Gwalior is a city in Madhya Pradesh brimming with colloquial aspects of history and wonderful natural vistas. The magnetic charm of Gwalior profuses to your core while you explore the geographical nuances of this place.
It is believed that this city was founded by King Suraj Sen in the 8th century AD. The legend says that Suraj Sen was suffering from leprosy and was cured by a holy man, a yogi. And as soon as he was cured he went on to find and establish a town, naming it Gwalipa which in the future came to be known as Gwalior.
While trotting around, you will come across many historical destinations and spots. For instance, Jai Vilas Palace is quite famous in Gwalior. One fact which will blow your mind is that it almost took 12 years to complete the carpet in the Jai Vilas Palace. Due to its weight and size, it is considered the largest carpet in the world.
Apart from all this, Gwalior is also known for several other reasons like the great Indian musician Tansen was born here. And it is to commemorate him that every year Tansen Music Festival in India celebrated here.
Best Time to Visit Gwalior
So, if you want to taste the glory of this mystical city then the best time to visit Gwalior is between the months of October and March.
History of Gwalior
Gwalior has seen its fair share of historical upheavals as well, where many dynasties and kings ruled it at different timelines. For instance, it was in 1231, that Iltutmish captured the Gwalior Fort after which this city remained under Muslim dominance until the 13th century.
By 1375, the founder of Tomar Clan Raja Veer Singh was made the king and by 1730, Gwalior was under the rule of the Scindia dynasty. Come 1857 and Gwalior saw the rebellion against the Britishers. As the rebellion was lost, it came under the control of the Britishers.
Places To Visit In Gwalior
Gwalior is very popular among locals and tourists. It is considered one of the best tourist places in Madhya Pradesh. Here's the list of the places to visit in Gwalior.
1. Gwalior Fort
Also known as the Pearl among the fortresses in India, Gwalior Fort is considered one of the most impenetrable fortresses located in northern as well as southern India. Due to the presence of this tourist attraction, Gwalior has managed to surface on the tourism map of India.
2. Jai Vilas Palace
This palace rightly depicts the Indian culture and was known for its luxurious opulence in the past. It was built by the Maharaja of Gwalior, Jayaji Rao Scindia for the purpose of welcoming King Edward VII who was the Prince of Wales in 1874. Currently, it serves as the royal abode of the Scindia family.
3. Man Mandir Palace
Located at the North-East end of the fort, Man Mandir Palace was built in about 30 years from 1486 to 1516 by Man Singh Tomar. This palace couldn’t survive with time, however, that doesn’t mean the grandeur of the palace has been lost in any way. The best part is that while on your trip to this palace, you can also explore nearby destinations like Jehangir Mahal, Gujari Mahal, and many other spots.
How to Reach Gwalior
Gwalior is an interesting city to visit as it is filled with a lot to explore and discover. It is situated at a distance of about 364, 1,105, 1,263, 1,794 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can travel here by the following means of public transportation.
By Air
If you are planning to visit by plane, then deboard at Gwalior Airport (GWL). This is basically a civil enclave airport and is counted amongst one of the six airports in Madhya Pradesh. Spread over an area of 760 acres, the airport has been well connected with other major carriers routing to and fro from various Indian cities. Once you deboard at the airport, consider booking a taxi or avail any local conveyance available to reach here.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Gwalior
By Train
You can either deboard at the Gwalior Junction (GWL) or Birlanagar Junction (BLNR) as per your convenience. The Gwalior Junction is considered a major commercial station that comes under the North Central Railway. It is one of the few stations in India which still supports the facility of narrow as well as broad-gauge tracks.
Compared to Gwalior Junction, this one is quite small with three platforms. The station doesn’t have average facilities. After deboarding at the station, you can easily find a local means of transport to reach your respective destination.
By Road
Depending upon your geographical location, you can consider traveling to Gwalior via a motorable network of roadways and national highways. For traveling here, you can easily book online buses from government portals or private websites. If you don’t want to travel on a bus, then, you can consider traveling in a taxi or otherwise, you can also take your own vehicle.
- From Kanpur - 266 km via NH19
- From Jhansi - 102 km via NH44
- From Kota - 340 km via NH27 or NH46
Frequently Asked Questions about Gwalior
Q: What are some popular places to visit in Gwalior?
A: Some popular places to visit in Gwalior include Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, Tansen Tomb, Teli Ka Mandir and Sas-Bahu Temple.
Q: Are there any famous festivals in Gwalior?
A: Yes, Gwalior is famous for its Tansen Music Festival, held annually in the memory of the famous musician Tansen.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
