Gwalior; the capital city, situated in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, the centrally located state in india.
It is beleived that the city is named after a saint who cured the local King from leprosy. The history of this city dates back to over 1000 years and has been a cradle of many dynasties that ruled India. From the rulers like Lodhis, Mughals and the Marathas all have had their share to give it an imposing look and feeling it has today. The first freedom struggle of India took place here in 1857.
The city has both, a modern look known as the new Gwalior and an ancient look known as the old Gwalior.
Let’s take a TOUR OF GWALIOR!
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Gwalior Fort:
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Its one huge and most majestic fort I have seen in India. It overlooks the entire city but to me it seemed as if it overlooks the entire state!! The horizon stretches far beyond the city and at night it’s a bewitching view when the whole city is coverd in light!
There are many small Temples and gardens within and around the fort and many places of ruins. They all remind us of the splendor of this place that once it was.
Also attend the ’Light and Sound Show’ in the evening which tries to capture the fort history through light and sound effects!
The famous Scindia School is located midway on this fort. Scindia was the dynasty that ruled last when India was but many a princely state.
Jai Vilas Palace:
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This is a palace turned musuem with rare collections of the Scindia Dynasty on display for the pulic. Half the palace is still the home of Scindia’s and the other half is museum. But it stores the WORLD’S LARGEST and HEAVIEST CHANDELIER! There are various sections. But the section displaying the armours and the war weapons and clothes are just amazing. There are many paintings and old coins and stamps and barroquely designed thrones of kings and queens leave a deep impression of the majesty that this palace must once have been.
You can also take a ride in the chariot around the palace!
Sun Temple:
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Located close to the fort, its an ancient temple with majestic gardens surrounding it.
Tomb of Tansen:
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One of the Gem of Mughal emperor Akbar’s court, renonwned for his classical music. It’s a simple structure but the delicate carving and engraving on the stones captures our attention.
Every year there is an annual Music Festival around this place somewhere in Dec/Jan.
Tomb of Ghaus Mohammed:
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An Afghan prince turned sufi saint who helped first Moghul emperor Babur to capture the Gwalior fort is burried here. His tomb is more delicately carved and is huge compared to Tansen’s tomb. Here I saw many types of squirrels and was a treat feeding them with my own hands!!
Other Attractions :
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There are many small towns and historical places located close tthe Gwalior city and are worth visiting:
1. Datia : This place is since the epic times of Mahabarat and has classic seven storey palace which is famous fro its architecture more commonly known as the bhundelkhand architecture.
2. Tigra Dam : This is a famous Indian dam and a great picnic spot.
There are many other interesting places in and around this city which I couldn’t visit but you can always find out about them from the tourism deparment.
Word of Advise: Beware of touts if you are a new comer. Also the travelling fare can be bargained if you take a private cab or autorickshaw. If you are going in a group the best would be to hire a van for a day
Weather : The tempeartures are extreme in summer and winter. The best time to visit would be Nov - Feb.
The old Gwalior is very congested and dirty and lacks good restaurant. But its a great spot for shopping handicraft items and ther artifacts. The new city is on a better side with wide roads and comparatively cleaner.
A must visit for thoe who love the stories of old kings and queens!