Gwalior is a historical city in the Madhya Pradesh state. Gwalior, known for its hilltop fort, is rich of palaces and magnificent temples, lending the city a majestic air that tells volumes about its great past.
Gwalior, a historic city built by King Surajesan, was once home to India’s most illustrious royalty. Jai Vilas Pala is home to the world’s largest carpet, which took about 12 years to weave, and two of the world’s most colossal chandeliers, each weighing close to 3.5 tonnes.
Tansen, the great Indian musician, was born in Gwalior, and his mausoleum is a significant landmark here. Every year in November/December, the city hosts the Tansen Music Festival, which features performances by classical musicians from all around the country on a stage near the tomb itself.
While in the city, visit the major monuments and museums, enjoy local specialities such as namkeen, and go boating in Tighra Dam.
Best time to visit Gwalior
The greatest time to visit is between October and January, when the temperatures are mildest and there are occasional showers, making the experience even more magical.
Peak Season in Gwalior
The peak tourism season in Gwalior is from November to February, when the city gets a large number of visitors. This is also the season for the legendary Tansen Music Festival, which is regarded as Gwalior’s most important event. It is a five-day celebration that takes place in November and December.
Food of Gwalior
Gwalior’s cuisine is as diverse as its architecture, heritage, and culture. Gwalior is known for its vegetarian cuisine, and there are several options available. This neighbourhood is noted for its extravagant breakfast, which includes kachoris, samosas, poha, and bedai. Try the kebabs, bhutte ki kees, Dal Bafla, Jalebi, Imarti, Rogan josh, mawa-bati, and Malpua, as well as traditional desserts like the Morena Gajak, among the native Madhya Pradesh cuisine. Aside from traditional specialties, there are a number of fast food places, which are quickly becoming a popular element of the city’s menu.
Places to Visit:
1. Gwalior Fort
On top of a rocky mountain in Madhya Pradesh, this phenomenal fortress was impenetrable during attacks. The fortress has witnessed many historical events and it is proudly stated as the “pearl amongst the fortresses in India.” Sprawling over an area of 3 km, Gwalior fort can be seen from every nook and cranny of Gwalior. It is the only monument among the Gwalior tourist places that dominate the entire cityscape.
2. Gopachal Parvat
Gopachal Parvat is situated in the Gwalior fort and is a great place to witness age-old Jain iconography. It is a group of rock-cut sculptures which are situated on the south side of the fort is a sight to behold. These carvings date back to the 7th and the 15th centuries. The Tirthankaras are either found meditating in seated or standing positions making Gopachal Parvat one of the many Jain findings in Gwalior. Gopachal Parvat is a noteworthy and revered site, especially among the followers of Jainism.
3. Tansen Memorial
The tomb of Tansen is famous as the Tansen Memorial. Tansen was a pioneer of Gwalior Gharana in Hindustani Classical music during the reign of Mughals. He was an ardent follower of Sufism and learned ragas from his teacher Muhammad Ghaus. The tomb has a simple architecture in the Mughal archetypal. Tansen was buried in the same complex as Muhammad Ghaus and this complex is famous as Tansen Memorial where the national level music festival is organized in November and December.
4. Samadhi of Rani Laxmi Bai
The well-known woman warrior, Rani Laxmi Bai’s, the eight-meter tall statue is installed in the middle of Phool Bagh. She rebelled and fought to save the princely state of Jhansi in the war of 1857 against the British rule. She died fighting against the British, but she is remembered even today and the stunning statue honors her valor and courage. The Samadhi is quite distinct in the garden and is one of the places to visit in Gwalior for enkindling your spirit.
5. Pagara Dam
Whether you want to indulge in photography, adventure or you just want to spend a day away from the chaos of city life in the middle of nature, Pagara Dam is your ultimate retreat. It’s located on the Asan River, this dam is an ideal place in Gwalior where you can come with family or friends, and spend some quality time together. Apart from being exceptionally beautiful and serene, Pagara Dam is also an excellent campsite. The presence of water bodies and grasslands makes the landscape appear quite scenic.