Imagine strolling through a city in which the walls echo about courage, music, and countless art. Welcome to Gwalior, a city in Madhya Pradesh, which is nothing short of a living museum of the royal past of India.
Be it a history-loving and spiritual seeker or any person who merely wants to take a break and experience some culture, there are limitless places to visit in Gwalior that will steal your heart. Commonly termed the pearl of the fort cities because of its grand forts, ancient palaces, soulful temples, and its colourful culture.
Once you enter this city, you will not only find the monuments but the history, too; you can feel the spirit of warriors, listen to songs of such great musicians as Tansen, and see the perfect combination of Mughal and Rajputana history. In this blog, we will discuss the places to see in Gwalior, the history behind it, and the peculiarity of this place.
15 Places to Visit in Gwalior
If you are in Madhya Pradesh, then you must not miss visiting Gwalior, a city that will make you fall in love with the country’s history through its forts, temples, and natural beauty. Here are the 15 best places to visit in Gwalior for your next trip.
1. Gwalior Fort
Among the most famous places to visit in Gwalior is the Gwalior Fort, which is also known as the Gibraltar of India. This gigantic structure, which is constructed on a hilltop, grants panoramic views of Gwalior and is well-known due to its blue tiled walls and their ornamental carvings. On the inside, you will find old historic palaces, temples, or even water tanks that tell stories of centuries past.
Things to do: Within the fort, explore the Man Singh Palace, Saas-Bahu Temple, and Teli Ka Mandir. Do not leave out the evening sound and light show.
Timings: 6 AM- 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹75 (Indian), ₹250 (Foreigner)
Location: Gwalior fort, Madhya Pradesh.
2. Jai Vilas Palace
In the Jai Vilas Palace, luxury and splendour meet. This palace is a combination of European and Indian architectural styles, built by Jayajirao Scindia. A portion of it today forms a museum where chandeliers, vintage cars, the armament of the royalty, and a silver train, which used to serve dinner, are displayed. It is among the most popular places to visit in Gwalior, which tells a lot about the Scindia royalty.
Things to do: Go to galleries and see the largest chandelier in the world, located in the museum.
Timings: 10 AM- 5 PM on Weekdays (Closed on Mondays).
Entry Fee: ₹100 (Indians), ₹600 (Foreigners)
Location: Lashkar, Gwalior
Suggested Read: Best Time to Visit Gwalior: Explore the Historic City in the Ideal Season
3. Sasbahu Temples
As opposed to the name, Sasbahu Temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. These temples were constructed in the 11th century, and they are characterised by the detailed carvings on walls, pillars, and ceilings. They are examples of the artisanship of the old past and are one of the most recommended Gwalior places to visit for those who demand historical and spiritual attractiveness.
Things to do: Take photos of complicated sculptures, sit in meditation.
Timings: 8 AM- 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Near Gwalior Fort
4. Tansen Memorial
Admirers of music should not skip down the Tansen Memorial that has been constructed as a memorial to the legendary musician Miyan Tansen, who was one of the Navaratnas of Akbar. This site is also home to the annual Tansen Music Festival, where musicians throughout India come to perform, and it is among the best things to do in Gwalior. It is considered a Gwalior famous place as it gives a soulful experience to whoever comes here.
Things to do: Visit the Tansen Music Festival (December), listen to local concerts.
Timings: 9 AM- 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Hazira, Gwalior
5. Gujari Mahal
Gujari Mahal, constructed by Raka Man Singh on behalf of his queen, Mrignayani, is today an archaeological museum. It contains artefacts, statues, and ancient manuscripts that are rare. It is also one of the most fascinating places to see in Gwalior because its presence is complemented by the story about the palace as a symbol of love and respect.
Things to do: Acquaint oneself with the rare collection of the museum, and marvel at ancient idols.
Timings: 9 AM- 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20
Location: In Gwalior Fort.
6. Teli Ka Mandir
The Teli Ka Mandir is one of the tallest temples of Gwalior at a height of 100 feet. The peculiarity of it is that it combines North Indian and Dravidian architectural styles. Devoted to Lord Vishnu, it is a place of mandatory tourist attraction among architecture enthusiasts eyeing to explore rare tourist attractions in Gwalior.
Things to do: Relax and take marvellous photos of the harmony in the architecture of the temple.
Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Location: The Gwalior Fort.
7. Sun Temple
The Sun Temple of Gwalior is based on the well-known Sun Temple of Konark. It also has a peaceful atmosphere with its red sandstone exterior and white marble interiors, making it one of the popular places to visit in Gwalior among devotees and travellers. It is the most peaceful spot to visit in Gwalior.
Things to do: Meditation, photography, and evening prayers.
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Morar, Gwalior
8. Gopachal Parvat
Gopachal Parvat contains massive rock-cut sculptures of Jains dating between the 7th and 15th centuries. These cut cliff statues are simply stunning, and the location is among the finest historical places to visit in Gwalior, which is why Jain pilgrims and history enthusiasts go to Gwalior.
Things to do: Visit the Jain statues and take a photo.
Timings: 8 AM- 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Hill slopes of Gwalior Fort.
9. Madhav National Park
Madhav National Park is one of the best tourist places in Gwalior for nature enthusiasts. It has leopards, nilgai, and dozens of different bird species spread across 354 sq. km. The park is ideal in terms of safari rides and nature photography.
Things to do: Jungle safari, birdwatching, and photography.
Timings: 6 AM- 6 PM
Entry Fee: Rs 100 per person
Location: Shivpuri, Near Gwalior.
10. Sarod Ghar
Sarod Ghar is a site devoted to Indian classical music, which was founded by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. The museum conserves ancient instruments and records the journey of the Indian music legends. It is one of the Gwalior places to visit where one can visit to see art and music.
Things to do: Visit its exhibits, visit workshops (where possible).
Timings: 10 AM- 5 PM
Entry Fee: Rs 20
Location: Gwalior city
11. Baija Taal
Baija Taal is among the best places to visit in Gwalior at night. Enclosed within gardens and antique monuments, this is the best place to go with friends in the evenings, or even take a boat ride and enjoy the delicious fast food.
Things to do: There are boats, photography, and nighttime walks.
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Lashkar, Gwalior
12. Padavali and Bateshwar
Padavali and Bateshwar Temples are a secret gem lying close to Gwalior. Padavali is also referred to as one with a visible fort-like setting, but Bateshwar carries more than 200 sandstone structures, all dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and other deities. It is the pleasure of one archaeologist and a top sightseeing place.
Things to do: Tour the temples, such as taking photographs.
Timings: 9 AM- 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Morena, in the vicinity of Gwalior
13. Italian Garden
Italian Garden is a calmly maintained garden featuring fountains, flowers, and beautiful pathways, which is situated within Jai Vilas Palace. It is influenced by the style of European landscaping and is ideal for quiet strolling. It is one of the less noisy but beautiful places to visit in Gwalior.
Things to do: Photography and a leisure walk.
Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM
Entry Fee: Google around with the palace ticket.
Location: Jai Vilas Palace facility.
14. Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus
The Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus is an excellent specimen of Mughal construction, consisting of lattice work and tranquil gardens. This is a calm vacation spot in the 16th century, and it is also remarkably close to the Tansen Memorial, which would mean that the site is on the list of places to see in Gwalior that one simply can not afford to miss.
Things to do: Photography, attend festivals to get the local feel.
Timings: 9 AM- 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Hazira, Gwalior
15. Scindia Museum
The Scindia Museum, hosted in the Jai Vilas Palace, is where the rare collections such as manuscripts, coins, weapons, and personal belongings of the Scindia rulers are kept. It is also one of the finest places to visit in Gwalior, where one can learn the royal history of the area.
Things to do: Visit the royal collections and the vintage collections.
Timings: 10 am- 5 pm (Closed on Monday)
Entry Fee: Rs 100
Location: Lashkar, Gwalior
Conclusion
Well, that is it,15 beautiful tourist places in Gwalior that guarantee you history, spirituality, and culture wrapped in one. One cannot find a better mix of the old and modern than the majestic Gwalior Fort and soulful Tansen Memorial. Royal palaces and peaceful temples make this city a complete blend of the past and the present. This list will become your final travelling guide in case you have been looking for the best places to visit in Gwalior. Now you have to just grab your bags, charge your camera, and be ready to walk all around a city with stories around every corner.
