Hi my dear fellow travellers all around the world. Hope you all are doing well and happy surrounded with your loved ones.
So today I am going to share another masterpiece of Indian architecture that is located in the heart of the city Gwalior. It has been so many days since we wanted to visit and explore Gwalior fort, and finally after a wait of almost 5 months we were there. 😄 it took us a drive of almost 45 minutes to reach Gwalior fort from the nearby city Dabra.
So In the starting of November we visited Gwalior fort, I have already shared a piece of that trip with you (The Sahasra baahu temple) so this is the second place that I am going to share today.
(Stunning view of Man mandir palace and Gwalior Fort from Quila Gate)
(This is hathi pol, a large entrance from where even a big elephant can enter. This is found when you enter from quila gate.)
(This view comes first when you enter from Urvai Gate. There is a museum on the left side., on the right side is Man mandir palace)
There are two entrances from where you can enter Gwalior fort. One is Urvai gate, from this entrance you can drive upto the fort. While the other one is Qila gate, and from here you have to walk a lot for going upto the fort. So if you are travelling through a personal vehicle, follow the route of Urvai gate only.
We entered through Urvai Gate , here are some nice visuals from Urvai gate to the entrance of fort at the top pf the hill.
The way to the fort entrance on the top is really beautiful it is all green on both sides, also there are carvings on the rocks at places.
(A Sarangi player, who knew to play this instrument very well)
Man Mandir Palace also known as Maan Singh Palace was bulit between 1486 and 1516 by the Tomar ruler of Gwalior, Maan Singh Tomar. It is made of sandstone with lovely patterns and colorful paintings. That is the reason it is also known as The Painted Palace .
A splendid display of Hindu architecture, the Palace has 2 open courtyards bordered by apartments on two floors. This four-storeyed palace has large rooms, wherein some were venues for musical concerts, the others were for the royal ladies to sit and enjoy the music. The blue paintings on the walls with touch of green and gold look striking. There are 2 underground or basement floors with circular cells. They were used as prisons.Source
(In this pic, you may see way for the visitors who hike upto the fort. No vehicles are allowed on this side.)
Although it is not exactly known but some chronicles claims that it came into existence around 8th century. In its lifetime fort has changed many hands and ruled by various kings . The fort came under Maan Singh Tomar's rule in 15th century. He revolutionized the fort into a glorious architectural marvel that everyone would talk about it. Source
(This is me with my daughter. Ohh she keeps running here to there so I have to hold her with my hands 😄)
(Beautiful patterns on the walls, I love these drawings.)
(Work on the supportive pillars, I just love these beautiful designs and colors on these pillars and walls. These colorful designs looks amazing.)
(View of Gwalior city from the fort)
My daughter enjoying her cotton candy. 😄 There were a few stores with eatables outside the palace.)
