Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

Once the capital of the Scindias, Gwalior is a majestic city that retains its past grandeur amidst the daily chaos as one wanters through its streets and bylanes. The old city retains its flavour and the 10th century fort stands atop a huge bluff, a witness to its glorious history.

Places to see:

The Fort -- The most dominating center-piece of the city stands atop a massive, precipitous sandstone hill and can be seen miles away. The historic fort, considered one of he most difficult to capture, had featured in many important battles, amongst the most recent and memorable being between Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi ad the armies of the British East India Company in 1857. The fort encloses many fine palaces and other ancient monuments, including Gujari Mahal, Man Mandir Palace, Suraj Kund, Teli-ka-Mandir and Saas-Bahu-ka-Mandir. Some of these date back to AD 425. There is also an archaeological Museum inside the fort with exhibits related to the fort and the city.

Jai Vilas Palace and Museum -- The city residence of the royal family, part of which has n ow been converted into a Museum displaying a collection of royal memorabilia and possessions. These include furniture, clothes, a battery operated silver train that was used to carry drinks and desserts/ dry fruits round the large table during state dinners.

Tombs of Ghaus Mohammed and Tansen -- The toms dedicated to two of the most famous personalities of the city, spiritual saint Ghaus Mohammaed, and Mian Tansen, famous musician and one of the nine pearls of the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar, are in the older parts of the city.

Statue of Rani Lakshmi Bai -- Marks the spot where the valiant queen was cremated following her martyrdom in the battle of 1857. 

Other places:

Shivpuri -- 112 km away, Shivpuri was the summer retreat of Gwalior;s rulers, who built exquisite palaces and hunting lodges here and in the town. There are intricately embellished marble chhatris (cenotaphs) built in memory of the Scindia princes. The dense forests around Shivpuri where Emperor Akbar once went hunting are now a national wildlife park.

Sonagiri -- 60 km away and just off the road to Jhansi, near Dabra, is famous for its 1500-year-old Jain temples. The 108 temples ae aranged on steps up a hillside, and the temple dedicated to the eighth Tirthankara crowns the hill.

Tansen Sangeet Samorah: A four-day Indian classical music fest commemorating the great Indian musician of the Mughal era is held at Tansen tomb every year in Deember. The festival brings together exponents and music lovers from all over the country.