Named after an 8th century saint Gwalipa, the city of Gwalior is also sacred to the memory of the heroic queen, Rani of Jhansi, and Tatya Tope who led the revolt against the British in 1857.
Gwalior has inherited a rich legacy of palaces, temples and monuments from a string of rulers over the centuries - the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas, Kachuvahas and Tomars. Today, it is a modern Indian city, vibrant and bustling.
ACCESS
Gwalior is air-linked with Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal and Indore. It is well connected by rail, and has a Gwalior - Delhi Shatabdi connection. Road connections with all important cities of the region.
PLACES OF INTEREST
The Gwalior Fort - dominates the city and is its most magnificent monument; Gurjari Mahal; Man Mandir Palace; Suraj Kund - the original pond where Suraj Sen was cured by the saint, Gwalipa; Tansen’s Tomb - the tomb is part of Gwalior’s living cultural heritage and the venue of a music festival on a national scale, every November - December; Ghans Mohammed's Tomb; Kala Vithika and Municipal Museum.
EXCURSIONS
Tigra Dam (23 km); Orchha (120 km)- on Gwalior- Khajuraho road; Pawaya (68 km) - known as Padmavati in ancient times and was the capital of the Nag kings in the 3rd century; Datia (69 km) - among the main historical monuments is the seven-storey palace of Raja Bir Singh Deo built atop a hill. It is a unique example of 17th century Hindu architecture.
ACCOMMODATION
Welcomgroup Usha Kiran Palace, Jayendra Ganj, Lashkar, Gwalior- 474009; Phones: 323213; Fax: 321103.
Gwalior Regency. Phone: 340670-74; Fax: 343520.
Shivpuri Tourist Village. Ph: 2600.
Sheesh Mahal (M.P. Tourism). Phone: 340370-71.