Gwalior Heritage City Tour

Gwalior Fort, established by the Tomars, is considered to be one of the most formidable forts in India. Being built on a solid stone outcrop, it provides an eagle's eye. The Fort, popularly called “the Gibraltar of India”, overlooks the city. The Emperor Babur reputedly described it as “the pearl in the necklace of the forts of Hind”. This fort’s architecture is unique. It displays a Chinese influence on Indian architecture, as Chinese dragons have been crafted at the hilt of the pillars. This influence was due to trade between China and India at the time of the fort’s construction.

Gujari Mahal was built by Raja Maan Singh in the 15th century, on request of his wife, Rani Mrignayani, a Gujar Princess, considered by many as his mistress, not his rightful wife. It was constructed near the Rai River. The palace was converted into a museum in 1922 and is known by the name of the Central Archaeological Museum. Housing 28 galleries and around 6,000 artifacts, the museum is known for its collection of sculptures, coins, pottery, terracotta, paintings, inscriptions, and weapons. The museum possesses antiques from the 2nd century to at least 300 years ago. The collection provides evidence that fifteen of the thirty-one great singers of the country, including Tansen, learned classical singing in this mahal. The museum is also popular for its huge collection of photographs, including Bagh Cave paintings and monuments to India.

A structure of about 100 feet Teli Ka Mandir in Gwalior Fort distinguishes itself from the other compositions of its time because of its unique architecture. Though the roof of the temple has a Dravidian look, the sculptures are typically North Indian. The temple bears a close resemblance to the temple of Prathihara Vishnu and is filled with images of coiled serpents, passionate couples, river goddesses, and a flying Garuda. Having literally translated its name to "Oilman's Temple," The temple boasts of being the loftiest structure in Fort, with a height of 30m. The temple consists of many inscriptions of Mother Goddess but lacks any type of clear description as to when and for which deity it was created.

Jai Vilas Palace, the presidential palace of Scindias (one of the five pillars of Maratha power from the eighteenth century), has been turned into a luxurious museum of 35 rooms, displaying all sorts of awe-inspiring things from days bygone and some of the glorious objects from the glorious days of Gwalior and its rulers. The museum is one of the largest in Madhya Pradesh and has the world’s largest chandelier. The complex is a mixture of British and Hindu architecture. The palace was built in 1874 as an attempt to bring the Palace of Versailles to Gwalior. Treasures to please the eyes like candy include: a silver train with cut-glass wagons, which served guests as it chugged around on miniature rails on the tables; a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna each Janamashtami; silver dinner services; and swords that were once worn by Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan.