10 Best Things To Do In Gwalior, India

1. Gwalior Fort

No matter where you stand, the Gwalior Fort is clearly visible from every part of the city. Built upon a massive stone mastiff, the fort was once considered to be the strongest and most impenetrable fort in North India. It is because of this reason that the fort is also known as the “Pearl amongst fortresses in India.”

Built by Mughal Emperor Babur in the 14th-century, the fort is located about 100 meters (328 ft) above the city. One of the best-preserved heritages in the country, Gwalior Fort is a must visit for anyone who is interested in ancient forts and their craftsmanship.

Gwalior Fort

Address: Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474008

Website: Gwalior Fort

2. Man Mandir Palace

Named after the brave ruler, Man Singh Tomar, Man Mandir Palace was commissioned in the early 15th-century. Unfortunately, the palace was unable to survive the test of time; however, its remains are as best preserved by the government and heritage department as possible.

There are two separate apartments on ground level, and some underground prison cells that were used to keep the enemies captive. One of these prisons was used by Aurangzeb who kidnapped and imprisoned his brother Murad, and later poisoned him.

There is also the infamous Jauhar Kund where hundreds if not thousands of Rajput women committed mass suicide to avoid getting raped by the enemy’s army when the fort was breached in the 13th-century.

Man Mandir Palace

Address: Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474008

Website: Man Mandir Palace

3. Sun Temple

The Sun Temple, as the name suggests, was built for Sun that is worshipped in India as a deity. It is a recent addition and was built by none other than industrialist G. D. Birla in the year 1988.

Experts believe that the Gwalior Sun Temple was inspired and reproduced from the famous Sun Temple of Konark. Red sand stones, commonly found in the region, were used to build the external part while pure white marbles have been used in the interiors. Do not forget to spend some quality time in the great garden that accompanies the temple structure, adding to its calm and serene beauty.

Sun Temple

Address: Mahaveer, Morar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474004

Website: Sun Temple

4. Memorial of Tansen

Tansen is considered to be one of the greatest musical maestros in ancient India. The Tansen Memorial was built in his honor. It is said that the great Emperor Akbar had nine jewels, also known as Navratnas. Tansen was one of the nine. He was responsible for developing the Gwalior Gharana style of music.

Tansen Memorial is home to several music festivals that are organized here every year. The architecture reflects the fine craftsmanship that flourished during the Mughal Era. You will the reach the garden before seeing the memorial.

Memorial of Tansen

Address: Tansen Nagar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474002, India

5. Teli Ka Mandir

Another engineering marvel located in the Fort of Gwalior, Teli Ka Mandir was used to process oil in those days. The temple was built in the 9th-century, and is one of the tallest buildings inside the fort. The temple was closed after the Britishers invaded the country later in the 18th-century.

Even though the look of the temple is very much Dravidian, the sculptures that are found inside the temple represent North Indian architecture which is itself inspired by Buddhist architecture.

Teli Ka Mandir

Address: Fort Campus, Near Schiendhi School, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474001

Website: Teli Ka Mandir

6. Scindia Museum

Widely regarded as one of the most prominent museums in Madhya Pradesh, Scindia Museum was built in honor of Jivaji Rao Scindia. Located inside the Jaivillas Palace, as many as 35 rooms have been dedicated to house artifacts and other ancient works of craftsmanship here. You will find sculptures, coins, weapons, and paintings in the exhibition rooms that depict the rich history of Gwalior, and in particular, the Scindia Dynasty.

Scindia Museum

Address: Jaivilas Palace, Lashkar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474009

Website: Scindia Museum

7. Gwalior Zoo

Gwalior Zoo is the perfect getaway for a fun-filled family tour. You will get to see the fabled white tiger here which is definitely worth a visit. Apart from other wild animals, Gwalior Zoo is also popular for Phool Bagh, which was commissioned by Madha Rao Scindia and the inauguration was done by none other than the Price of Wales in the year 1922.

Gwalior Zoo

Address: Italian Garden Rd, Lashkar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474007

Website: Gwalior Zoo

8. Gujari Mahal

Gurjari Mahal is a state-owned archaeological museum that was yet again, built by Man Singh Tomar in the 15th-century. Legend has it that Mrignayani, wife of Man Singh, was the most beautiful woman in the country. Gurjari Mahal, now in ruins, was built in her honor as a symbol his undying love for her. You will find a number of sculptures, paintings, and statues that date back to 1st and 2nd-century AD.

Gujari Mahal

Address: Lohamandi, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474008

Website: Gujari Mahal

9. Tomb of Ghaus Mohammed

Ghaus Mohammed was a royal prince who was born in the 16th-century. Instead of becoming a warrior like his predecessors, he chose to become a sufi. His tomb was built in the 16th-century in the small town of Hazira. The charm of the tomb is such that it has become a famous pilgrimage for both Hindus and Muslims. It’s one of the finest examples of Mughal era architecture.

Tomb of Ghaus Mohammed

Address: 27 B, Tansen Rd, Tansen Nagar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474002

10. Sarod Ghar

Sarod Ghar is yet another museum, however, it specifically houses ancient musical instruments and other works of legendary musical maestro, Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan. It also features some unique instruments that were custom made. There are a number of photographs and documents that tell the musical journey of Gwalior in those days exhibited here.

Sarod Ghar

Address: Shekh Ki Bagiya, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474010

Website: Sarod Ghar

Dive into history

Gwalior has a lot to offer to those who are interested in history, arts, archaeology, forts, and old monuments. You will immediately fall in love with the Mughal Era. Take your time and do not rush from one site to another; absorb each experience.