Gwālior Heritage Walk: Steps through the Virāsat

Gwālior is awarded as the “Best Heritage City” in National Tourism Award 2013-14. It is famous as Tānsen Nagri and famous as the Historical City of Madhya Pradesh. It was founded by Rājā Shoor Sen and named on Saint Gwālipa. Gwalior is inscribed in Mahābhārat as Goprāshtra. Today’s Geography of Gwālior is divided into 3 parts which also have historical and architectural significance i.e Kilā Gate, Morār, and Lashkar. Kilā Gate (Gwālior) is the oldest region and having the influence of Rājput and Islamic architecture, whereas as in Morār, some buildings have British architecture and in Lashkar region, most of the buildings belong to Scindia dynasty.

Scindia family respects all the religions of the society and to maintain the communal harmony, they build religions places dedicated to all religions. They also built Temples, Mosque, Gurudwārā, Buddhist Meditation center and Theosophical society for their public. They constructed Palaces, Gardens, Monuments, Ponds, Sports Complex, and Other buildings for public welfare.

In Gwalior Heritage Walk, we covered some important monuments related to the Scindia dynasty and also have beautiful stories behind them.

Meeting Point

Mahatmā Gandhī Park (Phoolbāg): It was inaugurated in 1920 by the ‘Prince of Wales’ while visited Gwālior. Then Emperor Madhav Rao Scindia-I constructed Phool Baag Garden in honour of Prince of Wales.

then we moved to the religious place of Islam.

Moti Masjid: It was constructed by His Highness Mādhav Rāo Scindiā I in 1338 Hijri (1920) and the architect was Mushtar Kherawadi. It is one of the main mosques of the Gwalior city.

After Moti Masjid, we went to Ambedkar Park

Bheem Rāo Ambedkar Park: In 1920, It was named as Buddhist Meditation Center but From 17 May 1981, it becomes Ambedkar Park.

After a blissful trip to the beautiful park and meditation center, we headed towards.

Shri Gopāl Mandir: It was constructed by Madhav Rao Scindia I  in Vikram Samvat 1977 (1920). On the occasion of Janmashtami and Radhashtmi, devotees visit on the mass level and take blessings from the deity.

Passing through the wonderful paintings of Birds and Animals on an outer wall of Gwalior Zoo, we reached.

Phool Baag Gurudwārā: In the year 1921, His Highness Madhav Rao Scindia-I guided to build this beautiful piece of art. It is also known as Guru Nānak Dev Gurudwara. Visitors can also do volunteer work and have a meal too in Langar.

After Gurudwārā, we moved to Moti Mahal and passes through Swarn Rekha River, Gend Ghar, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and Jai Vilas Palace.

Moti Mahal: Before the construction of Jai Vilas Palace, it was the royal palace of Scindia family. Later. it was used as the administrative building of the royal family. After the Independence, Legislative Assembly of Madhya Bharat was held in Moti Mahal till the formation of Madhya Pradesh in 1956. It consists of Rāg-Rāgini Hall, Mirror Hall (Diwan-e-Khas) and Main Hall (Diwan-e-aam).

In front of Moti Mahal, the places that mesmerize you is Baijā Tāl.

Baijā Tāl: It is an oval-shaped pond with a platform to perform cultural activities. It is like an open amphitheater and was constructed in the memory of Baijā Bai, widow of Jiyaji Rao Scindia.

From Baijā Tāl, we moved to the Cenotaph (Chhatri) of Jijā Mata.

Maharani Sakhya Bai Raje Scindia Chhatri: Popular as Jijā Bāi or Jijā Mātā, she was a mother in law of Smt. Vijayaraje Scindia and the grandmother of Madhav Rao Scindia.

Headed to Jal Vihar, is located in front of the Jija Mata Chhatri,

Jal Vihār: It was popular as a recreational activity place for the Royal family.  It consists of a pond which symmetrically divided into parts. Tourists also can enjoy Musically fountain here in the evening time. 

Beside to Jal Vihar is a place name Italian Garden:

Italian Garden: An Oval shaped beautiful garden popular for its park, fountains, and Roman cenotaphs. 

Italian Garden is connected with Baradari with hanging bridge. It helps to cross the river. So, we did the same.

Bārādari: It is an open semi-circular gallery facing towards Swarn Rekha river. People can sit here and enjoy the quality time.

After Bārādari, we moved to Theosophical Society

Theosophical Society: Constructed by His Highness Mādhav Rāo Scindiā in 1920. It is a temple of the divine which beliefs in brotherhood.

BACK to STARTING POINT (Phool Bāg)

Amenities:

• Drinking Water: Gandhi Park, Gopāl Mandir, Gurudwāra,
• Toilets: Gurudwāra, Phool Bāg, Baijā Tāl,
• Refreshments: Phool Bāg
• Chairs: Gandhi Park, Ambedkar Park, Gurudwara, Chhatri, Baija Tāl
• Parking: Phool Bāg, Baijā Tāl, Gurudwara
• ATM: Phool Bāg
• Bus Stop: Phool Bāg

For the participation mail us at walks@travelosthan.com