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| About Gwalior |
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 The
ancient capital of Gwalior is steeped in the splendor of its past
A multitude of reigning dynasties, of the great Rajput
clans of the Pratiharas, Kachwahas and Tomars have left indelible
etchings of their rule in this city of palaces, temples and
monuments. The magnificent mementoes of a glorious past have been
preserved with care , giving Gwalior a unique and timeless appeal. |
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 Standing
on a steep mass of sand stone, Gwalior fort dominates the city
and is its most magnificent monument. It has been the scene of
momentous events imprisonments, battles and jauhars. A
steep road winds upward to the fort , flanked by statue of Jain
Tirthankaras, carved into the rock face. The magnificent
outer walls of the fort still stand, two miles in length and 35 ft
high, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most
invincible fort of India. This imposing structure inspired
emperor Babar to describe it as "the pearl amongst the fortress of
Hind". |
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Teli ka Mandir |
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The 9th century Teli Ka Mandir, towering 100 ft high,
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. |
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Jai Vilas Palace |
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Splendor of a different kind exists in the Jai Vilas Palace,
current residence of the Scindia family. Some 35 rooms have been
made into the Jivaji Rao 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 tones, 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. |
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 Eye-catching
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 Jahan.
There are, besides, personal momentoes of the past members of the
Scindia family: the jeweled 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. |
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Ghous Mohammed |
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 The
sand stone mausoleum of the Afgan Prince, Ghous Mohammed, is also
designed on early Mughal lines. Particularly exquisite are the
screens which use the pierced stone technique as delicate as lace. |
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How to reach Gwalior |
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By Rail
Gwalior is on the Central Railway's main Delhi-Mumbai and
Delhi-Chennai lines. Among other major trains, the Shatabdi and
the Taj Express connect Gwalior with Delhi and Agra daily.
By Road
Gwalior is connected by regular bus service with Agra, Mathura,
Jaipur, Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bhopal, Chanderi, Indore,
Jhansi, Khajuraho, Rewa, Jabalpur, Ujjain, and Shivpuri.
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