Top 15 Best Things To Do In Gwalior
Best Things To Do In Gwalior : When you plan your vacation to Gwalior, you’ll discover an incredible array of activities in this historical city. Known for its stunning fort, remarkable rock-cut temples, and impressive palaces and museums, Gwalior has much to offer.
As the birthplace of one of India’s oldest musical gharanas and the resting place of the legendary musician Tansen, Gwalior has rich musical heritage. Combine this with excellent shopping opportunities, a water park, and plenty of dining options, and you’ve got the ideal formula for a memorable family holiday.
1. Visit The Glorious Gwalior Fort
Dubbed the “pearl of fortresses in India” by Babur, the impressive Gwalior Fort rises majestically from a solitary rock outcrop that overlooks the ancient city. Its striking turquoise tile work on the exterior makes it easily recognizable from afar. Featuring six palaces, rock-cut temples, and distinctive architectural details such as Chinese dragon motifs, exploring this magnificent hill fort is a must-do activity in Gwalior. Additionally, the captivating evening light and sound show offers an immersive journey through the fort’s history and is an experience not to be missed.
2. Get Mesmerised By The Sasbahu Temple
Nestled within the fort, this stunning 11th-century temple complex features a larger temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and a smaller one honoring Lord Shiva. These intricately carved twin temples, constructed from sandstone, exemplify remarkable architectural beauty. The exquisite detailing and craftsmanship evident in the edifice, pillars, and dome are truly breathtaking. At the entrance, four sculptures of Lords Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and the goddess Saraswati stand out as some of the finest among the many that embellish the walls. Situated on a cliff, the temple also provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city below, making it one of the most captivating temples in Gwalior.
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3. Get Bedazzled By The Grandeur Of Jai Vilas Palace Museum
This magnificent palace, constructed by Jayajirao Scindia, offers a fascinating glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the royal family. With 35 of its rooms transformed into a museum, it stands out as one of the premier locations to view rare and impressive artworks. From extravagant and unique artifacts to stunning furniture, the former residence of the Scindias showcases their opulent way of life. The durbar hall, adorned with some of the world’s grandest chandeliers and shimmering gold details, is truly breathtaking. Be sure to see the silver train in the exquisite dining hall that was used to serve after-dinner cigars and brandy. This palace is among the most renowned in India.
4. Shop At Patankar And Sarafa Bazaars
At the end of your sightseeing around the city, one of the most satisfying things to do in Gwalior is to stroll through the local markets. The Patankar and Sarafa bazaars offer a range of local handicrafts, traditional handlooms and exquisite stone carved artefacts to take back home with you. When done with your retail therapy, the bazaars also offer some yummy soul food like sweet imartis and crunchy kachoris to satiate the foodie within.
5. Spend Time At The Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum
Constructed by King Man Singh Tomar for his beloved wife, Mrignayanee, the Gujari Mahal now houses an archaeological museum featuring an outstanding collection of artifacts and sculptures. The grand entrance is flanked by mythological man-lion figures, setting the stage for what lies within. Among the museum’s highlights is the Indian Mona Lisa in stone, known as Shalabhanjika; you may need to request the curator to unlock the room for a closer look. With sculptures that trace back to the Gupta period, including a statue of the Varaha avatar, the museum is truly a treasure trove of historical masterpieces.
6. Pay Homage To The Music Maestro At Tansen’s Mausoleum
For music enthusiasts, strolling through the gardens once frequented by the legendary musical genius Tansen is a truly enchanting experience. Nearby lies the tomb of his mentor and Sufi saint, Muhammad Ghaus. Adorned with exquisite Mughal-style latticed screens, this serene location invites contemplation and offers a glimpse into the rich history of music. Each December, this historic site becomes a vibrant stage for music lovers during the Tansen Music Festival. Illuminated and filled with the sounds of ragas, it’s an unforgettable experience.
7. Beat The Heat At Splash The Suncity
If you’re looking for things to do in Gwalior, enjoy some pure fun with friends and family at this amusement park located in the city center. Featuring 18 exhilarating rides for thrill-seekers and over 10 water rides, Splash the Sun City is the perfect place to spend a few action-packed hours. The water park boasts three large pools, a play area, and a variety of exciting slides to keep everyone entertained.
8. Marvel At Gopachal Parvat Rock-cut Sculptures
Situated along the slopes near Gwalior Fort and surrounded by lush greenery, Gopachal Parvat is home to remarkable rock-cut sculptures of the 24 Jain tirthankars (spiritual teachers). Visiting these impressive carvings, chiseled directly from the cliff, is one of the top things to do in Gwalior, offering a spiritual and breathtaking experience. The towering 47-foot monolithic statue of Adinath, seated on a lotus, is truly a sight to behold. Crafted by the Tomar kings during the 14th and 15th centuries, these magnificent sculptures are a unique architectural marvel.
9. Admire The Architectural Splendour Of Teli Ka Mandir
Boasting architecture as captivating as its name, this 30-meter-high temple stands as the tallest and oldest monument within the fort. Featuring a Dravidian-style carved shikhara along with numerous elements of Nagar style, the temple elegantly merges northern and southern architectural styles, making it one of the top attractions in Gwalior. Its striking array of unique sculptures, including coiling snakes, river goddesses, and Garuda, makes it a remarkable site for history and architecture enthusiasts.
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10. Get Enthralled By The Beauty Of The Sun Temple
The stunning architectural beauty of the Sun Temple ranks it among the top attractions in Gwalior. Modeled after the ancient sun temple at Konark, this captivating structure features one of the finest statues of the sun god, illuminated by sunlight from one of its four sides. The vibrant red sandstone exterior contrasts beautifully with the gleaming white marble interiors, making it a must-visit site in Gwalior. For the best experience, plan your visit just before sunset to enjoy breathtaking views.
11. Go Boating In Tighra Dam
In addition to its religious and historical sites, Gwalior is a fantastic destination for adventure enthusiasts. The city provides excellent opportunities for boating, with options like Jalpari boating, speed boating, and paddle boating. For an extra thrill, you can also ride a water scooter. Beyond the adventure activities, Gwalior is a wonderful location for nature and landscape photographers, making it one of the top experiences to enjoy in the city.
12. Explore Wildlife At Madhav National Park
Situated in Shivpuri town, Madhav National Park is a premier destination for adventure seekers looking for an exciting weekend getaway near Gwalior. It’s a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts, showcasing a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can spot notable animal species, including wild boars, wolves, leopards, porcupines, jackals, and marsh crocodiles. Other attractions within the park include picturesque lakes and thrilling jungle safaris. Located just 120 km from the city, it serves as a fantastic weekend retreat.
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13. Visit The Gwalior Zoo
Gwalior Zoo is one of the top spots to explore wildlife in Madhya Pradesh, offering a convenient alternative to jungle safaris. Perfect for a family outing, the zoo features a wide variety of species, from leopards and blackbucks to more exotic animals. Visitors can also enjoy seeing an array of birds and snakes, making it an entertaining destination for both kids and adults. The star attraction of the zoo, however, is the majestic white tiger.
14. Bateshwar’s Beautiful Architecture
Bateshwar Temple is a complex of nearly 200 sandstone temples, renowned for its stunning architecture. As one of the most iconic sites in Gwalior, it captivates visitors from around the globe. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, the temples were constructed during the reign of the Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty. For history enthusiasts and admirers of architectural marvels, exploring these beautiful temples is one of the top experiences in Gwalior.
15. Enjoy Coffee At Indian Coffee House
Indian coffee House is a must-visit place for all the coffee lovers. It is located outside the railway station of Gwalior. It is famous for its your excellent food quality and simple ambience. Among many other great items, coffee is a must-try here. With reasonable prices here, start your day with a delicious coffee and enjoy the quick service and peaceful ambience.
Best Things To Do In Gwalior : Gwalior offers plenty more to explore before you conclude your trip, leaving you with unforgettable memories. Don’t wait any longer—plan your visit to Gwalior for a fantastic experience with your loved ones.
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