Jai Vilas Palace. All images by Kritika Pandey
A city in Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior is known for its contribution to the history of India. Its history dates back to a legend when in 8 A.D, a chieftain called Suraj Sen was stricken by a deadly disease. He was cured by a hermit saint Gwalipa. He founded the city of Gwalior, which he named after the saint, in gratitude towards him. The city became renowned for its warrior kings, poets, musicians and saints. Today, the memorials of freedom fighters like Tatya tope and Rani of Jhansi stand side by side with the trappings of modernity.
The Sun Temple
The Sun Temple
Built by the Birla group, this temple is dedicated to Lord Surya or the Sun. Inspired by the famous Konark Sun Temple in Orissa, the temple is surrounded by well-maintained gardens. You can often see several peacocks and squirrels around the temple.
Gwalior Fort
A structure that dominates the city, the Gwalior Fort stands tall on a steep mass of sandstone and has been the scene of several events–imprisonments, battles and jauhars. A steep road winds upwards, flanked by statues of Jain tirthankaras, which have been carved into the rock face. Believed to be one of the most unconquerable forts in India, the outer walls are 35 feet high. The fort houses several architectural marvels including the Man Mandir Palace and the Gujari Mahal. In the evening there is a light and sound show and the Man Mandir Palace, briefing the audience about the history of the fort and of Gwalior.
Man Mandir Palace
Built by Raja Mansingh between 1486 and 1517, the Man Mandir Palace is located on a hill and can be reached by vehicle. Famous for its architecture and carvings, today its rooms stand bare. Behind vast stone screens, the royal ladies would learn music from the great masters or would listen to live music of some of the greatest musicians of the time. Prisoners of the Mughals were housed in the dungeons of the palace. As history goes, Emperor Aurangzeb held his brother Murad in the dungeons and later executed him here.
Not far from the palace structure is the Jauhar Pond, where according to Rajput tradition the queens committed mass sati after their kings had been been defeated in battle. You can also visit the palace museum.
Temple Room at the Jai Vilas Palace
Jai Vilas Palace/Scindia Museum
35 rooms of the Jai Vilas Palace are currently used as the Scindia Museum, which includes a dining table that has a silver train with cut-glass wagons running along it, making it easier to serve. Anybody who needed anything could simply press the button and the train carrying the dishes would stop at his spot. Other treasures include an Italian glass cradle used for the baby Krishna each Janamashtami, swords once used by Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan, the jewelled slippers of Chinkoo Rani, four-poster beds, hunting trophies and portraits.
Mausoleum of Ghous Mohammed
Don’t miss out on a visit to the mausoleum of Ghous Mohammed, an Afghan prince, designed according to Mughal architecture. The screens made using the pierced stone technique are particularly worth seeing.
Tansen’s Tomb
The tomb of the father of Hindustani classical music Tansen, lies in Gwalior. Built in the early Mughal architectural style, the tomb is more than just a monument. Musical performances and festivals at a national level are held here.
Memorial of Rani of Jhansi and Tatya Tope
Gwalior is also the place where Rani of Jhansi, a great freedom fighter, died in 1858 while fighting the British. A memorial has been erected in her honour. Another memorial to Tatya Tope also lies in Gwalior.
Sarod Ghar
Set up in the ancestral house of Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan, this Museum of Music is home to many ancient instruments of great Indian music masters, as well a collection of photographs and documents. Devoted to promoting Indian classical music, heritage and culture,Sarod Ghar is a `window` to the past. The museum offers a better understanding of the evolution and history of Indian classical music and gives a deeper perspective into its context as it exists today.
Gwalior Zoo
Gwalior Zoo
You can also visit the Gwalior Zoo, which is home to several animals and reptiles including snakes, deer, tigers, lion, hippos and more
For those on a shopping Spree
Head to Baade if you’re looking for cotton clothes at a reasonable rate. You can also shop for footwear and Chanderiand Maheshwari saris.
Food in Gwalior
A must try are the kebabs, bhutte ki kees, mawa-bati, khoprapak and malpua. There are several restaurants near Gwaliorstation, which serve good food. There are many veg restaurants that serve food without onion and garlic.
With Inputs from Kritika Pandey