17 Must-Visit Attractions in Gwalior, India

Aerial view of the city from Gwalior Fort
Aerial view of the city from Gwalior Fort | © Manuel Menal/Wiki Commons
Richa Jain

Famous for its ancient architecture and grand historic significance, Gwalior never fails to amaze its visitors. Also known as the tourist capital of Madhya Pradesh, this culturally rich city should be on your list when visiting central India. Check out these famous attractions that you absolutely must visit on your next trip to Gwalior.

1. Gwalior Fort

Gwalior Fort
© Dan/Flickr

The Gwalior Fort is one of the most impenetrable fortresses of India. Built on a long sandstone plateau, this architectural marvel is the most famous tourist attraction of the state. A must-see here is the evening Light and Sound Show.

Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, 0751 223 4557

Front side of the Gwalior Fort | © Anuppyr007/WikiCommons

2. Sahastrabahu Temple (Sas Bahu Ka Mandir)

Post Office

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
© Dan/Flickr

Built in dedication to Lord Vishnu in the 11th century, the twin Sahastrabahu Temple is well-known for its intricate wall carvings. It is also called Sas Bahu Ka Mandir (temple of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law) with the Sas temple being the larger one and the Bahu temple being the smaller one.

Sas Bahu Ka Mandir, Fort Campus, Near Post Office, Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, 097815 76646

The larger of the two Sas-Bahu Temples (Sahastrabahu Ka Mandir) | © Dan/Flickr

3. Teli Ka Mandir

Teli Ka Mandir
© Nagarjun Kandukuru/Flickr

A masterpiece of the Gupta dynasty, Teli Ka Mandir (Oilman’s Temple) is a great archaeological and architectural place to visit in the city.

Teli Ka Mandir, Fort Campus, Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, 085425 54585

Intricate wall carvings on the outside of Teli Ka Mandir | © Nagarjun Kandukuru/Flickr

5. Assi Khamba Ki Baori

Assi Khamba Ki Baori
© Varun Shiv Kapur/Flickr

Located right in front of the Man Singh Palace, this is a step-well with 80 pillars and different chambers, built for queens to take bath in the ancient days.

Assi Khamba Ki Baori, Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

Assi Khamba Ki Baori, Gwalior Fort | © Varun Shiv Kapur/Flickr

6. Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum

Museum

Gujari Mahal, Gwalior Fort
© Manuel Menal/Flickr
This is a must-visit place for archaeology lovers. Built by Man Singh Tomar for his wife Mrignayani, the Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum now stands as a state archaeological museum, consisting many ancient Hindu sculptures.

7. Bada Market

Market, Indian

Bada
© YashiWong/Wiki Commons
If you’re looking to shop in Gwalior, visit Bada, which is the central market of the city. The place has a central garden with fountains, as well as a view of surrounding buildings and offices with ancient architecture. You can also visit the adjacent Patankar Bazar and Sarafa Bazar to catch a glimpse of the city markets.

8. Jai Vilas Palace

Jai Vilas Mahal Facade
© HarshAJ/Wiki Commons

Now a museum, the Jai Vilas Palace houses the Scindia legacy. It is quite famous for its silver toy train, which was used to serve food for the royal family, housing two of the largest chandeliers in the world, the largest hall carpet of Asia and the magnificent Durbar Hall.

Jai Vilas Palace, Lashkar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

Museum, Jai Vilas Palace | © Shobhit Gosain/WikiCommons

9. Sarod Ghar (Kala Vithika)

Museum

Sarod Ghar (also known as Kala Vithika) is the Museum of Music set inside the ancestral house of musician, Hafiz Ali Khan. Here is where you’ll get to see a number of ancient Indian musical instruments.

Sarod Ghar, Shekh Ki Bagiya, Ratan Colony, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

The Indian musical instrument, Veena | © Ctac/WikiCommons

10. Sun Temple

Park

Sun Temple
© Nagarjun Kandukuru/Wiki Commons

Similar to the Konark Temple of Odisha, this Sun Temple was built by G. D. Birla in 1988. It has beautiful gardens around that make it a great picnic spot for the locals. If you’re looking to relax for a little bit, this is definitely the place to do so.

Sun Temple, Pinto Park Road, Near BIMR Hospital, Morar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

Birla Sun Temple | © Nagarjun Kandukuru/WikiCommons

11. Gopachal Parvat

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
© Dan/Flickr

Carved out of one single stone, the Gopachal Parvat consists of rock-cut carvings of the Jain Tirthankars (Jain deities). There are approximately 100 sculptures, although most of them were defaced by Emperor Babur during war times.

Gopachal Parvat, Phulbagh Rd, Gopachal Marg, Lashkar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, 0751 243 3400

Rock-cut Jain sculptures at Gopachal Parvat | © Dan/Flickr

12. Tansen Tomb

Tansen Tomb
© Da/Flickr

The Tansen Tomb is dedicated to Tansen, one of India’s greatest musicians and one of the nine jewels of Emperor Akbar’s court. Every year, the Tansen Music Festival is organized to commemorate the legendary singer.

Tansen Tomb, Tansen Nagar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

The Tansen Tomb | © Kumar shakti/WikiCommons

13. Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus

Memorial

Tomb of Mohammed Ghaus
© Varun Shiv Kapur/Wiki Commons

Mohammad Ghaus was Tansen’s teacher and a well-known Sufi saint. This tomb is built as his memorial and has beautiful Mughal style architecture, with lush green gardens all around.

Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus, 27 B, Tansen Rd, Tansen Nagar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus | © Varun Shiv Kapur/WikiCommons

14. Surajkund

Suraj Kund
© Varun Shiv Kapur/Flickr

Surajkund is an ancient water pool built inside of the Gwalior Fort campus. The water of the Kund was believed to have magical powers that could cure chronic diseases. It is currently a picnic spot with well-maintained surroundings and lots of greenery.

Surajkund, Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

Stairs leading to Surajkund | © Varun Shiv Kapur/Flickr

Moti Mahal and Baija Taal

Moti Mahal was once a palace of the Scindia dynasty and now stands as a government office. However, it still retains its old Mughal architecture. Adjacent to Moti Mahal is the Baija Taal Cultural Complex, which serves as an open-air theatre for various cultural programs.

Moti Mahal, Moti Mahal Rd, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, 0751 242 4125

Baija Taal, Lashkar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

Baija Taal with Moti Mahal in the backdrop

15. Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhor Sahib

Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhod
© Nagarjun Kandukuru/Flickr

This ancient Gurudwara inside the Gwalior Fort complex is associated with the imprisonment of Guru Har Gobind Sahib. Many pilgrims from various parts of the country visit the Gurudwara to pay their homage.

Gurudwara Shri Data Bandi Chhor, Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

Data Bandi Chhor Gurudwara | © Nagarjun Kandukuru/Flickr

16. Mrignayanee Emporium

Store

This state government-owned store has a huge collection of Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees, handwoven carpets, leatherware and other handcrafted products. You can collect some Madhya Pradesh specific souvenirs from here too.

Mrignayanee Emporium, Near Police Chowki, Vivekanand Marg, Sarafa Bazar, Lashkar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, 0751 263 6545

Sarees on display | © screaming_monkey/Flickr

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