Gwalior a city is the state of Madhya Pradesh is the royal capital of the state and is known for its rich culture and heritage. Gwalior has always been one of the most prominent cities of India. The princely city got its name from a saint who gave new life to the ruler Suraj Sen, who was suffering from a deadly disease during the 8[SUP]th[/SUP] century. Over the centuries, the city has gained new dimensions due to the musicians, kings, poets, saints and warriors, who contributed in making it a capital that is famous throughout the country. Ever since its existence, Gwalior is considered to be a city that displays rich culture and tradition. It is a city that offers a glimpse of the significant yesteryears through the majestic palaces and museums. There are several places to visit in the city of Gwalior and some of the popular travel places for india travellers in Gwalior , Madhya Pradesh are as follows :
Gwalior Fort
One of the major attractions of the city of Gwalior, Gwalior fort offers a panoramic view of the entire city. The fort is built on a secluded rock, which is at an elevation of about 100 metres sprawling over an area of 3 sq km. Named as ‘The Pearl in the Necklace of the Forts of Hind’ by the Mughal Emperor Babur; this fort was built over 1000 years ago by Raja Suraj Sen. This fort has been a witness to several dynasties that ruled India is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the World. The fort is enclosed by walls made of sandstone and house 6 palaces, several water tanks and three temples. The Southern part of this fort has elaborate carving of the Jain Tirthankaras, which further attracts the visitors.
Gujari Mahal
Built during the 15[SUP]th[/SUP] century by Raja Man Singh, Gurjari Mahal is also a popular tourist attraction of the city. This palace was built near river Ravi for his beloved wife Mrignayani, who was the princess of Gurjar on her demand for a separate palace. Converted into a Archeological museum, Gurjari Mahal features 28 galleries that exhibits over 6000 artifacts along with antiques that belongs to the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] century. This palace museum is a major attraction for the historians and the main highlight for them is the 75-year-old photograph of the Mandu and Dhar areas.
Scindia Museum
Dedicated to Jivaji Rao Scindia, a prominent ruler of the Scindia Dynasty, Scindia Museum is a popular tourist place in the city. Scindia Museum, also known by the name of Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum was set up in the year 1964, within the premises of Jai Villas Palace. The Museum is famous all over the globe for housing an extensive collection of artefacts and antiques, which comprise sculptures, miniature paintings, coins, manuscripts and weapons. Besides, ornaments made of crystal and cut glass are put on display.
Jai Vilas Palace Museum
Situated in the heart of the city, Jai Vilas Palace Museum is a huge building that displays an amalgamation of Corinthian, Tuscan and Italian architecture. This palace was built by the Scindia Dynasty during the 19[SUP]th[/SUP] century, which is now transformed into a Museum that showcases some of the rare items. This museum puts on display the original shield of Laxmi Bai, the Queen of Jhansi along with the swords used by Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. Besides these, which attracts the visitors is the palace itself that has a large hall ornate with gold leaves and the staircase made of crystal apart from the magnificent chandeliers and carpets.
Suraj Kund
Situated within the premises of Gwalior Fort, Suraj Kund is a water tank constructed during the 15[SUP]th[/SUP] century by the King Suraj Sen. There is a myth associated with it, which dates back to 425 AD. It is believed and said that while in search for water in the forest, the King met a Saint named Gwalipa, after whom the city has been named, asked him to climb a rock and fetch water. The Kind did as he was told and the water in the tank cured his deadly disease. Since then, this water tank is believed to be sacred and have curative power and hence, people with deadly disease from different parts of the nation visits this tank, with a hope of getting cured from the ailments.
Gwalior Fort
One of the major attractions of the city of Gwalior, Gwalior fort offers a panoramic view of the entire city. The fort is built on a secluded rock, which is at an elevation of about 100 metres sprawling over an area of 3 sq km. Named as ‘The Pearl in the Necklace of the Forts of Hind’ by the Mughal Emperor Babur; this fort was built over 1000 years ago by Raja Suraj Sen. This fort has been a witness to several dynasties that ruled India is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the World. The fort is enclosed by walls made of sandstone and house 6 palaces, several water tanks and three temples. The Southern part of this fort has elaborate carving of the Jain Tirthankaras, which further attracts the visitors.
Gujari Mahal
Built during the 15[SUP]th[/SUP] century by Raja Man Singh, Gurjari Mahal is also a popular tourist attraction of the city. This palace was built near river Ravi for his beloved wife Mrignayani, who was the princess of Gurjar on her demand for a separate palace. Converted into a Archeological museum, Gurjari Mahal features 28 galleries that exhibits over 6000 artifacts along with antiques that belongs to the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] century. This palace museum is a major attraction for the historians and the main highlight for them is the 75-year-old photograph of the Mandu and Dhar areas.
Scindia Museum
Dedicated to Jivaji Rao Scindia, a prominent ruler of the Scindia Dynasty, Scindia Museum is a popular tourist place in the city. Scindia Museum, also known by the name of Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum was set up in the year 1964, within the premises of Jai Villas Palace. The Museum is famous all over the globe for housing an extensive collection of artefacts and antiques, which comprise sculptures, miniature paintings, coins, manuscripts and weapons. Besides, ornaments made of crystal and cut glass are put on display.
Jai Vilas Palace Museum
Situated in the heart of the city, Jai Vilas Palace Museum is a huge building that displays an amalgamation of Corinthian, Tuscan and Italian architecture. This palace was built by the Scindia Dynasty during the 19[SUP]th[/SUP] century, which is now transformed into a Museum that showcases some of the rare items. This museum puts on display the original shield of Laxmi Bai, the Queen of Jhansi along with the swords used by Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. Besides these, which attracts the visitors is the palace itself that has a large hall ornate with gold leaves and the staircase made of crystal apart from the magnificent chandeliers and carpets.
Suraj Kund
Situated within the premises of Gwalior Fort, Suraj Kund is a water tank constructed during the 15[SUP]th[/SUP] century by the King Suraj Sen. There is a myth associated with it, which dates back to 425 AD. It is believed and said that while in search for water in the forest, the King met a Saint named Gwalipa, after whom the city has been named, asked him to climb a rock and fetch water. The Kind did as he was told and the water in the tank cured his deadly disease. Since then, this water tank is believed to be sacred and have curative power and hence, people with deadly disease from different parts of the nation visits this tank, with a hope of getting cured from the ailments.