Gwalior is a major city situated in the central Indian starts of Madhya Pradesh. It holds an unparallel reputation in sangeet and has retained Indian traditions and wealth of music intact over the years. It is famous for its historical places and is a small and well-managed city. The city is surrounded by beautiful hills and greenery. Being a historic city where one of India’s most eminent royalty once resided, Gwalior is full of palaces and glorious temples.
How to reach Gwalior
By air: Gwalior has an airport of its own that is situated at a distance of 8 km from the main city. Indian Airlines connect Gwalior to the important cities of Mumbai, Indore, Bhopal, and Delhi. The services are operational thrice a week.
By train: Gwalior is very well connected to major cities across India by direct train links. Taxis are also available at the railway station.
By road: Gwalior is situated on the north-south corridor of the national express highway.
Best time to visit Gwalior
Gwalior has extreme hot temperature in summers and extremely cold temperature in winter. October to March is the best time to visit this epic place. For all the classical music lovers November- December is the best time as a 4 day Tansen music festival is held in this period.
Now coming to the top attractions, here are the must-see places in Gwalior:
1. Gwalior Fort
An 8th-century architectural marvel, the Gwalior Fort is perched on a hilltop. The massive structure comprises two main palaces, temples and water tanks. It was built by Raja Man Singh for his beloved queen Mrignayani. Amongst it, the most acknowledged is the Teli-Ka-Mandir and Man Singh Palace. The former one was built in the Dravidian style shrine and its generously sculpted exteriors are highly appreciated. The fort was built by Raja Man Singh for his beloved queen Mrignayani. The reputed palace has an amazing design. Light and sound show in the evening form an integral part of the visit to the fort which is held every night.
Entry fee: Rs 75 for Indians, Rs 250 for foreigners
Opening time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Ideal for: architecture lovers, photo fanatics, history buffs
Distance from the station: 8 km
2. Saas-bahu temple
The 11th-century temple also known as sahastrabahu temple is situated near Gwalior fort. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Padmanabha form. It is ruined and was badly damaged from various invasions and Hindu- Muslim wars. The temple had rare quality architectural skill displayed in it. These are two temples situated adjacent to each other and are decorated with impeccable carving and sculptures.
Entry fee: N/A
Opening time: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Ideal for: architecture lovers, photo fanatics
Distance from the station: 8 km
3. Jai Vilas Palace
The palace is a symbol of the age-old culture and opulence preserved in the modern day. Today, it serves as a residence for the descendants of the royal Maratha Scindia family. The Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia had this magnificent edifice built to ensure a grand welcome for King Edward VII, the then Prince of Wales in 1874. A visit to the palace makes you explore the royal times of the Maratha Scindia dynasty. This visit makes you flip back the pages of the luxurious lifestyle of the kings and the queen of those times.
Entry fee: Rs 100 for Indians, Rs 600 for foreigners
Opening time: 10:00 am to 4:45 pm
Ideal for: antique lovers, history buffs, experience seekers
Distance from the station: 3 km
4. Gujari Mahal
The mahal was constructed by Raja Mansingh for his favorite queen, Mrignayani in the 15th century. Gujari Mahal has one of the best exteriors and utmost care has been taken for its preservation. Gujari Mahal, itself is one of the remarkable places for tourists. This is the second important palace of Gwalior fort from the art & architectural point of view. There is also a school within the mahal premises which was meant for British soldiers and now is run by the Scindia’s as is regarded as one of the best school in the country.
Entry fee: Rs 10 for Indian, Rs 100 for foreigner
Opening time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Ideal for: architecture lovers, photo fanatics
Distance from the station: 4 km
5. Tansen Memorial
The Tansen memorial is a major monument of Gwalior. This place was originally called Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus. Tansen along with his teacher Muhammad Ghaus was buried here. He was one of the nine gems of Akbar’s court. The memorial of Tansen is a specific example of Mughal architectural style. The prestigious Tansen music festival is conducted here every year during November and December in which the great musicians of India participate.
Entry fee: N/A
Opening time: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Ideal for: architecture lovers, history buffs, experience seeker
Distance from the station: 3 km
6. Tighra Dam
The dam creates a freshwater reservoir on the sank river. It plays a crucial role in supplying water to the city. Apart from the monument, it has some beautiful hangout places to get away from the hustle bustle of the city and spend some great time in the lap of nature. Tighra dam site is one such place. Today it has emerged as a favorite destination for families to spend some good time together. The tourist department started a boating club here. Apart from adventure it also offers serenity with a beautiful view that surrounds the dam.
Entry fee: N/A
Opening time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Ideal for: nature lovers, photo fanatics
Distance from the station: 20 km
7. Sarafa Bazar, Maharaj bada
Sarafa Bazar is one of the oldest markets in the city and is very popular. Marvel at the craft and the intricate designs on the bones, vases, and jewelry, any of these would be a worthy addition to your home or wardrobe.
Maharaj bada is a market always brimming with people and a shopping hub in Gwalior. Its beauty is characterized by seven architectural buildings arranged in an oval ring, which are the Gorkhi structure, Post office, Sbi building, Townhall, and government press.
Opening time: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: shopaholics, experience seekers, foodies
Distance from the station: 4 km
8. Mitavli, padhavli
A beautiful set of architectural structures are located in the Morena district of Madhya Pradesh that needs to be seen by the discerning traveler. These old structures tell us stories of the time long gone by, and their timelessness is what makes them such a wonder. Mitawali is where the popular Chausath Yogini Temple lies; perched atop a hill surrounded by the lush greenery. They say the Parliament House in New Delhi is believed to have been inspired from the circular design and architectural intricacies of the Mitawali temple. Further away are a cluster of almost 200 temples made of sandstone called the Bateshwar temple. They are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Shakti – representing the three major forces within Hinduism.
Entry fee:Â 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Opening time: open 24/7
Ideal for: architecture lovers, history buffs
Distance from the station:Â 40 km
9. Sun temple
The Sun Temple is one of the most popular religious centers in the Gwalior city. Although not constructed too long ago, but the Sun Temple has turned out to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city these days. Dedicated to the Holy Sun God as the name suggests, the Sun Temple in Gwalior has been modeled with somewhat close similarities to the legendary Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha. The temple adorns a breathtaking architecture and thus attracts tourists and devotees from all over the country in large numbers.
Entry fee: N/A
Opening time: 6:30 am to 6:00 pm
Ideal for: God lovers, Nirvana seekers, Experience seekers, Photo Fanatics
Distance from the station: 5.1 km
10. Gwalior trade fair
One of the largest fairs of Madhya Pradesh. This was started by Maharaj Madhav Rao Scindia. A unique blend of art and business the Gwalior trade fair has behind its history of 110 years. The items sold range from clothes, electric appliances, pottery, and cattle. The mela usually is held through December and lasts for a month, spilling over into the new year, giving attendees the perfect avenue to do all that holiday shopping.
Entry fee: N/A
Opening time: December to January
Ideal for: shopaholics, experience seekers
Distance from the station:Â 2.5 km
Amazing article by the tour buddy. Really like the work done on research
I went to gwalior more than ten times and there is always something to do in the city.