"Gwalior Fort" India Things to Do Tip by Paul2001

Gwalior Fort is one of the great castle/fortresses in India. In fact I am inclined to rate it as the best of the many such fortifications that I visited during my journey through India. Gwalior Fort sits atop a large hill that dominates the nearby plain. It has a long and highly interesting history spaning over 1000 years. This includes the fact that British stormed the seemingly impregnable place not once but twice.
The fortress is several noteworthy attractions that will draw your interests. Firstly when entering the fortress you cannot help but notice the magnificient walls that stand 35 meters high and are about 2 miles long around the circumference of the plateau. One might notice that there are several species of ferocious animals painted on the walls. Oddly enough among them are ducks. Maybe they are suppose to be mean, nasty ducks?
Also included within the walls are the Man Mandir palace, several ancient temples of architectural importance and some wonderful Jain sculptures carved into the slopes of the hill. Overall there is enough here to keep a visitor fascinated for several hours.
Oddly enough the Fort seems to receive very few foriegn tourists. This means I was the centre of attention for the several groups of Indian families that were touring the fort. They all waved at me and asked me if I was enjoying myself. I wished I was feeling better but I was under the weather at the time. Do not pass up the opportunity to visit the Fort if you are traveling down from Agra through to Khajuraho or Bhopal. As I have said it, maybe the best in India.

Directions: On top of the hill in the centre of the old town of Gwalior. It is hard to miss.

• Updated Apr 7, 2005
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