My Town

Where is your hometown, and what makes it so special?

Gwalior, in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, is my hometown. What makes it truly special is the majestic Gwalior Fort, often called the “Gibraltar of India”, which for centuries has been watching over the city, a magnificent testament to its royal heritage. Beyond the forts and palaces, Gwalior is a city of music; it gave India Tansen and the Gwalior Gharana, and its air is filled with melodies from classical ragas to performances of street musicians. It’s also a city of flavours, indulging the visitor with street food that stays with you. It is a city where history and everyday life walk hand in hand, teaching you to respect the past while living fully in the present. And it’s a city with heart, reminding you that even in a fast-moving world, roots matter.

The one thing that keeps on bringing you back again and again…

Quite simply, it’s home. Its unique blend, of the grandeur of royalty and the warmth of the local community, pulls me back. The smell of bedai and jalebi in the morning, comforting plates of poha, samosa and kachori, gajak in winter, and the sound of familiar voices in the bazaar… no matter where work takes me, Gwalior draws me back with its warmth, its food, and its people.

Which is the perfect hangout spot in Gwalior?

For me, it is Gopachal Parvat – catching the sunset over the city while exploring the ancient rock-cut Jain sculptures is an experience like no other. On cooler evenings, Phool Bagh is lovely, a place where you’ll see families out walking. And for food and laughter with friends, City Centre and DD Nagar never disappoint.

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Name one restaurant you would recommend to a visitor, and a can’t-miss delicacy on the menu…

If you want to taste the real Gwalior, go to Shri Ram Bhojnalaya – order the bedai with spicy aloo sabzi and finish with something sweet. For a regal dining experience, the Silver Saloon at the Taj Usha Kiran Palace is unmatched. And if you visit in winter, you simply must try Gwalior’s famous gajak – our winter comfort in a bite.

What is the best season to visit Gwalior and why?

October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for exploring the historic sites (without worrying about the intense summer heat) – the fort looks gorgeously golden in the winter sun. This is also the time of year when Gwalior hosts the Tansen Sangeet Samaroh (the festival named after the legendary musician), and the whole city comes alive with strains of Hindustani Classical music.

Which must-visit places would you recommend back home?

Start with the Gwalior Fort – not just a fort but the heart of the city – and follow it up with a visit to the Jai Vilas Palace, with its incredible Scindia Museum. Take in the ancient Teli ka Mandir, the beautiful Sahastrabahu (Sas-Bahu) temples, the Sun Temple, and the Tomb of Tansen. And if you love art and music, you will feel Gwalior’s soul in every corner of the city.

Suggest a few places for a day trip nearby…

Gwalior is perfectly placed for short trips. Head to Orchha for riverside palaces and cenotaphs, Jhansi for stories of Rani Lakshmibai, Datia for stunning palace architecture, and the ancient temple complex of Bateshwar for history. And if you’re in the mood to spend time in nature’s embrace, Shivpuri and Madhav National Park are ideal. All are within a few hours of Gwalior, and all promise a memorable day out

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