The region around Gwalior is a microcosm of Indian history. Over the last thousand years, every dynasty of note – from the Pratiharas to the Tomars, from the Bundelas to the Scindias – have left their mark on the space. As a result, the area is dotted with stunning architectural heritage.
Gwalior Fort: One of the mightiest forts of India, a bastion that is nearly a millennium old, with magnificent palaces, temples, an elegant stepwell and more. A place that is home to the second-oldest mention of the number ‘Zero’- part of a description within a temple. Ancient Jain rock cut iconography depicting almost the entire pantheon of revered Jain Tirthankaras.
Explore the grandeur of the Gwalior fort.
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Gwalior City:A Scindia palace that is representative of a period in Indian history where princely states held sway. A feel of a wonderful old city, with shopping and culinary experiences that are unique to it. A walk-through of the Gujari Mahal museum, which is a showcase of ancient artifacts inside a medieval palace.
To know more about tourist destinations in Gwalior,
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The temples of Morena: In a district which once had a violent past, trail participants discovered ancient temples in rural area. Temples, such as the Ekateshwara Mahadeo in Mitaoli – some believe this to be the prototype of the old Indian Parliament design, the excavated temple complex at Bateshwar, the elegant carvings of the temple at Padhawali and the massive 150 foot high Kakanmath. Each a masterpiece of design showing a wealth of temple building traditions of ancient India. And close by is the Chambal River.
For more details about Mitaoli, Padavali & Bateshwar, read this
blog.
The heritage of Shivpuri: Participants in the trail went to where the Scindia dynasty used to hunt and what later became a national park. They visited the George Castle, built for a British Prince inside the
Madhav National Park and saw the graceful chhatries (memorial cenotaphs, akin to shrines).
To know more about Shivpuri,
read this article.
The legend of Tansen: Gwalior is where the legendary singer of Akbar’s court, Tansen, came from. They visited the tomb of Tansen’s spiritual master, Mohammad Ghaus, known for its stunning ‘jaali-work’ design. In an interesting continuation of the master-student tradition, Tansen lies buried in a much smaller tomb in the same complex, a disciple at the feet of his master.
To know more about the legend of Tansen,
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Every year in the month of December, the Tansen Music Festival ( Tansen Samaroh ) is celebrated in the Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh. It is a 5-day musical extravaganza, where artists and music lovers from all over the world gather to pay tribute to the Great Indian Musical Maestro Tansen.
To know more about the Tansen Music Festival,
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For a heritage enthusiast, it is a never-before opportunity to see and explore this little-visited part of Madhya Pradesh.
For accommodation options, explore
this article.
