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The King Man Singh Palace in Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Things to do in  Gwalior

A kingdom of dreams

One of Madhya Pradesh's major cities, Gwalior is best known for its massive hilltop fortress made of golden sandstone—though the fort’s centuries-old ramparts are reason enough for a visit. Although the fort is the crown jewel of the city, there’s plenty more to do in Gwalior, from visiting its historic temples to immersing yourself in opulence at the Jai Vilas Mahal (Jai Vilas Palace). Best of all, it’s easy to visit Gwalior on a day trip from Agra, making it a great post-Taj Mahal destination.

Top 3 attractions in Gwalior

Top activities in Gwalior

All about Gwalior

Local Currency
Indian Rupee (₹)
When to visit

The best time of year to visit Gwalior is between late September and March, when the weather is most pleasant. April–June temperatures can get scorchingly hot, while the July–September season often brings monsoon rains. Music fans should visit in December for the Tansen Samaroh music festival in the nearby village of Behat.

Getting around

One of the easiest ways to get around Gwalior is by auto-rickshaw. "Autos" are easy to hail off the street across town. Taxis are also an option, but they can be in short supply so book ahead if you want to hire one for the whole day. You'll also find plenty of "tempos,” oversized shared auto-rickshaws that follow specific routes around town. Bear in mind that they can feel cramped.

Traveler tips

Snack lovers take note: Gwalior is famous for its kachoris (deep-fried pastries usually stuffed with lentils or onions). Think of kachoris as the round counterpart to triangular samosas. Although kachoris originate in the neighboring state of Rajasthan, they're popular all around Gwalior. Popular spots to try these savory snacks include Bahadura and SS Kachori Wala.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the must-visit attractions in Gwalior?
A:

Gwalior Fort is the top attraction in Gwalior, so if you’re only going to choose one place to visit, make that it. Other must-see attractions include the Jai Vilas Mahal (Jai Vilas Palace), a humongous palace with roughly 40 rooms filled with elegant furniture and decorative pieces.

Q:Is Gwalior worth visiting?
A:

Yes, Gwalior is worth visiting, especially if you’re interested in history and architecture. Its fort is absolutely incredible, despite not being as well-known as some of the forts in the neighboring state of Rajasthan. Gwalior is also convenient to get to from Agra, home to the Taj Mahal.

Q:How many days do you need in Gwalior?
A:

You need one full day in Gwalior to get a feel for the city, and many people visit Gwalior on day trips from Agra. However, two days here are better, as it will give you enough time to spend an entire day exploring the massive fort and a second day for other attractions.

Q:Is Gwalior safe for tourists?
A:

Yes, Gwalior is safe for tourists. Crime against tourists is low, and while auto-rickshaw drivers may try to overcharge you, you’re unlikely to encounter much hassle beyond that. The safest way to explore is with a guide, so you may want to consider booking a tour.

Q:Are there any nearby destinations for day trips from Gwalior?
A:

Yes, there are plenty of great destinations within day-tripping distance of Gwalior. If you can only choose one, make it Orchha, a tiny town filled with beautiful examples of Mughal architecture. It also has several temples that pre-date the Mughals, making it an important stop for traveling pilgrims.

Q:Do they speak English in Gwalior?
A:

Yes, many people speak English in Gwalior to some degree, especially those working in tourist-facing roles such as Gwalior Fort employees. English numbers are often used, even by Hindi speakers. Tour guides typically speak great English, too, and as with other cities in India, you’ll find that some residents speak English with native-level fluency.