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The incredible travel experience to Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh, begins at the foothills of Gopachal. Built by Suraj Sen, story goes that Gwalior got its name from a sage who cured Suraj Sen of leprosy. The Fort built in the 6th century has seen over 300 rulers across five different dynasties.
Photo Courtesy: Manuel Menal
This outcrop of sandstone structure provides the perfect background for the massive sculptures of Mahaveer Jain and Tirthankaras of Jainism built by the Tomar rulers who were great patrons. The large sculptures with their benign faces smiling down on either side as you climb up the Fort is soothing in nature. The fine detailing though enjoyable does not prepare you for the bigger attractions hidden behind the Gwalior Fort, The Man Mandir and Mansingh Palace.
Photo Courtesy: Carol Mitchell
The sight that greets you as soon as you enter the gates of Mansingh Palace is breathtaking in its beauty. The yellow stone walls interspersed with Lattice and Meenakari work is stunning. Meenakari, derived from the word 'Mina' in Persian meaning 'azure colours of heaven' is seen across the many walls of the palace. True to its name vivid shades of azure blue, yellow ochre and emerald green invite visitors to spend hours in admiration.
Photo Courtesy: Manuel Menal
Built as per the Hindu architectural style that is pre-Mughal, the palace walls used to be covered in vibrant glazed blue ceramic tiles. Today much of this is lost to the ravages of time, and you can only see few parts that still recount the lost stories of beauty.
The Mansingh Palace, Man Mandir Palace and Gujari Palace built within the Gwalior Fort is also popular for the detailed Lattice and Jali work. Much of this delicate work is still seen across various walls, window areas and archways of the Palaces. Take a moment to appreciate the excruciating work that has gone into these structures.
Photo Courtesy: Prashant Ram
Somewhere between amusing and whimsical is the motifs that are colourfully represented across the various parts of the palaces. You can see images of banana leaves, elephants and rows of yellow ducks adorning the walls! Also be hypnotised by the sharp geometric designs that these structures sport.
As you explore the underground structures of the Palace that once used to be the bathing area or the swing room, where royals sat cooling off on a hot afternoon, you are struck by how much the place has changed. The once vibrant palaces and outstanding structures of art are now reduced to being the home of few sleepy bats.
The Gwalior Fort houses many other splendid monuments such as the Teli Ka Mandir, Saas-Bahu Mandir, Karn and Vikram Mahals. A trip to this splendid example of architecture and art is a must for all those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Photo Courtesy: Nagarjun Kandukuru
Gwalior Fort Timings
You can visit the Fort any day of the week between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The Gwalior Fort light and sound show can be experienced between the months of March to October at 8:30 pm.
How to Reach Gwalior Fort
By Road: Gwalior is well connected to major cities by road and is 118 km from Agra. Regular bus service is available between Gwalior and Agra, Mathura, Jaipur, Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bhopal, Chanderi, Indore, Jhansi, Khajuraho, Rewa, Jabalpur , Ujjain and Shivapuri.
By Rail: Gwalior railway station is well-connected with all major cities of India.
By Air: Gwalior is connected by air to Mumbai, Delhi, Bhopal and Indore.
