What to see
Forts and Palaces
The impressive Gwalior Fort, adorned with soaring towers and rugged battlements, stands 300 feet above ground on a central hill in the city. Regarded as one of India's most impregnable forts, it traces its origins back to the fifth century A.D., initially known as Gopagiri. According to a popular legend, the city's founding in the eighth century is attributed to chieftain Suraj Sen, who, cured of a severe ailment by the saint Gwalip, named the city near Gopagiri in gratitude. Throughout the ages, Gwalior Fort changed hands among various rulers, including the Huns, princes of Kanauj, Kachwahas, Prathiharas, Qutub-ud-din Aibak, Akbar (utilizing the fort as a prison), the Tomars, Jats, and Marathas. Sikh history is also interwoven with the fort, as Guru Hargobind, the sixth guru, was confined at Assi Khamba Bawri near the Man Singh Palace during Jahangir’s reign in the 17th century. In the early 19th century, the fort and city became the focal point of a protracted conflict between the British and the Scindias. Two entrances provide access to the fort—the Qila Gate, ideal for pedestrians, and the Urwahi Gate, accessible by vehicle via a lengthy ramp. Cap off your visit with the captivating sound-and-light show at Gwalior Fort in the evening. Illuminating the fort's grandeur, this presentation unfolds the tales of valor, conquests, and cultural richness that have shaped Gwalior's legacy over centuries.
Within the fortress, numerous palaces constructed by various dynasties grace the landscape. Among them, the most remarkable is the Man Singh Palace, commissioned by Raja Man Singh Tomar during his rule from 1486 to 1516. The palace's exterior is adorned with intricate friezes made of yellow and blue tiles, the remnants of which can still be discerned. The presence of impressive jhimili, or stone lattice-screens, along with cornices, pendants, and mosaics featuring floral and geometrical patterns, enhances the palace's architectural splendor.
Situated on a lower level is Gujari Mahal, originally constructed for Raja Man Singh's queen, Mriganayani. Transformed into the Archaeological Museum, it houses a diverse collection encompassing coins, sculptures, pottery, and weapons. Particularly noteworthy among the artifacts are a substantial sculpture of Shalbhanjika dating from the late ninth to early tenth century, as well as depictions of Nataraja and Yama. Additionally, Jahangir and Vikram Palaces are other regal residences within the fort that warrant exploration.
