17 Must-Visit Attractions In Gwalior India

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.

Gwalior Fort

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.

Sahastrabahu Temple (Sas Bahu Ka Mandir)

Post Office

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.

Teli Ka Mandir

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

Man Singh Palace

This is a beautiful palace with turquoise tiles on the walls, built by Maharaja Man Singh Tomar. Do visit this part of the fort as the architecture of the palace has been a subject of study for many historians.

Assi Khamba Ki Baori

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.

Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum

Museum

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.

Bada Market

Market, Indian

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.

Jai Vilas Palace

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.

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.

Sun Temple

Park

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.

Gopachal Parvat

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.

Tansen Tomb

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.

Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus

Memorial

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.

Surajkund

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.

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

Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhor Sahib

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.

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.