The entire city is a visual and aesthetic feast, for the builders of Gwalior were great architects. Take a walk through the streets of the city and you will discover old havelis with exquisitely carved doorways and windows; at almost every street crossing you will find statues of the Scindia family. Museumes and art galleries are treasure houses and beautifully maintained palaces give the city its inimitable regal flavour. Sightseeing in Gwalior is a magical trip into the centuries gone by.

Come, enjoy a date with history…The Gwalior Fort Son-et-Lumiere For many decades now, the Fort of Gwalior has slumbered in silence, broken now and then by the patter of curious feet and awed tones.
Come sundown, the deserted Fort is once again left with only memories for company.
But now it comes alive every night. Well remembered incidents, and well loved voices once more echo through its lonely corridors and its dark and sad facade now glows with the colours of life. Red-gold, blue-green lights illuminate every nook and cranny of the superbly tiled 'Man Mandir'. The Gwalior Son-et-Lumiere has begun. The Sound and Light show at the Man Mandir Palace of Gwalior Fort gives you a glimpse into its glorious past.

The story of this 'pearl' begins with the sonorous and eloquent narration by Amitabh Bachchan as Gopachal, the sutradhar (narrator

The Fort: Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the city and is its most magnificent monument. It has been a scene of momentous events : imprisonments, battles and jauhars. A steep road winds upwards to the Fort, flanked by statues of Jain tirthankaras, carved into the rock face. The magnificent outer walls of the Fort still stand, two miles in length and 35 feet high, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most invincible forts of India. This imposing structure inspired Emperor Babar to describe it "the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind."

Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture. The 15th century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his Gujar queen, Mrignayani. After he had wooed and won her, so the story goes, Mrignayani demanded that he build her a separate palace with a constant water supply from the River Rai, via an aqueduct. The outer structure of the Gujari Mahal has survived in an almost total state of preservation; the interior has been converted into an Archaeological Museum.

Also built by Raja Mansingh is the Man Mandir Palace, built between 1486 and 1517. The tiles that once adorned its exterior have not survived, but at the entrance, traces of these still remain. There is a charming frieze here of ducks paddling in turquoise waters. Within, the palace rooms stand bare, stripped of their former glory, mute testimony to the passing of the centuries. Vast chambers with fine stone screens were once the music halls, and behind these screens, the royal ladies would learn music from the great masters of the day. Below, circular dungeons once housed the state prisoners of the Mughals. The Emperor Aurangzeb had his brother, Murad, imprisoned, and later executed, here. Close by is Jauhar Pond, where in the Rajput tradition, the 'ranis' committed mass 'sati' after their consorts had been defeated in battle. Though the major portions of the Fort were built in the 15th century, references to this gigantic complex can be traced back to 425 AD. Older than the city is the Suraj Kund within the Fort walls, the original pond where Suraj Sen, or Suraj Pal as he was later known, was cured by the Saint Gwalipa.

Teli ka Mandir: The Teli ka Mandir is a 9th century edifice, towering at 100 ft high. This is a Pratihara Vishnu temple of a unique blending of architectural styles. The shape of the roof is distinctively Dravidian, while the decorative embellishments have the typically Indo-Aryan characteristics of Northern India.

Also dedicated to Vishnu is the graceful little Sas-Bahu-ka-Mandir, built in 11th century. Another landmark is the historic Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod built in the memory of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the 6th Sikh Guru who was imprisoned here by Jehangir for over two years. At the time of his release, he wanted 52 Hindu kings who were his fellow prisoners, released with him. Jehangir was very impressed with the Guru and agreed to his condition. And, finally, within the Fort complex, housed in the erstwhile barracks of the British soldires, is Gwalior's unique gift to modern India : Scindia School. Acknowledged as one of the finest schools in India, it is only fitting that the country's young citizens receive the best educational grounding surrounded by monuments to a past which is a constant inspiration.

Jai Vilas Palace:  A splendour of a different kind exists in the Jai Vilas Palace, current residence of the Scindia family. Some 35 rooms have been made into the Scindia Museum, and in these rooms, so evocative of a regal lifestyle, the past comes alive. Jai Vilas is an Italianate structure which combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. The imposing Darbar Hall has two central chandeliers, weighing a couple of tonnes, and hung only after ten elephants had tested the strength of the roof. Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy draperies and tapestries, fine Persian carpets, and antique furniture from France and Italy are features of these spacious rooms.
 

Eyecatching treasures include : a silver train with cut-glass wagons which served guests as it chugged around on miniature rails on the tables; a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna each Janamashtami; silver dinner services and swords that were once worn by Aurangzeb and Shah Jehan.

There are, besides, personal momentoes of the past members of the Scindia family: the jewelled slippers that belonged to Chinkoo Rani, four-poster beds, gifts from practically every country in the world, hunting trophies and portraits. The Scindia Museum offers an unparalleled glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India. Open everyday except Monday from 10 am to 5 pm. Entry fees are Rs. 20/- for Indian and Rs. 100/- for foreign visitors.

Monuments: The father of Hindustani classical music, the great Tansen, one of the 'nine Jewels' of Akbar's court, lies buried in Gwalior. The memorial to this great musician has a pristine simplicity about it, and is built in the early Mughal architectural style. More than a monument, the Tansen's Tomb is part of Gwalior's living cultural heritage; it is the venue of a music festival on a national scale held annually in November-December. Leading musicians of the country gather here to give performances during the festival.

More opulent than Tansen's Tomb, is the sandstone mausoleum of the Afghan prince, Ghous Mohammed, also designed on early Mughal lines. Particularly, exquisite are the screens which use the pierced stone technique, as delicate as lace.

The earliest freedom fighters, Tatya Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi, are commemorated in memorials in Gwalior. There are cenotaphs at major public crossings, memorials to Scindia kings and queens. Throughout the city, there are these reminders of a proud past, of the great men and women of Gwalior who have their place in the nation's roll of honour.

Located near the Residency at Morar, the newly constructed Sun Temple takes its inspiration from the famous Konark Sun Temple in Orissa.

Art Galleries and Museums
The Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum houses rare antiquities, some of them dating back to the 1st century AD. Even though many of these have been defaced by the iconoclastic Mughals, their perfection of form has survived the ravages of time. Particularly worth seeing is the statue of Shalbhanjika from Gyraspur, the tree goddess, epitome of perfection in miniature. The statue is kept in the custody of the museum's curator, and can be seen on request. The museum is open every day except Monday, from 10 am to 5 pm.
The Kala Vithika is another treasure house of the arts. It remains closed on Sunday and public holidays. The Municipal Corporation Museum, which is open all days except Mondays, has a very fine natural history section. The old ancestral house of the legendry Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan has recently been converted into 'Sarod Ghar' - Museum of Music by the Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan Memorial Trust under the patronage and guidance of his great son and sarod maestro Ustad Amzad Ali Khan. The museum has been rebuilt keeping in mind the old traditional architecture of Gwalior and houses in it ancient instruments of the great Indian Masters of yesteryears.

Gwalior Zoo, open every day from 8 am to 3 pm, has some rare species of Indian wildlife kept in natural surroundings.

Shivpuri(112 Km):This quaint little town used to be the summer capital of the Scindia rulers of Gwalior. A natural choice obviously, with its luxuriant forests and hilly environs. There is a National Park here, the   Madhav National Park, which not only provides sanctuary to the wildlife but to the avifauna as well. There are beautiful carved cenotaphs erected in memorium by the Scindia rulers. Also worth visit are the Madhav Vilas Palace, George Castle, Bhadaiya Kund and Sakhya Sagar Boat Club.

Datia(69 Km): Known in Mahabharata as Daityavakra,  Daita is known for its seven-storied palace of Raja Bir Singh Deo. This structure is a unique example of 17th century architecture. And if you happen to be a temple freak, do visit the Gopeshwar temple.

Orchha(120 Km):Lying on the road to Khajuraho,  Orchha is famous for its palaces and temples built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Once the capital of the Bundela Rajputs, later under Mughal rule, some of its palaces contain murals of the Bundela school. Particularly worth visiting  are the Jehangir Mal, built  to commemorate Emperor Jehangir's visit in the 17th century; the Chaturbhuj Mandir and the Lax Mandir.

Location : Agra - Gwalior

Duration : 6 - 8 hours

Name Timings Closed On Entrances Camera Remarks Charges in Indian Rupees       Foreigners Indian Still Video   Taj Mahal Sunries to Sunset Friday 750 20 Nil 25 Children Below 15 yrs Free Taj Mahal by Moon Light  Open on Full Moon + 2 days prior & 2 days after. 2030 to 2400 hrs - 30 minutes per batch Friday 750 510 Nil not allowed Please ask for booking details month of Ramzan 500 500 Nil not allowed Agra Fort Sunrise to Sunset Open All Days 300 20 Nil 25 Children Below 15 yrs Free Sound & Light Show- Adult English 2030 hrs.to 2130 hrs. Hindi - 1930 hrs. to 2030 hrs. Open All Days 150 40 Nil 25 Children Below 15 yrs Free Sound & Light Show- Child (Age - 5to 15yrs) Open All Days 25 25 - - - Sikandra Sunrise to Sunset Open All Days 110 15 Nil 25 Children Below 15 yrs Free Itmad Ud Daullah Sunrise to Sunset Open All Days 110 15 Nil 25 Children Below 15 yrs Free Fatehpur Sikri Sunrise to Sunset Open All Days 260 20 Nil 25 Children Below 15 yrs Free Mehtab Bagh Sunrise to Sunset Open All Days 100 20 Nil 25 Children Below 15 yrs Free Mathura Museum 1030 to 1630 hrs Monday, 2nd Sunday & State Holidays 25 5 20 Not Allowed   Bharatpur Park Sunrise to Sunset Open All Days of week / Closed May & June 200 25 Nil 200  Entrances for Car - Rs. 100/-  Entrances for Bus - Rs. 50/-

Royal Buggy -  2 Horse 3500         Memory Photo at Taj with Meena Frame   850 Royal Buggy -  4 Horse 5500         Memory Photo at Taj with paper cover   150 Shoe Cover - per pair  75         Banner                   1000 Decorated Tonga  800         Normal Rickshaw            120 Normal Tonga   250         Decorated Rickshaw            400 Indian Home Visit with tea - per person  400         Rickshaw ride in Bharatpur Park        300 Magic Show 2000         Shahnai                  1500 Puppet Show  2000         Dhol / Turahi                  2500 Yoga Demonstration  3000         Professional Speaker           4000 Welcome Flower Gate 4500         Bhangra Dance            14000 Kathak Dance  16000         T - Shirt with Logo            150 * Arrangements are subject to confirmation and variation in details.

Service Charge as aplicable. All monuments in Agra are open on all holidays i.e. 26th Jan,15th Aug, 2nd Oct, Deepawali & Holi (except Taj Mahal closed on every Friday). Location : Agra (Pick up & Drop at Agra City Hotel) Duration : 3 hours Itinerary : Pick up at 09:00 AM in morning from City Hotel Visit Taj Mahal Tour ends at 12:00 PM & drop at hotel Number of Pax : Minimum 1 person Group sizes vary from 2-4 persons Guide Service : Optional on Request English Speaking or language of your choice subject to availability.