Gwalior Fort

The biggest tourist attraction in the city of Gwalior, the Gwalior Fort is perched high at the top of a vast rocky massif and is visible from almost every part of the city. Considered as one of the most impregnable fortresses in central India, the Gwalior Fort was once referred to as 'the pearl amongst fortresses in India' by Mughal Emperor Babur. The imposing fort, which is visible from all parts of the city, was built way back in the 15th century by Raja Man Singh Tomar. The fort witnessed several ups and downs along with the change of power from one ruler to the other. From Tomars, the fort passed on to Mughals, Marathas and the British. Finally, it became the seat of power of Scindias from the British. The Gwalior Fort is spread across a large area of three square kilometres and is surrounded by a concrete sandstone wall. The fort complex houses a total of three temples and overall tanks that make for great tourist attractions. One of its most famous temples is Teli-ka-Mandir built in the Dravidian style with an exquisite sculpted exterior. Other important structures of Gwalior Fort are the Jahangir Mahal, the Karan Palace, the Shah Jahan Mahal and the Gujari Mahal.