Location: : In the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh
Main Tourist Attractions: Gwalior Fort, The Sas-Bahu temples,
The Chhatris, Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus, Jai Vilas Palace, Surya Mandir
(the replica of the Puri Sun Temple).
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearby Tourist Destinations: Chanderi, Orchha, Jhansi, Agra
Major Tourist Attraction:
Gujari Mahal
Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture. The 15th
century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh
Tomar for his intrepid Gujar Queen, Mrignayani. The outer structure
of Gujari Mahal has survived in an almost total state of preservation;
the interior has been converted into Archaeological Museum housing
rare antiquities,some of them dating back to the 1st century A.D.
Even though many of these have been defaced by the iconoclastic
Mughals , their perfection of form has survived the ravages of time.
Particularly worth seeing is the statue of Shalbhanjika from Gyraspur,
the tree goddess, the epitome of perfection in miniature . The statue
is kept in the custody of the museum's curator, and can be seen
on request.
The Fort
A palace-turned-temple has a charming legend attached to it. King
Madhukar Shah brought an idol of Lord Rama from Ayodhya to his capital
following the dream visitation of God Ram to be installed later
in a temple (now known as Chaturbhuj Temple). When the idol proved
impossible to move, the king recalled, too late, the deity's edict
that the image would remain in the place where it was first installed.
Today with its soaring spires and palatial structure, the temple
is surely one of the most unusual in India. It is also the only
temple in India where Ram is worshipped as a king.
Jai Vilas Palace and Museum
A splendor of a different kind exists in the Jai Vilas Palace, current
residence of the Scindia family.

Some
25 rooms have been turned into the Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum, and
in these rooms , so evocative of a regal lifestyle, the past comes
alive. Jai Vilas is an Italianate structure which combines the Tuscan
and Corinthian architectural modes. 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.
Man Mandir Palace
Built between 1486 and 1517 by Raja Mansingh.The tiles that once
adorned its exterior have not survived , but at the entrance , traces
of these still remain. Within the palace rooms stand bare, stripped
of their former glory, testifying to the passing of the centuries.
Vast chambers with fine stone screens were once the music halls,
and behind these screens, the royal ladies would learn music from
the great masters of the day. Below, circular dungeons housed the
state prisoners of the Mughals. Emperor Aurangzeb had his brother
, Murad imprisoned , and later executed here. Close by is Jauhar
Pond, where in the Rajput tradition, the Ranis committed mass sati
after their consorts had been defeated in battle. At Man Mandir
Palace, a poignant ambience of those days of chivalry and heroism
still lingers in the silent chambers. A superbly mounted Son-et-Lumiere
here brings it all alive every evening.
Ghaus Mohammed's Tomb
The sandstone mausoleum of the Afghan prince, Ghaus Mohammed, is
also designed on early Mughal lines. Particularly exquisite are
the screens which use the pierced stone technique as delicate as
lace. It is on the way to Gwalior fort near Hazira from Railway
Station.
Sun Temple
Located near the Residency at Morar, the newly constructed Sun Temple
takes its inspiration from the famous Konark Sun Temple in Orissa.
Distance from Railway Station / Bus Stand : 5.00 Kms. Approx.
Sarod Ghar
This Museum of Music has been set up in the old ancestral house
of the legendary Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan. It houses ancient instruments
of the great Indian Masters of yesteryears.It also houses an impressive
collection of photographs and documents.
Sarod Ghar is a unique institution devoted to promoting Indian classical
music, heritage and culture.Through this 'window' to the past ,
music lovers can gain a better understanding of the evolution and
history of our classical music and a deeper perspective and insight
into the context of the art as it exists today.
How to Reach
Air: The city has its own airport. The airport at Gwalior
receives domestic flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other cities.
Train : Gwalior is major station with many super fast and
express trains having a stoppage at Gwalior station. It is on the
Central Railway's main Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai lines.
Road: Gwalior is connected to most cities in India by road.
Gwalior is just 321 kms from Delhi and is well connected by major
cities.