Surya Mandir or Sun Temple is a Hindu temple in the historic city of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Situated near the Residency at Morar, Sun Temple is one of the most famous heritage monuments in Gwalior and also one of the top places to visit in Gwalior. Dedicated to Sun God, Surya Mandir is one of the popular pilgrimage places in Gwalior. Also known as Vivaswan Temple, Surya Mandir was constructed in 1988 by G.D Birla, the famous industrialist of India. The Surya Mandir is a new one in the list of the grand historical monuments of Gwalior and it does not even have any historical significance. The temple is located in a serene ambience and a well-maintained garden within the temple premises is very attractive. This holy temple draws the locals and tourists alike who gather here to render their prayers.
Jai Vilas is an Italianate structure which combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. The imposing Darbar Hall has two central chandeliers weighing a couple of tonnes, and hung only after ten elephants had tested the strength of the roof. Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy draperies and tapestries , fine Persian carpets and antique furniture from France and Italy are the features of these spacious rooms. Eye catching treasures include : a silver train with cut glass wagons which served guests as it chugged around the table on miniature rails; a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna each Janmashtami, silver dinner services and swords that were once worn by Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan. These are ,besides, personal momentoes of past members of the Scindia family : the jeweled slippers that belonged to Chinkoo Rani , four-poster beds, gifts from practically every country in the world, hunting trophies and portraits. The Scindia Museum offers an unparalleled glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India.
One of the nine jewels in the court of Mughal emperor Akbar, Tansen (1500 – 1586), was one of the greatest Indian musicians. For music lovers and those fascinated by history, the tomb remains a place of avid interest. The vocalist, it is said, could create magic with his voice, such that the clouds were tempted to rain down and even the animals were enchanted. Tansen learned Hindustani classical music from Mohammad Ghaus and developed the Gwalior Gharana style of music. He was also a proponent of Dhrupad style of music, which does not seek to entertain but induce the listener with peace and a mood of contemplation. In November every year, the world-famous Tansen Music Festival is organized at the tomb.
Tombs of Mohammed is situated in the town of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Well known for its architecture, the tomb complex is one of the prominent sightseeing attractions in Gwalior. The Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus was built in 16th century AD during the Akbar's rule. Ghaus Mohammed was an Afghan Prince who later converted into a Sufi saint. Tomb of Ghaus Mohammed is a prominent pilgrimage center of both Muslims and Hindus. The structure of this tomb is typical Mughal architecture with hexagonal pillars stand at each of its four corners. The Memorial of Tansen, also known as the Tomb of Tansen, is located in the vicinity of Muhammad Ghaus Tomb. Tansen was the famous musician and one among the nine jewels of Akbar's court. He is among the most influential personalities in North Indian tradition of Hindustani classical music.
The Gujari Mahal Archeological Museum or State Archaeological Museum, sometimes called the "Gwalior Fort Museum", is a state museum in Gwalior, located in the fortress of Gujari Mahal. It displays numerous artifacts of the region, including a fragment of the Garuda capital of the Heliodorus pillar from Vidisha. The palace of Gujari Mahal was built by Tomar Rajput ruler Man Singh Tomar for his wife Mrignayani who belonged to Gujjar tribe. The palace has been converted into an archaeological museum. Rare artifacts at the museum include Hindu and Jain sculptures dated to the 1st and 2nd centuries BCE, miniature statue of Salabhanjika, terracotta items and replicas of frescoes seen in the Bagh Caves.
The Sound and Light Show is an additional attraction of Gwalior Fort. The Sound and Light Show forms an integral part of the visit to the Fort. The show is held at the open Amphitheatre at the Man Mandir Palace in the evenings and is a musical narration and storytelling about SAGE Gwalipa and the isolated fort during those times. The story narration is done by Superstar Amitabh Bachhan. A nightly 45-minute sound-and-light show is held in the amphitheatre at Gwalior Fort. The Sound and Light Show is definitely worth watching, for the knowledge of the true happenings of the history. A visit to the fort is incomplete if one plans to visit the fort and not watch the Sound and Light Show that is held here. Thus the fort comes alive every night to echo its glorious past and to illuminate every nook of the Man Mandir just to give you a glimpse of its historical past.