Gwalior is among the most beautiful cities in India. With a number of beautiful places to visit in Gwalior, it receives a huge tourist inflow all around the year.
Gwalior, the historical city is the heritage capital of Madhya Pradesh — one of India’s largest states. The city is known for its glorious history and extensive cultural legacy. When we hear the word “beautiful” in reference to a location, our minds immediately think about the places that enhance the city’s beauty. In this article, we shall discuss the best places to visit in Gwalior.
Gwalior was founded by Suraj Sen, a prince from the Kachhwaha Rajput family, in the 18th century. Gopa Parvat, Gopachal Durg, Gopagiri, and Gopadiri are all names that have been used to refer to it. Gwalior is famous for being the birthplace of the great musician Tansen, who developed his craft in this city, producing several ragas and Dhrupad compositions that bolstered the foundation of Indian classical music. Tourists are attracted to the town for its gorgeous palaces, ancient temples, and medieval fort.
Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Gwalior
1. Gwalior Fort
Gwalior Fort is an example of India’s historical greatness and the most popular places to visit in Gwalior. It is one of the oldest forts in Madhya Pradesh and across India, and is renowned for its beautiful architecture and historical past. Raja Suraj Sen Pal, the emperor in charge at the time, had the idea to build this imposing fort in the third century. This magnificent fort in Gwalior covers about three sq km, and its height is more than 10 meters. The famous hilltop fort provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surroundings. Sandstones are mostly used to build unique constructions.
| Visit time | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | INR75/per person |
2. Tansen Memorial
A significant landmark in Gwalior is the Memorial of Tansen, sometimes referred to as the Tomb of Tansen. He was buried here, along with his master Muhammad Ghaus. The most renowned musician in Akbar’s court was Tansen. He had a long history in Hindustani music. He is one of Akbar’s court’s nine diamonds. Akbar constructed the monumental sandstone tomb with rising towers on its four corners, cupolas, and a vast central dome. Exquisite cut stone grilles are used to decorate the exterior walls.
| Visit time | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | Free |
3. Jai Vilas Palace
Jai Vilas Palace, one of the most popular places to visit in Gwalior, is also called the Jai Vilas Mahal. This magnificent structure was constructed by the Maharaja of Gwalior, Jayaji Rao Scindia, to provide a splendid welcome for King Edward VII, the then Prince of Wales, in 1874. The Chitrangada Raje Art Gallery is located in the palace, which also works as a museum with 35 rooms and more than 5,000 books.
In those days, the venture totaled INR 1 crore. The site contains a massive Durbar Hall that covers around 75 acres. Thanks to Madhya Pradesh’s historical riches, it is one of the most beautiful states in India.
| Visit time | 10:00 AM – 4:30PM |
| Entry Fee | INR120/person |
4. Gujari Mahal
One of Gwalior’s best museums and monuments is Gujari Mahal. Raja Mansingh built it in the 15th century for his beloved queen, Mrignayani. It is situated inside the Gwalior Fort. The fort is 2.8 km long, 200-850 km broad, and 91 m above the plains sandstone precipice. The fort is surrounded by three temples, seven water tanks, and six mahals. There are two main entrances to the fort, one from the northeast and the other from the southwest.
| Visit time | 10:00 AM – 5:00PM |
| Entry Fee | INR10/person |
5. Saas Bahu Temple
In the 11th century, Kacchapaghata Dynasty King Mahipala built this temple. The Sas-Bahu Temple, considered among the most amazing places to visit in Gwalior, is situated in the Gwalior Fort and consists of two sculpted red sandstone temples. Lord Shiva is worshiped in the smaller one, while Lord Vishnu is honored in the larger one. According to what the name might imply, this temple is called after Lord Vishnu’s second name, Sahastrabahu. Such temples are examples of Hinduism’s greatness.
| Visit time | 8:00 AM – 5:00PM |
| Entry Fee | Free |
6. Rani Lakshmi Bai Samadhi
Phool Bagh is the place of Rani Lakshmi Bai’s Samadhi. Her Samadhi is a well-known landmark built in her honor. Along with the Samadhi, the site also includes a stunning 8-meter-tall Rani Lakshmi Bai metal statue. Every year in June, a fair is organized there in honor of the Queen. For people who enjoy history, it is a perfect attraction. Nearby the Phool Bagh campus, you may find a zoo (Gwalior Zoo), a mosque, a theosophical lodge, and a prayer hall.
| Visit time | 6:00 AM – 7:00PM |
| Entry Fee | Free |
7. Teli Ka Mandir
The tallest building inside the Gwalior Fort complex is Teli Ka Mandir, a historic holy temple renowned for its Dravidian architecture and intricate artwork. It is almost 100 feet tall and has Hindu and Buddhist influences in its design, making it among the amazing places to visit in Gwalior. According to historians, this temple is the oldest in the fort, having been built either in the 8th or 11th century. It contains interior structures with coiled serpents and river goddesses and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the shape of his steed, “Garuda.”
| Visit time | 8:00 AM – 7:30PM |
| Entry Fee | INR75/person |
8. Gopachal Parvat
One of the best religious sites in the city is Gopachal Parvat at Gwalior Fort, which is famous for its beautiful rock-cut Jain structures from the 7th and 15th centuries. The temple is an astonishing place to visit in Gwalior as it honors the Jain Teerthankaras Rishanabhanatha, Adinatha, Mahavir, and Neminatha, whose statues can be seen in meditation poses. It is constituted of 18 enormous sculptures, many of which are between 2 and 5m high but some of which are as tall as 10 meters. There are numerous options for you to learn about the local history.
| Visit time | 24 hours |
| Entry Fee | Free |
9. Gwalior Sun Temple
Gwalior Sun Temple is also called the Surya Mandir and is a beautiful Hindu temple in India. The temple was constructed in 1988 by well-known billionaire G.D. Birla and is dedicated to the famous Sun God. The temple contains a magnificent idol of the Sun Lord. Despite its recent construction, it is one of the most respected temples in the historic city, attracting numerous visitors and devotees from across the country.
| Visit time | 6:30 AM -12:00PM & 1:00AM – 6:00PM |
| Entry Fee | Free |
10. Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhod Qilla
One of the most famous Sikh temples in India, Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhod Qila, was built 2 km inside the walls of the Gwalior fort in 1970. It is a tribute to Guru Hargobind Singh, a revered Sikh saint, and advocate. It may be viewed from many locations throughout the city because it is constructed on top of a hill overlooking the town below.
| Visit time | 8:00AM – 7:00PM |
| Entry Fee | Free |
This is our list of the best places to visit in Gwalior. However, we are sure there are so many other beautiful sites in the city that might have been there on the list. Thus, we want you to enlighten us with other amazing places to visit in Gwalior. Comment your opinion about this blog on social media; links are attached below.
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