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Best Places to Visit near Gwalior

Identified as a national park in the year 1958, Madhav National Park is a dense forest spread over a sprawling area of 355 sq. km. The park is one of the most attractive places to visit near Gwalior for housing the exotic wildlife in its raw form.

Named after Madho Rao Scindia, the park is also a scenic paradise for nature lovers and seeing this exotic spectacle is a must thing to do in Gwalior for tourists as it comprises thick forests and two lakes.

Famous for: It boasts of the rare marsh crocodiles occupying Sakhya Sagar Lake within the park premises.

Timings: 06:30 am - 10 pm & 2:30 pm - 6 pm

Entry Fees: INR 15 for Indians, INR 150 for Foreigners

Distance from Gwalior: 120 km

Location: Located in the serene setup of Shivpuri, Madhav National Park holds biological importance in the heart of the country. It is located at a distance of 90 km from Jhansi Railway Station.

The Jahangir Mahal, Orchha is a rare mansion that reflects the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. Built in the 17th century by Bir Singh Deo to honor the great Jahangir on his first visit to Orchha, it stands formidably as a symbol of their friendship. The three-storeyed palace exhibits grandeur as it overlooks the River Betwa.

The place consists of several rooms and courtyards which take you down the memory lane of the era of erstwhile rulers.

Famous for: The palace is a symbol of friendship. It is popular for its Indo-Islamic architecture that caved the majestic gates and walls of this undefeatable palace.

Timings: 7:30 am – 6 pm

Entry Fees: INR 5 for Indians, INR 30 for foreigners

Distance from Gwalior: 124 km

Location: The palace is located on the banks of Betwa River in Orchha, Tikamgarh.

Whether you want to indulge in photography, adventure or you just want to spend a day away from the hubbub of the city life in the middle of nature, Pagara Dam is your ultimate retreat. 

Located on Asan River, this dam is an ideal place near Gwalior where you can come with family or friends, and spend some quality time together or go for a long-drive as it is one of the best places to go for a bike trip in Madhya Pradesh.

Apart from being exceptionally beautiful and serene, Pagara Dam is also an excellent campsite. The presence of water bodies and grasslands makes the landscape appear quite scenic. 

Boating and cycling services are also available here should you decide to add more fun to the affair.

Famous for: Camping and cycling.

Distance from Gwalior: 75 km

Location: The dam is located in Morena district.

Built by King Bir Singh Deo in 1614, the fort is seven storeys high, perched atop a hill. The structure is a majestic masterpiece of the bygone era reflecting grandeur and craftsmanship. People looking for tourist places near Gwalior will be delighted to visit this underexplored gem on a day’s picnic. The palace will enchant history enthusiasts as it takes you into the memory lanes of glory.

Famous for: The palace is made only from stones and bricks, and no iron or wood is used. It reflects the blend of the rich Mughal and Rajput culture in its architecture and Bundela culture in the paintings used inside the fort.

Timings: 8 am – 5 pm

Distance from Gwalior: 75 km

Location: The palace is located next to the scenic Duttiah Lake. It is well connected to popular places like Gwalior (70 km), Jhansi (24 km) and Orchha (52 km).

The Rai Parveen Mahal is a palace surrounded by lush green gardens in the Orchha region. It was built by King Indramani, who was so awestruck by the charm of poetess and dancer Rai Parveen that he had this majestic palace made for her.

Also known as the “Nightingale of Orchha”, Rai Parveen ensured that her legacy lives on with the replicating scenes of Nritya Mudra on the second floor of the palace. The palace is one of the most sought-after places to visit near Gwalior by history lovers, owing to the romantic saga of the place.

Famous for: One must visit the intriguing Tope Khana (cannon foundry) which was built to protect the fort from enemies.

Timings: 8 am – 6 pm

Distance from Gwalior: 120 km

Location: It is located in the Tikamgarh district, Orchha

As one of the best tourist places near Gwalior in an archaeological context, the 200-odd Bateshwar Temples in Morena offer an insight of the old-age legacy of Madhya Pradesh. The unexplored site is a buffet for tourists visiting Gwalior and continues to be among the places to see in Gwalior. Nearby places as a cluster of so many temples enchant you with its archaeology of the 8th and the 11th century Kings of Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty.

The ruins of the site serve as a delight to photography enthusiasts and travelers seeking solace.

Famous for: One can explore the ruins without any restrictions and witness the artistic mastery of sculpture and architecture in every inch of the 200 temples.

Distance from Gwalior: 40 km

Location: The temples are built across sloping hills near Morena.

The search of people looking for picturesque weekend getaways from Gwalior ends at Shivpuri as it is a one-stop destination to experience waterfalls, thick forests, and hills. It makes up as a tranquil destination for those who are on a lookout for a break from the monotonous life, somewhere in the lap of nature.

The city also holds historic importance as prominent freedom fighter Tatya Tope was hanged to death here.

Famous for: Madhav national park, sakhya sagar lake, and chhatri shivpuri are the popular tourist places in Shivpuri. It also offers an exotic experience in monsoon as the lush greenery in the region enchants the visitors with its picture-perfectness.

Distance from Gwalior: 120 km

Location: Shivpuri is located in Gwalior division of northwest Madhya Pradesh.

One of the most popular structures in the Orchha complex of temples, forts, and cenotaphs is Ram Raja Temple. Built in the 16th century, the temple is flocked by disciples of Lord Rama as doors open four times every day for aarti. It is a place of religious importance for Hindus as they worship Lord Rama, although it is done in a different manner here.

Also making your trip to Ram Raja Temple exciting are the markets selling colorful glass bangles and carved souvenirs outside the temple complex.

Famous for: It is the only temple in the world where Lord Rama is worshipped as King Rama.

Timings: 8 am – 12:30 pm & 5 pm – 10 pm

Distance from Gwalior: 120 km

Location: The Ram Raja Temple is situated in Orchha, which is nestled on the banks of the River Betwa in nature’s lap.

Where to Stay: Best scenic resorts and places to stay in Orchha.

Mentioned in several Sanskrit texts, Padmavati Pawaya is an ancient city that takes you down the memory lanes with its huge gates and prolifically built temples of the bygone era. This lost place will interest history buffs as it is one of the rare places to visit near Gwalior which reflect the independence stride against Kushana rulers.

It was also the capital city of the Nagas who had flocked in the 3rd and 4th centuries.

Famous for: The city is popular as, according to scriptures, it is the place where the romance of Malati and Madhava blossomed.

Distance from Gwalior: 68 km

Location: The quaint city is located between Para and Sindhu rivers.

Surrounded by mountains and forests in Chambal region, Bhind is a quaint city that has observed rulings of the Chandels, Chauhan Dynasty, Mughals and Holkar Dynasty. The region is blessed with a fertile soil and holds agricultural importance. The city offers a tranquil experience to visitors with its interesting landscape comprising forests, rivers, lakes, and hills.

The city is one of the ideal tourist places near Gwalior for family vacations.

Famous for: Visit ater fort, gohad fort, shri rawatpura dham, vankhandeshwar temple and the jain temples of Baranso.

Distance from Gwalior: 60 km

Location: Surrounded by thick forests and hills, the city is located in the northwest Chambal region. It is situated between the Sind, Kali, and Chambal rivers.

Spread over a whopping area of 542 sq. km., the exotic Panna National Park is an ideal tourist attraction for those who want to toss their adrenaline levels in the lap of nature. Experience a close encounter with wild animals in the park as they roam on the same land as you!

While the rocky terrain and scrubby vegetation enchant you with the rawness of the forest, the waters of the Ken River flowing across the park define the mystifying calmness of the unending jungle. The impressive blend of flora and fauna will keep nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts hooked.

Famous for: Spotting tigers, leopards, and gharial (crocodiles) are the highlights of a wildlife safari in Panna National Park.

Safari Timings:

Summer: Morning: 5:30 am to 9:30 am

               Evening: 3:30 pm to 6 pm

Winter: Morning: 7 am to 10:30 am

             Evening: 2 pm to 5:30 pm

Safari Cost: - INR 1000 per vehicle (for Indians)

                    - INR 2000 per vehicle (for Foreigners)

Distance from Gwalior: 359 km

Location: The national park is located off NH 75 in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh.

Where to Stay: Best resorts and places to stay in Panna National Park.

Ken Gharial Sanctuary is a striking wildlife conservatory on the confluence of Ken and Khuddar rivers. The sanctuary is at its most untouched as the unpredictable terrain formed by deep gorges, waterfalls, thick forests and rocky surfaces tickle your adventurous bone. Experience the inhabitancy of wildlife by taking a ride in the sanctuary and getting a close glimpse of wild animals in nature’s lap.

Famous for: Experience a close view of the mysterious gharial (crocodiles) which are found in abundance here. Walk to the Raneh Falls for a rejuvenating experience after an extensive wild safari in the sanctuary.

Timings: 7:00 am – 5 pm

Entry Fees: Vehicle Fees

Distance from Gwalior: 293 km

Location: Located at a distance of 25 km from Khajuraho, the sanctuary is near Khajuraho Temples and the exotic Panna National Park.

A designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Sanchi is a popular village known for its ancient structures in the form of Stupas, monasteries, and fragments upholding the Buddhist relics dating back to the 3rd century BC.

Sanchi is a must-visit place for history buffs and those who travel to seek solace. Numerous stupas were constructed at the behest of Emperor Ashok to preach Buddhist ideology and its principles. The Sanchi Stupa, perched atop a hill, gives a bird-eye view of the village, helping you to experience solace and breathe the spiritual air in the surroundings.

Get an insight of the Buddhist preaching by learning about Buddha’s life from the four major gates constructed in four directions here.

Famous for: Great Sanchi Stupa and Ashoka Pillar

Timings: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Entry fees: INR 10 for Indians, INR 250 for foreigners

Distance from Gwalior: 381 km

Location: Sanchi is located in the central Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. It is well-connected to Bhopal (46 km) and Besnagar (10 km).

Named after Lord Krishna as “Tikam”, Tikamgarh is a town spread across 21 sq. km. of the area. The place is adorned by a majestic landscape by the hills that surround the region and the serene waters of the Betwa River. 

Apart from being one of the popular places to visit near Gwalior, it is also a place of religious importance as it houses major Hindu temples. Experience spirituality in Tikamgarh as the cool breeze blowing across River Betwa brings with it tranquillity and serenity.

Famous for: Ram raja temple, kundeshwar shiva temple and paporji jain temple.

Distance from Gwalior: 204 km

Location: Tikamgarh is situated on the banks of River Betwa and is close to the plateau of Bundelkhand.

National Chambal (Gharial) Wildlife Sanctuary plays a prominent role in preserving the rich wildlife of India. Spread over a sprawling area of 5400 sq. km, the National Chambal Sanctuary occupies a significant area in three India states, which speaks volumes of its density.

Take a wildlife safari in one of the most exquisite wildlife sanctuaries as you encounter exotic animals in their natural habitat.  Double your joy with activities such as river safari, camel safari, bicycle ride and horse safari. The beautiful flora and fauna will fascinate nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Famous for: Rare and endangered species like gharial, smooth-coated otter, red-crowned roof turtle and the Ganges river dolphin are found here.

Timings: 6:30 am - 5:30 pm

Entry fees: INR 50 for Indians, INR 600 for foreigners

Distance from Gwalior: 105 km

Location: The national park is spread across three states – Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the Vindhya ranges as the Chambal River flows near Dholpur.

Khajuraho exemplifies stone carving with the craftsmanship realized on the many Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples here. The site has gained worldwide popularity for its unmatchable execution of architecture to display classic Indian eroticism.

The artistic value of the medieval period is ingrained in these structures, attracting a large number of history buffs from various parts of the world. The images carved are aesthetically erotic, which have set a benchmark in the architectural avenue.

Built between 950 to 1050 AD by the rulers of Chandela dynasty, these temples are one of the highly rated places to visit near Gwalior, owing to the majestic townscape and powerhouse of culture that Khajuraho is. Khajuraho is also a hotbed for shopping and sightseeing around the temples.

Famous for: Erotic and sensuous carvings along the historic monuments and temples

Timings: 6 am – 10 pm

Entry fees: INR 75 for Indians, INR 300 for foreigners

Distance from Gwalior: 281 km

Location: The UNESCO World Heritage Site Khajuraho is located in Bundelkhand region of Chhatarpur district, about 175 km southeast of Jhansi.

If you are looking for offbeat places to visit near Gwalior, Koshak Mahal (originally Kushk-e-Haft Manzil) will impress you with its uncanny structure and soaring arches.

Built-in 1445 as a victory monument under the rulership of Malwa dynasty, Koshak Mahal will leave you gasping for answers about its structure as it initially envisaged seven-storeyed marvel now stands reduced to four storeys due to mysterious reasons. Visit Koshak Mahal and put your inner instincts at work to demystify the enigma.

Famous for: Koshak Mahal will impress off-beat travelers and historians with its weird symmetry.

Distance from Gwalior: 212 km

Location: On the Isagarh – Chanderi Road in Saray, 4 km from Chanderi city

Located on the edge of a lake and surrounded by scenic hills, the Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum allows you to experience tranquillity while you take a trip down the memory lane to witness the grandeur of Bundela dynasty of Khajuraho.

Visit the magnificent palace of Maharaja Chhatrasal on your expedition to Khajuraho and drop by to visit the storehouse of antiques and artefacts at the esteemed museum. While the weapons in the museum estimate you the armoury of the Bundela dynasty, the convex and concave mirrors strategically placed inside the museum will create a laugh riot with the reflection.  

Famous for: An impressive collection of weapons, garments and paintings belonging to the Bundela dynasty.

Timings: 10 am – 5 pm (closed on Mondays)

Entry fees: INR 10 for Indians, INR 100 for foreigners

Distance from Gwalior: 224 km

Location: The museum is located in the great Maharaja Chhatrasal’s palace situated on Chhatarpur – Nowgong Highway in Chhatarpur.

Being the largest stepwell in Chanderi, Battisi Bawdi attracts a large number of people who are on a lookout for weekend getaways from Gwalior. Built by Sher Khan in 1485 during the rule of Sultan Ghiyasuddin Shah Khilji, this exquisite stepwell is the best architectural masterpiece in the region.

Set off on a journey of self-discovery, soothe yourself beside this four-storey-deep stepwell as birds fill the air with their melodious chirps.

The stepwell, on its four sides, is surrounded by ghats which have beautiful carvings engraved on them and scriptures in Persian and Arabic languages.

Famous for: Irrespective of the season, the water level in the stepwell remains the same throughout the year, which makes it an interesting tourist attraction.

Distance from Gwalior: 207 km

Location: The stepwell is located to the northwest of the Chanderi city. Betwa River flows close to Chanderi as gushing waters of its tributaries bless the city.

Also known as the “Heart of Madhya Pradesh”, Sagar boasts of a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of hills and lakes. The city derives its name from “Sau Garh”, which means “Hundred forts” because of the numerous small forts that thronged the region.

The historically rich city is also a picturesque destination for travellers looking to experience serenity. Taste the essence of authentic Bundeli culture—be a spectator to the popular folk dances like Diwari, Rai, Badhaai, Dul-Dul, and Ravalya.

Shopping enthusiasts can spend fruitful time buying finely made handicrafts and tasting Chironji ki Barfi in this happy place.

Famous for: Lakha banjara lake, eran, rahatgarh waterfalls and garhphra temples and karachi-work sarees.

Distance from Gwalior: 311 km

Location: Sagar town is located in Vindhya Ranges, at a distance of 180 km from Bhopal and 200 km from Jhansi.