Gwalior Tourism

Gwalior is a prominent part of Madhya Pradesh tourism, known for its various historic monuments, museums, temples, zoo, delicacies and waterbodies. With a history dating back to ancient times, Gwalior offers a treasure trove of tourist attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you visit it for two days or ten, Gwalior won’t disappoint a traveller who loves to explore its rich cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and its fascinating blend of tradition and modernity.

Gwalior tourism basically involves several historic monuments like Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, Man Mandir Palace, Gujari Mahal, Teli Ka Mandir, Saas Bahu Temple etc. The best things to do in Gwalior without a doubt is to explore the iconic Gwalior Fort and its other parts. The whole complex of the fort stands atop a steep hill. It is not only an architectural masterpiece but also an embodiment of Gwalior's historical significance. The fort dates back to the 8th century and has been under the rule of various dynasties, including the Tomars, Mughals, and Scindias. Other than Gwalior Fort, Saas Bahu Temple is another famous place that attracts travellers across the country. Also known as the Sahastrabahu Temple, this 9th-century marvel is an architectural masterpiece. Despite the name "Sas Bahu," which translates to "mother-in-law and daughter-in-law," the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

After having a heritage sightseeing tour, you can add other places like the zoo, Tomb of Tansen, Tomb of Ghaus Mohammed, Suraj Kund, Tighra Dam to your Gwalior itinerary. The Gwalior Zoo is a popular family destination, offering a diverse array of wildlife. It houses a variety of species, including tigers, lions, leopards, and various exotic birds. The zoo is not just a place for entertainment but also plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation and education.

Along with visiting all of these places, your Gwalior trip cannot be completed if you do not try out its local delicacies. Some of the top things to do here other than a sightseeing tour is to taste Kachori, Laddu, Poha, Karela Chat and Petha Gilori. To try out these dishes you can visit places like MLB Colony and Ratnakar Choraha and indulge into the food scenes.

Top Tourist Attractions in and around Gwalior

• Gwalior Fort
• Jai Vilas Palace
• Man Mandir Palace
• Gujari Mahal
• Teli Ka Mandir

Gwalior Fort

One of the famous tourist attractions in Gwalior, Gwalior Fort is a historic fortress in India. It's a magnificent stone architecture perched on a hilltop in the city of Gwalior. This fort has a rich history dating back to the 3rd century. As per legends, the fort was built by a local king Suraj Sen. This heritage destination is known for its impressive architecture, with towering walls and grand palaces. Inside, you can find beautiful temples, water tanks and palaces like Man Mandir, the Jahangir, the Sas Bahu Temple, showcasing intricate carvings.

Jai Vilas Palace

Undoubtedly one of the must-visit destinations on a Gwalior sightseeing tour, Jai Vilas Palace is a stunning and historic palace located at a distance around four kilometres from Gwalior Fort. It was built by Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia in the late 19th century. The palace is known for its beautiful architecture, with a mix of European styles, and it has a famous Durbar Hall featuring an enormous chandelier. Inside, there is a museum with a vast collection of items from the Scindia dynasty, including weapons, textiles, and paintings. The palace's most famous exhibit is a silver carriage, which was used by Rani Laxmibai. It also has lovely gardens and is still the residence of the Scindia family.

Man Mandir Palace

Man Mandir Palace is one of the best places to visit in Gwalior inside Gwalior Fort. This ancient palace was constructed in the 15th century by Raja Man Singh Tomar, a King from the Tomar dynasty. The palace is known for its impressive architecture, often referred to as a Painted Palace, featuring styled tiles of green, turquoise and yellow. Man Mandir Palace offers visitors a glimpse into India's rich history and architectural heritage. Surrounded by other monuments such as Shah Jahan Mahal, Jehangir Mahal and Gujari Mahal, it is a must-visit attraction for those interested in exploring the royal history of Gwalior and the artistic marvels of the past.

Gujari Mahal

One of the famous Gwalior tourist places is Gujari Mahal, which is now a museum. This historic palace is situated inside Gwalior Fort. This palace was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar for his beloved queen, Mrignayani, in the 15th century. The palace is a fine example of Rajput architecture, featuring intricate stone carvings and a stunning design. The palace, which is now an archaeological museum, houses a diverse collection of sculptures, inscriptions, and artefacts, showcasing the rich history and art of the region. Visitors can explore the museum and gain insight into the cultural heritage and artistic achievements of Gwalior's past rulers.

Teli Ka Mandir

As per historical evidence, Teli Ka Mandir or Telika Temple was built between the early 8th and early 9th century. A sightseeing tour inside Gwalior Fort, especially with a travel guide will let you discover about this oldest part of the fort, Teli Ka Mandir. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Matrikas and it showcases a blend of north and south Indian architectural styles. Legend has it, the temple was originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu before it was extensively damaged by the Muslim rulers. Then it was restored into a Shiva temple.

Best Time to Visit Gwalior

October to March is the best time to visit Gwalior. During this time, the weather remains calm and pleasant with a minimum temperature of nine-degree celsius. Moreover, the Tansen Music Festival is held in November or December, which is one of the prime reasons to visit this place.