1M+ 
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior attracts tourists due to its spectacular temples and palaces. They showcase the glorious history of this place. One of the highlights of Gwalior is its fort, which attracts people from all over the country. Apart from the fort, the vibrant markets and the warm hospitality of people also add to the charm of the city. The majestic charm of Gwalior speaks volumes about the city’s culture and history. The city was established by King Surajesan, and it never disappoints anyone, whether you are a tourist or a history buff. Gwalior is home to many eminent people. Tansen was one of them, as he was one of the greatest musicians that has ever lived on the earth. You can visit many museums and monuments and enjoy the local delicacies during your Gwalior tour.
Best Places to Visit in Gwalior
Some of the best places to visit in Gwalior are:
Gwalior Fort
This fort is one of the most famous places that you must visit during your Gwalior tour. Located on the top of a rocky mountain, Gwalior Fort is an architectural marvel that is visited not only by Indians but also by international tourists. Various pieces of evidence suggest that this structure has been in the country since the 6th century. One of the interesting things about Gwalior Fort is that it is the place where the ‘zero’ number has been found as a carving in a temple located on the fort.
This fort was constructed in two parts and in two different time periods. This structure has witnessed many events in the past. The fort complex is properly managed and houses water tanks, temples, and palaces such as the Karan, the Shah Jahan, the Jahangir, and the Gujari. The Gwalior Fort houses 3 temples, water tanks, and 6 palaces. All the palaces and temples located here are the finest examples of architectural brilliance. The ideal time to visit this place is the spring and autumn seasons. However, you can also visit this place in the monsoon season. You will love visiting this place during this period, as the plants are washed in the rain and the air is fresh.
Gujari Mahal
Situated in the Gwalior Fort, Gujari Mahal is a fort that has now been turned into an archaeological museum. This place houses a great collection of terracotta figurines, inscriptions, coins, and ancient sculptures. You will also find a statue of Salabhanjika, which you can view on request. This miniature sculpture is kept in the custody of the curator of the museum.
You will also find a school in Gujari Mahal, which was constructed for the British soldiers. However, it is now managed and run by the Scindias. It is considered one of the best schools in India. This museum is popular for a wide range of photographs, Bagh Cave paintings, and a large collection of photos. If you are a history buff, this is the best place to be.
Jai Vilas Palace
Located in Gwalior, Jai Vilas Palace, or Jai Vilas Mahal, showcases the royalty and opulence of Gwalior. This structure was constructed by Jayaji Rao Scindia to welcome King Edward VII in the year 1874. Today, this Mahal is a home to all descendants of the Maratha Scindia family. 35 rooms of this palace are dedicated to a museum. Other places you can find here include the Chitrangada Raje Art Gallery, as well as a library that has more than five thousand books.
Each room of the museum has something for everyone. Some of the important things that you can find here are swords that are older than the reigns of Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan. You can also find the original Dhal in the museum, which is related to Rani Lakshmibai. Jai Vilas Palace covers a vast area of 75 acres. It is a beautifully designed Durbar Hall that houses the best chandeliers, carpets, and gilt furnishings. The layout of Jai Vilas Palace portrays the influence of the British on the country. Sir Michael Filose designed this palace after following the European architecture.
Man Mandir Palace
This palace was constructed by a Tomar ruler named Man Singh Tomar between 1486 and 1516. The remains of the palace still display the beautiful designs and carvings of that era. Two open courts are located in the palace. It also houses many underground prison cells constructed by the Mughals. This was the exact place where Aurangzeb poisoned his brother. A local guide will explain to you all the details about this palace. You will also find a Jauhar kund here, where Rajput women used to commit mass suicide to save themselves from the cruelties of Iltutmish.
Best Time to Visit Gwalior
Winter Season (October – February)
You will experience extreme winter in Gwalior. The temperatures in this season go below the subzero level. The average highest temperature in winter is approximately 25 degrees Celsius. This is a great time to explore various monuments of Gwalior.
Monsoon Season (July – September)
The monsoon season in Gwalior provides relief to the residents as well as the tourists. However, there is much humidity due to the rain. The temperature ranges from 25 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. The days are warm and the nights are cooler in this season.
Summer Season (March – June)
Gwalior experiences extreme heat during the summer season. The temperature in summer is 48 degrees Celsius. This makes it difficult for the visitors to explore the worth-seeing places in Gwalior. Thus, it is not a good time to visit Gwalior.
Shopping Destinations to Explore in Gwalior
Some of the shopping areas that you can explore in Gwalior are as follows:
Patankar Bazaar
If you want to buy textiles and handicrafts during your Gwalior tour, Patankar Bazaar is the best place for you. Located 3 km away from the city center, this is one of the famous markets of the city and is much visited by tourists as well as locals. You can buy many articles here, such as hand-woven carpets, Mulberry fabrics, chanderi textiles, tribal jewelry, etc. If you like to eat something while shopping, try the famous dessert of Gwalior named Gajak.
Topi Bazar
It is one of the renowned markets in Gwalior, which is a must-visit for tourists. Topi Bazaar has a variety of shops that sell a wide range of jewelry, textiles, leather bags, and cosmetics. It is a small part of Sarafa Bazaar and is a great place for the shopaholics. It is a vibrant market situated in the heart of the city. The market is renowned for its lively ambiance, and it is a great place to experience local culture.
Sarafa Bazaar
It is one of the most crowded places in Gwalior, which is full of shoppers. You can buy a number of articles here, such as brocade, Chanderi silks, handloom products, etc. Located in the Lashkar area, Sarafa Bazar is an important shopping destination in Gwalior.
Arihant Emporium
This is a must-visit place for the tourists. Arihant Emporium is the best place to find unique souvenirs for your friends and family members. It is situated near Jai Vilas Place. You will find a great variety of items here, such as wooden and tribal jewelry, brassware, silverware, hand-woven sarees, handicrafts, etc. Thus, you should not forget to visit Arihant Emporium during your visit. Tourists can easily reach this place from anywhere without any difficulty.
How to Reach Gwalior?
You can reach Gwalior from all cities of the country through the following ways:
How to Reach Gwalior by Air?
Gwalior has a domestic airport that is well connected with other airports of the city. It is 10 km away from the city of Gwalior. There are regular flights to Gwalior from other cities such as Indore, Delhi, Bhopal, Mumbai, etc.
How to Reach Gwalior by Road?
Gwalior city is well-connected with other cities by road. It is connected with Agra which is 118 km away from here. Other important cities that are connected with Gwalior include Delhi, Bhopal, Jhansi, Khajuraho, etc.
How to Reach Gwalior by Train?
Gwalior city is well connected with the major cities of the country. If you are coming from Delhi, you will reach here within 3 hours. This city is also connected with other cities such as Amritsar, Nagpur, Dehradun, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, etc.
Getting Around Gwalior
City Buses
You can get around Gwalior by catching a bus. Gwalior City Transport Services runs many buses for the residents and tourists. They are affordable and take you to the major places of the city, such as Gwalior Fort, the Railway Station, Tighra Dam, etc. Travellers can use ordinary or AC buses to move from one place to another.
E-Rickshaws and Auto Rickshaws
They are easily available for the tourists and are the best for covering short distances. These rickshaws are highly affordable for you.
Car Rentals and Taxis
If you want to explore the tourist attractions in a convenient manner, you can book a taxi through the local taxi operators such as Uber and Ola. You can also rent cars for the exploration of the city.
