Gwalior -Tourism

Situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior is the city of true royals, the Scindias. City is well known for its majestic fort, considered as one of the best in the world. Gwalior is located at a distance of only 118 km from Agra and well connected by road and rail.

Gwalior is an historical place of Madhya Pradesh . It is surrounded by District Morena in the North, District Shivpuri in the south, District Bhind in the East and District Datia in the west. The District is having two sub-divisions , namely, Gwalior & Dabra. There are three tehsils, namely, Gwalior, Dabra & Bhitarwar and four Development Blocks namely, Ghatigaon (Barai), Morar, Dabra & Bhitarwar. It is well connected with all the major cities of India by Road, Train and also with Air.The Gwalior is blessed with Classical Music Maestro Miya Tansen. In memory of him, three days Tansen Samaroh program take place every year and the Classical music stars participate in this programme and entertain the people of Gwalior with their outstanding performance. Also the Gwalior Trade Fair take place every year in the month of December-January.

Gwalior City is a District in Madhya Pradesh State near Agra. The new section of the city called Lashkar. Lashkar is few miles South from the old city. It is the site of factories producing cotton, yarn, paint, ceramics, chemicals, and leather products. The nucleus of Gwalior is a citadel crowning an isolated rock about 91 m (300 ft) high, 3.2 km (2 mi) long, and 823 m (2700 ft) wide. The rock is said to have been a strong hold for more than Ten Centuries and Old city is located in the Eastern base of the rock. The old city is covered with white sandstone Mosque, Palaces, rock temples and statues of archaeological and architectural interest. The Jiwaji University was built in Gwalior in the year 1964. Gwalior City was the Capital of the princely State of Gwalior until 1948 and the summer Capital of Madhya Bharat State from 1948 to 1956. When Madhya Bharat became part of Madhya Pradesh, it become separate District. According to Census 1991, population of the District was 692,982. Gwalior's history is traced back to a legend in 8th century AD when a chief tain known as Suraj Sen was struck by a deadly disease and cured by a hermit-saint Gwalipa. As a gratitude for that incidence, he founded this city by his name. The new city of Gwalior became existance over the centuries. The cradle of great dynasties ruled the city Gwalior. With different Dynasty, the city gained a new dimension from the warrior kings, poets, musicians, and saints who contributed to making it renowned throughout the country. The city is also the setting for the memorials of freedom fighters such as Tatya Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi. Today the old settings stand side by side with the trappings of modernity.

History- The city of Gwalior was the seat of the Tomars, Marwars and Marathas. The city had been named after a saint "Gwalipa" whose blessings helped to recover the Chieftain of the place, Surya Sen from a deadly disease. Gwalior was the hub of civilization during the ancient times. Being ruled by several Kings, the city adopted the life styles and cultures of different dynasties which is reflected also in the new and modern city of Gwalior. 

Tourist Spots of Gwalior 

1. Gwalior has many places of tourist interests. Some of the notable one's are: 
   
2. Gwalior Fort- This magnificent historical monument is an architectural wonder that attracts tourists form far and wide
   
3. Gujari Mahal- This monument was built by Raja Mansingh for his wife, Queen Mrignayani
   
4. Man Mandir Palace- This palace is famous for its huge and decorative halls
   
5. Gurdwara Data Bhandi Chhod- Emperor Jehangir was imprisoned here for two years
   
6. Gopachal- This place has statues of Jain Tirthankaras
   
7. Jai Vilas Palace and Museum- This is the most attractive architectural monument which is the house of the present Scindia Family
   

The present day Gwalior is an interesting blend of traditionalism and modernity. 

While on the one hand, the city has preserved its rich cultural heritage , on the other hand, it has progressed in the direction of industrialization and urbanization