Gwalior, a city overflowing with amazing history and melodious music, is a vital part of India's incredible culture. It is peppered with plain and hilly landscapes that, when the monsoon approaches, turn into a beautiful green carpet. Gwalior is most renowned for its majestic hilltop fort, which has been dubbed "the gem among India's fortresses." The city is a tribute to the dynasties that ruled over the centuries. The many majestic structures that dominate the metropolis bear witness to their impact. In some ways, Gwalior retains its medieval majesty. Gwalior has an unrivaled taste and popularity in Hindustani Classical Sangeet, and has successfully maintained Indian traditions and music over the years. The Gwalior Gharana is one of the world's most prestigious Khayal Gharanas. Legendary artists such as Tansen and Baiju Bawara, who performed for the Gwalior royal court, were born in Gwalior. Tansen Samaroh is a tribute to the legendary musician and classical music maestro Tansen, and it highlights the best of traditional Indian music melodies. Soul-stirring performances bring the evening to life. The festival's purpose is to celebrate the pure essence of music while also appreciating the harmony that each unique performance delivers.

Ancient History of Gwalior

Gwalior has a lengthy and illustrious history dating back several centuries, which includes the founding and development of the city and district. Gwalior, in India's central region, has seen many stages of the country's history. It has witnessed every stage of Indian history, from the Tomaras in the eighth century through the Mughals, then the Marathas under the Scindias (1754). It was a pivotal location during the 1857 Indian uprising. The historic city has seen many periods of Indian history. Gwalior has been a melting pot of various civilizations and traditions as a result of the history and legacy left by successive governing dynasties.

Art and Culture of Gwalior

Due to the influences of many dynasties, Gwalior is well-known for its own culture. It's a mash-up of several cultures and customs. The city is known for both historic and contemporary art. Gwalior is the home of the world's largest interior mural. 'Drupad' is a Hindustani classical music vocal genre that is thought to be the oldest still-active musical genre. Tansen was a Gwalior native who became a world-famous vocalist for Akbar's court. Tansen Music Festival takes place each year in his honor. The city also has a strong folk dancing scene. Ahir folk dance, Baredi dance, and Saharia dance are some of the dancing styles. Some of Gwalior's festivities are Makar Sankranti, Holi, Diwali, and Rakhi. The city also has a lengthy lyrical legacy, with several well-known poets hailing from its shores.

Things to do when in Gwalior

• Sound and Light Show in Gwalior Fort - This fort is now known for its incredible Sound and Light Show, which brings it to life every night and restores its former glory. The show is well-known among both residents and visitors. Every nook and cranny of the fort is bathed in vivid colors, enhancing its beauty. The fort's grandeur is highlighted by the blue-tiled front and courtyard, which sparkle with red, blue, and green hue. The Sound and Light Show is fantastic and takes you on a tour of the city's fascinating heritage.
• Visit the tomb of Tansen - Tansen's mythology reaches far beyond India's borders. Tansen's popularity as a courtesan singer spanned the royal court's small corridors. The tomb of this renowned music composer, whose soothing voice charmed multitudes, is located in Gwalior. Mian Tansen, one of Emperor Akbar's nine Court Jewels, is widely recognised as the finest composer in Hindustani Classical Music history. When Akbar died in 1586, he created a magnificent marble monument for his beloved musician in the same enclosure as Mohammad Gaus.
• Rejuvenate in Jiva Spa - In the Jiva Spa, savor the delicious flavors of India's princely states. It is placed in the regal Zenana Chambers of the Usha Kiran Palace. Pools of water and magnificent gardens of sacred trees adorn the interiors. There are single and double treatment suites available at this facility. These apartments are located in the Meditation Garden, which is a miniature wonderland with antique pillars from the heritage courtyard. While you're here, participate in the Mangal Snan.
• Enjoy boating in Tighra Dam - For a traveler in Gwalior, a visit to Tighra Dam provides a calm ambiance, and soaking in the surroundings is an experience to savor. Boating in the tranquil waters of the Tighra Dam is a great way to spend some time. A boating club has also been established by the tourism department. With a low entry charge, you can go paddle boarding in the calm waters, speed boating for some thrills, or take a relaxing jalpari boat trip.
• Take a tour in Madhav National Park - Madhav National Park is a magical combination of natural beauty and architectural marvels. Explore the natural beauty of this park on a tour. It was established as a National Park in 1958 and is named after Madho Rao Scindia, the former Maharaja of Gwalior. The park's distinctive environs, which include lakes, woodlands, and castles, captivate visitors. The park has two lakes, which not only add to its natural beauty but also serve as a superb breeding place for migrating birds and crocodiles, both of which may be seen in abundance here.

Places to visit in Gwalior

• Gwalior Fort - The Gwalior Fort, dubbed "the pearl among castles in India" by Mughal emperor Babur, is one of the most formidable fortresses in the entire northern and southern India, and is a must-see destination. This towering monument, located on the top of a large rocky mountain near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, central India, dominates the entire city of Gwalior. Evidence says it has been around since the 6th century, and it is an integral element of the city's identity and architecture.
• Jai Vilas Palace - The Jai Vilas Palace, also known as the Jai Vilas Mahal, is a symbol of age-old  culture and splendor of India that has been preserved to the present day in Gwalior. This majestic structure was created by the Maharaja of Gwalior, Jayaji Rao Scindia, to provide a splendid welcome for King Edward VII, the then Prince of Wales, in 1874. It now serves as a house for the royal Maratha Scindia family's descendants. The Chitrangada Raje Art Gallery is housed in the palace, which also functions as a museum with 35 rooms and a library with over 5,000 books.
• Man Mandir Palace - Man Singh Tomar, the Tomar monarch, erected Man Mandir Palace between 1486 and 1516. The palace was not able to withstand the test of time, but the ruins still display the period's magnificent carvings and patterns. In the middle of the palace are two open courts with apartments on two levels. There are also underground prison cells, which were constructed later by the Mughals. This is where Aurangzeb imprisoned his brother Murad and slowly poisoned him to death with opium.
• Teli ka Mandir - This temple, also in the Gwalior Fort, originates from the 9th century and is Gwalior's tallest structure (100 ft.). Before the British conquered the Gwalior Fort, this shrine was used to refine oil. This temple is known for its distinctive construction, which has a Dravidian appearance but also North Indian sculptures.
• Saas Bahu Temple - The Saas Bahu temple, which dates back to the 9th century, is a popular tourist destination as well as a place of worship for devotees. The Saas Bahu Temple is a short form of Sahastra Bahu, another name for Lord Vishnu, and does not imply Saas (mother-in-law) and bahu (daughter-in-law). These are two temples next to each other, each with exquisite carvings and sculptures.
• Scindia Museum - This is one of Madhya Pradesh's most well-known museums, dedicated to Jivaji Rao Scindia. It was founded in 1964 and occupies around 35 rooms of Jai Vilas Palace. Manuscripts, sculptures, coins, paintings, weaponry, and other artefacts are among the museum's most notable collections. The museum is an excellent venue to learn about Gwalior's history, particularly the Scindia dynasty.

How to reach ? 

• By Air - The nearest airport is Gwalior Airport, which is approximately 8 kilometres from the city.
• By Rail - Gwalior Railway Station is the closest rail station to the city.
• By Road - Gwalior is well connected to Delhi (319 km), Indore (169 km), and Jaipur (348 km) via a number of tourist and private buses.