Are you planning a trip to Madhya Pradesh anytime soon? If yes, you better browse through some of the best tourist spots in Gwalior that have been rated one of the top attractions in India. Located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior prides itself as the land with rich cultural, religious, and historical significance.
From the majestic hilltop fortress to intricately carved temples, the city of Gwalior is the live example of a place drenched in spirituality, adventure, and modern comforts. In fact, Gwalior is the same place where the greatest musician of India, Tansen, was born. The main attraction is the massive hilltop fort that towers over the city!
The history of Gwalior stretches back to 1000 years and its interesting! Visit the Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, Gujari Mahal, Sas Bahu Temple, Man Singh Palace, sun temple, tomb and likewise.
 | Gwalior |
So, if sightseeing in Gwalior is on your bucket list, we bring you the best places to visit in Gwalior for that ultimate holiday in India.
1. Sun Temple
A temple recently built and dedicated to the Sun God, the Sun Temple is located in Morar. It is a facsimile of the famous Konark sun temple in Orissa. The red sandstone structure of the Sun Temple, which in contrast to the lush green garden outside the temple, makes it one of the best spiritual attractions in Gwalior.
The interior of the temple is of marble made which adds strokes of beauty to it. Also called the Surya Temple because it is dedicated to the God - Sun.
The Sun Temple in Gwalior is somewhat held striking resemblance with the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha. This magnificent revered shrine in India is constructed by the Business tycoon - G.D. Birla. This architectural marvel houses a grand chariot and seven horses that pull the chariot.
According to Hindu manuscripts, these seven horses symbolize the seven days in a week, including 24 chariot wheels which depict the total number of hours in a day. You would be stunned to witness the Sun Temple's architecture when you go inside because the idols inside the temple are 365 count, which displays the number of days in a year.
Price: Free of cost
Timings: 6:30 AM - 12 PM and 1 AM - 6 PM
Required Duration: 2-3 hours
2. Pagara Dam
Do you want a digital detox where you can indulge in photography and adventure? If yes, then head to Pagara Dam. This dam is located on the Asan River and is one of the best places to visit in Gwalior. You can indulge in camping with your friends as the site is dotted with green grasslands and water bodies. Visit Pagara Dam with your near or dear to indulge in boating and cycling fun around the Pagara Dam.
Entry Fee: Free of cost but charges for onsite activities
Timings: 24 hours
Required Duration: Depends upon your convenience
3. Man Singh Palace
Man Singh Palace is located inside the complex of Gwalior Fort. Explore this famous historical jewel which is one of the best historical landmarks in Gwalior. Inside the 4th story palace, the vibrant blue and yellow tile work are done. Dating back to 1000 years back, Man Singh Palace has witnessed a total of 12 rulers in 10 centuries, which reflects its interesting history.
You must go on a guided excursion to Man Singh Palace to unfold the Johar history performed here when the king got killed in 1232. To witness the splendor of Man Singh Palace, attend the sound and light show performed every evening.
Price: 15 INR
Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM
Required Duration: 1-2 hours
4. Padavali and Bateshwar
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Gwalior for couples, venture outside 50 kilometers from Gwalior and head to Padavali and Bateshwar. Padavali is a fortress that dates back to the 18th century and has only one temple dedicated to Vishnu.
Padavali and Bateshwar Padavali is famous for the magnificent temple built in the Padavali fortress. The temple shows classical architecture, which can be equated to any of the famous temples. This wonderful temple represents the ten incarnations of Vishnu, Mahabharata, the marriage of Ganesha, and Samudra Manthan.
Whereas Bateshwar is a cluster of 200 small sandstone temples out of which one of them has erotic carvings and that is why Bateshwar group of temples is often referred to as “Mini Khajuraho” If you are looking for a unique, gripping experience that transport back to a bygone era, visit Padavali and Bateshwar.
Price: 15 INR
Timings: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Required Duration: at least a whole day
5. Gurudwara Data Bandi Chor Sahib
Ravishing beauty, phenomenal architecture, and exquisitely crafted marble and oriented with gold, Gurudwara Data Bandi Chor Sahib is a prestigious place for Sikh worshippers. Legends have it that this place is associated with the imprisonment and subsequent release of Guru Hargobind Sahib, who is revered as the ‘Sixth Guru’ - Sixth Nanak.
Inside the Gurudwara, there is a sacred pool that is known to have therapeutic properties. Devotees can savor the ‘Kada Langar’ inside the temple lawn. It is believed that the sins of the person can be washed away by preaching the lessons of the Sikkim at the ‘Sangat’ lawn inside the main temple hall.
Price: Free of cost
Timings: 10 AM - 10 PM
Required Duration: 2-3 hours
6. Gwalior Fort
Gwalior fort has to be the unmistakable, majestic landmark and the face of Gwalior. Dating back to as far as the 6th - 10th century and depicting a remarkably dynamic historical account of the various rulers, this walled defense complex is a must-visit in Madhya Pradesh. Did you know that the world's second oldest record of the number '0' has been found in one of the inscriptions here which dates back to 1,500 years ago?
It is a wonderful example of impeccable and masterful architectural wonder that had existed during the 15th century.
Gwalior Fort is the epitome of architectural brilliance and is one of the biggest determinants for flourishing tourism in Madhya Pradesh. This fort in Gwalior depicts the rich culture of the bygone era of India and is one of the best tourist places in Gwalior. It is perched on a hilltop and overlooks the entire Gwalior town.
This impeccable fort is sprawled over 3 kilometers and could be visible from every corner of Gwalior. What makes it a worthy place to visit is its glorious history. Gwalior Fort has withstood several attacks. Inside the fort, there are several sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras dating back from the 15th century.
When you take the guided tour inside the fort, you will come across several Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhor, Gujari Mahal, Sas Bahu Temple.
Entry Fee: 75 INR for Indians, and 250 INR for foreigners
Timings: 6 AM - 5:30 PM throughout the week
Required Duration: 1-2 hours
7. Saas Bahu Temple
Sasbahu Temple, located in the east of the Gwalior Fort, attracts not only the devotees, but also the tourists for its artistic value. The intricate designs and impeccable carvings are the highlights of this popular tourist attraction in Gwalior. This temple is located within the Gwalior Fort and was built during the 11th-century reign of King Mahipala of the Kachapaghata Dynasty to honor Vishnu.
Also called Sahastrabahu Temple, there are two temples in the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law name. The former one is larger than the Bahu Temple. Both these temples are located adjacent to each other and have fascinating carvings on the walls.
Entry Fee: Free of cost
Timings: 8 AM - 5:30 PM throughout the week
Required Duration: 1-2 hours
8. Jai Vilas Palace
A European-style castle sitting in the heart of Gwalior showcases the royal splendor of Madhya Pradesh. Take a sneak peek into the royalty by visiting one of another famous tourist spots in Gwalior, Jai Vilas Palace. It is a grand palace that personifies the culture and opulence of the bygone era of Madhya Pradesh.
Jai Vilas Palace was constructed by the Maharaja of Gwalior, Jayaji Rao Scindia, for welcoming King Edward VII and Whale's Price. There is a museum inside the royal palace. It is spread over 75 acres and now is the home of the Scindia family's royal descendants. Inside the Jai Vilas Palace, a Durbar Hall is decorated with the magnificent and the heaviest chandeliers and intriguing carpet.
Entry Fee: 150 INR for Indians, 800 INR for foreigners
Timings: 10 AM - 4:30 PM (except Wednesday)
Required Duration: 2-3 hours
Note: For still camera and video camera, charges are extra.
9. Tomb of Tansen
Prominent musicians from the different parts of the countries visit Tansen Memorial to attend the national level music festival, which organizes in November and December. The music festival is celebrated in honor of one of the nine gems in the courtyard of Akbar, Tansen. He was known for his magical ‘Ragas’ who follow Sufism. Tansen Memorial was the same place where Tansen was buried after his death.
Entry Fee: Free of cost
Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM throughout the week
Required Duration: 1-2 hours
10. Maharani Laxmi Bai Park
If you wish to learn about the history and the warriors of India, you can’t miss exploring the Samadhi of Rani Laxmi Bai. It is one of the best places to visit in Gwalior to get glimpses of the glory of Rani Laxmi Bai. She was the brave women warrior who fought to save the Jhansi state during the war 1857 against the British rulers.
To honor the Rani Laxmi Bai, an eight-meter tall statue is installed in the Phool Bagh. Make sure you visit this place on your Gwalior sightseeing.
Entry Fee: Free of cost
Timings: 24 hours
Required Duration: 30 minutes
11. Teli Ka Mandir
Teli Ka Mandir at the Gwalior Fort is distinguished from the other compositions of its time, due to its unique architecture. Although the roof of the temple has a Dravidian look, the sculptures are typical of northern India.
Entry Fee: Free of cost
Timings: 24 hours
Required Duration: 30 minutes
That’s it - traveloholic souls! When are you putting in that leave application from the office or college to explore these best places to visit Gwalior?
