GWALIOR FORT Built In : Goapchal in Gwalior Renowned As : 15th Century AD Popular As : 'Pearl among the Fortresses in India' When To Visit : July to March

Gwalior Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat

Monuments Bhimbhetka Caves

Pilgrimage Destination Panna Diamond Mines

Salute to Gwalior's Most Significant Monument

The architectural skills endowed upon the people of Madhya Pradesh is very much displayed on the monuments of the state. Perhaps the best example of monumental heritage in Madhya Pradesh is the might wall that stands on the steep mass of sandstone, and is referred as the Gwalior Fort. A spectator of horse and buggy days, this fort has witnessed the occurrence of pestilential as well as innocuous events. Battles, prisoners, Jauhars, kingship, it has seen it all. It is the most favorite destination of the tourist. People from all over the world come here to experience the moving limbs of history.
Gwalior Fort is standing on a steep hill at Gopachal in Gwalior. Built almost 100 m above the town of Gwalior, it was built in the 15th century by Raja Ram Singh Tomar. Spreading on an area of 3 kms, the walls of the fort rise up to 10 m. These concrete sandstones walls of the fort encloses three temples, six palaces and numerous water tanks. This is the reason for its endless supply of water. Gwalior fort has been under the ownership of various kings and kingdoms. This is the reason we find an amalgamation of various cultures in Gwalior. Ruled by the Tomares, Mughals, Marathas and British, it was finally handed over to the Scindhias. This fort is a replete with architectural engravings that made this fort earn the title of being the 'Pearl among the Fortresses in India' by the Mughal king Babur.

Temples of the Fort – Blend of Architectural Styles

Teli ka Mandir is the most exquisite of all the temples of the fort. Built in the 9th century, this temple is a unique blend of the Dravidian and Indo – Aryan styles of architecture, while the decorations reflect the influence of Nagara style of architecture. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu this 100 m tall temple is filled with the sculptures of river goddesses, coiled serpents, aphrodisiac couples and a flying Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. The entrance is 10 m and has a topping of sculpture of the Garuda.

The Saas Bahu Temple inside the fort, is a two pillared temple in juxtaposition to each other. Constructed in the 9th and 10th century, this temple too is dedicated to lord Vishnu. The architectural pattern of the temple is unique and the doorway will illustrate to you the Indian ternion, Lord Brahma, the creator, Lord Vishnu the Preserver and Lord Shiva the Destroyer.
The north – east entrance of the fort homes the Chaturbhuj Mandir, built in the 876 AD. This temple is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Salient Palaces of the Fortifications

The Exquisite Man Singh Palace is the best tourist attraction of the fort. This ostentatious palace was built by Raja Man Singh. The blue gold and traces of green on the walls with animal figurines on then has credited this palace to be called as the painted palace or Chit Mandir. This capricious building has wide chambers that once served as music halls. A charming frieze here replicates the ducks paddling in turquoise water. There is also a museum that displays the sculptures and carvings of the fort.
Jauhar Pond inside is the place the queens of the beaten Rajputs committed mass sati. Suraj Kund is the pond which has been known to have healing properties. This was built much before the actual fort and Suraj Sen is believed to have been cured by saint Gwalipa.
Gujari Mahal in the Gwalior fort was a gift that king Man Singh built for his favourite queen, Mrignaini. It has the most consummate walls and is also the most preserved part of the fort. This palace now has a museum that has various Hindu and Jain sculptures belonging to the ancient times. The statue of Salbhanjika is an immemorial sculptures and can be viewed on special request. Inside the fort there is a school, now run by the Scindias.

Reaching the Fort

Gwalior fort, being in the Gwalior city is easily accessible from all the major airports of the country. Rails also connect the fort to the major towns and cities of the state as well to all the major railheads of the country. It is also possible to reach this fort via well connected and well laid roads.

Attractions of the City

Other than the colossal Gwalior fort, that is a world in its own, one can also visit the various others attractions in the city. Jal Vilas Palace, is the current residence of the Scindia, homes a museum that was built in the 19th century. A specimen of the Italian structure, this palace has a crystal staircase and two of the world's largest chandeliers. The museum inside the palace displays the artifacts and archives from all over the world. The most important ones are the Rolls Royce on rails, stuffed tigers,a life size statue of Leda, the renowned model train that carries after dinner dry fruit, cigars and brandy around the table. Jeweled slippers of the Chinkoo Rani and hunting trophies are a must watch.
The tomb of Ghous Mohammed, an Afghan Prince in Gwalior is also an important junction of the tourist. Watch out for the pierced stone techniques that makes it appear like a lace. Another immensely popular tomb is that of Tansen, the Indian legend of classical music. Besides being a part of cultural heritage, it is also the venue for the very popular Tansen festival held in November.
The art Galleries of the city is also very famous. Some of the museums that one should visit are the The Municipal Corporation Museum, and 'Sarod Ghar' - Museum of Music are the most recognised. These museums are a perfect way to absorb the historical culture of the city.