
Gwalior is an ancient city and major city in Madhya Pradesh and the largest city in the Gird region of the state. It’s located 343km south of Delhi 120 km from Agra and 414km from Bhopal and is located in an important position. Recently, it was chosen as one of 100 Indian cities that will be transformed to become a Smart city.
It is located 343 km (213 miles) in the southern part of Delhi which is the capital in India, 120 kilometers (75 miles) away from Agra as well as 414 km (257 miles) from Bhopal which is the capital of the state and the city has an advantageous position within the Gird region of India. This city lies surrounded by hills of sandstone on all sides and is located near the Ganga-Yamuna drainage basin in the north.
Which is Gwalior known for?
A place of magnificent palaces and ancient temples, it’s the ancient sites of Gwalior which the town is known for. Gwalior Fort, also known as the Gwalior Fort has earned the town its most famous and famous landmark as well as the most popular destination to visit in Gwalior.
The story of the fort is the reason it’s so well-known. It was described as one of the “pearls among fortresses in India” by Babur. It is one of the most inaccessible fortresses in the northern and southern kingdoms, it’s situated on the top of an edgy mountain that looks across the whole city.
The magnificent structure was built by the Tomara Dynasty in the 6-7 centuries. The entire complex comprises the main temple as well as palaces named for legendary rulers. It was also referred to as”the Gibraltar of India. The fort is home to carvings that display the second-oldest mention of the number zero. Gwalior fort was built as two separate parts, during two different times. Therefore, the structure is a mix of two different periods of time.
The history of Gwalior
The city’s historical significance is that Gwalior is believed to have been established through the king Suraj Sen in 8AD. According to local legends, Suraj Sen, a local chieftain was treated for leprosy by a saint known as Gwalior. In honor of the saint, Suraj Sen established the city and called it Gwalior.
Gwalior has seen many shifts of rulers, ranging from to the Kachchhapaghatas during the time of the Kachchhapaghatas in the 10th century through the Tomars in the 13th century. Then came the Mughal Empire and the Marathas in the 18 19th centuries and then finally of the Scindias during the 18 century. century. They were the final royal family from Madhya Pradesh.
In the Colonial era, this city was the capital city of winter for the state. It was also a state of princely status in the hands of the Scindia rulers. In the Civil War of 1857 Gwalior was an important spot, which was occupied by rebels. Following the Independence of the country after 1947, Gwalior was merged with a variety of princely states, and then became Madhya Bharat, and finally designated in 1956 as Madhya Pradesh in 1956.
Hidden Facts about Gwalior
While the tourist destinations in Gwalior are the main focus of Gwalior as a city, it has fascinating facts that make the city even more fascinating. It is one of the places where some of the prominent royalty of India were once in power. Another fascinating fact about Gwalior is the rug that was woven at Jai Vilas Palace. Jai Vilas Palace. It is considered to be the largest carpet in the world and took nearly twelve years of weaving. The palace also features two enormous chandeliers, which are the largest on the planet, both measuring more than 3.5 tons.
Activities to enjoy in Gwalior
Apart from the well-known historical spots in Gwalior, it is also possible to take part in other exciting activities within and within the city.
Explore other historic sites that are worth visiting near Gwalior such as Gwalior’s Gopachal Parvat. The place is famous for the ruin sites of a cut-out rock Jain monuments dating from the 7th and 15th centuries.
Browse the renowned and vast retail stores located in Gwalior or visit local stores for local hand-crafted excellent, chanderi silk textiles, semi-precious stones, semi-precious gems, and artifacts.
Enjoy a trip along the food trails of the region. Visit famous eateries and taste some of the best-known dishes of Gwalior such as poha, kachori, petha lambi Pani poori, and many more.
Places to go to in Gwalior
It is also possible to include these popular tourist hotspots on your Gwalior tour itinerary. Also, Forts, palaces, and old mansions are among the most visited tourist destinations in Gwalior. Here’s a helpful guide to the must-see and must-see Gwalior ka Kila or Gwalior forts.
Gwalior zoo
- How to get there The zoo is just a few steps away from the railway station in the city. It is possible to walk or hire an automobile to reach.
- Timings – 10.30AM-5PM
- Registration Fee INR 20. Kids – INR 5.
- Timing Required – 1-2 hours
- Tips Beware of the stray monkeys roaming in the protected wildlife zone.
Sun Temple
- How to get there The temple is just 6 km from the city’s center. You can hire an auto or cab in the local area or take a bus to get there.
- Timings from 6:30 AM to 12 PM, 1 PM to 6 PM
- Cost of Entry Free
- Timing Requirement 1 hour
- Tips Visit during the evening hours to view the aarti in the evening at sunset.
Chaturbhuj Temple
- How to Get There The temple is close to the Fort just 4km away from the city’s center. It is possible to include this in your Fort visit.
- Timings 24 hours a day
- Entrance Fee Free
- Duration Required Less than one hour
- Tips Then, you can go to the near Gujari Mahal and the archeological museum, which houses ancient ruins.
Gwalior Fort
- How to Get There The Fort area is situated at 3.3KM of the train station. You can take an auto bus or a cab to get to.
- Timings – 6 AM-5.30 PM
- Cost of Entry INR 75, Free for children who are under 15 years of age
- Timing Requirement 3-4 hours
- Tips Don’t overlook the 9-the-century temple that is located on the premises as well as the sound and light performance that takes place at night.
Jai Vilas Palace
- How to get there The palace is situated about 3KM from the railway station. It is possible to hire a taxi or local auto, bus, or taxi to get there.
- Timings 10 AM – 4.45 PM (April till September) 10 AM – 4:30 PM (October till March) (Closed on Wednesdays)
- Entry Fee –
- Indians INR 100
- Camera/Mobile: INR 70
- Video Camera INR 150
- Children (up to 5 years old) Children (up to 5 years): Free
- Physically challenged people Physically Challenged People: Free
- Timing Requirement 2 to 3 hours
- Tips Explore the museum of the arts as well as the library, which contains more than 5000 books from different times.