Legend has it that Gwalior was founded in 8th century AD by a chieftain known as Suraj Sen or Surya Sen of Kachwaha Rajput clan who, when struck by a deadly disease, was cured by a hermit-saint Galav. As a mark of respect to the saint, he built the city of Gwalior after the name of the saint.

Steeped in its past splendor it was ruled by several dynasties including the Pratiharas, Kachwahas and Tomars who have left imprints of their rule, in this city of outstanding palaces, sacred temples and glorious monuments. It is also the birthplace of great musician Tansen.

Sights to See

Gwalior Fort
Gwalior's main attraction is its massive fort, whose 35 feet walls bear testimony to the fact that it was one of the most invincible forts of India. Within the fort you will find a number of elaborately carved sculptures and paintings. The formidable structure of the (Gwalior Fort), built by Raja Man Singh Tomar of the Tomar kingdom, inspired the first Mughal Emperor Babur to describe it as "The pearl in the necklace of the forts of Hind".

Gujari Mahal
Built in the 15th century by Raja Mansingh Tomar for his Gujar Queen, Mrignayani, Gujari Mahal is a monument of love. According to popular tradition, since none of the eight queens were able to produce a heir for the king, he finally married a milkman’s daughter called “naani”, whom he named “mrignani” ((meaning beautiful eyes). Since Mrignayani wasn’t of royal heritage, Mansingh Tomar has to build a separate palace for her. Hence the Gujari Mahalc came into being.

Sarod Ghar
This Museum of Music has been set up in the ancestral house of the legendary Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. It houses ancient instruments of the great Indian Masters of yesteryears.

Man Mandir Palace Built by Raja Mansingh between 1486 and 1517, Man Mandir Palace was scene of action for many momentous events. When war of succession took place among four brothers of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, he had one his brothers, Murad, imprisoned. Murad was later executed here in 1659 on the orders of Aurangzeb. Close by is Jauhar Pond, where in the Rajput tradition, the queens preferred death to disgrace and performed Jauhar rite involving mass immolation of the females to preserve themselves from pollution or captivity from the Muslim invaders.

Jai Vilas Palace and Museum
Built on the style of the 'Palais de Versailles' in France, Jai Vilas Palace is the current residence of the Scindia family.

Ghaus Mohammed's Tomb
Built in the 16th century AD, the sandstone mausoleum of the Afghan prince, Ghaus Mohammed, is one of the finest examples of early Mughal architecture.

Tansen’s Tomb
Other attractions of Gwalior are the tomb of Mian Tansen, a great singer and one of the 'Nine Jewels' of Akbar's court. It is more than a monument, In fact it is a part of Gwalior’s living cultural heritage. Here a music festival is organized annually in November-December.

Sun Temple
This newly constructed Temple takes its inspiration from the world heritage site of Konark Sun Temple in Odisha

Municipal Museum:
It has a very fine natural history section. It remains closed Mondays.

Gwalior Zoo
Open from 0800 -1500 hrs, the zoo has some rare species of Indian wildlife.

Kala Vithika
A repository of the arts, it remains closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Memorials:
The earliest freedom fighters, Tatya Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi who took part in the revolt of 1857 as well as the Scindia Kings and Queens are commemorated in memorials in the city.

Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod
Built in the memory of the sixth Sikh Guru Har Gobind, this sacred shrine is another important attraction in Gwalior.