GwaliorTravel Guide
General Information
Situated in Madhya pradesh, Gwalior is known as "the land of music, art and history". It is the birth place of the legendery Miyan Tansen (Music Samrat). An ancient city boasting of its rich cultural heritage of the great Rajput, the Kachchwas and the Tomar dynasties. The city is proud of its ancient culture blended with modern outlook.Gwalior houses one of India's oldest fort the Gwalior Fort which has within its vast premises, the carved Jain Sculptures, the Mansingh Palalce, and several other attractions.
As a city, Gwalior is divided into three urban sections-Gwalior the old city, Morar is the cantonment area and Lashkar is the new city. Lashkar is famous as it is lined up with bazaar, market complexes and showrooms. Shopping in Gwalior can be a rare experience as there numerous bazaars such as the Sarafa Bazaar famous for jewellery ,sarees and handicraft. There is Topi Bazaar well known for leather goods. All these Bazaars may not have a sophisticated look but still they have a charm that reminds of the bygone era.
How to reach Gwalior
Weather Overview
Gwalior experiences extreme climate .Summers are hot and winters are cold.. The maximum temperature during the summer months shoots upto more than 46�C, while in the winters it goes down to below 5�C. The city experiences the onset of monsoon usually from from the first week of June and remains there till August/September.The best time to visit this place is from September to March.
Places Of Interest
- Gwalior Fort
- Man Mandir Palace
- Maqbara of Md Ghous and Tansen
- Jai Vilas Palace
- Daata Bandi Chhor Gurudwara
- Garhi Mitawali
- Garhi Padawali
Gwalior Fort
Gwalior Fort
Situated at 91m higher than the city ,2.8km long x 200-800m wide, sorrounded by 9m high wall , made of sand stone on vertical hill, the majestic Gwalior fort is one of the largest and the mightiest forts in India. Standing on a steep mass of sandstone the fort dominates the city like a great monolith and is its most magnificient monument.The imposing structure inspired the emperor Babar to describe it as 'the Pearl amongst the Fortresses of Hind'.
Man Mandir Palace
Man Mandir Palace
The glory of Gwalior fort is epitomized in the resplendent Man Mandir,built between 1486 and 1517 by Raja Man Singh.Delicate decorative carvings add to the beauty of this place.The Man Mandir Palace still depicts the chivalry and heroism in its ambience and the chambers are intricately designed.
Maqbara of Md Ghous and Tansen
Maqbara of Md Ghous and Tansen
Afghan Prince Ghous Maqbara is very attractive. On 4-sides there are hexagonal towers with a dome in the middle.Lattice work or jhilmili style of Gwalior is found in the maqbara of Ghous.
Jai Vilas Palace
Jai Vilas Palace
Built in 1872-74 on the occasion of the arrival of Prince of Wales ,it resembles the Italian Palazo.Sir Michael Filose mixed the Doric, Taksan and Corinthian style.The Grand Durbar is one of the finest in the world.Its is painted with gold leaves and decorated with enormous mirrors.Roofed with stone slabs,the hall is 36ftlong.Asia's biggest pair of chandeliers hang in the Darbar HallThe carpet spread over is Asia's largest single carpet.
Daata Bandi Chhor Gurudwara
Daata Bandi Chhor Gurudwara
In the trial of Jahangir, the 6th Sikh Guru Hargobind refused to pay a fine of rupees two lakh ,as consequence the Guru was sentenced to 2 months imprisonment here in this Man Mandir. In memory a Gurudwara was built named Bandi Chhor which is a sacred place to the Sikhs.The marble made Gurudwara has a dome, wrapped in gold.
Garhi Mitawali
Garhi Mitawali
Famous for the chausath yogini temple ,built in a circular structure ,it is situated on a hundred feet high mountain.Inside the center of the temple,a circular temple of Lord Shiva is present.It is attached with a circular verandah consisting of 64 rooms and a big courtyard.The of Parliament of India resembles the circular structure of this temple.It is about 40kms from Gwalior.
Garhi Padawali
Garhi Padawali
Established during the Gupta period,this place is famous for a splendid ancient Vishnu Temple which was later transformed into a big 'Gahri'. The terrace, courtyard and the assembly hall inside the temple are worth watching.There are thousands of sculptures embellised inside the temple.The statue of a lion standing at the gate is a reminder of the ancient culture.One can also get a glimpse of the ruins of several villages and temples near Gharon village inhabited near modern Padawali.
Shopping
Unlike the glamorous malls and markets of various cities of India, the bazaars of Gwalior have an earthy appeal that actually sync well with its glorious past. There are rows of shops lined up on the narrow streets where local vendors, merchants and shopkeepers lure ever passer by to get a taste of the various products. One is amazed by the variety of approaches. The scene appears like a straight lift from some movie based on the bazaars of medieval India.
The bazaars of Gwalior are very much Indian. No pomp, no branded tag, it has a typical aroma which can be found in any small town of contemporary India. While walking through the congested old markets, one feels nostalgic. The charm of the bygone era can be felt in these old bazaars. There are various collections of valuable traditional goods available at affordable prices. The city is the proud host to several oldest bazaars in the entire State of Madhya Pradesh. Explore the lanes of the Chowk at Bara shopkeeper and enjoy the hustle- bustle, relentless noise, crowd, spiced up with humour and colour typical flavour of Indian market. Long live the Indianess of the bazaars of Gwalior.
Eating Out
Gwaliorites love to gorge on Kachories', mouthwatering samosas' served with chutneys and spicy potato curries in the breakfast.For those who have a sweet tooth , Jalebis and the famous Rabdi will compel them to ask for more.
Visiting Gwalior and not trying out the crucncy Morena Gazak - a food item made up of jaggery and Til usually in winters, is a non-bailable offence.
Popular eating joints in Gwalior:
- Samosa at SS Kachoriwala
- Ladoos at Bahadhura
- Sweets at Naya Bazaarand Santa Claus Kids school at chhatri bazzar Ratnakar Bhawan
- Bhojan -Pure veg thalis in this restaurant.
Nightlife
Whether it offers blockbuster shows or popular local performers, night life can be a magical magnet drawing tourists to a destination. There are plenty of things to do in Gwalior, once the sun sets down, whether you are with your beloved or with friends. There are pubs in the select five star hotels of the city which offer well stocked bars and great ambience.
