11 Things To Do in Gwalior: A City Where Royalty Still Resides

Often skipped in favour of more ‘mainstream’ destinations, Gwalior is a city in Madhya Pradesh that enchants you with its royal attractions from the bygone era. Steeped into the fabric of its identity with brimming architectural grandeur, this gem of Madhya Pradesh holds the secrets of ancient dynasties, musical maestros and royal legacies, the memories of which are still etched in every corner of this city. If you are someone who likes to trace the footsteps of kings, musicians and poets while enjoying the best of Gwalior tourism, like exploring its forts and soulful experiences, then it is time to feature this destination in your next travel plan.   

Before we begin the virtual tour, here is a little story behind how the city got its name. The city came to be known as Gwalior because of a sage named Gwalipa, who is said to have cured the ruling king Suraj Sen of a deadly disease. As gratitude, the king built a fort in the sage’s honour and named the surrounding city after him. Over the years, Gwalior became a cultural hub under the rule of the Scindias, contributing significantly to its tourism and India’s musical and cultural heritage. 

So, if you are planning a cultural retreat, this 360-degree guide on things to do in Gwalior has everything you need. Read along for a quick and scenic overview of the city. 

Things To Do in Gwalior  

• Gwalior Fort 

• Jai Vilas Palace 

• Sas-Bahu Temples 

• Tansen Tomb 

• Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum 

• Gopachal Parvat Jain Sculptures 

• Sun Temple 

• Old Markets 

• Phool Bagh 

• Teli Ka Mandir 

• Food Street 

Gwalior Fort 

Situated on a sandstone hill, Gwalior Fort is the jewel of Gwalior, often described as the “Pearl among Fortresses in India." With massive intricate walls, Jain rock carvings with hints of blue, and the resplendent Man Singh Palace inside, visiting the Gwalior Fort is one such thing to do in Gwalior that is a visual history lesson. Walk the ramparts for panoramic views of the city, and make sure to time your visit for the light and sound show, which narrates the city’s rich history and legacy.

Pro Tip: You will be walking a lot while exploring the Gwalior Fort. So, wear comfortable footwear and keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated. 

Jai Vilas Palace 

Still partly a residential property of the Scindias, the Jai Vilas Palace is another popular thing to do in Gwalior. It is a blend of Tuscan, Italian-Doric, and Corinthian styles. One of the main attractions of this palace is the pair of chandeliers hanging in the Durbar Hall, known to be the world’s largest. The palace-turned-museum gives you a sneak peek into royal history, from silver train dining sets to royal wardrobes.

Note: Entry to the palace is reasonably priced and photography is allowed. Allocate at least two hours from your list of to-dos in Gwalior to explore the museum thoroughly.

Sas-Bahu Temples 

The name of the temple sounds pretty familiar and weird, but the Sas-Bahu temples have nothing to do with in-laws. These 11th-century temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and are a true example of architectural marvels. The Sas-Bahu Temples feature intricately carved pillars, ceilings and facades, which are truly mesmerising. Situated close to the Gwalior Fort, the temples are a calm and spiritual detour from the fort’s grandeur in your list of things to do in Gwalior in one day.

Photography Tip: Visit the temples during the golden hours of mornings or evenings for that perfect sun-drenched shot of intricate carvings. 

Tansen Tomb 

Part of Gwalior’s enduring legacy is its association with traditional Indian music, and Tansen ka Maqbara or Tansen Tomb is a sacred ground for Hindustani classical music lovers. This scenic attraction honours the legendary court musician of Akbar. If you wish to experience the place at its best, plan your tour during December, when the annual Tansen Music Festival is held. Just ensure you keep a close eye on the festival date. 

Note: The tomb of Mohammad Ghaus is located in the same complex. So, ensure exploring this too, who was known as Tansen’s mentor. 

Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum 

Built by Raja Man Singh for his beloved queen, Mrignayani, the Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum is another thing to see in Gwalior that is a sight to behold. This historical site houses a collection of rare artefacts, sculptures and Hindu and Jain relics that speak volumes about the bygone era. Compared to other things to do in Gwalior, this is a quieter experience and more academic in nature, but it is rewarding for those who are inclined toward archaeology.

Travel Tip: Visit the museum in conjunction with the Gwalior Fort, as both are located within the fort complex. 

Gopachal Parvat Jain Sculptures 

Carved directly into the rock face, the Jain Sculptures at Gopachal Parvat are massive yet serene things to see in Gwalior. Dating back to the 7th and 15th centuries, these figures represent Tirthankars and are among the largest in India. Few cities in the country offer such a combination of spiritual and cultural grandeur in one frame, but this is one of the places to visit at Gwalior’s historic hillscapes that combines it all.

Sun Temple 

Inspired by the famous and serene Konark Temple in Odisha, the Sun Temple in Gwalior is a modern marvel made of red sandstone and white marble. Built in the 1980s by the Birla family, the Sun Temple offers spiritual respite and architectural beauty that is absolutely unmissable while figuring out things to do in Gwalior in one day.

Best Time To Visit: Visit the temple either early in the morning or just before sunset. In the warm light, it looks stunning and picturesque. 

Old Markets 

Gwalior is not just stunning architecture, it is also about colourful lehariya sarees and handcrafted stone idols that you will surely take back as a souvenir in memory of this beautiful city. To shop for authentic souvenirs or street snacks on your best stuff to do in Gwalior, ensure you add Bada Bazar, Sarafa Bazar, Nazarbagh Market, Victoria Market, and Topi Bazar. At the end of your shopping trip, we guarantee you won’t regret a single bit.

What to Buy: Chanderi and Maheshwari fabric, lacquer bangles, and jowar bhakri masalas are must-buy items. 

Phool Bagh 

Once a royal garden, Phool Bagh is now a public park that offers a refreshing break after a tiring day of sightseeing. The park in Gwalior also houses a gurudwara, a temple, a mosque and a public library, which is a perfect example of cultural amalgamation in itself. 

Local Tip: Phool Bagh is perfect for morning walks or relaxed evening strolls, especially if you are travelling with your family, including kids. 

Teli Ka Mandir 

Paying a visit to the Teli Ka Mandir is another unmissable thing to do in Gwalior that offers an unusual fusion of South and North Indian architecture. With towering shikharas and intricate carvings, the temple is one of the oldest structures in the fort premises and continues to stun and puzzle visitors with its hybrid architecture.  

Fun Fact: Despite the name, the temple does not have anything to do with oil traders, though folklore offers many theories behind its unique name. 

Food Street 

You can’t really explore a city without tasting its authentic cuisine, and Gwalior’s local street food deserves its own spotlight. Visiting the food street is by far one of the best things to do in Gwalior at night. Just ensure going on an empty stomach and try the authentic bedai, jalebi, kachori sabzi, paneer poha and the local’s recommended gajak (a winter-special sweet).

Where To Eat: Try eateries near Naya Bazar, or head to Bahodapur for the best local flavours.  

So, will you consider visiting Gwalior, or have you started scrolling through the tour packages already? Each to-do in Gwalior, from visiting the age-old Gwalior Fort to trying its local cuisine in an old market lane, each moment here feels rooted in legacy. And the best park? It is still off the beaten tourist trail, making it all the more rewarding.

So, if you are planning your next cultural escape or looking for heritage holidays, Gwalior deserves a proud place on your list. To make your journey even more memorable and hassle-free, Veena World offers you the opportunity to explore the magic of Madhya Pradesh with thoughtfully curated Gwalior tour packages.