Gwalior Fort is an 8th-century fort on a hilltop near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Fort was built during the 8th century.

Gwalior Fort, India.

Gwalior Kila (Kila means fort in the Hindi Language) or Gwalior Fort complex consists mainly of 2 palaces: Gurjari Mahal Palace & Man Mandir Palace and the outer fort.

Man Mandir Palace was built during the 15th century. Many structures including Palaces (Mahals) were added to the fort by different rulers. The Jahangir, the Karan, and the Shah Jahan are some of the other palaces inside the fort complex.

The fort extends over three square kilometers in area and has a height of 35 feet. There are two gates to the fort; one on the northeast side and the other on the southwest side. The elephant gate (Hathi Pul) is the main entry gate. Badalgarh Gate is the second gate.

There are 11 Jain temples inside the fort. Siddhachal Jain Temple Caves are believed to have been built during the 7th to 15th centuries. Rock-cut cave temples numbering 21 are found here in the fort surroundings. There are many temples with hundreds of idols inside the fort!

Jain statues carved out of rock inside the Fort.

The water tanks get their water requirements from the nearby Swarnarekha River. This tank can store water to satisfy the needs of a 15,000-strong garrison (the number required to guard this fort)!

Many dynasties controlled Gwalior Kila over time. 86 Kings belonging to the Pal dynasty ruled Gwalior for the maximum period of 989 years. Others who reigned Gwalior included the Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty, Turkic rulers, Tomar rulers, the Suri dynasty and Hemu, the Mughal dynasty, the Raizada dynasty, Maratha rulers (the Scindias), and the British.

Wold’s Second oldest existing ZERO, which is estimated to be 1500 years old, is found in a small temple here, on the way to the fort.

Some historical places in Gwalior, or places to visit in Gwalior fort, are given below.

Gurjari Mahal palace Museum or Gwalior Fort Museum

Gujari Mahal or Gujari Palace, inside Gwalior Fort

This Museum has a rare collection of antiquities, some of which date back to the 1st century A.D. Rare Hindu and Jain sculptures, dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries BC, are also kept in this Museum. Miniature Statues are also there.

Gurjari Mahal Palace, which is now an archaeological museum. This museum is also known as the Gwalior Fort Museum. It was built by Raja Man Singh for Queen Mrignayan. This palace gets its water supply through an aqueduct from the Rai River, close to the fort.

Teli ka Mandir, Lord Vishnu temple inside the Gwalior Fort

Teli Ka Mandir inside the Fort

Teli ka Mandir is a Lord Vishnu temple located within the Gwalior Fort. It is the oldest and loftiest surviving structure within the fort. This is believed to have been constructed around 850 AD, during the reign of Mihira Bhoja, the Pratihara king. It is a combination of Nagara and Dravida styles of architecture along with a little bit of Buddhist architectural styles. Gopuram is of Dravidian style, whereas the temple base is in Nagara architecture. The extensively carved outer walls of the temple with its excellent sculptures are a rare treat to the eyes.

HH Maharaja Sir Jiwajirao Scindia Museum at Jai Vilas Palace Gwalior

Jai Vilas Palace Gwalior

Jai Vilas Palace or Jai Vilas Mahal is a 19th-century palace spread over 1,240,771 square feet in area, in the European style of architecture at Gwalior, situated close to the fort complex. Around 35 palace rooms now house a Museum called HH Maharaja Sir Jiwajirao Scindia Museum or Scindia Museum. There is an entry fee to be paid to visit this Museum.

Jai Vilas Mahal is one of the best palaces with ultra-modern facilities. There is a silver train that was used to bring items to the dinner table! (The details of the palace and the train are described in detail in the book “Freedom at Midnight” by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre.) There are two gigantic 12.5 meters high, 3.5-tonne chandeliers, with 250 bulbs, which are believed to be the largest pair of chandeliers in the world. This palace is famous for its large Durbar Hall. It is the residence of the descendants of the former Scindia dynasty rulers.

How Do I Go to Gwalior Fort?

Gwalior is well connected by roads to all parts of the country. Gwalior Fort is situated very close to Gwalior Bus station. Gwalior Junction railway station is the nearest railway station, at a distance of two to four kilometers, depending on your route. ‘Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Airport’ or Gwalior Airport is around 10 kilometers from the city.

There are many hotels in Gwalior. You may opt for the one which suits your budget and taste.