Located in central India, and also known as the “Heart of India”, Madhya Pradesh, has a perfect spot due to its geographical location. It is characterized by vast plateaus, dense forests, and winding rivers like the Narmada and the Tapti. The state is rich in wildlife, boasting national parks such as Kanha and Bandhavgarh, famous for Bengal tigers. Madhya Pradesh is steeped in history, with archaeological sites like Sanchi Stupa, Khajuraho temples, and the majestic Gwalior Fort. Its cultural diversity is reflected in vibrant festivals, traditional art forms, and delectable cuisine, making it one of the must visit places on our list.
As the state is spread over 3.08L square kms, we decided to explore one location at a time. Gwalior is the first city in MP that we decided to visit first as it’s a historic city with rich cultural heritage. Gwalior is also famous for its association with Indian classical music, particularly the Gwalior Gharana, which has produced many maestros over the centuries. The city is home to architectural marvels like the Gwalior Fort, SasBahu Temples and the Jai Vilas Palace, showcasing a blend of Hindu and European influences. We spent 3 days exploring the city and it was one of best trips of the year.
Right Time To Visit Gwalior
The best time to visit Gwalior is during the winter months, from October to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant with cool temperatures, making it suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The average temperatures during these months range from around 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).
Avoid visiting Gwalior during the summer months, from April to June, as the temperatures can soar, often exceeding 40°C (104°F), making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities.
The monsoon season, from July to September, brings heavy rainfall to the region, which can disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities. However, if you enjoy lush greenery and don’t mind occasional showers, you may find this season interesting for visiting Gwalior as well.
How To Reach Gwalior
Gwalior is well connected by air/rail and road ways.
1. By Air: Gwalior has its own airport, RajmataVijayaRajeScindia Airport (IATA: GWL), which is located around 8 kilometres northeast of the city centre. It is connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Varanasi by regular flights.
2. By Train: Gwalior Junction Railway Station is well-connected to major cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore. It is an important railway junction in the northern part of India and is served by numerous trains operated by Indian Railways.
3. By Road: Gwalior is well-co.nnected by road networks, and there are regular bus services operated by state-run and private bus operators from cities like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Indore, and Bhopal. The National Highways NH3, NH75, and NH92 pass through Gwalior, making it accessible by road.
One can also reach by private car or taxi. The city is connected to nearby cities and towns through well-maintained roads.
We took a flight from Pune to Gwalior via Delhi. As there was a 5-hourlayover, we also got an opportunity to visit nearby places in Delhi.
Our Three Days Gwalior Itinerary
Depending on how many days you have, you can plan to visit lot of different places in Gwalior. You can choose to spend 3 days in the city and then drive to Orcha, explore the Bateshwar temples, visit Khajuraho or spend a day or two in the Chambal forest. We had 3 days with us and here is how we spent them.
Day 1
We reached Gwalior a little late in the afternoon as we flew from Pune with a stopover in Delhi hence, we decided to keep first day a little lighter and explore the cuisine and evening scenes of Gwalior.
Gwalior offers a diverse range of culinary delights, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and influences from various regions of India. S.S. Kachoriwala, most famous for its chat was our first pick. the Kachoris, jalebi and samosa were delicious. We strongly recommend to pay a visit here and try their food. We also tried the long panipuris, a Gwalior speciality at a local shop.
As we were too full by now, we decided to walk down to our hotel. On our way we stopped at the BaijaTaal(Baija Lake). The lake completely lit at night and locals gather here to chit chat and some even play music, sing and spend time with friends. It was a beautiful and fulfilling sight. We spent a good hour here and then returned to our hotel.
Day 2
This day was reserved for the iconic Gwalior Fort and magnificent Jai Vilas Palace.Post breakfast, we took an Uber and went straight to the Gwalior Fort.
Gwalior Fort
Spread over an area of 3 square kms, Gwalior Fort is one of the most prominent historical landmarks. The fort timings are from 07:00am – 05:30pm. It took us around 4 hours to explore the fort thoroughly. You are recommended to go by the car as fort complex is really big and car makes it easier to get from one place to other.
The fort’s history dates back over 1,000 years, with its earliest records dating to the 6th century. The different rulers of the Gwalior fort include, the Tomars, Mughals, Marathas, and Scindias. The fort is known for its impressive architecture, blending Hindu, Muslim, and Jain influences. It features magnificent palaces, temples, water tanks, and several gates. The architecture reflects the diverse cultural and architectural styles that prevailed during different periods of its history. Some of the important structures to visit at the fort are Man Singh Palace, Gujari Mahal, Sasbahu Temple, TeliKaMandir and Gurudwara Data BandiChhorSahib.
Roaming through the fort, we got super tired and hungry. But we also had to see Jal Vilas Palace. We grabbed a quick lunch and then headed to Jai Vilas Palace.
Jai Vilas Palace
Jai Vilas Palace was constructed in the late 19th century under the patronage of Maharaja JayajiraoScindia of the Scindia dynasty. It was built to showcase the wealth and grandeur of the Scindia rulers.
The palace is an excellent example of European architecture blended with Indian influences. It features a mix of architectural styles, including Tuscan, Corinthian, and Italianate styles. The palace’s architecture reflects the lavish tastes of the Scindia rulers and their appreciation for fine craftsmanship. Jai Vilas Palace is one of the largest palaces in India. It covers a vast area and includes numerous halls, rooms, and courtyards. The palace’s grandeur and scale are evident from its sprawling layout and impressive facades.
One of the highlights of Jai Vilas Palace is the Laxmi Vilas Palace, which is a part of the complex. It serves as the residence of the Scindia royal family and is not open to the public.
A section of Jai Vilas Palace has been converted into the Scindia Museum, which is open to the public. The museum houses a remarkable collection of artefacts, including rare paintings, sculptures, weapons, and antiques belonging to the Scindia dynasty. One of the most notable exhibits is the world’s largest chandelier, weighing several tons and adorned with thousands of crystals. Another attraction within the Scindia Museum is the Silver Train, a miniature silver toy train that was used to serve liquor to guests during royal banquets. The train is a unique and intricate piece of craftsmanship.
The palace is occasionally used for hosting special events, including cultural performances, exhibitions, and receptions. It continues to be an important cultural and historical landmark in Gwalior.
We were completely mesmerized by the grandeur of the Scindia dynasty. And called it a day reminiscing the royal life.
Day 3
On day 3 we took a road trip to a nearby town, Morena about 30kms from Gwalior. Morena is famous for Bateshwar group of temples, Mitaoli and Padavali temples.
Bateshwar
Bateshwar is a group of ancient Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located about 35 kilometres from Gwalior. The temples are situated along the banks of the Chambal River and are believed to date back to the 8th to 10th centuries AD. We were stunned by the site of more than 200 sandstone temples. The temples at Bateshwar are known for their intricate carvings and architectural features, making it a significant pilgrimage and archaeological site.
Mitaoli
Mitaoli is another ancient temple complex located near Bateshwar. The main attraction at Mitaoli is the Chausath Yogini Temple, which is one of the few surviving circular temples dedicated to the goddess Yogini. The temple is built on a raised platform and is surrounded by 64 smaller shrines, each housing a statue of a Yogini. The architecture of the Chausath Yogini Temple is unique and reflects the artistic and architectural styles of ancient India. It is said that the structure of Indian parliament is inspired by Mitaoli temple. We were in complete awe of Mitaolitemple
Padavali
Padavali is yet another archaeological site located near Bateshwar and Mitawali,. The site is known for its group of ancient temples, including the Kakanmath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Kakanmath Temple is believed to have been built in the 9th century AD and features intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various Hindu deities. The temple complex at Padawali also includes several smaller shrines and remains of other structures.
Tomb OfTansen
On our way back to the airport we stopped to see Tomb of Tansen dedicated to the renowned musician Tansen, who was one of the nine gems (navaratnas) of the Mughal Emperor Akbar’s court. The tomb serves as a tribute to his contribution to Indian classical music and is a revered site for music lovers and musicians alike.
By now, it was time for us to return to Pune. We left Gwalior with our hearts full of memories as the city definitely leaves behind a lasting impression.
