Part 4 : MP & UP Trip - Gwalior

12-Oct-17            Thursday             6              Gwalior

After having our breakfast Started around 7am. Booked an auto for the day visit. Visited all renowned places like Gwalior fort, saas-bahu temple, taeli ka mandir, Gurudwara, Jai vilas palace, tan sen tomb etc. and back to hotel by 6.30 pm. Didn’t watched the Light& Sound show.             Gwalior day visit: 750

Gwalior

Gwalior Zoo

The zoo of the city is well known for its proper upkeep and kind treatment to animals. The zoo is known for its stellar medical care to animals. The main attractions of the zoo are Krishnamrigs (Blackbucks) and Tiger cubs.

Mall & park

Gwalior Fort

The fort is known as the Gibraltar of India and various rulers at different points of time has praised the architectural design and its resilience. It is situated on a hillock with the city surrounding it on all sides , the fort is a very lively one with many of the routines of the city's residents tied to it.

Sasbahu Temple,

Sasbahu Temple, also called the Sas-Bahu Mandir, Sas-Bahu Temples, Sahastrabahu Temple or Harisadanam temple, is an 11th-century twin temple in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. Near the Gwalior Fort and dedicated to Vishnu in his Padmanabha form, like most Hindu and Jain temples in this region, it is mostly in ruins and was badly damaged from numerous invasions and Hindu-Muslim wars in the region.[4] It was built in 1093 by King Mahipala of the Kachchhapaghata dynasty, according to an inscription found in the larger of the twin temple. The twin temples are situated in the Gwalior Fort.

The temple's tower and sanctum has been destroyed, but its architecture and damaged carvings can still be appreciated from the ruins. The jagati platform is 100 feet (30 m) long and 60 feet (18 m) wide, on a square plan.[2] The temple was three-storeyed, which was one of its distinguishing features and sophistication. It followed a central cluster concept, states Adam Hardy. The surviving elements of the temple are the entrance porch and the mandapa.[2]According to James Harle, though the prasada (tower, spire) no longer exists, the triple storey plan with a cruciform foundation and balconies suggests that it had a North Indian Bhumija style architecture. This style, states Harle, is marked by a well proportioned superstructure, its "regularly arranged little subordinate sikharas strung out like gigantic beaded garlands"

Gurudwara Data Bandi Chod

The famed gurudwara is frequented by a lot of foreign tourists who wish to experience the serene surroundings of a place of worship. The gurudwara is famous throughout the country and houses many facilites for the pilgrims. The ongoing Langar, offers free food service to all who visit the holy place. One of the other prominent gurudwaras is located in the Nadi gate area of Phoolbagh from which a shuttle service can be utilised to reach the more famous shrine over the hilltop.

Teli Ka Mandir

Ghaus's Tomb enclave

Muhammad Ghawth also known as Ghaus Mohammed was one of the most noted Sufis of his times and he was the guru of Tansen, one of the Navratnas of Akbar's court. The Samdhi of Tansen is also housed in the enclave. The site also doubles up as the venue for the Tansen Music Festival

The Jai Vilas Mahal (Jai Vilas Palace) - Museum

It is a nineteenth century palace in Gwalior, India. It was established in 1874 by Jayajirao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior and is still the residence of his descendants the former royal Maratha Scindia dynasty.

It is a fine example of European architecture, designed and built by Sir Michael Filose. A combination of architectural styles, the first storey is Tuscan, the second Italian-Doric and the third Corinthian. The area of the Jai Vilas palace is 1,240,771 square feet and it is particularly famous for its large Durbar Hall. The interior of the Durbar Hall is decorated with gilt and gold furnishings and adorned with a huge carpet and gigantic chandeliers. It is 100 feet long, 50 feet wide and 41 feet in height.

Supposedly, eight elephants were suspended from the durbar (royal court) hall ceiling to check it could cope with two 12.5m-high, 3.5-tonne chandeliers with 250 light bulbs, said to be the largest pair in the world.

Bizarre items fill the rooms: cut-glass furniture, stuffed tigers and a ladies-only swimming pool with its own boat. The cavernous dining room displays the pièce de résistance, a model railway with a silver train that carried after-dinner brandy and cigars around the table.

Italian Garden enclave.

This enclave provides the residents of the city to beat the summer heat and also serves as a popular picnic spot for school children. The garden has extensive network of stone fountains which lend a unique splendor. The garden is connected with Moti Mahal, a former palace of the Scindia's which serves as the commissioner's office and displays a rich gallery of wall paintings. This is also connected with BaijaTal which serves as one of the most preferred venues for cultural performances. A boat club and various food stalls catering to different tastes are also housed in the area.

Samadhi of Rani Laxmi Bai

Rani Lakshmibai along with Tatya Tope remains one of the most revered freedom fighters in the minds of the general populace and an annual fair is organised in her rememberance in the Phoolbagh Area. The most prominent road of the city is named after her. Alongside the Samadhi various gardens are situated namely PhoolBagh and Ambedkar which serve as the rendezvous point for the residents and tourists alike.

Sarod Ghar

This is the ancestral house of Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan which now has been converted into a museum. A must for all music lovers.

Chhatris of Scindia Dynasty

The chhatris are situated in the Lakshmiganj area midst a bustling marketplace. The area also houses a Stadium which also serves as the venue for various community food festivals.

Gopachal Parvat

One of the holiest places for the people following the Jain faith in the city. It is said to house the biggest statue of parsvanath in sitting posture in the world. During the evening the lighting of the area provides a unique picturesque hue.

Sanatana Dharma Mandir and Achaleshwar

These two are arguably the most famous temples of the city located nearby each other. Sanatana Dharma Mandir is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is governed by the Sanatana Dharma Mandala, which is the most powerful religious body of the city. The achaleshwar temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and devotees from all of the surrounding areas come to pay their respects. The temple complex at present is undergoing expansion and the temple trust is also known for celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi celebration with unmatched exuberance and extravagance.

Koteshwar

This temple is one of the oldest temples in the city and has one of the biggest temple premises in the city. The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and a huge fair is organized on the day of Mahashivratri which sees participation from not only the city but the surrounding villages as well. The temple is governed by the Devsthan trust and the Monday prayers during the month of Savan are a sight to behold and cherish.

Ram Mandir

The temple dedicated to lord Rama is situated in one of the busiest market places of the city. The regular evening prayers are serene, sincere and the devotion of the devotees is inspiring. The temple is also known for the beauty of its idols.

Surya Mandir (Sun Temple)

The temple is dedicated to the Sun god Vivaswan and was constructed as a replica to the more famous Konark Sun Temple. The temple is constructed using Red sand stone and white marble. It was constructed in 1988 by G.D. Birla , one of the prominent industrialists of the country.

Mandare Ki Mata

The temple is dedicated to the divine mother and is situated near Gajra Raja Medical College atop a hillock. The temple was constructed in 1715 by Anand Rao Mandare.

Other prominent temples in the region include Garagaj Ke Hanuman temple which is dedicated to lord Hanuman situated in the Bahodapur region of the city, Khedapati temple which is situated near the Phoolbagh area is also dedicated to lord Hanuman. Other famous temples include Sheetla Mata mandir dedicated to the divine goddess and Sai Baba temple in Sevanagar. Many other small but old temples dot the landscape of the city.

13-Oct-17            Friday   7              Train     

Train from Gwalior @20:40