GWALIOR

                                    Gwalior is an ancient city, steeped in the splendor of its past. It's history is traced back to a legend : in 8 th century AD, a chieftain called Suraj Sen was stricken by a deadly disease. He was cured by a hermit saint, Gwalipa, and in gratitude founded the city of Gwaliar named after him who had gifted him a new life. Gwaliar has seen a multitude of reigning dynasties, of the great Rajput clans of the Partiharas, Kachwahas and Tomars.They left indelible etchings of their rules in this city of palaces, temples and monuments. Gwalior has preserved these magnificent mementoes of a glorious past with care making them unique and timeless.
                 The new Gwalior city is a modern city of India vibrant and bustling ,It cradled some of the great dynasties. .This city gained new dimensions from poets, warriors-kings, musicians and saints who contributed to make it a renowned city in the country.

 EXCURSIONS :-

  Gwalior Fort :-

                 Gwalior fort is magnificent monument, dominating the city, standing on a steep mass of sandstone. It has witnessed some of the very important events such as imprisonments, battles and jauhars.One can reach the fort by a steep road, flanked by statues of the jain tirthankaras, carved into the rock face. This magnificent fort has outer walls as long as upto 2 miles and the height upto 35 feet , bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most invincible forts of India. The Emperor Babar had described this fort as " The pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind."

  Gujari Mahal:-

                 Gujari Mahal the monument of love was built for the intrepid Gujar queen, Mrignayani by Raja Mansingh in the 15 thcentury. This Mahal is in the state of total preservance, housing the Archaeological Museum housing rare antiquities, some of them dating back to the 1st AD. The worth see is the statue of Shalbhanjika from Gyraspur, the tree goddess, epitome of perfection in miniature, these are kept in custody and can be seen on request.

  Man Mandir Palace :-

                 Man Mandir Palace was built by the Raja Mansingh around 1486-1517.The tiles that once adorned the exterior have not survived ,but traces of some of them can be seen at the entrance.There are vast chambers with fine stone screens, the royal ladies would learn music from the great masters of the day. There are dungeons where once the Mughals imprisoned their state prisoners, it was here that Aurangzeb imprisoned his brother Murad and later executed him. There is a Jauhar Pond where according to the Rajput tradition the ranis used to perform the Sati on their consorts defeat in the battle.. A superbly mounted Son-et-Lumiere here brings it all alive every evening.

  Suraj Kund :-

                 It is located in the Gwalior fort ,but references to this gigantic complex can be traced back to 425 AD, older than the city is the Suraj Kund, the original pond where Suraj Sen was cured by the Saint Gwalipa

  Teli Ka Mandir and Sas Bahu Ka Mandir:-

                 Teli Ka temple was built around the 9th century AD, towering to 100 feet high. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It has a unique blending of architectural style, with distinctively Dravidian roof, and the decorative embellishment have the typically Indo-Aryan characteristics of Northern India.
                  There is another temple known as Sas Bahu Ka Mandir. This temple was built around 11th century AD. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu . It has a beautiful architecture, and columns, it worth a visit.

  Jai Vilas Palace and Museum :-

                 A splendor of a different kind exits in the Jai Vilas Palace, current residence of the Scindia family. Some 35 rooms have been made into the Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum, and in these rooms, so evocative of a regal lifestyle, the past comes alive. Jai vilas is an Italianate structure which combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. The imposing Darbar Hall has two central chandeliers weighing a couple of tonnes, and hung only after ten elephants tested the strength of the roof. Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy draperies and tapestries, fine Persian carpets and antique furniture from France and Italy are features of these spacious ms.
                  Eyecatching treasures include: a silver train with cut-glass wagons which served guests as it chugged around on miniature rails on the table; a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna each Janamasthami, silver dinner services and swords that were once worn by Aurangzeb and Shah Jehan. There are, besides, personal mementoes of the past members of the Scindia family: The Jewelled slippers that belonged to Chinkoo Rani, fourposter beds, gifts from practically every country in the world, hunting trophies and portraits. The Scindia Museum offers an unparalleled glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India.

  Tansen's Tomb :-

                  Tansen one of the 'nine jewels' of Akbar's court lies buried here. He was a great Pillar of Hindustani classical music.he memorial to this great musician has a pristine simplicity about it and is built in the early Mughal architectural style. His tomb is not only a monument but is a part of Gwalior's living cultural heritage: it is here that the music festival on a national level is held annually in the month of November-December.

  Ghaus Mohammed's Tomb :-

                  The Ghaus Mohammed was an Afghan prince. The sandstone mausoleum of this Afghan Prince is designed on the early Mughal architecture. Particularly exquisite are the screens using the pierced stone technique as delicate as lace.

  Memorials :-

                  The earliest freedom fighters, Tatya and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi are commemorated in memorials in Gwalior.There are cenotaphs of great mens and Scindia kings and queens .There are reminders of the great men and womens of Gwalior who have their place in the nation's roll of honour.

  Sun Temple:-

                 This temple is located near the residency at Morar the newly constructed Sun Temple takes its inspiration from the famous Konark Sun Temple in Orissa.

 HOW TO REACH THERE :-

By Air:Gwalior is connected with regular flights.

BY Rail :The Gwalior is on the main Delhi-Mumbai main line..

By Road : By road Gwalior is connected with regular buss services from all major cities of madhya Pradesh.

 ACCOMMODATION :-

Gwalior being an important city is crowded with hotels of different categories ,to meet the varying budgets

 BEST TIME TO VISIT :-

The best time to visit Gwalior is all the year around.

 CLOTHINGS :-

Light clothings are best for summer and light woollen for winter months.


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