Gwalior and Shivpuri
Royal Retreats | Madhya Pradesh | India
Man Mandir Palace, Karan Mahal, Jahangiri Mahal, Teli Temple, Sas Bahu Temples, Gujari Mahal, Muhammad Ghaus Tomb, Tansen, Jai Vilas Palace, Orchha, Madhav National Park, Karera Bustard Sanctuary...
Updated On: 7/20/2007
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The northernmost city of Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior once dominated ancient military and trade routes linking northern and southern India. It was the seat of several great dynasties, each contributing a rich legacy of monuments and extending royal patronage to poets, musicians and artisans. Legend, however, ascribes the origin of the fortress to the miraculous cure of a leper chieftain, Suraj Sen, by the sage Gwalipa, for whom the city is named.

Gwalior's massive hilltop fort dominates the city and encloses several interesting monuments. Jain monoliths carved into the hillside flank the approach. The Man Mandir Palace was built between 1486 and 1517 by the famous Raja Man Singh of the Tomar dynasty. Colorful tiles still decorate its façade and the inner courtyards are richly carved. Karan Mahal and Jahangiri Mahal are nearby palaces worth visiting. Over 30 meters (100 feet) high, the ninth-century Teli Temple combines southern architecture with northern decorative motifs. The twin Sas Bahu Temples are graceful example of 11th-century temple architecture. Gujari Mahal, below the fort, built by Raja Man Singh for his favourite queen, is now an archaeological museum. Enclosed in stone fretwork, the Tomb of Muhammad Ghaus, a Muslim saint, is a superb example of early Mughal architecture. Tansen, a disciple of the saint and renowned 16th-century musician, is buried close by. He is remembered here each year at a festival of classical music. The cenotaphs commemorating latter-day Maratha rulers of the Scindia dynasty are also well worth a visit. The Jai Vilas Palace, built in the 1800s, combines Tuscan, Italian and Corinthian styles and has imposing interiors.

The medieval town of Orchha is just 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Gwalior and 19 kilometers (12 miles) from Jhansi. Synthesizing Hindu and Mughal architecture, its palaces, temples and cenotaphs were built in the 16th and 17th centuries by the Bundela rulers of the area. Situated near the Betwa River, the town has retained much of its character and has been little affected by 'progress'.

Shivpuri, one-time summer capital of the Scindias, lies about 112 kilometers (70 miles) southwest of Gwalior on the main Bombay-Delhi highway. The Scindia family cenotaphs in the serene setting of the Madhav National Park are the main attractions. The nearby Karera Bustard Sanctuary, midway between Shivpuri and Jhansi, is one of the few remaining habitats of the great Indian bustard.

Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Suraj Sen, Jain monoliths, hilltop fort, Man Mandir Palace, Raja Man Singh, Karan Mahal, Jahangiri Mahal, Teli Temple, Sas Bahu Temples, Gujari Mahal, archaeological museum, Tomb of Muhammad Ghaus, Tansen, Jai Vilas Palace, Madhav National Park, Karera Bustard Sanctuary