Immerse in the heritage at the Gwalior Fort Complex
08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Gwalior Fort is not only just a tourist attraction but also the identity of the city. Being built atop a hill, the fort can be viewed from any location across the city. There are multiple attractions to visit inside the fort complex comprising of palaces, temples, and gardens.
Mode of Transport: Urvai Gate is the entrance point for Gopachal Parvat and Gwalior Fort complex. Public transport is allowed till this gate and beyond this point, visitors have to hire cabs that will cover all the attractions. Private vehicles are allowed beyond the Urvai Gate.
You kick off your sightseeing by exploring the Gopachal Parvat.
Gopachal Parvat holds spiritual importance in Jainism. There are 26 caves and around 1500 idols of all sizes dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanatha. The idols are cut out of rocks. The sizes of the sculptures range from 9 inches to almost 60 feet. A few of the sculptures are in partially ruined condition. However, restoration work is being undertaken.
You can get a glimpse of these rock-cut sculptures on your way to Gwalior Fort.
Time Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
After this, head towards the top of the hill for a visit to Gwalior Fort.
The primary attractions at Gwalior Fort are Assi Khamba ki Bawadi, Man Singh Palace, Karn Mahal, and Jahangir Mahal. Each of these attractions has unique and spectacular architecture and structures. Tourists are free to roam across the entire stretch of the fort. The view of Gwalior city and the nearby area truly takes your breath away.
There is a souvenir shop beside the parking area where you get indigenous fabrics and artifacts of the Bundelkhand region.
There are many outlets where you can get some small bites and some drinks to refresh yourself.
Time Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
Also read: Explore Off-beat Places in Gwalior
The next stop in the Fort Complex is the Saas-Bahu Mandir.
The Saas-Bahu Temple is a twin temple that showcases architectural brilliance and exquisite carvings. The larger (Saas) of the two temples has three storeys. The smaller (Bahu) temple is located on the eastern side of the Saas temple. Inside both the temples, the carvings on the walls and pillars depict scenes from Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism.
Time Duration: 45 min – 1 hour
The penultimate attraction inside the fort complex is the Teli ka Mandir.
Teli ka Mandir is believed to be the highest building in Gwalior notching up 100 feet in height. The literal meaning of Teli ka Mandir is Oilman’s temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The artwork and carvings on the wall are similar to those of the Saas-Bahu Mandir.
Time Duration: 20 – 30 min.
Your tour of the Gwalior Fort complex completes at the Gujari Mahal.
Although Gujari Mahal is an integral part of Gwalior Fort, however, entry is allowed from the opposite end of the fort. And to get there a distance of 3 km has to be covered. Gujari Mahal was the palace for the queen of Raja Man Singh Tomar. The Gujar princess demanded a private palace for her with an adequate water supply. Now the palace has been converted into a museum that has more than 25 galleries and over 5500 artifacts.
Time Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Mode of Transport: Hire a taxi or an auto from Urvai Gate to Gujari Mahal.
The final attraction to explore around the fort is the Tomb of Tansen and Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus.
Just 1 km from Gujari Mahal, the Tomb of Tansen is one of the iconic attractions although it receives limited tourists due to its lack of prominence. The tomb of Tansen and the tomb of Mohammad Ghaus is adjacent to each other. Mohammad Ghaus was the Sufi Master of Tansen who also received musical lessons from Swami Haridas.
Time Duration: 30 – 45 mins
Mode of Transport: Hire a taxi or an auto from Gujari Mahal.
