MAN SINGH PALACE (AKA MAN MANDIR PALACE)
While I was planning my trip to India I saw a photo of the colourful Man Singh Palace and knew I had visit. Just like Hayley Joel Osmond in his acting prime (unfortunately for him that was when he was about 10), I’m going to pay it forward — surely after seeing these photos you’ll be adding it to your India itinerary just like I did.
In travel, as in life, not all things are created equal. We took two separate day trips from Agra and they couldn’t have been more different. The first, to Fatehpur Sikri, was a major letdown. The popular old Mughal city was disappointing in every sense, but the trip to Gwalior Fort, en route to Orchha, was a highlight of our time in North India.
JAIN SCULPTURES
A series of massive figures carved into the rocks next to the road suddenly came into view. We were instantly glad that we were walking. These stone statues, which look a bit like the Buddhas in Sukhothai (Thailand), depict the 24 teachers of the Jain religion. I know very little about Jainism but it didn’t matter — these 500 year old statues were awe inspiring to stand under. The statues are spread out over a large area as you head up the hill.
VARIOUS PALACE RUINS
This group of palace ruins sits a short walk from Man Singh Palace and provides a far different experience. It’s an interesting place to explore but the buildings really are in ruins and don’t contain nearly the same level of detail as their more illustrious neighbour. Make sure you climb up the old fort walls for great views over Gwalior.
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