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Introduction |
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Gwalior - a historical Indian city - is located on the periphery of Madhya Pradesh State, 321 Kms from Delhi and 121 Kms (76 Miles) from Agra. Steeped in the splendour of its past, the ancient capital of Gwalior has yet made a successful transition into a modern Indian city, vibrant and bustling. A multitude of reigning dynasties, of the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas, Kacchwahas and Tomars have left indelible etchings of their rule in this city of palaces, temples and monuments. Gwalior's tradition as a royal capital continued until the formation of present day India, with the Scindias having their dynastic seat here. The magnificent mementoes of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior an appeal unique and timeless. This, then, is Gwalior : where a rich cultural tradition has been interwoven into the fabric of modern life. Where a princely past lives on in great palaces and their museums.
Where a multitude of images merge and mix to present to the visitor a city of enduring greatness.
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| Best Time to Travel |
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October to March
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The Fort
The most magnificent monument of Gwalior; the hilltop fort overlooks the city. The fort is above 300 feet high and is about three kms (1.86 Miles) in length and 600 to 3000 feet wide from East to West.
The northern end has Jhangiri Palace, Shah Jahan Palace, Karna Mahal, Vikram Mahal and Jal Johar Kund. Jahangiri and Shah Jahan Palaces are predominantly Muslim in their architectural styles. Karna Mahal was the palace of maternal uncle of most famous king of Gwalior Raja Man Singh. Palace of prince Vikram, Vikram Mahal had a small Vishnu temple in it.
Man Mandir Palace
This marvelous palace was built between 1486 and 1517 by Raja Man Singh of Tomar dynasty of Gwalior. The palace has two underground floors. It consists of two open courts surrounded by apartments with carved stones, pillars and brackets. Six rounded towers of singularly pleasing design crowned with cupolas relieve this 80 feet high structure. Light and sound show or 'Son-et-Lumiere' in English is from 8:30 pm to 9:15 pm.
Sas Bahu Ka Madir
This is a 9th century temple. The Sas-Bahu temple was probably called the Shashtra Bahu (another name for Vishnu) temple. "The smaller one close to it was perhaps a Shiva temple, but over the years this pair of temples whose carvings can be compared to any of the great temples of India came to be known as the "Sas-Bahu temples.
Teli Ka Madir
This is a 11th century 70 feet high temple. The temple was probably known as the Telengana temple. It has a South Indian influence on its architecture especially on the roof, which is Dravadian, though it's facade remains Indo-Ayran.
Archeological Museum
It has sculptures found in Naresar, Batesar, Kherat, Ater(my maternal native place), Ranod, Surwaya, Terahi and Padhawali. Sculptures are of Gurjar Pratihar period( 7th century AD to 10th century AD). These sculptures show the later development of Gupta art. 17th century AD sculptures, from Ater are of Bhadoria rulers, showing Hindu and Mughal art.
Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhode
It has been built in the remembrance of sixth guru of Sikhs "Saint Hargovind Singh ji". It is a beautiful structure completely made up of white marble. Cupolas on domes are of gold. There are two sarowars or ponds as well in this Gurudwara.
Gujri Mahal
The 15th century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh for his Gujar queen, Mrignayani. Today Gujari Mahal has one of the finest museums of sculptures dating back to 1st century AD even though many of them have been defaced by the Mughals, their perfection of form has survived the ravage of time.
Tomb of Tansen
This is the tomb of the father of Hindustani classical music, the great Mian Tansen, one of the 'Nine Jewels' of Emperor Akbar's court. It is built in the early Mughal architectural style and is surrounded by lush gardens in typical Mughal style. Every year a national level music festival is organized here in November/December.
Mausoleum of Ghous Mohammed
The great, Ghous Mohammed, whose mausoleum is laid near tomb of Tansen, was an Afghan Prince turned sufi saint who had helped Babur to win the Gwalior fort. His mausoleum is a typical Mughal architecture.
Sun Temple or Surya Mandir
This was constructed in 1988. It is inspired by architecture of the famous Konark Temple in Orissa. Red stone has been used on exteriors and white marble on interior. There is a beautiful sculpture of Lord Surya in the temple.
Jai Vilas Palace
This beautiful pure white edifice patterned on the style of the 'Palais de Versailles' in France combines Tuscan, Italian and Corinthian styles of architecture. The palace has been partly converted into a museum for Royal memorabilia. The rest of the part is the residence of Madhav Rao Scindia.
|
|
Introduction |
|
|
Gwalior - a historical Indian city - is located on the periphery of Madhya Pradesh State, 321 Kms from Delhi and 121 Kms (76 Miles) from Agra. Steeped in the splendour of its past, the ancient capital of Gwalior has yet made a successful transition into a modern Indian city, vibrant and bustling. A multitude of reigning dynasties, of the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas, Kacchwahas and Tomars have left indelible etchings of their rule in this city of palaces, temples and monuments. Gwalior's tradition as a royal capital continued until the formation of present day India, with the Scindias having their dynastic seat here. The magnificent mementoes of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior an appeal unique and timeless. This, then, is Gwalior : where a rich cultural tradition has been interwoven into the fabric of modern life. Where a princely past lives on in great palaces and their museums.
Where a multitude of images merge and mix to present to the visitor a city of enduring greatness.
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| Best Time to Travel |
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October to March
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How To Reach |
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Air
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Regular flights of Air Deccan connect Gwalior to Delhi and Indore.
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Road
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Gwalior is near to Agra & Jhansi. Majority of buses are operated by government.
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Rail
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Gwalior is situated on the main rail head between Delhi - Bhopal - Mumbai
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