GWALIOR

 

 Gwalior, an ancient city in India with massive array of palaces and monuments is a place of culture and heritage interest. The antiqueness of this immortal beauty is conserved with utmost care. A deluge of temples, damaged sculptures, ancient palaces along with attractive monuments and a serene ambience provides limitless opportunities of exploration

 

 There is a legendary story behind the name of the place. Suraj Sen, the 8th century ruler was suffering from leprosy. Gwalipa, an ascetic medicated and healed his disease. As a token of gratitude the ruler established a new city and named it after the sage. The city with salubrious ambience is adorned with archaeological and musical museums. The great kings, saints, poets and musicians enhanced the cultural splendour of this rich city. 

 

 Gwalior fort is an imposing facade which is encompassed by walls which are about 35 feet in height and about 2 kms in length makes the fort almost un-conquerable. Located on a sandstone hill the fort has witnessed many battles, imprisonments and jauhars. Looking at its majesticity Babar described it as "The pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind."  

 

 The rich enthnicity is showcased by ancient havelis, which are ornamented by majestically carved doorways and facades. The prized possessions of the royal families preserved in museums and the art galleries reveal the royal splendour. All major streets houses the idols of the members belonging to the royal Scindia clan. 

 

 Travel to Gwalior is promisingly a magical experience.

 

                                                    PLACES TO SEE

Gwalior Fort : Gwalior fort is an imposing facade which is encompassed by walls which are about 35 feet in height and about 2 kms in length makes the fort almost non-capturable. Located on a sandstone hill the fort has witnessed many battles, imprisonments and jauhars. Looking at its majesticity Babar describes it as "the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind."  The fort encloses some beautiful palaces and buildings. Raja Mansingh Tomar constructed Gujari Mahal in the 15th century for his lover Mrignayani. A duct was constructed from the Rai River to the palace to provide continuous supply of water. This palace is now transformed into a museum. 

 There is also Man Mandir Palace constructed by Raja Mansingh in the 16th century. The remains of pools, huge rooms, concert halls speak of the past glory. Prisons are located in the underground and the Suraj Kund is located within the fort. The place where the royal ladies committed Sati after losing their husbands is called Juhar Pond. Jai Vilas palace, Sas-bahu ka mandir and Gurudwara are located in the fort.

The Sound and Lights show, Gwalior Fort : The once deserted fort is now lively existent with its sound and light show. Daily at dusk each bends and corners of the Man Mandir are beautifully lightened up with the lively colours of Blue-Green and Red-Gold lights. Amitabh Bacchan, The bollywood Super Star has taken up the responsibility of describing the marvels of the fort stunningly. 

The show starts by illustrating the scene which explains about the king Suraj Sen being cured of his leprosy by the hermit Gwalipa. Secondly, the mass Sati committed by the royal ladies after losing their husbands in a fierce battle, followed by the building of the dream palace called ‘Man Mandir’. Later part explains about the fort under the rule of the Marathas in the pre-Independence era and how it went to the hands of British, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Jai Vilas palaces, Scindian contibution etc.

Teli Ka Mandir : Teli Ka Mandir is a 100 feet skyscraper located in the fort, which is a rare blend of different building styles. Indo-Aryan style has been adopted in ornamenting/ beautifying the temple. Dravidian style is incorporated in building the roof. This temple built in 9th century is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 

Jai Vilas Palace : Jai Vilas Palace is the royal boast which is splendidly constructed in Tuscan and Corinthian styles. Being the present dwelling abode of the Scindia clan, about 35 rooms are converted to museum. Two big lights hanging from the ceiling can be seen in the Durbar hall.  Fine curtains, Persian carpets and furniture imported from Italy and France can be seen here.  Silver trains, glass cradle, silver plates and swords used by Shah Jahan and Aurangazeb and many beautiful treasures preserved by the Scindia dynasty fills ones eyes.

Some Important Monuments : Tansen’s tomb is one of the prime attractions. Tansen was an important musician in Akbar’s court. Afghan prince’s sandstone grave, the memorials of Rani Lakshmi Bai and Tantya Tope, cenotaphs of members of Scindia dynasty, Sun temple, Ghau’s tomb etc take us back to the ancient times. 

Art Galleries and Museums : Gujari Mahal is an archaeological museum which houses the idols of the tree goddess, Shalbhanjika and some antinque articals dating back to 1st century AD. The museum is open between 10 AM to 5 PM and is closed on Mondays.  Sarod Ghar is a music museum developed by the master of Sarod instrument Ustad Amzad Ali Khan. The museum consists of both ancient and modern music instruments. Kala Vithika is another art museum.

Dindayal City Mall : This mall highlights the modernity of Gwalior. With all international clothing brands, lip-smacking food stalls and multiplex it draws families and the younger crowds to spend weekends in style. It is one of the biggest malls of Madhya Pradesh.

Ghaus’s tomb : This tomb is brilliantly constructed in the Mughal style. Ghaus was the teacher of the music maestro Tansen and also was a great saint in the 16th century.  

Gujari Mahal : Raja Mansingh Tomar constructed Gujari Mahal in the 15th century for his lover Mrignayani. A duct was constructed from the Rai River to the palace to provide continuous supply of water. This palace is now transformed into a museum. Present archaeological museum houses the idols of the tree goddess, Shalbhanjika and some antinque articals dating back to 1st century AD. The museum is open between 10 AM to 5 PM and is closed on Mondays.  

Man Mandir Palace : There is also Man Mandir Palace constructed by Raja Mansingh in the 16th century. The remains of pools, huge rooms, concert halls speak of the past glory. Prisons are located in the underground and the Suraj Kund is located within the fort. The place where the royal ladies committed Sati after losing their husbands is called Juhar Pond.

Moti Mahal : Moti Mahal is an amazing facade of fame built in the 19th century. Rich mosaic work on coloured glass, Ragas beautifully described by the murals are the foremost attractions.

Sun City : It is an amusement park and a great summer retreat. Variety of rides, cafe and hotels are available.

By Air : Gwalior having its own airport  has good number of flights from Delhi & Bhopal. 

By Road : State and private buses run from Agra, Mathura, Jaipur, Delhi, Khajuraho, Rewa, Jabalpur, Ujjain and Shivpuri, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bhopal, Chanderi, Indore, Jhansi to Gwalior.

By Rail : Gwalior has its own railway station and is the cheapest means of travel.