Gwalior Tourism (2024) - Madhya Pradesh > Top Places, Travel Guide

Gwalior Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

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"Tourism Capital of Madhya Pradesh"

Gwalior Tourism

Gwalior is a historic city located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Popular because of the hilltop fort, Gwalior is full of palaces and glorious temples giving this city a majestic charm which speaks volumes of its glorious past.

A historic city founded by king Surajesan, Gwalior is a city where India's most eminent royalty once resided. Jai Vilas Pala has the largest carpet in the world which took almost 12 years to weave and two most massive chandeliers in the world that weight close to 3.5 tonnes.

The great Indian musician Tansen was born in Gwalior, and the tomb of Tansen is also an important place here. Every year, in November/December, a four-day Tansen Music festival is celebrated in the city where various classical musicians from all over the country perform on the stage near the tomb itself.

Visit the various monuments and museums, eat the local delicacies like namkeen and go boating in Tighra Dam while you are in the city.

Gwalior Fort

Jai Vilas Palace

Gujari Mahal (State Archaeological Museum)

Man Mandir Palace

Tomb of Tansen

Teli Ka Mandir

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Tansen Music Festival

The Tansen Samaroh, which started as a local music festival was turned into an event of national importance(between 1952-1962) with the efforts of the then I&B Minister B V Keskar. Held in December every year near the tomb of Tansen at the Behat village of Gwalior, this renowned music festival is a 4-day extravagant tribute to the great musician Tansen. Vocalists, musicians and music lovers gather for this famous festival to celebrate Indian music and musicians.The Tansen Samaroh is held by the Department of the Academy of the Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh. A very significant event of this festival is the prestigious National award called ‘Tansen Sammaan', bestowed upon the exponents of Hindustani music.

Culture of Gwalior

Gwalior has had a history of bearing rich culture and holds a very important position in the history Indian classical music. It is the birthplace of the oldest genre of Hindustani Sangeet- Gwalior Gharana. The Gwalior Gharana is not only the eldest Khayal Gharana but also one of the most prominent Gharana of Indian classical music to which most musicians can trace their origins. The origin of Ghariyal Gharana began during the reign of the great Mughal Emperor Akabat during 1542-1605. Legendary maestro Tansen in the court of Akbar was the most prominent patron of this Gharana, belonging to Gwalior. Culturally, Gwalior is the confluence of two culturally rich territories- Braj and Bundeli. Many prominent figures from the field of poetry, music and arts belong to Gwalior. Three generations of the Akhtar family, Mustar Khairabadi, his son Jan Nisar Akhtar and grandson Javed Akhtar have their origin here. Well known Urdu and Hindi poet Nida Faizal grew up in Gwalior. The great sarod player, Amjad Khan, belongs to Gwalior and his grandfather, Ghulam Ali Khan Bangash became the court musician of Gwalior.

Etymology

As per local tradition, king Suraj Sen of Gurjar-Patihar was lost in the forest when he met Sage Gwalipa. He asked the Sage for water and he led the king to a pond, which not only quenched his thirst but also cured him of leprosy. The ruler expressed his desire to reward the Sage. The Sage asked him to build a wall in the forest so as to save other saints from wild animals during yagnas. He later built a palace in the fort and named it Gwalior, after Sage Gwalipa. The city that grew around this fort came to be known by the same name.

History

Gwalior has a history of being passed on from one dynasty to the other. In as early as 1231, Iltutmish, the third ruler of the Delhi Sultanate captured the Gwalior fort, and it remained under Muslim rule till the 13th century. In 1375, the founder of the Tomar clan, Raja Veer Singh was made the ruler. 1730 saw Gwalior come under the Scindia rule in the 17th and 18th century (Maratha Dynasty) and remained a Princely State during the British rule in the 19th and 20th century. It is also famous for being non-cooperative in the 1857 Battle of Rebellion. The first occurrence of zero as a written number is recorded in the Chaturbhuj Temple of Gwalior. Hence, Gwalior has the dual historical importance of being ruled by different dynasties as well as being a centre of scientific and mathematical significance.

Restaurants and Local Food in Gwalior

Gwalior's cuisine like its architecture, heritage and culture is rich and colorful. Gwalior is famous for its vegetarian food and one finds numerous options here. This area is known for its elaborate breakfast consisting of kachoris, Samosas, Poha and bedai Among the local Madhya Pradesh cuisine, do try the kebabs, bhutte ki kees, Dal Bafla, Jalebi, Imarti, Rogan josh, mawa-bati and Malpua as well as traditional sweets such as the Morena Gajak. Other than the traditional delicacies one also finds a number of fast food joints, quickly becoming a rather popular part of the city's platter.
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Suggested Itinerary for Gwalior

Day 1 - Start your trip by visiting the Gwalior Fort. It would take you around 2-3 hours to explore the beauty of the fort. Next, head to the Sun Temple. You can also enjoy the local cuisine of Gwalior which is very amazing.
Day 2- Visit the Jai Vilas Palace Museum. After spending a few hours here, you can head off to the Tansen's Tigra Dam for a lovely evening.

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How to Reach Gwalior

How to Reach Overview

Gwalior has its own airport and railway station which connect it to all the major cities of the country. You can also reach Gwalior by road via national highways 3, 75 and 92.

How to reach Gwalior by flight

The Gwalior airport is one of the four major airports in the region, which is also the Indian Air Force Base. All the major airlines have flights to Gwalior from the different part of India.

How to reach Gwalior by road

Gwalior is situated on the North-South corridor of the National Highway. NH3, NH75 and NH92 connect Gwalior to the major cities in the country. You can hire a taxi from New Delhi or travel in the buses that ply from the nearby cities to Gwalior.

How to reach Gwalior by train

Gwalior is connected to all the major cities across India by regular trains. You can easily find autorickshaws and taxis outside the railway station to travel to any part of the city.

Local transport in Gwalior

Gwalior has a highly efficient public transport system and travelling within the city can be easily facilitated by buses and auto-rickshaws. Tourists can also hail cabs to cover all sightseeing spots together comfortably.

Most frequently searched routes to Gwalior

Route Name	Distance	Time	More Information
Delhi to Gwalior	363 km	5 hours 46 mins	View Details
Mumbai to Gwalior	1,220 km	19 hours 43 mins	View Details
Gurgaon to Gwalior	367 km	5 hours 50 mins	View Details
Jaipur to Gwalior	343 km	5 hours 52 mins	View Details
Pune to Gwalior	1,242 km	21 hours 20 mins	View Details
Ahmedabad to Gwalior	883 km	14 hours 31 mins	View Details

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Gwalior Photos

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FAQs on Gwalior

What is the local food in Gwalior?

What are the places near Gwalior?

The top places near to Gwalior are Agra which is 108 km from Gwalior, Jaipur which is located 250 km from Gwalior, Delhi which is located 288 km from Gwalior, Mathura which is located 150 km from Gwalior, Orchha which is located 104 km from Gwalior

What are the things to do in Gwalior?

The top things to do in Gwalior are Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, Gujari Mahal (State Archaeological Museum), Man Mandir Palace, Tomb of Tansen, Teli Ka Mandir. You can see all the places to visit in Gwalior here

What is the best way to reach Gwalior?

Gwalior has its own airport and railway station which connect it to all the major cities of the country. You can also reach Gwalior by road via national highways 3, 75 and 92.
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What is the best time to visit Gwalior?

The best time to visit Gwalior is from October to March. However, those who don't mind little rains can also visit between July and September. The four-day Tansen Music Festival (Nov/Dec) is also a good time to visit Gwalior if you are interested in enjoying the Indian classical music performances.
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Who should visit Gwalior?

The place is a must visit for all those who love the Indian history. It can prove as a fun trip for families and elderly. People from states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand should visit this place for a different experience.

What is not so good about Gwalior?

Gwalior is a very hot city so it can be dry and sightseeing during summers can be troublesome. Does not have much to offer apart from the historical monuments and temples.

What is famous about Gwalior?

Gwalior is a city famous for valour and love for art. Gwalior has forts, temples and many other monuments that remind Hindus of their brave and proud heritage.

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Gwalior Reviews

Your rating

Gwalior diaries

on Gwalior fort 6 years ago

it is the best place in gwalior for tourists. and you are doing absolutely great work holidify! thank you for sharing our places. "link hidden"

Gwalior diaries

on Teli Ka Mandir 6 years ago

Thank You for sharing it, it will help me alot. keep it up sir. :) Tourist Places in Gwalior

Shubham Mishra

6 years ago

It was really a nice experience to be in Gwalior. From food outside the railway station and climbing the Gwalior fort was really a sweet memory which I am carrying from here to home. Awesomeness of p (Read More)laces with full of ancient artitech on around the city. Having headquarters of various forces of Republic India. Do visit here and experience the Fort.

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Gwalior

Top Hotel Collections

Gwalior Travel Essentials

"Tourism Capital of Madhya Pradesh"

Gwalior Tourism

Places To Visit In Gwalior

Top Hotels In Gwalior

More on Gwalior Travel

Tansen Music Festival

Culture of Gwalior

Etymology

History

Restaurants and Local Food in Gwalior

Suggested Itinerary for Gwalior

Best Time to Visit Gwalior

Top Stories about Gwalior Tourism

Nearby Places

How to Reach Gwalior

How to Reach Overview

How to reach Gwalior by flight

How to reach Gwalior by road

How to reach Gwalior by train

Local transport in Gwalior

Most frequently searched routes to Gwalior

Browse Hotel Collections

Gwalior Photos

FAQs on Gwalior

What is the local food in Gwalior?

What are the places near Gwalior?

What are the things to do in Gwalior?

What is the best way to reach Gwalior?

What is the best time to visit Gwalior?

Who should visit Gwalior?

What is not so good about Gwalior?

What is famous about Gwalior?

Have a Question on Gwalior?

Popular Questions And Answers on Gwalior

Gwalior Reviews

Similar Places

Gwalior

Top Hotel Collections

Gwalior Travel Essentials

"Tourism Capital of Madhya Pradesh"

Gwalior Tourism

Places To Visit In Gwalior

Top Hotels In Gwalior

More on Gwalior Travel

Tansen Music Festival

Culture of Gwalior

Etymology

History

Restaurants and Local Food in Gwalior

Suggested Itinerary for Gwalior

Best Time to Visit Gwalior

Top Stories about Gwalior Tourism

Nearby Places

How to Reach Gwalior

How to Reach Overview

How to reach Gwalior by flight

How to reach Gwalior by road

How to reach Gwalior by train

Local transport in Gwalior

Most frequently searched routes to Gwalior

Browse Hotel Collections

By Hotel Type

By Budget Category

By Star Category

With Specific Facilities

Near Landmarks

Gwalior Photos

FAQs on Gwalior

What is the local food in Gwalior?

What are the places near Gwalior?

What are the things to do in Gwalior?

What is the best way to reach Gwalior?

What is the best time to visit Gwalior?

Who should visit Gwalior?

What is not so good about Gwalior?

What is famous about Gwalior?

Have a Question on Gwalior?

Popular Questions And Answers on Gwalior

Gwalior Reviews

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