About Gwalior
The Tomars, The Marthas and the Marwahs ruled Gwalior, a north Indian
princely City, now in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The fortress of Gwalior
is still a sign of art of the ancient Hindu kingdoms. Besides there are
remarkable Hindu temples such as " Saas-Bahu", "Teli ka
mandir" (Oilman's temple) within the fort. Some rock sculptures
pertaining to the Jains are still center of attraction, which includes a
colossal figure 57-ft high.
Inside the magnificent Gwalior Fort there is the Gujari mahal, Man Mandir
Palace, Ghaus Mohammed's tomb, and Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhod. Besides,
Gopachal Parvat (2 km), the Sarod Ghar (musical gharana) and the Jai Vilas
Palace and Museum are also places worth a visit.
Gwalior is still a princely state. The forts, ruins, jain sculptures and
hills give it a complete ancient Indian city look. The forts and palaces
present an inedible mark of valor. The city is still a representation of
Hindu dynasties and the Rajputs and Brahmins are the predominant caste in
the city.
Gwalior Fort – The fort is one fo the largest fort in India and
situated at the hill top of about 100 meters above the Gwalior city. The
fort is 1000 years old and built by Raja man Singh Tomar and passed through
many rulers time to time. The whole fort is adorned with two distinctive
style of architecture, one is Hindu style and another is Muslim. The
architecture of Gwalior fort stand tall among other forts in India even the
largest fort Agra Fort. The walls are steep to make them non-scalable.
Inside the fort there are three temples, six palaces and many water
reservoirs. The renowned places inside the Gwalior Fort includes Man Singh
Palace, Jauhar Kund, Jahangir Mahal, Shahjahan Mahal and the Gujri Mahal.
Saas Bahu Temple- Saas Bahu temple is situated inside the Gwalior
fort. It is a twin temple and built to commomorate the age old relations
between mother-in-law(saas) and daughter-in-law(bahu) in Indian society. The
twin temples were built on two pillars. These pillars stand nest to each
other. The temples are architecturally beautiful beacause of its exquisite
carving,sculptures and art work.
Surya Temple- The Surya temple of Gwalior is the mini representation
of world heritage sun temple in Konark. It is one of the major attractions
of Gwalior. These temple is a modern heritage and built by G.D Birla, the
famous industrialist inspired by the Sun Temple of Konark.
Gwalior State Archaeological Museum- It is a worth tourist spot in
Gwalior. The museum was established in the year of 1922 and preserve the
some rarest archaeoligical relics.
Jas Vilas Palace- This is an European style palace now converted
into a museum open daily except Monday. It was built by Mahraja Jiyaji Rao
Scindia to impress the then prince of Wales who visited the place in the
year of 1875. The Jas Vilas Place is decorated beautifully with furniture
from Varsailles, ornate mirrorworks, Venetian cut glass swings, Belgian
Chandeliers, intricate hand made carpets, large ethnic dining table with
tracks for the silver toy train that was used to carry food all over the
table to different chairs.
Not To Overlook-Excursions From Gwalior
Datia- It is situated about 74 km south east of Gwalior. The place
is famed for Bundela palaces and paintings. One of the main attraction of
Datia is the fort,which is one of the finest architecture in India. The
architecture of Fort and palaces were inspired from both Rajput and Mughals.
Sonagiri- It is located around 61 km from Gwalior on Delhi-Mumbai
main line. The place is an important pilgrimage place for Jains beacause it
is sacred to Digambar Jains. The place is adorned with white Jain temples
and the serene environment is really captivating.
Tigra Dam- It is near to Gwalior only 23 km away built on the river
Chambal. The place is famous among families beacause the place is ideal for
picnic and refreshment spot.
Pawaya- This is small village famed for its archaeological ruins.
The village is 68 km from the Gwalior city. The main attraction of Pawaya is
life-size statue of King Chaksha Manibhadra also the tourist often visit the
ruin fort of Parmar dynasty of 3rd century AD.
Location- Gwalior falls between 26-degree north latitude and 76
degree east longitude. It's 122 km south of Agra and 321 km from Delhi ( the
Capital of India).
Climate- Falling on the northern region of India Gwalior is usually
hot during summers. Maximum temperature could go up to 46 degree Celsius. In
the winter maximum is 22 degree while minimum is 6 degree Celsius. The
normal average rainfall is 751.2 mm. However recent years have seen rainfall
more than 900 mm a year.
How To Reach?
By Air- Gwalior has a airport 8 km away from the city. The airport
is connected with Mumbai, Bhopal, Indore, and Delhi.
By Rail- Railway network is linked with Delhi-Mumbai and
Delhi-Chennai rail link. Railway is well linked with Delhi and Agra.
By Road- Gwalior is well linked with Agra Mathura, Jaipur ,Delhi,
Lucknow, Bhopal ,Chanderi, Indore Jhansi , Khajuraho ,Ujjain , and Shivpuri.
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