The city of Gwalior has witnessed a number of historical occurrences. A variety of architectural relics scattered across the city represent the city’s illustrious past. Explore the most impressive architectural landmarks in Gwalior, from temples and shrines to museums and palaces, to immerse yourself in a bygone era.
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Impressive Architectural Landmarks in Gwalior
The Gwalior Fort
Gwalior Fort is the city’s most well-known architectural landmark. It is India’s most impregnable fort, built in the 10th century, and has been governed by various rulers in the past. The fort complex contains a large quantity of historical relics from ancient times. The Hathi Pul (Elephant Gate) and Badalgarh Pul, two gigantic entrances to the fort, are also a popular tourist destination. In the evening, after viewing the fort, visitors can also enjoy the light and sound performance.
Teli Ka Mandir
This 8th-century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and the Matrikas and is also part of the Gwalior Fort complex. This exquisite temple is one of the Gupta dynasty’s masterpieces, with its design based on “musical harmonics” architecture. Teli Ka Mandir could be a lure for archaeologists to come to Gwalior because of its remarkable architecture. The temple has four entrances, each with magnificent art forms and sculptures on the exterior walls.
Sahastrabahu Ka Mandir
The Sahastrabahu Ka Mandir, also known as the Sas-Bahu Temple, is a twin temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu that was built near the Gwalior Fort in the 11th century. It’s a three-story temple with elaborate sculptures on the inside and outside walls, making it a must-see for historians and archaeologists alike. “A mother-in-law with her daughter-in-law,” Sas-Bahu implies. The greater of the twin temples is known as Sas, while the smaller is known as Bahu, thus the name.
Man Singh Palace
This is one of the most fascinating monuments within the Gwalior Fort complex. Maharaja Man Singh Tomar erected the Man Singh Palace in the 15th century. It’s a lovely palace with green, yellow, and turquoise-colored tiles gracing the walls. It is a four-story palace with open courtyards and circular cells on the lower floors. Visitors from all around the world travel to see the palace.
Gujari Mahal
The Gujari Mahal is one of the most impressive architectural landmarks in Gwalior. Raja Man Singh erected it for Mrignayani, his adored wife. The queen desired a continuous water supply from the then-existing river, Rai, hence Gujari Mahal was built further from the Man Singh Palace. It is currently an archaeological museum with an extensive collection of ancient Jain and Hindu sculptures. This amazing location is a must-see for anyone interested in 15th-century architecture.
Assi Khamba Ki Baori
This historic site is directly in front of the Man Singh Palace. It’s named Assi Khamba Ki Baori because it’s a step-well with 80 pillars all around it. The monument features several chambers that were built for the queens to bathe in. Archaeologists and historians who visit the Gwalior Fort are drawn to the Baori because of its immaculate construction and design. So make sure this location is on your list as well.
Tansen Tomb
Tansen, India’s best musician and one of Emperor Akbar’s “nine jewels,” was born in Gwalior. The Tansen Tomb is the location where he was laid to rest. The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh (Tansen Music Festival) is held on the Tansen Tomb every December to honor the famous singer. So, if you’re in Gwalior, don’t miss out on this music event.
Gopachal Parvat
On the southern side of the Gwalior Fort, the Gopachal rock-cut Jain monuments are sculptures of Tirthankars (Jain deities) shown in various attitudes. Around 100 of these monuments were desecrated by Emperor Babur in the year 1527. Today, it is a well-known Jain pilgrimage site. A few small caves and rock shelters can be found as you climb the slope. The gardens near the foothills of Gopachal Parvat are well-kept and frequently frequented by locals.
Tomb of Mohammed Ghaus
Mohammed Ghaus was a Sufi saint as well as Tansen’s tutor. The dome-shaped Tomb of Mohammed Ghaus in Gwalior is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture from the Middle Ages. It’s a stunning archaeological site with intricate stone sculptures on the walls. A single enormous space lies beneath the dome, encircled by perforated stone walls and verandas. Beautiful grounds surround the monument, making it a wonderful place to spend the day.
