{"id":2061,"date":"2015-09-28T14:06:40","date_gmt":"2015-09-28T08:36:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.travelkhana.com\/tkblog\/?p=2061"},"modified":"2016-07-12T17:49:57","modified_gmt":"2016-07-12T12:19:57","slug":"gwalior-from-travel-to-yummy-in-my-tummy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.travelkhana.com\/tkblog\/gwalior-from-travel-to-yummy-in-my-tummy\/","title":{"rendered":"Gwalior – From travel to yummy in my tummy"},"content":{"rendered":"

For a traveler, Gwalior may be just another station where the train takes a break for few minutes, but that is not all about one of the largest cities of central India. Gwalior marks an important chapter in the history of India. I have passed through this city a zillion times, but every time I am surprised by its historic and architectural grandeur. Gwalior used to be strategically crucial for the Rajputs in the 6th century and for the British in \u00a0the 18th century, before it was handed over to the current royalty, the Scindia family. Its proximity to New Delhi makes it a perfect weekend getaway. Here is a list of activities from a traveler, a foodie, and an insider from Gwalior –<\/span><\/p>\n

Gwalior Fort<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Since my maternal grandparents\u2019 house is near Gwalior, all my childhood, I have heard stories of how Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi fought valiantly against the British, and sacrificed her life here. Surprisingly, I never got the chance to visit this place all these years. Finally, one lucky weekend brought me to this majestic fort, which has gone through riveting history. A tour around the fort can take 4-5 hours. It\u2019s a good idea to hire a guide from the tourist centre of the Fort.<\/p>\n

\"Jain<\/a>
Jain statues sculpted out of the rocks, faces of some statues were damaged. It is said that the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb ordered them to be destroyed in the name of religion | Image source: Aditi Mittal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The fort was first built in the 6th century, but it was beautified to its full glory in the 14th century by Raja Man Singh Tomar. In true sense, he was the only ruler who considered this fort as his home and named it as \u2018Man Mandir\u2019<\/i>. The first glimpse convinced me the grandeur that the fort must have possessed in those days. Our guide informed us that the fort walls were embedded with the precious gems and was well equipped with the modern day amenities such as natural air conditioners and a facility equivalent to telephone. The lavishness of the palace invited many invaders who brutally took away every single jewel. Due to the diversity of its invaders, the architecture has a tinge of Rajput, Mughal and British characteristics.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Man<\/a>
Man Mandir – A craft of its own kind | Image source: Aditi Mittal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Temples<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Our enthusiastic guide seemed happy to have history lovers who wanted more of the city, so he took us to the temples which have stories of their own kind.<\/p>\n

Saas-Bahu temple<\/b> – The name of this 11th century temple is intriguing enough to visit it. The then King built 2 temples, one for his wife who worshipped Lord Vishnu, and another for his daughter-in-law who believed Lord Shiva.<\/span><\/p>\n

Teli ka Mandir<\/b> – This temple was built is Dravidian style in 8th or 9th century by the oil (tel<\/i> in hindi) merchants, and hence derives its name from there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other places of historical importance which can be visited are, Tombs of Ghaus Mohmmed and Tansen, and Jai Vilas Palace Museum.<\/span><\/p>\n

Local food<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Gwalior is the confluence of three culturally rich states – Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Three food items that pop in my head when I think of Gwalior and that leave me hungary are \u2013<\/span><\/p>\n