Gwalior has always been known as a city of valour. This city of enduring greatness was once the seat of reigning Rajputs(Pratiharas, Kachwahas, and Tomars) and then the Marathas who have left behind indelible etchings in the form of palaces, forts, temples, and monuments. The magnificent momentoes of a glorious past have been carefully preserved, giving Gwalior an appeal unique and timeless.

Gwalior's history is traced back to a legend in 8th century AD when a chieftain known as Suraj Sen was cured by a hermit-saint Gwalipa, from a deadly disaease. In gratitude, he founded this city by Gwalipa's name. Gwalior became, over the centuries, the cradle of great dynasties, and with each the city gained a new dimension from the warrior kings, poets, musicians, and saints who contributed to making it renowned throughout the country. The scenic splendour must have inspired the legendary music maestro- Tansen - to conjure up his compositions. The city is also the setting for the memorials of freedom fighters such as Tatya Tope and the Rani of Jhansi. Today the old settings stand side by side with the trappings of modernity.

There are many sites to see in Gwalior. We list below some of them.

• The Gwalior Fort - this hill-top fort overlooks the city and was built by Raja Mansingh Tomar in 15th century. A steep road winds upwards to the fort, flanked by statues of the Jain Tirthakaras, carved into the rock face. The outer walls of the fort stand two miles in length and 35 feet high. This fort was reputed to be one of the most invincible forts of India.
  • Gujari Mahal - The 15th century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh for his Gujar queen, Mrignayani. Today Gujari Mahal houses one of the finest museums of sculpture dating back to 1st century AD. Eventhough many of the sculptures have been defaced by the Mughals, their perfection of form has survived the ravage of time. Particularly worth seeing is the statue of Shalbhanjika from Gyraspur, the tree goddess, epitome of perfection in miniature. The statue is not on display and can be seen on request made to eh curator of the museum.
  • Man Mandir Palace - this marvellous palace was built between 1486 and 1517 by Raja Mansingh. The walls of this palace rise vertically from sheer rock into a six-bastioned 300' x 800', four storeyed structure. Some tiles which adorned the exterior can be seen at the entrance.
  • Close by is a Johar pond, where in Rajput tradition , the ranis committed mass 'Sati' after their consorts were defeated in the battle. A superbly mounted 'Son-et-Lumiere' here brings it all alive every evening.
  • Other significant structures in the fort complex are: Sas-bahu-ka-mandir (a 11th century Pratihara Vishnu Temple), Suraj Kund (425 AD where Suraj Sen was cured by hermit-saint Gwalipa), Gurudwara Pata Bandi Chhod, and a shrine dedicated to the hermit-saint Gwalipa.
• Jai Vilas Palace and Museum - remnant of the last rulers of Gwalior - the Scindias- this palace combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes, and was completed in 1872. Some 35 rooms of this palace have been converted into the Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum. The imposing Darbar Hall has two central chandeliers weighing a couple of tonnes and hung only after ten elephants have 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 rooms. Eyecatching treasures include:
  • a silver train with cutglass wagons which served guests as it chugged around the table on miniature rails;
  • a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna each Janmasthami,
  • silver dinner services and swords that were once worn by Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan.
  • Besides there are personal momentoes of past members of the Scindia family - the jewelled slippers that belonged to Chinkoo Rani, four-poster beds, gifts from practically every country of the world, hunting trophies and portraits.
• Tansen's Tomb - a pillar of Hindustani classical music, the great Tansen (one of the nine jewels of Akbar's court), lies buried in Gwalior. More than a monument, the tomb is part of Gwalior's heritage. It is also the venue of the Tansen music festival held annually in November-December.
• Ghaus Mohammed's Tomb - the sandstone mausoleum of the Afghan's prince, Ghaus Mohammed, is also designed on early Mughal lines. Particularly exquisite are the screens which use the pierced stone technique as delicate as lace.
• Other Places - there are number of other places of interest to visit among them are Memorials to freedom fighters - Tatya Tope and Rani of Jhansi, Kala Vithika and Municipal Museum, and Sun Temple - located near Morar and constructed recently by drawing inspiration from the famous Konark Temple in Orissa.

321 kms by road from Delhi, Gwalior can be accessed by Air and by Shatabdi express.

Gwalior offers a range of accommodation varying from standard to deluxe. Notable among them is Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Hotel Tansen at 6 Gandhi Road, telephone # 21568, 26742. The Madhya Pradesh Tourist Development Corporation Ltd. office is located at Hotel Tansen.