Gwalior is a city in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It’s known for its palaces and temples, including the Sas Bahu Ka Mandir intricately carved Hindu temple. Ancient Gwalior Fort occupies a sandstone plateau overlooking the city and is accessed via a winding road lined with sacred Jain statues. Within the fort’s high walls is the 15th-century Gujari Mahal Palace, now an archaeological museum.
Also in the fort complex is the towering Teli Ka Mandir Hindu temple and the Man Mandir Palace. The latter has a brightly tiled exterior housing what was once the site of Mughal prison cells. To the south, grand Jai Vilas Palace was built for the ruling Scindia dynasty in the 19th century and remains their residence today. The palace’s Scindia Museum displays huge chandeliers, antique furniture and weapons. Nearby, Gandhi Prani Udhyan zoo is home to hippos, tigers and monkeys. Sarod Ghar, on the western outskirts of town, is a museum devoted to Indian classical music, with live concerts and displays of traditional instruments.