Introduction to city Gwalior - In Madhya Pradesh
With its stimulating ambience and undeniable aura of
romance, Gwalior is one of the most impressive cities
in India for the sensitive holidaymakers. There is an
interesting story of how the city derived its name. According
to legends, Suraj Sen, a prince of the Kachhwaha clan
of the 8th century, lost his way while venturing in the
jungle and reached an isolated hill wandering around.
There he met a venerable old man, Sage Gwalipa. Thirsty
and tired, he asked for some water and the sage led him
to a pond. To his astonishment, the prince after drinking
the water found that not only his thirst but his disease
of leprosy has also been cured. He asked the sage if he
could do anything in return and the sage told him to fortify
the hill. The hill was fortified and named Gwalior, and
the city that developed around it gradually acquired the
name.
Gwalior was always an important city because of its strategic
location on the Agra-Deccan main route. Hence many dynasties
tried to claim this land including the mighty Mughals
and Marathas. Before them, the city was the stronghold
of the Huns from Central Asia, the Kachhwaha Rajputs,
the Pratihars, the Slave Dynasty of Delhi Sultanate, and
the Tomars—of whom the most important king was Raja Man
Singh (1486-1517). The Marathas under Madho Rao Scindia,
the last dynasty to rule the city before Independence,
restored Gwalior to its former glory. The imposing Jai
Vilas Palace, situated below the hilltop Gwalior fort,
is proof of the Scindia sway over the city.
SightSeeing : Places to visit in
destination - Gwalior
The city of Gwalior has many monuments that were built
by the erstwhile Tomar and Scindia rulers. The majestic
Gwalior fort is one of the largest forts in India.
There are various chattris or cenotaphs commemorating
the Scindia rulers who ruled the region till India’s independence.
The Man Mandir Palace and the Gujari Mahal
are two other interesting sights in Gwalior. The Sas-Bahu
Temples are 11th-century temples of Lord Vishnu while
Teli-ka-Mandir is a 300-metre-high Vishnu temple
of the 9th century. Some other important attractions of
Gwalior are Suraj Kund, Tansen Memorial, the tomb of
Mohammad Ghaus, Kala Vithika, Surya Mandir, and Scindia
Museum
Excursions : Places nearby city -
Gwalior
While in Gwalior take some time off to visit the nearby
places that, besides being captivating in themselves,
also speak a lot about the region’s rich history. Datia
(74 km) is famous for its Bundela palaces and paintings.
Another place is Pawaya, which was known as Padmavati
in ancient times. Archaeological remains of the first
and eight centuries have been discovered here. The
Dhoomeshwar Mahadeo temple, situated 3 km away, is
a fine example of Bundela architecture. Sonagiri, Orchha,
Shivpuri, Chanderi, and Tigra Dam are some other places
in the vicinity of Gwalior.
Gwalior City Travel Guide |
Sight Seeing of Gwalior |
Excursion in Gwalior
Gwalior Travel Tours |
Gwalior Hotels |
Picture Gallery of Gwalior
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