The city derives its name from the hermit sage 'Gwalipa' who according to a legend cured the chieftain Suraj Sen of a deadly disease in 8 A.D. The city of Gwalior is a fusion of timeless, priceless structures of yester years coupled with architecturally modern education centers.

Gwalior Fort

The magnificent and almost invincible 15th century Gwalior fort stands majestically as a tribute to the past glory of Gwalior. Built by Raja Mansingh Tomar on a hilltop that overlooks the city, the outer wall of the fort stands two miles in length and 35 m in height. A steep road winds upwards to the fort, flanked by statues of the Jain Tirthankaras, carved into the rock face.

Man Mandir

The lovely palace built by Maharaja Man Singh Tomar is a delicate structure exhibiting a sense of joy and abandon through use of color, motif, and design. There are chambers for affairs of state as well as those for relaxation, adorned appropriately and ornately with carved animals, flowers, and the human form.

Gujari Mahal

Another wonderful palace built by Maharaja Man Singh Tomar speaks of his love for the beautiful princess Mrignayani, which are now a part of popular folk tradition. The palace has been now converted in a museum and houses very good collection of Jain and Hindu artifacts.

Teli-ka-Mandir

Contrasting with the predominant north Indian style of architecture is the Teli-ka-Mandir. Built in the 9th century and Dravidian in form, it is believed to be the oldest Fort. The sculptures, however, are distinctly north Indian. Some believed it was so named because it was built in the Telangana style; others say this was because it was built by telis (oil merchants).

Sas-Bahu temples

One of the most interesting temples is the Sas-bahu (which means mother-in-law and daughter-in-law respectively) temples, a name traditionally given to two adjoining temples of different sizes. The temples are not, as people believe, dedicated to a mother-in-law (Sas) and daughter-in-law (Bahu). The larger of the two is profusely sculpted with graceful figures and intricate patterns. This is more apparent in the interior where, above the sculpted walls and pillars, an elaborately carved lotus adorns the roof.

Other important tourist attractions in the city are Surya Mandir (sun temple), a replica of the famed Konark Sun Temple in Orissa (India), Baija Taal cultural complex, museum of the freedom fighters, and Kala Vithika.