If you are unable to finalise your next holiday destination, let me take you to Gwalior. It was founded by a prince of the Kachhwaha Rajput clan, Suraj Sen in the 18th century. It was named after the saint ‘Gwalipa’ who cured the King of a deadly disease. The city of Gwalior, a former princely state in Madhya Pradesh is popular across the seas for its amazing architectural intelligence of the monuments, temples, fort and palaces coupled with the glorifying history. It is renowned for being home to rulers, saints, musicians and artists which gave it the perfect blend of history, creativity and modern style in the construction of the surrounding sculptures in the palaces and forts.
Quick Fact
Gwalior is the birthplace of Tansen, the magical musician in Akbar’s court. It is also a pilgrimage site for both Hinduism and Jainism.
So book your tickets to Gwalior now to explore more! You can make your travel experience one of a lifetime by availing India’s finest luxury train, The Maharajas Express.
Travelling in the Maharajas Express Train is a dream come true as it makes you feel like a prince of the bygone era with the utmost comfort and luxury coupled with amazing hospitality of the staff. Starting from the interior design with vintage furniture and artwork in the ceilings and walls with precious stones, linen, upholstery and paintings depicting the historical significance of the region(you are travelling to) and the attire of the staff resemble the traditional elegance of the nation.
Facilities
Don’t worry about the modern amenities, as you feel like a historical prince here! They make sure that the travelling “prince” in the rolling Maharajas are not deprived of wifi, TV and DVDs, spa and gym, international standard wines from a well-stocked bar and an amazing view of the passing landscapes from the large cut windows. The spacious cabins in the 14 carriages, named after precious stones like Heera (diamond), Moti(pearl), Neelam(sapphire) etc and their super comfy beds make sure you sleep well after a tiresome sightseeing! The washrooms attached to each cabins provide hot and cold water, showers and essential toiletries.
Dining
The professional chefs prepare international standard cuisine, which are served in Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal – two dining cars. Food is served in gold edged Limoges while drinks in Swarovski crystal studded glasses!
Tourist hotspots in Gwalior
- Gwalior Fort – It is said to be a 100 year old fort, situated on a sandstone hilltop with the top providing a 360 degree view of the surroundings.
- Jai Vilas Palace – The European style monument founded in 1874 by the then Maharaja of Gwalior, JayajiraoScindia depicts an architectural blend of, Tuscan and Corinthian style. It is now reformed in to a museum housing antique pieces from Scindia reign, while the striking ones being of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb and the Belgian chandeliars.
- Man-Mandir Palace – It was constructed by Raja Mansingh between 1486 AD and 1517 AD. It holds the famous Johar Pond where the Rajput ladies had committed the mass Sati, after they lost a battle.
- SurajKund – It is situated within the Gwalior fort and SurajKund is said to have possessed medicinal properties which were used by Gwalipa to heal the king, Suraj Sen in the 15th
- Teli-Ka-Mandir – The 100 ft temple is known for a blend of Dravidian styled roofs and North Indian carvings.
- Tomb of Ghaus Mohammed – It is believed that Ghaus Mohammed assisted Babur in occupying the Gwalior fort and the sandstone tomb represents the Mughal architecture.
- Padavali & Bateshwar – It is known for the roof which depict significant myths like Krishna-Leela, Samudra-Manthan, the 10 Vishnu incarnations and Nataraja.
Grab your seats now and explore the majestic Gwalior!