Gwalior is a significant city in Madhya Pradesh, contributing significantly to the state's tourism. Known for its historical monuments, prestigious museums, beautiful temples, a well-maintained zoo, mouthwatering delicacies, and tranquil waterbodies, the city of Gwalior is a great destination for both domestic and international tourists. Having a rich history dating back to ancient times, Gwalior has a lot in terms of tourist attractions and places of interest, catering to a wide range of interests.
Whether you visit this historical city for 1 day or 10 days, Gwalior will never disappoint you. If you are a cultural enthusiast and looking for the perfect destination in Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior is the ultimate place to go. Here you will have a wonderful opportunity to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage and architectural masterpieces in the form of forts, palaces, temples, and other structures. When exploring the city, you will also observe a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity.
If you are willing to know what Gwalior tourism has to offer its visitors, there are several interesting places and attractions. Tourism here is predominantly centered around several historical and heritage sites. Prominent sites include Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, Tansen’s Samadhi, Sun Temple, Saas Bahu Temple, Teli Ka Mandir, Man Mandir Palace, Gujari Mahal, Gopachal Jain Parvat, and nearby Bateshwar Hindu Temples.
Although there are plenty of things to do and see on your Gwalior tour, the best thing you can do is undoubtedly explore the iconic Gwalior Fort and its different sections. Perched atop a steep hill, the entire fort complex is an architectural masterpiece that attracts tourists from all around the world. This is why it is also considered a personification of Gwalior’s historical significance. If you have not seen Gwalior Fort, you have not seen anything—this is what Gwalior means. Historically, the Gwalior Fort dates back to the 6th century and still showcases its brilliance. This majestic fort complex has been under the rule of various dynasties, including the Guptas, Pratiharas, Tomars, Mughals, Marathas, Scindias, and British.
Another significant tourist attraction that draws the attention of tourists in Gwalior is the 11th-century Sas Bahu Temple, also called Sahastrabahu Temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, this significant temple complex is a must-visit during any Gwalior trip. The architectural beauty of the temple will not disappoint you.
Of course, Gwalior is known for its heritage attractions like Gwalior Fort and Sas Bahu Temple. There are many other interesting places that you can explore and visit on your tour. If you are looking for a family-friendly destination where you can spend some quality time with your kids and other family members, the Gwalior Zoo would be a great choice. Here you will have a wonderful opportunity to see a diverse range of animals, like tigers, lions, leopards, and exotic birds. The best thing about the zoo visit in Gwalior is that you can teach your kids how a zoo plays a significant role in wildlife conservation and education.
If you are thinking your Gwalior tour is complete after exploring major attractions like Gwalior Fort and Sasbahu Temple, the city still has something to offer. Yes, this is about trying out the local delicacies. People say if you did not try Gwalior Ki Kachori, then what have you done during your tour? Petha Gilori, Poha, Karela Chaat, Paneer Jalebi, and Lambi Pani Puri are some other mouthwatering delicacies you can enjoy on your Gwalior tour.
Top Tourist Attractions in and Around Gwalior
Gwalior Fort
A visit to Gwalior Fort is a must-see attraction on every Gwalior tour itinerary. It will take you on a journey through time and give you an experience to cherish for a lifetime. Perched on a sandstone hilltop, the majestic Gwalior Fort is one of the most iconic and historically significant tourist attractions in the city. Dating back to the 6th century, this splendid fortress boasts a rich legacy and showcases spectacular architecture and intricate carvings. When exploring the fort, you will see several other attractions within the complex. The prominent monuments and structures within the fort complex are Man Mandir Palace, Karn Mahal, Vikram Mahal, Jain Temples, Teli Ka Mandir, Garuda Monument (dedicated to Lord Vishnu), Sas Bahu Temples, Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhor, and Gujari Mahal (now a museum). If you are a history buff or an architecture enthusiast, you must explore this grand fort on your Gwalior tour.
Sasbahu Temple
When exploring the Gwalior Fort, you will also have the opportunity to see the Sas Bahu Temples within the complex. The temples are a fine example of ancient Indian architecture and craftsmanship. Built in 1092–93 by the Kachchhapaghata dynasty, the temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. There is a misconception that these temples were named after mothers-in-law (Saas) and daughters-in-law (Bahu). However, this is not true; it is just a misinterpretation of “Sahastrabahu”, another name for Lord Vishnu. This is why this temple is also called the Sahastrabahu Temple. The intricate carvings, ornate pillars, and detailed sculptures of the temples will never fail to mesmerize you.
Man Mandir Palace
Another must-visit attraction within Gwalior Fort is Man Mandir Palace. Constructed in the 15th century by Raj Man Singh Tomar of the Tomar Dynasty, this ancient palace is very popular among tourists on Gwalior tours due to its impressive architecture. Often referred to as a Painted Palace, the Man Mandir Palace offers tourists a foretaste of India’s rich history and architectural heritage. If you are interested in exploring the royal history of Gwalior, you should not miss visiting this elegant palace.
Teli Ka Mandir
Dating back to between the 8th and 9th centuries, Teli Mandir or Teli Ka Mandir is another significant attraction within Gwalior Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and the Matrikas (a group of mother goddesses in Hinduism), this famous temple was constructed by the Pratihara emperor Mihira Bhoja. When exploring the temple, you will see a beautiful blend of north and south Indian architectural styles. According to legend, the Teli Ka Temple was originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It was severely damaged during Muslim raids. Then, it was restored into a Shiva Temple by installing a Shivalinga. The temple was refurbished between 1881 and 1883.
Garuda Monument
When visiting the Teli K Mandir in Gwalior Fort, you should also not forget to visit the Garuda Monument, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This spiritual monument is located close to the Teli Ka Mandir and is the highest in the fort. The architecture of the monument exhibits a fine blend of Muslim and Indian architectural styles.
Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhor
Built during the 1970s and 1980s, the Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhor is another famous attraction in Gwalior Fort. According to history, this is the place where the Sikh’s 6th Guru Hargobind Sahib was arrested and held captive by Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1909.
Gujari Mahal (Now a Museum)
Situated inside the Gwalior Fort, Gujari Mahal is also a major attraction among tourists visiting Gwalior. Now a museum, this historical palace was built by the Tomar Rajput ruler Raja Man Singh Tomar for his beloved Queen, Mrignayani, who belonged to the Gujjar tribe. Legend says that the queen demanded a separate palace for herself with a regular water supply through a channel from the nearby Rai River. This is why the king built this palace. The palace showcases an excellent example of Rajput architecture and features intricate stone carvings and stunning design elements.
This historic and beautiful palace has now been converted into an archaeological museum and is called the Gujari Mahal Archeological Museum or State Archaeological Museum. Sometimes, it is also referred to as the Gwalior Fort Museum. In this historical museum, you can see a diverse collection of sculptures, artefacts, and inscriptions. All these exhibits will remind you of the rich history and art of the region.
Jai Vilas Mahal
The Jal Vilash Mahal, also known as the Jal Vilas Palace, is undoubtedly one of the must-visit tourist attractions and most iconic landmarks in Gwalior. It is a highlight of many Gwalior tours and attracts tourists from all around the world. Built in 1874 by Jayajirao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior in the British Raj, this grand palace showcases a blend of several European architectural styles, such as Tuscan, Italian-Doric, and Corinthian influences. This creates a majestic and regal appearance of the palace.
Located at a distance of around 4 km from the iconic Gwalior Fort, the Jai Vilas Mahal is better known for its opulent Durbar Hall, which features one of the world's largest chandeliers and intricate gold leaf work on the ceiling. A portal of this grand palace has been converted into a museum. The museum showcases a vast collection of items, including royal artifacts, vintage furniture, paintings, weapons, and historic memorabilia of the Scindia dynasty. It also exhibits a silver carriage, which was used by the legendary Rani Laxmibai. You should also learn the fact that the palace is still the residence of the Scindia family.
Ghaus Mohammed Tomb
Ghaus Mohammed Tomb is a red sandstone mausoleum of Ghaus Mohammed, the prince of Afghanistan who later became a Sufi saint. Designed on an early Mughal-inspired structure, the monument features beautiful screens which use the pierced stone technique as delicately as lace. Legends say that Ghaus Mohammed had an important position in the history of Mughal India. He had great influence over Mughal emperors, Babur and Humayun. Another significant thing is that he is also considered the spiritual Guru of Tansen. It is believed that Tansen's music was deeply influenced by the musical teachings of Ghaus Mohammed. You can reach this monument on the way to Gwalior Fort from the railway station.
Tansen’s Samadhi
Take just a short walk from the historic Tomb of Mohammed Ghau, you will reach the modest yet historically significant tomb of Tansen, also called Tansen’s Samadhi or Tansen Ki Samadhi. Tansen was a legendary figure in Indian classical music and one of the Navratnas (Nine Jewels) of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The major highlight of this monument is its annual grand musical celebration. Every year, during November and December, the musical celebration is organized, which is also called the Tansen Music Festival. During this festival, prominent musicians and artists from across India and the world come here to pay tribute to the music maestro, Tansen.
Sun Temple
Constructed in 1988, the Sun Temple (Surya Mandir) is another pride for Gwalior. The architecture of this temple is deeply inspired by the designs of the very famous Konark Sun Temple. The temple is built in red sandstone, and its exteriors are a suitable location for dawn and sunset photography. Inside the temple, you will see all the statues beautifully carved in white marble.
Gopachal Rock-Cut Jain Monuments
Also called the Gopachal Parvat, the Gopachal Rock-Cut Jain Monuments are a group of Jain monuments. The highlight of Gopachal Parvat is gigantic proportionate Jain rock-cut carvings dated to between the 14th and 15th centuries. This prominent group of monuments is located around the walls of the iconic Gwalior Fort. When exploring this group of Jain monuments, you will find a number of Jain rock shrines. The most prominent one is the Jain Tirthankar statues, Ek Pathar ki Bavadi. If you are a history buff or architecture lover, you must not visit Gopachal Parvat on your Gwalior tours.
Bateshwar Hindu Temples
Located at a distance of around 35 km from Gwalior, the Bateshwar Hindu Temples are a group of roughly 200 sandstone Hindu temples and their ruins, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and other Hindu deities. These temples exhibit the early Gurjara-Pratihara style of North Indian temple architecture. Most temples are small and spread over an area of 25 acres. Surrounded by rocky hills and peaceful landscapes, Bateshwar is a hidden gem that adds a unique spiritual and historical touch to Gwalior tours.
Best time to visit Gwalior
You can embark on Gwalior tours throughout the year. However, if you want to ensure your journey is comfortable, you should avoid summer. The summer in Gwalior can be so harsh that you cannot explore all the places comfortably. The rest of the year, except summer months, is okay to explore Gwalior and its attractions. The best time to embark on Gwalior tours without any hassle and heat wave is between October to March.
How to reach Gwalior?
By Air: The Gwalior Airport is well-connected to destinations like Delhi, Indore, Mumbai, and Bhopal.
By Rail: Gwalior is well-connected by railway networks to all of India’s major cities, like Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Dehradun, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Patna, Trivandrum, and Kolkata.
By Road: Gwalior has excellent road connectivity with all the major cities and towns of Madhya Pradesh.
