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Gwalior is located around 321 kilometers from Delhi and is one of the most ancient and historical cities in the country.The city got its name after the famous sage Gwalipa cured the Kachhwaha clan chief from leprosy.The history of the city dates back to the 8th century. This erstwhile princely state still retains its royalty with the Scindias having their dynastic seat here.
The city is strategically placed right in between the north and the southern India.This has led to many attacks on the city by various dynasties over the centuries.One of the most precious gems of the Indian musical scenario also lived here.The city organizes the famous Tansen Music Festival every year to commemorate his memory.
Gwalior being a historical town bears witness to many significant historical incidents and offers numerous sites for tourism.People from all over the globe come and experience the beauty and historical richness of the place.
Some of the most prominent places of tourist interest can certainly include:
Gwalior Fort & Man Mandir Palace: The Gwalior Fort dates back to 1000 years when the Sage Gwalipa cured the clan chieftain Raja Suraj Sen.The Man Mandir palace in the fort was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar in the 15th century and is considered the prized possessions of the fort.He withstood the attacks on th effort by Sikander Lodhi of Delhi and then later on by Ibrahim Lodhi.
Gujri Mahal: This palace speaks about the love Raja Man Singh had for his ninth Gujar wife, Mrignayani who was supposed to be very bold and courageous.Their love story is part of th folk lore now.The palace has now been converted in to a museum and houses a large collection of stone carvings and also the Jain and Hindu artifacts.
Surya Mandir: The Surya Mandir in Gwalior is the replica of the Sun Temple at Konark in Orissa.The design and architecture of this temple have been inspired from the original one.The Surya Mandir was built by G.D.Birla, the famous Indian industrialist who is known for many beautiful temples across the country.
Teli Ka Mandir: This fascinating temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is built on the lines of Dravidian architecture.It was built in the 9th century and is more than 100 meters high making it the highest building in the fort.The roof of the temple signifies the Dravidian style while the walls and its decorations reflect the Indo-Aryan style of construction.
Saas-Bahu Temples: These twin temples are located adjacent to each other.But defying the notion that they are built to dedicate this relation, the temples have different sets of decorations and adornments.These temples are set on two pillars, one larger than the other.A beautifully carved Lotus embellishes the roof above the marvelously sculpted walls and pillars.
Jai Vilas Palace: The Jai Vilas Palace was built by Maharaja Jivaji Rao Scindia who had commissioned a British architect to design and build it.This was done to impress the Prince of Wales who visited here in 1875.The palace has an Italian structure combined with Tuscan and Corinthian architectural styles.
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