You will be surprised at the myriad options for things to do in Gwalior when you plan your vacation to this historical city. With one of the most beautiful forts in the country, magnificent rock-cut temples, palaces and museums, Gwalior has many aces up its sleeve.
Being home to one of the oldest musical gharanas in India and the mausoleum of music’s greatest icon Tansen, Gwalior’s musical roots go deep. Add some great shopping options, a water park, ample eating joints and you have the recipe for a perfect holiday for the family. Here are some of the best things to do in this city with many charms:
15 Things To Do In Gwalior No Traveler Should Miss Out
Wondering what to do in Gwalior for a wonderful vacay? There are numerous exciting things to indulge in while staying in Gwalior. Apart from its rich culture and heritage, there are numerous colors of this vibrant city that has remained a pillar of this place. Check out the below list of best things to do in Gwalior.
- Visit The Glorious Gwalior Fort
- Get Mesmerised By The Sasbahu Temple
- Get Bedazzled By The Grandeur Of Jai Vilas Palace Museum
- Shop At Patankar And Sarafa Bazaars
- Spend Time At The Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum
- Pay Homage To The Music Maestro At Tansen’s Mausoleum
- Beat The Heat At Splash The Suncity
- Marvel At Gopachal Parvat Rock-cut Sculptures
- Admire The Architectural Splendour Of Teli Ka Mandir
- Get Enthralled By The Beauty Of The Sun Temple
- Go Boating In Tighra Dam
- Explore Wildlife At Madhav National Park
- Visit The Gwalior Zoo
- Bateshwar’s Beautiful Architecture
- Enjoy Coffee At Indian Coffee House
1. Visit The Glorious Gwalior Fort
Rightly called the pearl of fortresses in India by Babur, the majestic Gwalior fort is perched on an isolated rock outcrop towering over the old city. The turquoise tessellations on the facade make it stand out even from a distance. With 6 palaces, rock-cut temples and unique architectural elements like Chinese dragons, exploring this magnificent hill fort is one of the top things to do in Gwalior. The riveting light and sound show every evening takes you through the fort’s history and must not be missed.
Famous For: Architecture
Location: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 6AM to 5:30PM every day
Entry fee: INR 75/adult for Indians; INR 250/adult for foreign nationals.
Must Read: 30 Places To Visit In Gwalior For Its History And Culture!
2. Get Mesmerised By The Sasbahu Temple
Located right inside the fort is this remarkable 11th century temple complex, with the larger temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the smaller one to Lord Shiva. These ornately carved twin temples in sandstone are an exquisite example of exceptional architectural beauty. The detailing and craftsmanship of the edifice, pillars as well as the dome are sure to leave you spellbound. The four sculptures of Lords Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and goddess Saraswati at the entrance are the finest amongst many adorning the walls. Perched on a cliff, the temple also offers panoramic views of the city below. This is amongst the most interesting temples in Gwalior.
Famous For: Architecture
Location: Located in Gwalior Fort
Timings: 6AM to 5:30PM
Entry fee: INR 15 for Indians; INR 200 for foreign nationals.
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3. Get Bedazzled By The Grandeur Of Jai Vilas Palace Museum
This grand palace built by Jayajirao Scindia offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the royal family. With 35 of the rooms converted to a museum, it is one of the best places to witness some rare and impressive pieces of art. From lavish to quirky to spectacular artefacts and furniture, the erstwhile residence of the Scindia’s is a scintillating display of their luxurious lifestyle. The durbar hall with some of the grandest chandeliers in the world and glittering gold detailing will take your breath away. Do not miss the silver train in the magnificent dining hall that served after-dinner cigar and brandy! This is one of the most famous palaces in India.
Famous For: Enormous collections
Location: Lashkar, Gwalior
Timings: 10AM to 4:45PM (April to September); 10AM to 4:30PM (October to March). Closed on Wednesdays.
Entry fee: INR 120 for Indians; INR 800 for foreign nationals.
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4. Shop At Patankar And Sarafa Bazaars
At the end of your sightseeing around the city, one of the most satisfying things to do in Gwalior is to stroll through the local markets. The Patankar and Sarafa bazaars offer a range of local handicrafts, traditional handlooms and exquisite stone carved artefacts to take back home with you. When done with your retail therapy, the bazaars also offer some yummy soul food like sweet imartis and crunchy kachoris to satiate the foodie within.
Famous For: Local handicrafts, traditional handlooms, sweets
Location: Khurjewala Mohalla, Daulat Ganj, Gwalior
Timings: 10.00am to 9.00pm
Entry fee: NA
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5. Spend Time At The Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum
Built by king Man Singh Tomar for his beloved wife Mrignayanee, the Gujari Mahal is now home to the archaeological museum displaying an enviable collection of artefacts and sculptures. The impressive entrance is guarded by mythological man-lion figures and the museum also proudly showcases the Indian Mona Lisa in stone, Shalabhanjika. You may have to ask the curator to unlock the room to view this .With sculptures dating back to Gupta period (Varaha avatar statue), the museum is a treasure trove of historical masterpieces.
Famous For: Artefacts and sculptures
Location: Lohamandi, Gwalior
Timings: 10AM to 5PM, Tuesday to Sunday.
Entry Fee: INR10 for Indians; INR 100 for foreign nationals.
Suggested Read: Shopping In Gwalior: The Land Of Chanderi Silk & Handicrafts
6. Pay Homage To The Music Maestro At Tansen’s Mausoleum
To walk amidst the gardens where the legendary musical genius Tansen walked many years ago, is a delightful experience for music lovers. Laying close by is the tomb of his teacher and sufi saint Muhammad Ghaus. With beautiful mughal styled latticed screens, this is a tranquil site for contemplation and stepping into the pages of the history of music. Come December, this historical site is transformed into a great stage for music aficionados during the Tansen Music Festival. Lit up and reverberating with the ragas, it is an experience to remember.
Famous for: Tansen was a prominent musician during Mughal era in India, and was amongst the Nav Ratna of Akbar Darbar.
Location: Gwalior, Tansen Nagar
Timings: 8AM to 6PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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7. Beat The Heat At Splash The Suncity
If you are wondering what to do in Gwalior, indulge in some unadulterated fun moments with friends and family at this amusement park right in the heart of the city. With 18 thrilling rides for adventure seekers and more than 10 water rides, Splash the Sun City is great way to spend a few exciting hours. The water park has 3 huge pools with play area and many cool slides.
Famous for: Amusement Park
Location: Race Course Road, Gwalior
Timings: 10AM to 7PM
Entry fee: Amusement Park- INR 200/adult; INR 150/child. Water Park – INR 400/adult; INR300/child
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8. Marvel At Gopachal Parvat Rock-cut Sculptures
Located along the slopes near the Gwalior fort and nestled amidst lush foliage is the Gopachal parvat with stunning rock-cut sculptures of the 24 Jain tirthankars (spiritual teachers). Amongst the best things to do in Gwalior, visiting these impressive sculptures carved out of the cliff is a spiritual and awe-inspiring experience. The 47-feet high towering monolithic image of Adinath seated on a lotus is a sight to behold. Built between by the Tomar kings between 14th and 15th centuries, these magnificent statues are one of a kind architectural marvel.
Famous for: Magnificent statues
Location: Phulbagh Rd, Gopachal Marg, Lashkar, Gwalior
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry fee: No entry fee
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9. Admire The Architectural Splendour Of Teli Ka Mandir
With its architecture as interesting as its name, this 30-metre high temple is the loftiest and oldest monument inside the fort. With a Dravidian style carved shikhara and many Nagar style elements, the temple beautifully blends the northern and southern temple architecture styles and is one of the best things to see in Gwalior. With an eye-catching display of unique sculptures of coiling snakes, river goddesses and garuda, this is a fantastic site for lovers of history and architecture.
Famous for: Architecture
Location: Fort Campus, Near Schiendhi School Gwalior Fort
Timings: 6AM to 5:30PM
Entry fee: INR 15 for Indians; INR 200 for foreign nationals. Ticket also covers entry to Sahastrabahu temple and Man Singh Palace
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10. Get Enthralled By The Beauty Of The Sun Temple
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The striking structural beauty of the Sun Temple makes it one of the top things to do in Gwalior. Inspired by the ancient sun temple at Konark, this captivating architectural marvel boasts of one of the best statues of sun god which is lit up by the rays of the sun from any one of the four sides. The bright red sandstone exteriors beautifully contrast with the sparkling white marble interiors to make this a must-see site in Gwalior. Plan to visit just before sunset to be rewarded with some splendid views.
Famous for: Architecture
Location: Residency Rd, Mahaveer, Morar, Gwalior
Timings: 6:30AM to 6PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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11. Go Boating In Tighra Dam
Other than the places of religious and historical importance, Gwalior is one of the best places to visit for adventure seekers as well. The city offers an excellent opportunity for boating. Indulge in various kinds of boating such as Jalpari boating, speed boating and paddle boating. For some more fun, ride a water scooter. Besides the adventure retreat, it is an excellent spot for nature and landscape photographers, making it one of the best things to do in Gwalior.
Famous for: Boating
Location: Sank River, 23 km from Gwalior
Boating Fees: Speed Boat- INR 50 per person | Paddle Boat- INR 100 | Water Scooter- INR 350 | Jalpari Boat- INR 50
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
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12. Explore Wildlife At Madhav National Park
Located in Shivpuri town, Madhav National Park is one of the most prominent parks offering a thrilling weekend destination for all the adventure lovers visiting Gwalior. It is a must-visit place for all the wildlife lovers. The park features a variety of flora and fauna species. One can witness major animal species such as wild boar, wolf, leopard, porcupine, jackal and marsh crocodile. The other highlights include lakes, jungle safaris. Located at a distance of 120km from the city, it is a wonderful weekend retreat.
Famous for: Wildlife
Location: Madhav National Park, Shivpuri
Entry Fee: Indian- INR 15 per person | Foreigner- INR 150 per person
Timings: Morning- 6:30 AM to 10 AM PM | Evening- 2:30 PM to 6 PM
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13. Visit The Gwalior Zoo
Visiting Gwalior zoo is one of the best places to visit to explore the wildlife in Madhya Pradesh. If you don’t want to indulge in jungle safari adventure, it is the most convenient place to visit with the entire family. You can see a wide range of wildlife species from leopards to the zoo house, black bucks to the exotic animals. The zoo also has a variety of exotic birds and snakes making it great fun place for both adults and kids. The highlights, however, include white tiger.
Famous for: Exotic animals
Location: Lashkar, Gwalior
Entry Fee: Indian- INR 20 per adult | INR 5 per kid
Timings: Morning- Saturday to Thursday | 9:15 AM to 5:30 PM
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14. Bateshwar’s Beautiful Architecture
Bateshwar temple is a group of around 200 sandstone temples. It is one of the most iconic things to see in Gwalior as the temple has beautiful architecture worth seeing. It attracts visitors from all across the world and leaves them mesmerized. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, the temple was built during the reign of Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty. A visit to these beautiful temples is one of the best things to do in Gwalior to witness the marvel architecture and for any historic enthusiast.
Famous for: Architecture
Location: Padavali Village, Morena
Entry Fee: Indian- INR 15 per person
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
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15. Enjoy Coffee At Indian Coffee House
Indian coffee House is a must-visit place for all the coffee lovers. It is located outside the railway station of Gwalior. It is famous for its your excellent food quality and simple ambience. Among many other great items, coffee is a must-try here. With reasonable prices here, start your day with a delicious coffee and enjoy the quick service and peaceful ambience.
Famous for: Delicious coffee
Location: Indian Coffee House, Near Gwalior Railway Station, Gwalior
Entry Fee: NA
Timings: 7:30 AM to 10 PM
Further Read: 40 Tourist Places In Madhya Pradesh That You Should Be Visiting
Gwalior has so much more you can do before you wrap up your visit to the city with some wonderful memories. So, wait no longer and plan your Plan a trip to Gwalior for an amazing time with your closed ones.
Frequently Asked Question About Things To Do In Gwalior
How many days are enough for Gwalior?
2-3 days are enough to visit Gwalior and cover all the major sightseeing points. You can easily cover all the places like Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior Fort, Sun Temple, Tighra Dam and many more in about 3 days.
Is it safe to visit Gwalior, given the covid situation?
Yes, it is safe to visit Gwalior, given that you follow all the necessary precautions and get yourself vaccinated before travelling. Even while travelling make sure to follow all the guidelines issued by the government like wearing masks at all times, maintaining social distance and sanitizing yourself regularly.
How can I go to Gwalior?
Gwalior airport is located at a distance of 8 kilometres away from the main city. Most of the airlines connect Gwalior to major cities in India, including Mumbai, Indore, Bhopal, and Delhi. Gwalior railway station, on the other hand, lies on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai rail links.
What is the famous food of Gwalior?
Gwalior is known for its delicious street food like kachoris, samosa, poha, and bedai, to name a few. Also, don’t forget to try Dal Bafla, jalebi, imarti, rogan josh, kebabs, corn dishes, malpua, and Morena gajak while you’re here.
Which language is spoken in Gwalior?
The most common languages spoken in Gwalior are Hindi, English, and Marathi.
Is Gwalior a metro city?
Gwalior is an upcoming metro city that is well-connected to the nearby towns in Gwalior in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The place is known for its architectural marvels and prominent temples.
How can I go from Mumbai to Gwalior?
There are 7 direct trains that go from Mumbai to Gwalior. The journey takes around 15 hours. The 7 trains are Ltt Nzm Ac Exp (22109), Mangala Ldweep (12617), Bareilly Exp (14313), Lashkar Express (12161), and Punjab Mail (12137).
What can I buy in Gwalior?
Some of the famous things to buy in Gwalior include silk saris, wall hangings, dolls, handmade carpets, lacquer ware and ornaments.
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