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Gwalior Fort
📍 Gwalior Fort, Madhya PradeshView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:October to March

⏰ Open Hours:6:00 AM to 5:30 PM

🎒 Things To Do:Visit Man Mandir Palace, Teli Ka Mandir, Saas Bahu Temple, and explore Light & Sound Show

💰 Entry Fees:INR 75 for Indians, INR 250 for foreigners, INR 100 for Light & Sound Show

🧳 Traveller Types:History buffs, Photographers, Adventure seekers

🏆 Known For:Architectural grandeur, Historical significance, Light & Sound Show depicting the history of the fort

🚉 Distances:5 km from Gwalior railway station, 17 km from Gwalior airport, 118 km from Jhansi

📷 Photography:Allowed

🎒 Tips:Wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking and climbing involved. Keep yourself hydrated.

🦺 Safety:Safe during day hours, caution advised after sunset

♿ Accessibility:Not wheelchair friendly due to uneven surfaces and stairs

Have questions about Gwalior Fort?Ask the Tripoto Community ›

Gwalior Fort: A Majestic Monument of India’s Glorious Past

Gwalior Fort is a majestic monument that stands on a rocky hill overlooking the city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the oldest and largest forts in the country, and has witnessed many battles, sieges, and dynasties over the centuries. The fort is also known for its splendid palaces, temples, museums, and sculptures, which showcase the diverse artistic and cultural heritage of India. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or an adventure seeker, Gwalior Fort has something for everyone. Here is everything you need to know about this amazing fort and how to make the most of your visit.

History of Gwalior Fort

The history of Gwalior Fort is as fascinating as its architecture. According to legend, the fort was built by a king named Suraj Sen in the 6th century, who was cured of leprosy by a sage named Gwalipa. The sage gave him the name Gwalior, and the fort was named after him. The fort was later ruled by various dynasties, such as the Pratiharas, the Kachchhapaghatas, the Tomars, the Mughals, the Marathas, the Scindias, and the British. The fort was also the site of many historic events, such as the first recorded use of zero in mathematics, the rebellion of Rani Lakshmibai, the first war of independence, and the Indian Mutiny. The fort has been described as “the pearl of Indian fortresses” by the Mughal emperor Babur, and “the Gibraltar of India” by the British.

Architecture of Gwalior Fort

The architecture of Gwalior Fort is a blend of various styles and influences, reflecting the diversity of its rulers and periods. The fort covers an area of about 3 square kilometers, and is surrounded by a massive wall that is 35 feet high and 2 miles long. The wall has six gates, the most famous of which is the Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate), which is adorned with a huge statue of an elephant.

The fort has two main parts: the upper fort and the lower fort. The upper fort contains the main palaces, temples, and museums, while the lower fort contains the residential and administrative buildings.

Some of the most notable attractions of the fort are:

1. Man Singh Palace

Also known as the Chit Mandir (Painted Palace), this is the most magnificent and colorful palace in the fort. It was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar in the 15th century, and is decorated with exquisite tiles, paintings, and carvings. The palace has four stories above the ground and two below, and has a circular tower at each corner. The palace also has a sound and light show every evening, which narrates the history and legends of the fort.

2. Gujari Mahal

This is a palace built by Raja Man Singh Tomar for his beloved wife Mrignayani, who was a Gujar princess. The palace is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture, and has a beautiful courtyard, a water tank, and a fountain. The palace now houses the Archaeological Museum, which displays a collection of rare sculptures, coins, weapons, and artifacts from various periods and regions of India.

3. Jain Rock Sculptures

These are a series of rock-cut sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras, or spiritual leaders, that are carved on the southern slope of the fort. There are about 1500 sculptures, ranging from a few inches to 57 feet in height, and dating from the 7th to the 15th century. The sculptures are remarkable for their detail, expression, and size, and are considered to be among the finest examples of Jain art in India.

4. Teli Ka Mandir

This is the oldest and tallest temple in the fort, and is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver god of Hinduism. The temple was built in the 9th century, and has a unique architectural style that combines elements of North Indian and South Indian temples. The temple has a rectangular sanctum, a barrel-vaulted roof, and a towering spire. The temple is also adorned with sculptures of various deities, animals, and floral motifs.

5. Sas Bahu Temple

This is a pair of temples that are located near the Man Singh Palace, and are dedicated to Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi. The temples were built in the 11th century, and are named Sas Bahu, which means mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, because of a legend that they were built by a king and his son for their respective wives. The temples are famous for their intricate carvings and pillars, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology and daily life.

How to Reach Gwalior Fort

Gwalior Fort is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, such as air, train, and road.

By air: The nearest airport is the Gwalior Airport, which is about 10 kilometers from the fort, and has flights to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur.

By train: The nearest railway station is the Gwalior Junction, which is about 3 kilometers from the fort, and has trains to all parts of India.

By bus: The nearest bus stand is the Gwalior Bus Stand, which is about 2 kilometers from the fort, and has buses to nearby towns and cities.

By road: You can also hire a taxi, an auto-rickshaw, or a cycle-rickshaw to reach the fort from any part of the city.

Best Time to Visit Gwalior Fort

The best time to visit Gwalior Fort is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool, and the fort is illuminated with lights during the festivals of Diwali and Dussehra.

The fort is open from 6 am to 5:30 pm every day, and the entry fee is Rs. 75 for Indians and Rs. 250 for foreigners.

The sound and light show is held from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm in Hindi, and from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm in English, and the ticket price is Rs. 75 for Indians and Rs. 250 for foreigners.

Gwalior Fort is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves history, culture, and architecture. The fort is a treasure trove of India’s glorious past and offers a glimpse into the lives and times of its rulers and people. The fort is also a marvel of engineering and art and showcases the diversity and beauty of India’s heritage.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Gwalior Fort and experience the magic and mystery of this magnificent monument.

Gwalior Fort Reviews

आपला भारत देश इतिहासाच्या बाबतीत अतिशय श्रीमंत आहे. आपल्या देशात अनेक शुरवीर राजांनी बांधलेले इतिहासाची साक्ष देणारे अनेक सुंदर आणि भव्य गड, किल्ले आहेत. आपला महाराष्ट्र सुद्धा गड, कोट ह्या बाबतीत अतिशय लकी आहे. अशीच एक भव्य वस्तू जेथे कधी काळी मराठ्यांचा सुद्धा राज्य होता असा मध्यप्रदेशातील एक महत्वाचा किल्ला म्हणजे ग्वाल्हेर चा किल्ला अजूनही खूप चांगल्या स्थितीत असा हा किल्ला आहे उत्कृष्ट अशी सजावट आणि नक्षीकाम आणि वेगवेगळ्या रंगकाम ह्या किल्ल्यावर बघायला मिळेल हा ग्वालियर किल्ला इसवी सनाच्या आठव्या शतकात ग्वालियर जवळच्या एका टेकडीजवळ बांधण्यात मुख्य शहरात असणारा हा किल्ला शहरातील कोणत्याही टोकाकडून बघू शकतो ह्या किल्ल्यावर अनेक शिलालेख ही सापडले आहेत जे जवळपास 1500 वर्ष जुने आहेत अनेक जुन्या मूर्ती आणि अनेक प्रकारचे पुरातन वास्तू व मुर्त्या किल्ल्यात जतन करून ठेवल्यात आहेत शून्याचा जो शोध लागला आहेत त्यांची सगळ्यात जुनी नोंद देखील ह्याच ठिकाणी किल्ल्यात मिळाली आहे ग्वाल्हेर हा किल्ला भारतातील काही भव्य आणि प्रमुख किल्ल्यामध्ये येतो अनेक राजेरजवाडे व संस्थान ही ह्या किल्ल्याने बघितली आहे व अजूनही ह्या किल्ल्याची भव्यता तशीच आहे किल्ल्यांमध्ये 2 महाल आहेत 1 मानसिंग महाल आणि गुजरी महाल मानसिंग महाल हा सगळ्यात सुंदर महाल समजल्या जातो किल्ल्यावर 2 सुंदर अशी मंदिरे बघायला मिळतात त्या मंदिराना सासू सुनेच मंदिर म्हणून संबोधले जाते दोन्ही मंदिर एक लहान व एक मोठं परंतु खूपच नक्षीदार असा मन्दिर आहे दोन्ही मंदिर 11 व्या शतकात बांधली गेली आहेत व भगवान विष्णूंना समर्पित केली आहेत तसेच एक जोहर कुंड सुद्धा किल्ल्यावर बघायला मिळतो मराठेशाही म्हणजे सिंधीय म्हणजे शिंदे घराण्याचा ताब्यात हा किल्ला होता सुराजसें नावाच्या राजाने हा किल्ला बांधला आहे आणि भव्य दिव्य अजूनही काही प्रणाम सुस्थित हा किल्ला उभा आहे शत्रूंना मृत्यूदंड देण्यासाठी एक वेगळी व्यवस्था काळकोठारी किल्ल्यात बघायला मिळते आत गेल्यानंतर पूर्ण अंधार त्यात अंतःकरण चिरडून टाकणारा काळोख त्यातील शिक्षा देणारे साखळदंड आणि तो काळोखात काळकोठारी खूपच हरवून टाकते संध्याकाळी किल्ल्यावर लाईट आणि साउंड शो नक्की बघण्यासारखा असतो असा भव्य दिव्य असा किल्ला नक्की ग्वाल्हेर ला गेलात तर बघायला विसरू नका
Monuments inside the Gwalior fort The main monuments inside the fort premises are Teli Ka- Mandir, Sas Bahu temple, Man Mandir, Badal Mahal, Chaturbhuj temple, Rock-cut Jain tirthankaras, Ganesha gate, Urwai gate, alamgiri gate, the kunds including the jauhar kund, etc. The Manmandir palace built by Raja Mansingh (1486-1516 CE), a well known patron of music and architecture, is considered as the most remarkable example of an early Hindu palace architecture. The extensive eastern facade of the palace which is 300 feet long has six beautiful circular towers with domed cupolas. The palace wall is famous for its inlaid tiles in enamelled yellow, green. and blue colours, that show figures of various animals like ducks, tigers, crocodiles, and elephants, along with different other motifs. The palace interior has two open courtyards that have rooms all around with beautiful ceilings and balustrades in different designs. There are also rooms in the palace basement that were initially used as pleasure chambers, which were converted into prison cells later in the Mughalperiod
We reached Gwalior around 2:00 pm. After a quick nap and freshening up, we left for Gwalior Fort. Since it was almost evening, instead of hiking up the fort, we decided to take our car to the top to save some time. But I'm pretty sure that hiking must be a great experience - enjoying every part of the fort as you walk up. TIP 1: If you are planning to take your vehicle up to the fort, navigate to Urvai gate where you'll find a dedicated parking spot. Do not get swayed by the people at the main Gwalior gate who might offer you to show the right direction and get paid for almost nothing. Trust your google maps!
When to go: Gwalior is best explored during the cooler winter months, or during the monsoons when the place turns a beautiful green. The summers can get pretty harsh here, so best avoidable. The fort will take one whole day to explore, and there are many other monuments to see in the Gwalior city besides the fort, and even outside the city in nearby places, so 2-3 days stay is advisable. For more photos and historical details on Gwalior fort please click hereFrequent Searches Leading To This Page:- gwalior fort madhya pradesh, gwalior fort madhya pradesh information, history of gwalior fort, gwalior fort history, madhya pradesh gwalior fort
We have places to visit on our list today, as in the evening we have to catch our train back to Delhi. We went to Gwalior Fort first, as it's in the middle of the city and you can view the whole city from top of the fort, Fort is divide into two parts . One part is of Gwalior Fort and the other part consist of Scindhia International School, few temples and Gurudwara.
Photos of Gwalior Fort
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