Gwalior

Also known as Surya Mandir, this temple is dedicated to Lord Surya and was built by famous industrialist G.D. Birla in 1988. The temple draws architectural inspiration from the Konark Sun Temple in Orissa.

The Gwalior Fort, often called the 'Gibralter of India' due to its height and location, is perched upon a high hill and dates back to the eighth century. The fort houses many temples and palaces. The Man Mandir Palace here is the most notable owing to the colourful ceramic tiles that decorate its walls.

Gwalior Zoo was established in 1922 by the royal family of Madho Rao Scindia. The 8-hectare zoo is a section of the larger garden known as Phool Bagh and is home to various exotic and domestic animal species.

Believed to be originally called Sahastrabahu Temple, the sacred structure was built by King Mahipal in 1093 and worships Lord Vishnu in the Padmanabh form. The pyramid-shaped temple is located within the Gwalior Fort.

This is the resting place of Tansen, one of the nine jewels in Akbar’s court. The revered musician was an advocate of Dhrupad music style and is believed to have been instrumental in developing the Gwalior Gharana of music.

Teli ka Mandir was built by Pratihara emperor Mihira Bhoja in the ninth century. Raided multiple times, the temple is believed to be the oldest part of the Gwalior Fort and is now restored as Lord Shiva Temple.

Gujar Mahal lies within the Gwalior Fort and was built by Raja Man Singh in the fifteenth century for his beloved wife, Rani Mrignayani. The palace has now been converted into an archaeological museum.