Gwalior is a historical city in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The city is named after a saint Gwalipa. According to the folklore, in 8th century a chieftain Suraj Sen was cured of deadly disease by showing him d way to the Suraj Kund. After drinking the water from this pool, Suraj Sen was cured and named the city after the saint. Gwalior is famous for its rich culture and heritage. One of the main attractions is the Tansen Music Festival, which is held here every year. Owing to its majestic historical monuments, it is a sought after destination from travel and tourism point of view.

Tourist Attractions

The major tourist attraction in Gwalior is the Fort. It was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar in 15th century. It is the most magnificent building in the city, which dominates all. Acclaimed as the 'Pearl amongst the Fortress in India', by Mughal Emperor Babar, it stands on a sandstone rock. A narrow road leads to the fort, which has figures of Jain Tirthankaras, craved out of rocks. The invincible fort presents the perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. It was handed over to Scindias after the independence and offers breathtaking sites of palaces, temples, gates and water tanks in its premises.

The must visit temples in the complex includes Saas Bahu Temple. These are two pillared temples standing next to each other. Built in 9th century, one is bigger than the other. The Chaturbhuj Mandir is essentially a Vaishnavite shrine. Another famous temple within the fort is Teli ka Mandir. Also called the 'Oilmans' temple, it was initially a Vaishnavite shrine, but has now been used to worship Lord Shiva. The architecture of this temple is quite unusual, as there are no pillared Mandapa or pavilions, rather a Buddhist barrel vaulted roof.

Another fascinating royal monument in the city is Man Mandir Palace. It was built between 1486 and 1517 by Raja Mansingh. Though the place has lost its age old glory to a great extent, its ruins still enchants the visitors. It houses majestic structures like vast chambers, dancing halls, grimy dungeons etc. It even has a Jauhar pond, wherein the queens committed sati (suicide) after their consorts lost battles. The otherwise tranquil and deserted palace comes to life with the Son-et-Lumiere, every evening.

Jai Vilas Palace and Museum is one of the most interesting places in Gwalior. It is the current residence of Scindia family. The 25 grand rooms of the palace have been converted into museum. It includes the personal effects of the royal family, such as silver train with cutglass wagons, glass cradle for baby Krishna, silver dinner services and swords belonging to Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan. Moreover, it also displays personal mementoes, gifts, hunting trophies and portraits belonging to the Scindia family. Other places to see in Gwalior are Tomb of Ghaus Mohammed and Tansen, Gujari Palace, Sun Temple etc.

How to Reach
By Air: Gwalior has its own Airport, which operates regular flights to various cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Indore and Bhopal.

By Rail: Gwalior is one of the major commercial railway stations of North-Central Railway. It has three stations and lies on the longest broad gauge line between Delhi and Mumbai. Thus, reaching Gwalior by train is quite convenient.

By Road: Gwalior boasts of well maintained Inter State Bus Terminal, which operates transport services, linking it to other states. It even passes through National and State Highways, which make it quite accessible from other parts of the country.