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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 road with Agra, Mathura, Jaipur,
Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bhopal, Chanderi, Indore, Jhansi,
Khajuraho, Rewa, Jabalpur, Ujjain, and ShivpuriT. You can
book taxis / cars from us. |
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