Gwalior is a smart city that is located in Madhya Pradesh, India. For someone looking to go for a budget 2 day trip then Gwalior is the best location for you.
Gwalior’s history is traced back to a legend in 8th century AD when a chief tain known as Suraj Sen was struck by a deadly disease and cured by a hermit-saint Gwalipa. As a gratitude for that incidence, he founded this city by his name.
The new city of Gwalior became existence over the centuries.
The city took on a new dimension as a result of the warrior kings, poets, artists, and saints who helped it become well-known across the nation with each new dynasty.
In addition, the city serves as the location for the monuments honoring historical freedom fighters like Tatya Tope and the tenacious Rani of Jhansi.
As cool as the origin is , the places to see here are equally interesting . Below you will find the list of places you must visit if you are travelling to Gwalior.
Must Visit Places in Gwalior
Gwalior Fort
Gwalior fort complex consists of Man Singh Palace , Saas Bahu Temple, Gujari Mahal, Karna Mahal , Teli Ka Mandir, Shah Jahan Mahal, Jauhar Kund, Vikram Mahal, Data Bandi Chor Gurudwara and Jahangir Mahal.
The exact date of the fort is not known but common belief is that Raja Surya Sen was responsible for the construction of the current structure.
There are Jain tirthankara statues carved into the rock onto the steep road leading up to the fort. The fort’s majestic outside walls, which are two miles long and 35 feet high, continue to amuse the tourists, it attests to its reputation as one of India’s most preserved forts.
The construction of the Gwalior Fort took place in two parts, in two different time periods and thus, this architectural marvel has an intriguing history attached to it. It has passed from the possession of one dynasty to the other, multiple times.
The entire fort complex is well maintained and includes temples, water tanks and palaces such as Man Mandir, the Gujari, the Jahangir, the Karan, and the Shah Jahan.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Timings: From Sunrise To Sunset
Total Entry Fees: 100 INR
Jai Vilas Palace
Jai Vilas Palace is the residence of the Royal Scindia family who are regarded as the rulers of Gwalior. Around 25 rooms have been turned into the Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum, and in these rooms one can witness the royal lifestyle of the Royal Family.
This mahal combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes to present a beautiful sight to watch.
The imposing Darbar Hall has two central chandeliers weighing a couple of tonnes, and hung only after ten elephants had tested the strength of the roof. Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy draperies and tapestries , fine Persian carpets and antique furniture from France and Italy are the features of these spacious rooms.
Eye catching treasures include : a silver train with cutglass wagons which served guests as it chugged around the table on miniature rails; a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna each Janmashtami, silver dinner services and swords that were once worn by Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan.
These are ,besides, personal momentoes of past members of the Scindia family : the jeweled slippers that belonged to Chinkoo Rani , four-poster beds, gifts from practically every country in the world, hunting trophies and portraits.
The Scindia Museum offers an unparalled glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fees: 300 INR
Note: Please Hire a guide which costs about 250 INR
Gwalior Zoo (Gandhi Zoo)
Gwalior Zoo or Gandhi Zoo was established by the royal family Madhao Rao Scindia in 1922.
This zoo houses various rare species of animals like sambhars, bison, hyena, spotted deer, black bucks , a white tiger , black bear , crocodile , ghariyal ,etc
Several species of birds can also be spotted in the zoo which include different varieties of parrots , eagle , several species of birds, etc.
The Gwalior Zoo makes for a pleasant outing with family, especially for kids. It is also an attractive destination for enthusiasts who would like to see wildlife in the city, including rare and protected species such as the white tiger.
Timings : 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Friday)
Time Required : 1-2 hrs
Entry Fee : Adults: INR 20, Kids: INR 5
Moti Mahal
Moti Mahal Of Gwalior or Moti Palace of Gwalior is one of the main buildings of Gwalior’s history. It is standing in the Phoolbaag area of Gwalior city.
It has been a centre of power in central India for more than 130 years. It was built in 1825 by the Scindhia ruler Maharaja Shrimant Daulat Rao Scindhia of Gwalior in a Hindu architectural style.
The Moti Mahal has around 300 rooms. The walls of many rooms and pillars of this historic building are polished in gold.
The 19th-century Moti Mahal, one of the most historic structures in the city, is surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains.
It was originally a Madhya Bharat Government office, but it is currently home to government offices. Highlights of this palace include the wall murals, mosaics, and gorgeous tempera colours that represent Ragas and Raginis.
It is worth Visiting in the night when it is well lit.
Maharani Lakshmi Bai Park
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
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.
Her cremation was performed here and 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 PM
How can you Reach Gwalior?
By Air
Gwalior Airport a.k.a Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Air Terminal is a domestic airport which is about 10 km from Gwalior. It has regular flights to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Indore and Bhopal.
By Rail
Gwalior railway station is very well connected to major cities across India by direct train links.
This city is directly connected to Jammu, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Dehradun, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Kanyakumari, Vishakhapatnam, Patna, Kolkata, etc.
By Road
Gwalior is well connected by roads. The place is connected to all the major towns of Madhya Pradesh and the adjoining areas. It is linked to Agra which is at a distance of 118 kms.
It is well connected to Mathura and Jaipur which is at a distance of 350 kms. Delhi lies at a distance of 321 kms, Lucknow and Bhopal are just 423 kms away and Chanderi is at a distance of 239 kms.
Places To Eat
Indian Coffee House
Local folks suggested me to visit this restaurant which is located near the jai vilas palace and gwalior zoo. I must say the food was tasty. I ordered a masala dosa , veg chowmin and chole bhature.
All of them exceeded my expectations. Being from Delhi i am used to eating chole bhature but the ones they served here were amazing. They were thin from all the edges and felt light. Chowmin had a good amount of veggies which is the way I like. The service and ambience both were nice. I suggest people to visit this cafe once.
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