Merveille architecturale du VIIIe siècle, le fort de Gwalior est perché au sommet d'une colline. Sa structure défensive comprend deux palais principaux, des temples et des réservoirs d'eau. Parmi eux, les plus célèbres sont le Teli-Ka-Mandir et le palais Man Singh. Le premier, construit dans le style dravidien, est un sanctuaire et ses extérieurs généreusement sculptés sont très appréciés. Vient ensuite le palais Man Singh, construit par le roi Man Singh au XVe siècle. Ce palais réputé présente une architecture remarquable. Avec ses carreaux de céramique bleus sur sa façade et sa structure impressionnante, il reflète les véritables couleurs de la dynastie Tomar. En complément du palais Man Singh, le complexe du fort de Gwalior abrite également le Gujari Mahal, construit par le raja Man Singh pour sa bien-aimée reine Mrignayani. Les autres édifices remarquables de la majestueuse forteresse de Gwalior sont le palais Karan, le Jahangir Mahal et le Shah Jahan Mahal.

Built in the 15th century by Raja Mansingh Tomar for his Gujar Queen, Mrignayani, Gujari Mahal is a monument of love. According to popular tradition, since none of the eight queens were able to produce an heir for the king, he finally married a milkman’s daughter called “naani”, whom he named “Mrignayani” (meaning beautiful eyes). Mrignayani demanded a separate palace for her with constant water supply from river Ria and hence, Gujari Mahal in Gwalior in India came up. The palace now has an archaeological museum that has a large collection of Hindu and Jain sculptures, archaeological pieces from the 1st and the 2nd century B.C, copies of Bagh cave frescoes and Terracotta items. The statue of Salbhanjika, a marvellous piece in miniature is in the custody of the museum’s curator and can be seen on request. NOTE: Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum is closed on Mondays

Located in the Gwalior Fort, Teli Ka Mandir dates back to the 9th century and is the highest building in Gwalior (100 ft.). It is a towering structure of about 100 feet and has a unique architectural style. The shape of the roof or Shikhara can be easily discerned as Dravidian and the embellishments are distinctively Indo-Aryan. The decorations are of the Nagara Style, a well-known art form of Northern India. The complex of Teli Ka Mandir, Gwalior is filled with figures of river goddesses, coiled serpents, amorous couples and a flying Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu.