When was Gwalior Fort constructed?

What is Gwalior Fort made up of?

What are the main entrances of Gwalior Fort?

What is the name of the gate in Gwalior Fort? Hathi Pole and Urvai Gate are the main entrances of the Gwalior Fort.

Which gate is best for Gwalior Fort? I entered from the Urvai Gate because it is walking distance from the Siddhanchal rock cut Jain temples, Man Singh palace, Johar sthal , Chaturbhuj Temple etc.

The lesser-known Dhondapur Gate and Ladhedi gate are also other entrances to Gwalior Fort. These are some of the best kept secrets of the Gwalior Fort.

How many gates are there in Gwalior Fort?Overall, there are 6 gates inside the Gwalior fort.

Area of Gwalior Fort

The sprawling Gwalior Fort is spread across an area of a whooping 3 square kilometres. This makes it one of the largest forts in India and Asia .

Architecture of Gwalior Fort

Light and Sound Show at the Gwalior Fort

The 45 minutes long Light and Sound Show at the Gwalior Fort is not to be missed.

The timings of Light and Sound Show at the Gwalior Fort are

March to October:

Hindi: 7:30 p.m. and

English: 8:30 p.m.

November to February :

Hindi: 6:30 p.m. and

English: 7:30 p.m.

Top places to see in Gwalior Fort

Raja Man Singh Palace: Top Place to see in Gwalior Fort

Leading India archaeologist of ASI, K.K. Muhammed sir told us stories behind the small details on the walls of the temple, “You see this, that’s a Hindu element! That part is Islamic architecture !” I listened to K.K. Muhammed sir, agape mouthed as he made us see the what our untrained yes failed to.

As per the ASI signboard,

I visited all the parts of the Raja Man Singh Mahal, including the basement which was used as a spot for performing Jauhar by the queen. The interiors of the Raja Man Singh palace are even more stunning. The glazed blue tiles make an appearance again. Large courtyards, several rooms, narrow stairs, secret passages are some of the highlights of this grand palace . K.K. Muhammed sir took us to the ladies’ quarters, where they would see the proceedings from the privacy of the room.

He added, “ Khus curtains which are made with vetiver grassroots work as a natural coolant. This part was covered with khas ki tattiyan or Khus curtains during summer to keep the temperatures low.” Some natural air cooling this! The bygone era was indeed a carbon-negative world !

Siddhanchal rock cut Jain statues

There are several caves, small reliefs on the walls and 22 colossi here. You can also take the stiars to go down and have a closer look. Do not miss visiting the Siddhachal Jain collosi cave temples.

Chaturbhuj Temple- The Zero temple no one told you about!

Did you know you can see the earliest known written documentation of Zero in the world in the Chaturbhuj Mandir? This is one of the lesser-known fun fact about Gwalior Fort.

Located within the premises of the huge Gwalior Fort, the Chaturbhuj temple is a must-visit tourist attraction.

Soul Window Thoughts

It is a well-known fact that Aryabhatta (476–550 CE), a mathematician-astronomer from ancient India has given 0 to the world. You may not have noticed, but it is the zero which is running the world today. Be it computers, mobiles, economics or geo politics, you can’t move an inch without the inevitable zero. Thanks to its importance, many international tourists also ensure they visit the Chaturbhuj Temple.

It is easy to miss the Chaturbhuj Temple because it takes a bit of an effort to reach here. The sloping road (yes, this fort has tar roads, eh!) at the intersection of the Raja Man Singh Palace and Gwalior ASI Museum leads to the Chaturbhuj Mandir. I didn’t need to ask for directions as the signboards clearly mention it. You must visit the place with a local guide who can not only help you spot the zero but also explain the history of the place.

Teli Ka Mandir: Best Place to visit in Gwalior Fort

Devoted to Vishnu Bhagwan , the preserver and protector of the Universe, Teli Ka Mandir is located within the premises of the sprawling Gwalior fort. Apart from the odd name, the first thing I notice as I enter the main gate was that how tall this temple is. The modern patchwork on the upper part of the temple also caught my attention. India’s celebrity archaeologist K.K. Muhammed sir told me that it was the restored part of the temple. He further added that the Archaeological Survey of India or ASI takes care of the maintenance and upkeep of Teli Ka temple.

Why is it known as Teli Ka Mandir or Telika Temple? Well, the Teli community or the oil merchants from that era are credited as the builder of this temple, which is why it is also known as the Oilman’s temple. Constructed in 8 th or 9 th century C.E., the unusually named Teli Ka Mandir is one of the top places to see in Gwalior Fort.

Saas Bahu Mandir: Must-see place in Gwalior Fort

The smaller bahu temple, offers breathtaking bird’s eye view of the Gwalior City. Much like the bigger Saas temple, the Bahu temple is also embellished with beautiful designs and patterns. It comprises of a vestibule and a small central hall.

As per the signboard,

“The fully developed temple plan is aligned in North-South direction having garbhagriha, antarala mahamandapa and ardhamanapa from South to North. The exuberantly carved pillars and ceilings of the central hall are flanked by porches on the 3 sides.”

Gwalior Fort Museum or ASI Archaeological Museum

Some of the notable exhibits here include:

Dhondapur Gate

Karan Palace

Jauhar Kund of Gwalior Fort: The Biggest ever?

“I refuse to believe that the Jauhar Kund of Chittorgarh is the biggest. I am certain that the Jauhar Kund of the Gwalior Fort is the biggest ever. It is just that no one talks about it!”, my local tour guide announced with the same conviction and a tone of finality, with which he said later that “It was in Madhya Pradesh and not Maharashtra that Ganesh Chaturthi processions started.”

Soul Window Ruminations!

The Jauhar Kund or Jauhar Sthal is located near the Cenotaph of Bhim Singh Rana and towards the west of the Jehangir Mahal.

Cenotaph of Bhim Singh Rana

This 3-storeyed cenotaph, flanked by a dome is not to be missed. Located near the Jauhar Kund, you can easily visit this place while exploring the Gwalior Qila.

He took over the fort when the Mughal Empire was on the decline. However, later Bhim Singh Rana succumbed to his injuries in the year 1756 during the battle with Marathas which was led by the Shindes. For those who don’t know Shindes are now Scindia. Later, Rana Chhatar Singh constructed the Cenotaph of Bhim Singh Rana in the memory of the latter. Bhim Singh Rana was the descendant of Rana Jai Singh Bamrolia .

The throne of Gohad is known as the Gaddi of Lord Narasimha. Lord Narasimha is the deity of Bamrolia Jats and Gohad Kingdom .

Vikram Mahal

As I entered the boundaries of the Vikram Mahal, I noticed a functional open-air temple under a tree. The pujari performed pooja of the Shivalinga as I offered my prayers. An idol of Hindu deity Hanuman ji stood nearby. Vikram Mahal, I was told, was once also known as Vikram Mandir because there was once a major Shiva temple here.

Constructed by Vikramaditya Singh, the elder son of Maharaja Mansingh, the Vikram Mahal is one of the most important places which you can visit in the Gwalior Fort. Vikramaditya Singh was an ardent devotee of Shiva Bhagwan . It was during the Mughal attacks that the Shiva temple was completely destroyed

I was glad to see that an active temple, even if smaller, has been re-established in the front open space of the Vikram Mahal. It is always good to see the traditions running alive. I explored all the rooms of this palace, admiring the architectural styles and small details on the walls and ceilings. I am sure this small palace must have felt even more atmospheric in its heydays.

Vikram Mahal, which is situated right next to the Jahangir Mahal is a must-see place in the Gwalior Fort precincts. Fort Bastion Hamamkhana is also located in the same part of the fort campus. Ask you guide to show it to you. Vikram Mahal is also located very close to the Karn Mahal.

Gurdwara Data Bandi Chor Sahib

Also known as Gurudwara Shri Data Bandi Chor Sahib, it is one of the top places to see in the Gwalior Fort.

Several Nihang Sikhs, dressed in navy blue and dastars (turbans) walked around the Raja Man Singh Palace while also loudly chanting holy verses . Someone then told me that Gwalior Fort is also home to Gurdwara Data Bandi Chor Sahib, one of the holiest of all the shrines of the Sikh community . During my earliest visit to Punjab, I met many Nihang Sikhs clad in traditional attire during the Hola Mohalla festival in Anandpur Sahib .

K.K. Muhammed sir told me about the imprisonment of Guru Har Gobind Sahib ji, the 6 th Sikh Guru in Gwalior Fort during the Mughal era. However, Guru Har Gobind Sahib ji was later released along-with 52 Rajas or Kings who had suffered imprisonment in the Gwalior Fort since a long time. There are actually several versions of the stay of Guru Har Gobind Sahib ji at Gwalior Fort. As per one of the versions, on the order of Mughal King Jahangir , Guru Har Gobind Sahib ji was imprisoned.

It is said that Guru Har Gobind Sahib ji was released on the intervention of Sufi Saint Mian Mir and other sympathizers. However, the Guru agreed to be released only if other internees were also set free. Jahangir accepted the order of the Guru and agreed to release other jail inmates as well, many of whom came out of the prison holding the fringe of the Guru’s robe.

This is why the Guru earned the epithet Data Bandi Chhor, which literally means ‘the munificent liberator’.

Scindia School

Located near the Urwai Gate, the heritage building of the still functional Scindia School is not to be missed. Although inaccessible to the tourists, I did manage to look at the building from the bus. Established in the year 1897, the Scindia School is the prerogative of the privileged class.

The Scindia School which is a private boarding school for boys, was founded by the late Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia of Gwalior in the year 1897, as the Sardar School. In earlier days, only sons of Indian royalty and nobility were allowed to study here.

After it was rechristened as The Scindia School , in the year 1933, students from outside of the royal family were also allowed to study here. It is now a public school and I know some middle-class people who have studied here. The Board of Governors here are presently headed by Jyotiraditya Scindia, the famous politician and the scion of the Scindia family.

Jehangir Mahal

Jehangir Palace and Shahjahan Palace are located in the same premises. According to Heeraman Munshi, Jehangir Palace was also known as Sher Mandir. As per the ASI signboard, Sher Mandir was constructed by Sher Shah Suri and this is why it was known as Sher Mandir.

However, later, the name Jehangir Mahal stuck ever since Mughal ruler Jehangir (1605- 1627 C.E.) did renovation here. It is located near the huge Jauhar Kund area. I climbed on the top of the Jehangir Palace and was mesmerised by the breathtaking views of the Gurjari Palace, Jama Masjid and the entire Gwalior city.

Shahjahan Mahal

Shahjahan Mahal is located right next to the Jehangir Mahal in the North East direction. A local guide can help you identify both the palaces. This palace was constructed by Shahjahan (1627-1658 C.E.), the Mughal ruler. This is why it was christened after him. The length and breadth of the Shahjahan Palace is around 98 x 52 metres.

This palace is worth a visit for its unique Mughal architecture. Perched atop a hill, much like the Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur in Rajasthan , the Gwalior Fort offers spectacular panoramic views of the bustling Gwalior city below. Did you know this fun fact about Gwalior Fort?

Shahjehan Mahal was built in the Mughal era and has a huge courtyard. These grand palaces are the finest specimen of typical Mughal art and architecture . The jali decorations, exquisite carvings on the walls and arched door are some of the tell-tale signs of the Mughal architecture. I entered the palace through a gate which opens to the huge Jauhar Kund and other to the Vikram Mahal.

Other places to see in Gwalior

The Gwalior Fort is located in the heart of the Gwalior city. The below mentioned sightseeing places are all located merely a few kilometres away from the Gwalior Fort. You can easily explore these tourist places in a day or two in a hired cab or autorickshaw. Local city buses also drop at these places but they take more time. Apart from the below mentioned places of interest, you can also visit Rani Jhansi Laxmibai Memorial, Jai Vilas Palace Museum, Baija Taal, Digital Museum, Maharaja Bada, Mohammed Gaus Tomb etc. These must-see places near Gwalior Fort are located in close proximity with each other.

Below are some of the best places to see near the massive Gwalior Fort.

The Gujari Mahal Archeological Museum or State Archaeological Museum

King Man Singh Tomar had constructed a special palace for his wife Mrignayani. In present day, it has been turned into an impressive open-air museum. It was converted into a museum in the year 1922.

I lost track of time here as I minutely observed scriptures, artefacts and huge stone idols from the pantheon of Hindu deities . I particularly liked the huge statues of Hanuman ji . Hinduism or Sanatan Dharm is the 3 rd largest religion in the world. Growing up in India, I have come to venerate a diverse and vast pantheon of Hindu gods and goddesses. Idols of most of them, especially those of Vishnu Bhagwan are on display in and around the courtyard of Gujari Mahal.

There is an underground museum inside the Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museumtoo. It is easy to miss. One of the conditions on which Queen Mrignayani married King Man Singh Tomar was that she would only drink the water sourced from her village call as Raai Gaanv . The King agreed to this and the remnants of the mud pipeline can still be seen in the underground museum. It is not easy to spot, so ask the local security guide to help you find it.

K.K. Muhammed sir also explained to us the unique architecture of a huge Varaha statue displayed inside the museum. This was easily one of the most beautiful statues of the Varaha I had ever seen. As I was preparing to leave the premises of the Gujari Mahal, a bunch of male peacocks strutted their stuff around and made calls, as if requesting us to stay longer.

Monalisa of India, anyone?

K.K. Muhammed sir wanted us to see a very special statue. He called us in a nearby room and announced, “We have all heard about Monsalisa. But did you know about Shal Bhanjika? Look at her idol carefully. The detailing of her face, the ornaments, dress etc has few parallels in the world.” This 1,000 years old statue of ‘Monalisa of India’ which costs crores of rupees, is displayed in the Gujari mahal Museum. It has participated in various international exhibitions.

Jain Rock Cut temples at Gopachal Parvat

My co-traveller Norina from Budapest in Hungary, Europe exclaimed, “This place reminds me of Petra in Jordan !” I have traveled to Jordan but I found the Gopachal rock cut temples more reminiscent of the Buddha statue in Bamiyan , Afghanistan . It was also very similar to the Buddha statues in Kargil , especially the Chamba statue in Mulbekh I visited during my road trip across Ladakh earlier. Gopachal is one of the top places to see in Gwalior apart from the imposing Gwalior Fort.

Gopachal Siddha Kshetra and Tirtha Kshetra is a famous pilgrimage since the Mahabharat era . It is a renowned Tirthankar Neminath and Tirthankar Parsvanath Deshnasthali. It is also the Nirvana place of Supritishhit Kevali .

The local pujari , who took care of the premises all by himself, was excited to take us to a locked cave. “It is the most beautiful and largest idol of Tirthankar Parsavanath in the world!”, he exclaimed as he could not hold his excitement. We followed him like schools on guided tours . At 42 x 30 feet, this idol of Tirthankar Parsavanath is the largest such image of the world. Lord Parsavanath is sitting in the Padmasan Mudra in this cave temple.

Gopachal is a very important Jain pilgrimage which is also a confluence of Jain Dharma, culture , art, architecture , and literature. It is also the Sadhana Sthali of Mahakali Raidhu. I was left slack jawed at the well-maintained colossal images of the Jain Tirthankaras in the 26 odd cave temples and Trikal Chauvisi on the hill top area accessed by a flight of stairs.

Rock Cut Jain Colossi in Gopachal Tirth Sthal

Rock Cut Jain Colossi is amust-seeplace.The Jain Rock Cut idols at the Gopachal Parvat are like nothing which I have seen before. Do not forget to pay a visit to these national protected monuments rock cut Jain colossi. The images in the Ek Pathar Ki Baoli are those of standing and seated Jain Tirthankaras , both large and small, sheltered in caves and niches. These are 26 in numbers and have inscriptions on their pedestals. These rare inscriptions refer to the name of the powerful king Raja Tomar Singh Dungar Singh (1425-59 C.E.)

Ek Pathar ki Baoli

Ek Pathar ki Baoli is one of the best hidden gems, located near the Gwalior fort. Ek Pathar ki Baoli is situated near the Cave number 1of Gopachal Tirth Sthal . This is a stepwell or a water reservoir. Few people talk about it. Fewer know about this offbeat place.

Baija Taal Cultural Complex

On the last day of Times Passion Trail, all the participants were facilitated at the Baija Taal Cultural Complex. It was a magical evening, what with cool breeze caressing my face even as the students of Raja Man Singh College of Gwalior hypnotized us with their soulful renditions of Dhrupad and Gwalior Gharana music .

I sat there, silenced by the brilliance of the classical music and wondered why we don’t talk about the music traditions of Gwalior which has merely few parallels in the world. As if by divine intervention , merely a few days after my visit, Gwalior was included in the list of 55 new cities to join UNESCO creative cities network . It is high time people travel to Gwalior for just its music!

The beautifully lit Baija Taal is located in the heart of Gwalior City. It is more like a hangout area for the locals. During my visit, I saw many local people enjoying the boat ride here. The festive atmosphere here is infectious. Used for ceremonies and celebrating festivals, Baija Taal cultural complex also has an art gallery and open-air theatre.

Gwalior Digital Museum

As I was swallowed by the Digital Museum of Gwalior near Maharaja Bada, I found myself engulfed in the world of history, handicrafts, instruments, jewelry and other things of Gwalior displayed in several galleries using state-of-the-art IT equipment.

The Gwalior Digital Museum is a very unusual tourist attraction. Developed by Gwalior Smart City, it is a must-see tourist attraction. It is the first center of its kind in Gwalior and the Bundelkhand region. It is already very popular with school kids and tourists.

In the unique Gwalior Digital Museum, the various architectural styles, costumes, space related objects, lifestyle, musical instruments, jewelry, handicrafts, cultural tradition, painting and many genres of paintings have been digitally displayed in a modern way.

Constructed on a plot measuring 3,500 square feet, the Digital Museum of Gwalior is divided into 16 galleries. I was impressed to see the museum exhibiting the heritage in modern and Digital way.

Free clean toilets are available within the museum premises. Gwalior Digital Museum is located very close to nearby tourist attractions such as the beautifully illuminated Maharaja Bada, Topi bazar, Jiwaji Chowk and several colonial heritage buildings such as the Town Hall etc. These places are best visited in night when it is lit.

Tomb Of Tansen

As I stepped upon platform where Tomb of Tansen existed, my friend Niharika remarked, “Have you chewed the leaves of that ancient tamarind tree near the tomb? It is said that one who chews these leaves are blessed with a sweet voice. Many singers and musicians chew these leaves even today, hoping for a robust voice”. I picked up few leaves and chewed. I even tried singing but much to my disappointed I sounded just as surila as Anu Malik on a bad day. Never mind! I walk around the tomb of Tansen and wished we had video records of him singing.

The Tomb of the famous Mughal musician was constructed in the 16 th century C.E. Tansen, as is widely known was a Hindu and one of the 9 gems of Mughal ruler Akbar. Constructed on the rectangular elevated platform with a pillared gallery, this is a must visit place near Gwalior Fort. The tomb lies right in the center of the gallery which has a roof but no walls. The larger Mohammed Gaus Tomb is located right next to the tomb of Tansen.

Top things to do in Gwalior Fort

What are some of the best things to do in Gwalior Fort? Below are some of the most popular things to do in Gwalior Fort:

Visit Johar venues
Visit several palaces
Monument hopping
Visit medieval temples
Soak in the panoramic views
Study the various architectural styles

Poetry and drama in and around Gwalior

On the last day, I visited more hidden gems of Gwalior which included rock cut temples at Gopachal Parvat, Rani Jhani Laxmibai Memorial, lunch break at Panchvati Gaurav, Jai Vilas Palace Museum, Baija Taal and Maharaja Bada.

The day started with visiting the hilltop rock cut temples at Gopachal Parvat. The Gopachal rock-cut Jain monuments is located in the heart of Gwalior city.

Some of the top tourist places to visit near Gwalior Fort are Tansen Memorial (1 km), Bir Singh Palace (76 km), Madhav National Park (122 km), Orchha (123 km), Bateshwar (123 km), Khajuraho (279 km), Panna National Park (360 km), Sanchi (394 km).

Excursions from Gwalior Fort

There is no dearth of amazing sightseeing places in and around the Gwalior Fort. Some of the tourist places around Gwalior Fort include the destinations such as Narwar Qila, Tatya Tope Memorial Stand, Madikheda Dam and Reservoir, Bhuro-Kho Tower, Bhuro-Kho Jal Mandir, Pohari Jal Mandir, Chaparghat, Bhadaiya Kund, Tunda Bharkha etc. These are lesser-known excursions.

Some of the best well -known excursions near Gwalior Fort are as below.

Sonagiri Jain Temples

Even before I reached the Sonagiri Jain temples, I was left gobsmacked with what I saw from the moving bus. “What are those on the top of the hills?”, I asked my local tourist guide excitedly. “This is where we are going to.” He said! What looked like a utopian castle straight from the fairy tales turned out to be a very important Jain pilgrimage .

The literal meaning of Sonagiri is: a mountain (‘giri’) of gold (‘sona’). It indeed is a mountain of gold. NO matter which direction I saw, hundreds of white Jain temples in unusual architecture greeted me. Thousands and lakhs of devotees and ascetic saints visit Sonagiri everyday in order to practice austerity, self-discipline. Attaining moksha (liberation or salvation) is also the goal of many devout Jains.

Many temples of the Sonagiri Jain Tirth date back to 9 th century C.E. You can also visit a Jain Museum here. I offered my prayers to the 11 feet or 3.4 metres tall idol of Chandraprabha or Bade baba in the temple number 57, also the main temple in Sonagiri. The views of the green valley and nearby hills from the huge terrace in front of this temple is spectacular. I was surprised to learn that former US president Bill Clinton and many other presidents from European nations have also paid a visit to Sonagiri.

It was not possible for me to visit all the 77 Jain temples spread across the hills due to lack of time. However, I was able to visit some of the most stunning temples here. Few of them are also decorated with colourful tiles while others have dramatic spires.

You need to climb many stairs to reach the top. Some of my friends also used the palki (palanquin) service offered by local men. You can also participate in the annual ratha yatra at Sonagiri if you visit here after the festival of Holi from Chaitra Pratipada to Rang Panchami .

The courtyard of Temple number 57 of Sonagiri was also where I was interviewed by the team of one of India’s leading news channel Times Now about my overall experience of Times Passion Trails around Gwalior.

Sonagiri or Swarnagiri is located approximately only 60 kms away from Gwalior. You can reach Sonagiri through the Dabra-Datia Road. Gwalior-Jhansi Road is also nearby. You can also book a train to the Sonagiri Railway Station which lies on the Agra-Jhansi rail line.

Prehistoric Art in Chaturbhuj Nala

You can also stop by Mandsaur to appreciate the millennium old well-protected Prehistoric Art in Chaturbhuj Nala. Located in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh, it is a must-see place near Gwalior Fort. You can see as many as 560 man-made cupules marked on the walls. My co traveller Mr. Raj Kirtani told me about this hidden gem.

According to the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Website, these cup marks are anywhere between 1,00,000 to 2,00,000 years old. You can see the figures of humans, animals, birds etc here. Do not miss the pre-historic painted rock shelters at Chaturbhuj Nala.

Bhimbhetka rock art

I also visited Bhimbhetka, which is one of the most famous places for ancient prehistoric art in not only Madhya Pradesh but all of India. It is one of the best-preserved ancient arts I have ever seen in the world. The rock shelters, figure of a real palm of early man, figures of beasts and men going on war or hunting are some of the best highlights of this cave shelter. Do not miss it! It is located very close to Bhopal. I saw similar petroglyphs and rock carvings inthepicturesque Wadi Rum in Jordan as well.

You can also visit Tikla or Tikula which is a major archaeological site and ancient rock shelter , located 50 kilometres or 31 miles southwest of Gwalior on the Agra to Mumbai Road. Famous for its petroglyphs , it is a must-visit place. The rock painting here can be traced back to 3 rd – 2 nd century B.C.E. It is located approximately 170 kilometres or 110 miles, south of Mathura . And of course, it is not to be confused with Tikal , the Mayan ruins in Guatamela .

Raja Bir Singh Deo palace at Datia

Datia palace which is also known as Raja Bir Singh Deo palace has Seven floor and 400 chambers. It took approximately 8 years to build this massive palace. The first two floors in Datia Palace were reserved for armoury and defence. The 3 rd floor here was reserved for entertainment while the 4 th floor had guest rooms. 5 th floor was made for the audience and the 6 th floor was where the queens were supposed to live.

It was on the 7 th floor where Jehangir stayed in a single, large room. I alternated between soaking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the city below and admiring the artwork in the 7 th floor of this huge palace.

Did you know it was here that the history of India shaped? Not many people know that Abul Fazl could have been the next emperor of the then India instead of Jehangir had Raja Bir Singh or Vir Singh Deo Bundela (who later became the ruler of Orchha ) not intervened. It is funny how no one talks about the phase when the rule of Akbar was almost toppled and his dearest friend killed by his own son.

It was Raja Bir Singh who assassinated Abu’l Fazl on 22 nd August 1602 while he was coming back from the Deccan . Mughals were involved in a battle against the Nizam Shahis of Ahmadnagar back then. Abu’l Fazl used to continually oppose the accession of Prince Salim to the throne.

The plot to eliminate him was hatched by Raja Bir Singh and Prince Salim or Jehangir, the eldest son of Akbar. The convoy of Abul Fazl was attacked near Narwar which is located around 63 kilometres away from Bhopal , the present capital of Madhya Pradesh.

My guide told me that the severed head of Abu’l Fazl’ was sent to Salim as a trophy at Prayagraj . He pointed out to a small ruin from the 7 th floor and exclaimed excitedly, “This is where the head of Abul Fazl was buried!” Abu’l Fazl’s body was buried at Antri , which is a small village located 25 kilometres south of Gwalior.

Despite being one of most important advisors in Akbar’s court, Abul Fazl was killed by the son of Akbar. Ironically, Shaikh Afzal Khan, son of Abu’l Fazl’ was later appointed as the governor of Bihar in the year 1608 by Jahangir himself.

Raja Bir Singh beheaded Abul Fazl in order to please Jehangir. Abul Fazl or Abu’l-Fazl ibn Mubarak, was a major threat to the accession of throne for Jehangir. My local tourist guide told me animatedly that when the Jehangir became the next Mughal King in 1605 C.E., he rewarded Bir Singh Deo by making him the King of Orchha and the Bundelkhand region . The Orchha kingdom was originally founded by the Bundela king Rudra Pratap Singh way back in the year 1501 C.E. Vir Singh Bundela helped the kingdom achieve greater heights.

Abul Fazl, a Sindhi writer, historian and politician is known for his works such as Ain-i-Akbari, Akbarnama and a Persian translation of the Bible . Fazl was also one of the Navaratnas or Nine Jewels in the royal court of Akbar. Needless to say, Akbar was crestfallen when he heard of the news of the assassination of his close confidante and friend.

Raja Bir Singh Deo palace was built for Mughal Ruler Jahangir but the latter stayed here for only one night after which the palace was abandoned. My friends told me about a similar story in the Jehangir Mahal in Orchha. This palace was also built by Raja Vir Singh Deo for Jehangir and similarly the latter stayed here for only one night. All said and done, the Datia Palace remains one of the grandest buildings which Raja Bir Singh Deo ever built.

I found the make-up rooms and concubine bedrooms the most amusing. The views of the huge lake and the village below from the make-up room was spectacular. I was impressed to see the colourful Bundela paintings on the walls and ceilings. These are still preserved in excellent condition. This needs more restoration though. Irresponsible tourists can easily touch and damage the delicate paintings on the easily accessible walls. It reminded me of my visit to Chitrashala , or Ummed Mahal, which is a part of Garh Palace in Bundi , Rajasthan .

Datia Palace which is a unique blend of medieval Rajput and Mughal architecture is grand in scale. It is indeed a pity that no one from the Royalty stayed here ever. As I climbed up, my guide pointed out that even the two aala on the walls were made in typical Rajput style followed by Mughal style.

During the rule of Raja Vir Singh Deo between 1605 and 1627 C.E. he commissioned the construction of more than 52 palaces and monuments which can still be visited by the tourists. Datia Palace which is also called as Veer Singh Ji Deo Palace, Satkhanda Palace , Govind Mahal or Purana Mahal is located near both Gwalior and Orccha.

Temples of Morena

Do not forget to visit the amazing temples of Morena. On the same trip I visited temples like Bateshwar temple, Chausath Yogini Temple or Ekttarso Mahadeva Temple of Mitaoli, Garhi Padawali Shiva Temple andthebeautifulKakanmath temple. I was speechless at the temple architectural brilliance in this region. You can easily take a cab to these places of interest from anywhere in Gwalior. You can also visit a gazak factory for the famous Morena ki Gazak. Do read my complete guide to temples of Morena .

Scindia Chattri of Shivpuri

I came across an interesting signboard with two Cobras surrounding the image of a sun with eyes. It said,

“This Chhattri to the memory of the late Lieutenant General Maharaja Sir Madho Rao Scindia Alijah Bahadur G.C.S.I., G.B.E., L.L.D., D.C.L. of Gwalior was commenced in the year 1926 (Samvat 1982) by order of the council of Regency.

The foundation stone was laid by His Highness Maharaja Jiwaji Rao Scindia Alijah Bahadur on 6 th January 1926 (Samvat 1982) and completed in the year 1932 (Samvat 1989). The construction was carried out under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel Hashmatullah Khan KT Home member Gwalior Government and supervision of Rai Bahadur S.N. Bhaduri C.E. M.I.E. Supervising Engineer By Ashghar Ali Khan, Executive Engineer

Madhav National Park

You can hire a safari jeep /car/gypsey in Madhav National Park. The wildlife safaris can be very expensive. But the best part is that if you are a solo traveller like me, then you can also book the slot of just one person for the price of a good burger. If you are in a large group, you can hire a mini bus which doesn’t cost much either. Since Madhav National Park is not as famous as other protected National Parks of Madhya Pradesh such as Bandhavgarh National Park , Pench National Park and Kanha National Park , the prices here are generally very low.

George Castle in Madhav National Park

George Castle is located deep inside the Madhav National Park. I visited at this bizarre British style structure in the middle of nowhere after a safari in the Madhav National Park where I saw wild boars, monkeys, neel gaai (blue ox) and many species of deer and antelope such as chital or spotted deer. “Come winter and you will see countless crocodiles basking under the sun by the shore of the lake .” said my local guide excitedly.

The George Castle is was built in the year 1911 by the then Scindia ruler of Gwalior. It was built to facilitate the overnight halt of King George V of England. He was supposed to visit the forest for a tiger hunt. However, he hunted the tiger on his way and never made it to the George Castle.

I had a breathtaking view of lakes and a panoramic view of the Kardhai forests from the top of the George Castle accessed by a spiral stair. From the top, I also observed the amusing M shape of the lake.

I also visited the rooms which are now turned into museums . But what I found the most intriguing is the bathroom. The bathtub, Belgian glass windows and Italian tile flooring stood out. It is amusing that these are still in good condition. Do not miss this unusual turreted English-style castle.

Surwaya Gadi

Surwaya Gadi is an ancient Indian school which was earlier known as Shankh Mathika and Saraswati Pattan . To protect the temples here from the attacks of the Mughals, the Shiv temple here was buried under sand. This is why the temple still stands today. It is said that the students who got their education here went on to carve the world-famous temples of the nearby Khajuraho. The Pandavas also stayed here during their exile or agyat vaas .

Located 20 kilometres away from Shivpuri on the Jhansi Road, there is also a monastery here. The structures here were constructed between 8 th and 10 th century C.E.

According to a stone pillar of 1357, Narwar’s Rajpal Jajpal Naresh Navbarman, Kadam Guhadhipati Purander constructed Saraswati Mandir by the orders of Ujjain’s ruler Raja Anantbarman by the end of the 13 th century C.E. The temple was constructed for education and research of the Shaiva saints . There are buildings, bathrooms and sabhagar made of stone for Shaiva Math, Math’s president and students for studies. The floor mill which was operated by the bulls due to the increased number of students is still persisting here.

Shri Pitambara Peeth

I visited Shri Pitambara Peeth or Datia Shaktipeeth after the abandoned Datia palace. I was told by my local guide that Shri Pitambara Peeth is not only a major Shaktipeeth but also a ‘Tapasthali’ (place of meditation) of many luminaries. You will be surprised to know that the Shivling of Shree Vankhandeswar Shiva here is as old as Mahabharata . The same has also been confirmed by the Archaeological Survey of India after several studies and research.

Shri Pitambara Peeth is approximately 3 kilometres away from the Datia railway station, 75 kilometres away from Gwalior (Airport) and 29 kilometres away from Jhansi .

Some of the other places to see near Gwalior Fort are as under:

Vidisha-Sanchi-Udayagiri triangle

Festival of Gwalior Fort

During Ram Navami , a special festival is organised by the Jat Community at the cenotaph of Bhim Singh Rana by the Jat Community. Not many know that Bhim Singh Rana and Chhatar Singh belonged to the Jat Community.

Sikh Festival on Diwali

Every year in the month of October or November, the Sikh Sangat (community) from across the globe congregate at the bandichor Gurudwara and celebrate the safe return of the 6 th Nanak, Guru Hargobind. He was released from detention from the Gwalior Fort around October 1619 C.E. I was amused to learn that the day coincides with the Hindu festival of Diwali or the festival of lights. It is a lesser-known fact. This makes Gwalior one of the best places in the world to celebrate Diwali or Deepawali.

Attend a live Dhrupad Baithak

I attended a live baithak where singers did excellent rendition of Dhrupad . This genre in Hindustani classical music hails from Gwalior. One of the earliest mentions of Dhrupad is found in Ain-i-Akbari by Abu Fazl (1593).

However, most of the mentions of Dhrupad are attributed to the musicians in the court of Man Singh Tomar (fl. 1486–1516) of Gwalior. In fact, there is no dearth of credible sources which point out that the origin of Dhrupad indeed can be traced back to the court of Raja Man Singh Tomar.

However, Dhrupad is older than it is believed to be. Dhrupad is mentioned as dhruvapada in the Natyashastra . (200 B.C.E. – 200 C.E.). Dhrupad is also mentioned in the chapter 33 of Book 10 in the Bhagavata Purana (800 C.E.–1000 C.E.). The Drupad songs I listened to live were devoted to Shiva Bhagwan . Dhrupad composition on Vishnu Bhagwan or one of his several avatar or incarnations is known as Vishnupad .

I feel that a visit to Gwalior is incomplete without attending a live concert of Dhrupad . Many luxury properties of Gwalior arrange for Dhrupad performances. You must also check for ant city events where they are performing Dhrupad .

Attend a live Gwalior Gharana Baithak

I was lucky to be invited to a live music concert at the touristy Baija Taal showcasing the music from the esteemed Gwalior Gharana . The event was organised by Gwalior Municipal Corporation. Surrounded by the lake, the stage came alive when the singers and musicians, both male and female belted out one classical song after another.

The Gwalior school of classical music rose to prominence during the rule of Mughal King Akbar (1542–1605). Sangeet Samrat Tansen , who also hailed from Gwalior, was one of the most famous vocalists of this music form, which is also one of the oldest Khayal Gharana . Attending a live concert of the Gwalior Gharana renditions under open sky transported me a few centuries away.

Vegan and Vegetarian Food in Gwalior Fort

We had amazing lunch buffet at the Fort View Cafe by Madhya Pradesh Tourism, located right next to the colossal Man Singh Palace. Bedmi Poori with alu sabzi served here deserves special mention. The Chaas served here refreshed me after all the walking in the sun. There are several food stalls located opposite the fort café from where you can pick cold drinks, biscuits, chips, namkeen, farsaan etc.

Night Life around Gwalior Fort

There are some cool pubs and bars in Gwalior you may want to check out.

Is it safe to visit Gwalior Fort?

Yes, it is very safe to visit the Gwalior Fort. Since the Gwalior Fort is a major attraction of the Gwalior city, you will always find hordes of tourists and security guards patrolling the fort premises.

Souvenirs Shopping Guide to Gwalior Fort

Apart from the local handicrafts, you can also buy the local Chanderi sari in and around the Gwalior fort. There is a souvenir shop known as Bundeli handicraft shop, located right next to the Fort View Café. You can buy nce hand-made knick-knacks and handicrafts from this souvenir shop. Some of the best Bundeli souvenirs to buy in Gwalior are

What currency is used in Gwalior Fort

INR is widely accepted at Gwalior Fort. Digital payment is also accepted at the souvenir shops and restaurants/cafes etc.

ATM in Gwalior Fort

While I didn’t see any ATM in the precincts of Gwalior Fort (ask around!), the Gwalior city has no dearth of ATMs. Gwalior is a pretty large city and a major tourist attraction of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. It is easy to find ATMs every few steps in Gwalior.

Photography Tips for Gwalior Fort

There are several hidden spots in the Gwalior Fort from where you can soak in sweeping bird’s eye view of the Gwalior fort. These hidden gems are also great for aerial shots sans the drone cameras. Here is a secret tip: I climbed on the top floor of the Jehangir Mahal and was rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Gujari Mahal and the sprawling Gwalior city down below.

Languages spoken in Gwalior Fort

Hindi is the most commonly understood and spoken languages spoken in Gwalior. English is also understood and spoken by many people inside and outside of the Gwalior Fort.

Toilet facility in Gwalior Fort

Clean toilets are available at the Fort View Cafe by MP Tourism. It is located at walking distance from the Man Singh Mahal.

Entry fee for Gwalior Fort

Gwalior Fort is a ticketed monument. You can buy entrance ticket from the famous Urvai Gate like I did. Prices are different for Indians and foreigner tourists. You also need to pay the camera fees here. Special permissions and rates apply for professional shoots. Entry fee is charged collectively to visit the historical sightseeing attractions such as the Raja Maan Singh Palace, Siddhanchal rock cut idols, Karan Mahal, Vikram Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Shahjahan Mahal, Johar Kund, Bhim Singh Rana Ki Chhatri etc.

Hire a local tourist guide in Gwalior Fort

We had a local guide throughout the exploration of Gwalior Fort. He made us see hidden spots which we would have missed had we explored the fort by ourselves. I highly recommend hiring a local tourist guide in Gwalior Fort if you want to make your trip meaningful.

How To Book a trip to Gwalior Fort

You can either book the tour to Gwalior Fort through a local trip organiser. Many tour operators in Gwalior offer an all-inclusive trip across Gwalior and even nearby major tourist attractions such as the temples of Morena, Datia, Sonagiri, Shivpuri etc.

Backpacking Budget Travel Tips for Gwalior Fort

It is very easy to travel around Gwalior on a shoestring budget. If you are a budget traveller, you will find it very easy to see all the major sightseeing places in Gwalior on a low budget. Apart from finding low budget hotels, it is also easy to find a shared rickshaw almost anywhere in Gwalior. You can also have a hearty healthy meal at very low costs in Gwalior.

Solo Trip Tips for Gwalior Fort

With so many facilities regarding transport, hotels, sightseeing etc, Gwalior fort is an easy destination for the solo travellers like me. There is a lot which a solo traveller can do in and around Gwalior Fort.

Luxury travel Tips for Gwalior Fort

I travelled to Gwalior Fort in complete luxury. I stayed in the uber luxurious Taj Usha Kiran Palace. It was indeed a memorable experience!

Books on Gwalior Fort

Unfortunately, despite such rich history and culture, not many books have been written on Gwalior. I wish I could change that one day. Until then, read the below books on Gwalior for a deeper understanding. Some of the best books on Gwalior Fort are as below:

Where to stay in Gwalior Fort?

I had a memorable weeklong stay at the luxurious Taj Usha Kiran Palace, which is located right next to the HH Maharaja Sir Jiwajirao Scindia Museum, which is also known as the Jai Vilas Palace .

The Taj Usha Kiran Palace is a restored heritage building which was constructed in the year 1880 by HH Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia as a guest residence. Taj Usha Kiran Palace is located at a walking distance from the adjacent Jai Vilas Palace which is the ancestral home of the Scindia family. No wonder then that Taj Usha Kiran Palace has hosted several celebrities as well as Royalty and dignitaries on various occasions.

In fact, Mr. Jyotirao Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation of India visited Taj Usha Kiran Palace for a swim during my visit. He is the son of late Shri Madhavrao Scindia . He is the grandson of Shri Jiwajirao Scindia , who was the last ruler of the princely state of Gwalior during the British rule in India.

During my week long stay at Taj Usha Kiran Palace, I enjoyed every moment here. On most mornings, I would wake up early and after a bath, start my day by offering prayers at the temples devoted to Shiva-Parvati ji and Ganesh ji. Located within the premises of the luxurious heritage hotel, the visit to these temples infused my day with positivity.

Although its stunning, I never used the swimming pool here. I loved that they had built recliners in the water for those who care. I am also impressed with the very attentive and friendly staff of Taj Usha Kiran. Being a hotel management student myself, I know what it takes to delight a guest and exceed his expectations.

I was surprised to know that one of my super juniors from Institute of Hotel Management , Lucknow who I never met worked here in bakery. The staff also helped me meet her for a quick recap of the good ol’ college days. I loved the lavish breakfasts at Taj Usha Kiran. While my friends stuck to fruits and ABC juices, I binge ate delicious poha, upma, vada, dosa and pasta. The Tiramisu served here, soft and delicious, is the best I ever had!

Coming to my room, I loved that how spacious it was. It was one of the hugest rooms I ever stayed in. Right outside my tastefully done up room was the huge balcony which overlooks the temples, swimming pool and al fresco restaurant down below. After a visit to the temples, I used to do my morning walks at the terrace and the sprawling lawns. Some of my friends also stayed at the luxurious glamping tents right across the pool. We also partied at the private cottage of Taj Usha Kiran here on one of the days. This also had a private courtyard and a small swimming pool! What’s not to love!

What to wear in Gwalior Fort?

I would suggest you to dress respectfully because there are many medieval temples across the Gwalior Fort premises. It would be great if you avoid sleeveless shirts, skirts and shorts. Wearing flip flops is also wise because you will have to keep your shoes outside while visiting the temples. Also, don’t forget to wear sunglasses and a good sunscreen when visiting Gwalior Fort because much of the monuments are out there in the open.

Timings of Gwalior Fort

As per the signboard at the fort, the Gwalior Fort is open for tourists from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Best Time to visit Gwalior Fort

Best time to visit the Gwalior Fort are the months of October, November, December, January, February and March. This is when the weather is good. However, be warned of the extreme cold in December and January. (I love traveling during these months though!)

Duration of Visit in Gwalior Fort

How many days to spend in Gwalior Fort?

What can I do in 1 day in Gwalior Fort? I was easily able to see all the tourist attractions of Gwalior Fort within a day. I started early morning and by late afternoon, I was able to visit all the historical monuments , Johar Sthal and temples located within the Gwalior Fort precincts. However, visiting the Gwalior Fort in mere few hours is grave injustice in understanding the overwhelming history of this place. This place deserves more time and exploration.

What can I do in 2 days in Gwalior Fort? If you have 2 days in Gwalior Fort, you can do so much more. For example, there are a few pre historic cave paintings nearby which merits a visit. But many tourists miss it due to lack of information.

Quick Itinerary for Gwalior Fort

Below is the one-day Gwalior Fort itinerary I followed. You can also include Gopachal Rock cut group of temples and Chaturbhuj temple etc.

How to reach Gwalior Fort?

The humble Gwalior Airport is located approximately 8 kilometres away from the Gwalior Fort.

The Gwalior railway Station is also located around 8 kms away from Gwalior Fort.

Madhya Pradesh has a robust bus connectivity and excellent public transport system. Gwalior is well connected with neighbouring towns and cities such as Jhansi, Orchaa, Bhopal, Indore, New Delhi, Agra etc by bus service.

Local Transport for sightseeing in Gwalior Fort

Local buses, Taxis and three wheelers known as autorickshaws are easily available from other tourist attractions of the Gwalior city. Autorickshaws and cabs can drop you at the Urvai gate of Gwalior Fort from anywhere in the city. You may also drive your own vehicle within the Gwalior Fort complex because the monuments here are pretty spread out. Walking around the sprawling fort is exhausting and time consuming.

It is one of the largest forts in India with proper roads, much like the sprawling Chittorgarh fort near Bundi in Rajasthan . This is why many people visit all the tourist attractions of the Gwalior Fort in a car or a low-cost autorickshaw (great for budget travelers). We were a large group, so we explored all the sightseeing attractions of the Gwalior Fort in a bus.

Distances from Gwalior Fort

There are so many places of interest around the Gwalior Fort which you can include in your itinerary. For example, the Tansen Memorial is located only 1 kilometre away from the Gwalior Fort while Bateshwar is located merely 123 kilometres away from Gwalior Fort.

This distance chart will help you plan a week-long trip in and around Gwalior. Distances of major tourist attractions around the Gwalior Fort in ascending order are as below:

Distance between Morena and Gwalior Fort is 38 kilometres and it takes 1 hour via Mumbai-Agra National Highway.

Distance between Sonagiri Jain Temple and Gwalior Fort is 73 kilometres and it takes 1 hours and 20 minutes via NH44.

Distance between Bir Singh Palace , Datia and Gwalior Fort is 77.5 kilometres and it takes 1 hour and 20 minutes via NH44.

Distance between Jhansi and Gwalior Fort is 104 kilometres and it takes 2 hours and 10 minutes via NH44.

Distance between Kuno National Park and Gwalior Fort is 110 kilometres.

Distance between Shivpuri and Gwalior Fort is 119 kilometres and it takes 2 hours and 15 minutes via NH46.

Distance between Agra and Gwalior Fort is 120 kilometres and it takes 3 hours via Mumbai – Agra National Highway/Mumbai – Agra National Highway/Chennai – Delhi Highway or Srinagar – Kanyakumari Highway.

Distance between Madhav National Park and Gwalior Fort is 123 kilometres and it takes 2 hours and 30 minutes via NH46.

Distance between Orchha and Gwalior Fort is 123 kilometres and it takes 2 hours and 30 minutes via NH44.

Distance between Khajuraho and Gwalior Fort is 278 kilometres and it takes 5 hours via NH44 and NH39

Distance between New Delhi and Gwalior Fort is 339 kilometres and it takes 5 hours and 50 minutes via Yamuna Expressway.

Distance between Bandhavgarh National Park and Gwalior Fort is 380 kilometres and it takes 7 hours via NH39.

Distance between Bhopal and Gwalior Fort is 432 kilometres and it takes 7 hours and 30 minutes via NH46.

Distance between Satpura National Park and Gwalior Fort is 483 kilometres and it takes 9 hours via NH44.

Distance between Indore and Gwalior Fort is 509 kilometres and it takes 9 hours via NH 46 and NH52.

Distance between Kanha Tiger Reserve and Gwalior Fort is 602 kilometres and it takes 12 hours and 30 minutes via NH44.

Distance between Pench National Park and Gwalior Fort is 667 kilometres and it takes 12 hours and 30 minutes via NH44.

Distance between Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and Gwalior Fort is 859 kilometres and it takes 16 hours and 30 minutes via NH44.

Distance between Panna National Park and Gwalior Fort is 288 kilometres and it takes 5 hours via NH44 and NH39.

Distance between Sanchi Stupa and Gwalior Fort is 396 kilometres and it takes 7 hours and 35 minutes via NH44.

Conclusion: Is Gwalior Fort w orth visiting ?

Why visit Gwalior Fort? Here are my final thoughts in a nutshell. As I mined the annals of history in search of some lesser-known facts of the Gwalior Fort, it left me overwhelmed. There is so much to learn and see in Gwalior Fort.

The grandeur of medieval artefacts and impressive architectural designs are reasons enough to pay a visit to the imposing Gwalior Fort. This imposing fort is one of the most prominent landmarks in Gwalior Madhya Pradesh.

To summarize, Gwalior Fort is an important fort in not only Madhya Pradesh, but all of India. Not many people are aware of the fact that Madhya Pradesh has some of the most stunning buildings, Hindu temples, palaces and pavilions from the medieval era. It is high time; you pack your bags for an exclusive trail around Madhya Pradesh. Please share this blog with your friends and family, so that more people may benefit.

The view from my Soul Window left me wide eyed!

Pin this blog to save the blog and plan a trip later!

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4 thoughts on “Gwalior Fort: All you wanted to know!”

How do u know KK Muhamad sir, pic posted in article

I travelled with him. Pls read the blog again.

Very nice blog. After going through the article, I realized that I perhaps missed several aspects of the Gwalior, detailed in your blog. I shall suggest everybody to go through this article before visiting Gwalior Fort. And further more…. The photos you have captured are very beautiful.

Gwalior Fort, a majestic hill fort in Madhya Pradesh, India, boasts a rich history dating back to the 8th century. Its architecture seamlessly blends Hindu, Muslim, and Jain influences, showcasing intricate carvings and structural brilliance. Serving as a strategic stronghold for various dynasties, including the Tomars and Mughals, the fort witnessed centuries of power transitions. Its iconic Sas-Bahu temples and towering Man Singh Palace are testaments to its cultural significance. Gwalior Fort stands as a living testament to India’s diverse heritage, symbolizing resilience and architectural prowess through the annals of time.

Thank you for your kind words!

A Yellowstone trip that ended with a man being arrested for kicking a bison

Yellowstone National Park officials say a man who kicked a bison in the leg was then hurt by one of the animals

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. -- A man who kicked a bison in the leg was then hurt by one of the animals in Yellowstone National Park, according to park officials.

Park rangers arrested and jailed him after he was treated for minor injuries.

Park rangers got a call about the man allegedly harassing a bison herd and kicking one of them about seven miles (11 kilometers) inside the park's west entrance on April 21.

Rangers stopped the man in a car driven by another person in nearby West Yellowstone, Montana, Yellowstone officials said in a release Monday.

Park officials didn't describe the 40-year-old man's injuries from the bison. He was charged with being under the influence of alcohol, disorderly conduct, and approaching and disturbing wildlife.

His 37-year-old companion was charged with driving under the influence, failing to yield to a police car and disturbing wildlife.

The two men from Idaho Falls, Idaho, pleaded not guilty in a court appearance April 22.

Bison are the largest land mammal in North America, with bulls weighing up to 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms). Despite their size, bison can sprint up to 40 mph (65 kilometers per hour). They routinely injure tourists who get too close.

Yellowstone officials urge people to stay at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from all large wildlife in the park.

Some Yellowstone facilities began opening for the busy summer season last week, a process that will continue into June.

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Venice becomes first city in the world to charge day trippers a tourist fee to enter

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Aimee Picchi

Updated on: April 26, 2024 / 10:37 AM EDT / CBS News

On Thursday, Venice, Italy became the first city in the world to charge day tourists a fee just to visit its historic canals and other attractions on peak days.

The measure is designed to counter over-tourism and mitigate the deleterious impact large crowds can have on some of the city's fragile sites, while also persuading some tourists to visit during less busy times of the year.

The roughly $5.37 fee only applies on 29 days that are deemed to be the busiest between April 25, a holiday in Italy, and July 14, in a trial phase of the reservation-and-fee system.

Venice Begins Charging Non-residents €5.00 For Entry

Most people entering the city must register and obtain a QR code, or a ticket for visitors without smartphones, but some tourists are exempt from paying the fee. For instance, visitors who spend the night in a hotel or Airbnb-style accommodation are not subject to the nominal tourist fee. Likewise, residents, people born in Venice, people visiting relatives who are residents, workers, students and visitors under the age of 14 do not have to pay either.

There is no cap on the number of tourists who may reserve a visit on a given day.

In a public video, Luigi Brugnaro, the mayor of Venice, called the new system an "experiment" to protect the city.

"We do it with great humility," he said. In a social media post , he added that the rollout was "going well" and "the atmosphere is relaxed."

Simone Venturini, the tourism councilor of Venice, added, "The whole world would like to visit Venice, and this is an honor for us. But not everyone in the world is able to do so on the exact same day."

Experts are skeptical the tourist charge will meaningfully reduce crowds or generate enough money to cover the costs associated with accommodating large numbers of visitors, like managing water and waste.

"For cities like Venice, most research shows that an additional tax does not lower arrivals, as is often contended," Megan Epler Wood, managing director at the Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program (STAMP) at Cornell University, said in a statement. "In order to address the invisible burden of tourism, new destination management entities will need to determine the cost per tourist to ensure there is an equitable and sustainable use of local resources. Once such costs are determined, tax reform will be required to cover these costs."

Some residents protested the new policy on Thursday, according to media reports. Some were seen clashing with riot police, while others tried to break through a blockade, CNBC reported .

The fragile lagoon city has a population of roughly 50,000, a sliver of what it was a couple of generations ago. On its busiest days, it can draw nearly as many tourists as it has residents.

A United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage property, the city features masterpieces from Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto and others.

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

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THE 30 BEST Places to Visit in Gwalior (UPDATED 2024)
2. Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhod Qilla Gwalior. Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhod is located in the premises of Gwalior fort. You can see the panoramic view of the city from... 3. Sas-Bahu Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 4. Jai Vilas Palace Museum.
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Temple (4) Museum (3) 1. Gwalior Fort. Top Attraction 4.3 /5. 2 km. from city center 1 out of 34. Places To Visit in Gwalior. Perched high at the top of a vast rocky massif, Gwalior Fort is a place hard to miss being visible from every nook and corner of the city.
Best Tourist Places to Visit in Gwalior
Sun Temple is one of the sacred places to visit in Gwalior for devotees. Timing: 6:30 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 6 PM on all days of the week. Entry Fee: free of cost. Location: Sun Temple Gwalior Mahaveer, Morar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Time Required to Explore: Around an hour.
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12. Saas Bahu Temple: A Vishnu Temple. Image Source. Saas Bahu Temple, also known as the Sahastrabahu Temple or Harisadanam temple, is a twin temple located in Gwalior that dates back to the 11th-century and is one of the top Gwalior places to visit. 'Sahastrabahu' is another name of Hindu god Vishnu.
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Know about Gwalior tourist places to visit like Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, Teli ka Mandir, Sas Bahu Temple, and places to visit near Gwalior. Explore (current) Nature. ... Hence, the name Teli Ka Mandir came into existence. Tourists can also find this information in the inscription written on the main gate of the temple. It is about 100 ...
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While driving to Gwalior Fort if one enters through Urvai Gate then this is the first sight you will see at your left. See way to experience (1) 7. Bateswar group of temples - Morena Gwailor. 22. Ancient Ruins. By sandeepraja2016. Hundreds of ancient, small temples being painstakingly excavated by a dedicated team.
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Gwalior (Hindi: IPA: [ɡʋɑːlɪjəɾ], pronunciation ⓘ) is a major city in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh; it lies in northern part of Madhya Pradesh and is one of the Counter-magnet cities. Located 343 kilometres (213 mi) south of Delhi, the capital city of India, 120 kilometres (75 mi) from Agra and 414 kilometres (257 mi) from Bhopal, the state capital, Gwalior occupies a ...
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Sun Temple. Pilgrimage. #3 of 16 Places to Visit in Gwalior. At a distance of 5 km from Gwalior Fort and 5 km from the Gwalior Junction, Surya Mandir or Sun Temple is a Hindu temple in the historic city of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Situated near the Residency at Morar, Sun Temple is one of the most famous heritage monuments in Gwalior and also ...
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Get the best Information about Gwalior Tourism. Get travel guides and plan your trip to Gwalior with tour packages, places to visit, sightseeing, hotels, and reviews by other travellers. ... Route Name Distance Time More Information; Delhi to Gwalior: 363 km : 5 hours 46 mins : View Details: Mumbai to Gwalior: 1,220 km : 19 hours 43 mins : View ...
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Gwalior Tourism guide, weather information, map, top tourist places like Gwalior fort, Jai Vilas palace, saas-bahu temple, tomb of the great musician Tansen. Know best time to visit, culture, facts. 1800-123-5555
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Gwalior, city, northern Madhya Pradesh state, central India. It is situated about 75 miles (120 km) south of Agra. Gwalior is a cultural, industrial, and political centre and takes its name from the historic rock fortress that forms the centre of the city. It has been referred to as Gopa Parvat,
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Tourist Places. Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday closed) It displays ancient artifacts and finely carved stone sculptures from the 1st…. Timings: 6:00-8:000 am, 5:00-8:00 pm The Italian Garden in Gwalior is a hidden gem that holds its own unique significance. Tucked away….
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Gwalior Tourism. Type of destination: City. Ideal visit duration: 2-3 days. Gwalior is a city in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The city's skyline is dominated by the imposing Gwalior Fort, which stands on an isolated rocky hill. The fort has been controlled by several different ...
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Enjoy Coffee At Indian Coffee House. 1. Visit The Glorious Gwalior Fort. Rightly called the pearl of fortresses in India by Babur, the majestic Gwalior fort is perched on an isolated rock outcrop towering over the old city. The turquoise tessellations on the facade make it stand out even from a distance.
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With a diverse range of interesting places to visit, there is also an impressive spectrum of things to do in Gwalior. One of the major cities in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior is an important tourist destination that attracts hordes of tourists throughout the year. The fame enjoyed by this city is owed to the great collection of ancient forts and Hindu temples it houses.
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Gwalior Fort is one of the top places to see in Gwalior. The main fort of Gwalior is so big that there are roads inside the fort premises, it is like a mini township with temples, palaces, lawns and even a functioning heritage school. Accessed by the Urwai gate, places, like the Siddhanchal rock cut Jain statues, ASI Museum, Karan Mahal, Vikram ...
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By Rail: Gwalior Railway Station is the nearest station to reach the city. By Road: There are several tourist and private buses from Delhi (319 Km), Indore (169 km), and Jaipur (348 km), which are well connected to Gwalior. Best Time to Visit: October to March is the best time to visit here as the weather remains pleasant.
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Sustainable Tourism Programme. World Heritage Programme for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) ... The modern name Gwalior appears to have been derived from 'Gopalikera', one of the ancient names. The Gwalior Fort has a long history dating back to the Stone Age, as evidenced by the numerous artifacts discovered in Gupteshwar, 3 km west ...
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This is one of the lesser-known fun fact about Gwalior Fort. Located within the premises of the huge Gwalior Fort, the Chaturbhuj temple is a must-visit tourist attraction. Soul Window Thoughts. It is a well-known fact that Aryabhatta (476-550 CE), a mathematician-astronomer from ancient India has given 0 to the world.
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16 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Gwalior

Gwalior Fort

Jai Vilas Palace

Gwalior Zoo

Chhatris Of Scindia Dynasty

Gwalior Trade Fair

Tombs Of Mohammed Ghaus & Tansen

Maharani Laxmi Bai Park

Madhav National Park

Shanischara Temple

Bateswara Group Of Temples-Morena

Italian Garden

Dargah Hazrat Khwaja Khanoon Sahib

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15 Things To Do In Gwalior No Traveler Should Miss Out

1. Visit The Glorious Gwalior Fort

2. Get Mesmerised By The Sasbahu Temple

3. Get Bedazzled By The Grandeur Of Jai Vilas Palace Museum

4. Shop At Patankar And Sarafa Bazaars

5. Spend Time At The Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum

6. Pay Homage To The Music Maestro At Tansen’s Mausoleum

7. Beat The Heat At Splash The Suncity

8. Marvel At Gopachal Parvat Rock-cut Sculptures

9. Admire The Architectural Splendour Of Teli Ka Mandir

10. Get Enthralled By The Beauty Of The Sun Temple

11. Go Boating In Tighra Dam

12. Explore Wildlife At Madhav National Park

13. Visit The Gwalior Zoo

14. Bateshwar’s Beautiful Architecture

15. Enjoy Coffee At Indian Coffee House

Frequently Asked Question About Things To Do In Gwalior

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