Gwalior

The historic city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh in India lies on the main New Delhi-Mumbai and New Delhi-Chennai rail route. 120 km south of Agra, it has a population of over 1.2 million. The Gwalior metropolitan area is the 46th most populated area in the country,
and known as the tourist capital of Madhya Pradesh. Gwalior occupies a strategic location in the Gird region of India, and the city and its fortress have served as the centre of several of North India's historic kingdoms. At present its strategic location is also marked by the presence of India’s most developed air base at Maharajpur. Gwalior is the administrative headquarters
of Gwalior district and Gwalior division. Gwalior is an old city, known for its old and massive fort. Legend has it that Gwalior derives its name from a great sage Gwalipa who cured a chief of the Kachwaha clan suffering from leprosy. Today, Gwalior is one of the most developed cities of India with factories producing cotton, yarn, paint, ceramics, chemicals, and leather products. The city is also famous for many esteemed educational institutions.

Where to Stay: Gwalior has a surprisingly low number of hotels for its size and population. There are only 15 odd hotels/lodges. The following are recommended: Usha Kiran Palace; Hotel Gwalior Regency; Hotel Suruchi; Hotel Sita Manor; The Central Park; Hotel Shelter; Hotel Surbhi and Landmark Hotel.
What to See: Gwalior Fort; built in the 15th century by Raja Mansingh Tomar on a hilltop, the mighty Gwalior Fort overlooks the city. The outer rampart of the fort stands four km in length and 35 m in height. Man Mandir is the Palace in the fort, Sas-Bahu temples and Gujari Mahal
round off your fort visit. Ghaus's Tomb; Tansen's Tomb; Jai Vilas palace; Tighra Dam; Chhatris of Scindia Dynasty; Gurudwara Data Bandi Chod; Samadhi of Rani Laxmi Bai; Sun Temple (Surya Mandir); Phool Bagh and Ambedkar Park; The Gwalior Museum; Italian Garden; Roop Singh Stadium, for cricket; Moti Mahal and the Gwalior Zoo are worth a trip. Understand how Sati was carried out in those days. Of the many Temples, Kheda Pati; Achaleshwar; Mandre Ki Mata; Koteshwar; Gragaj ke Hanumaan; Sai Baba Temple and Vaisno Devi Temple may be visited. Don’t miss the son et lumière in the Fort, starting at 8 pm.
Where to Eat: Volga; Handi; Kwality(located at the heart of city); Chotiwala; Sher-e-Punjab; Shelter; Sudarshan; Navratan; Indian Coffee House; Cafe Coffee Day; Salt-N-Paper; Baba's; Cook's and Raheja Garden are reasonable restaurants.