Many cities in India are home to hidden gems that aren't often given enough credit for their architectural brilliance, rich history, and breathtaking beauty. One such city is Gwalior, which lies in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh. Though you might know the famous tourist spots in the city&ndashlike Gwalior Fort and Gopachal Parvat&ndashthese five lesser-known places are also a must-visit.
Bateshwar Temples
The abandoned Bateshwar Temples are located within an hour's drive from the centre of Gwalior. The Gurjara Pratihara dynasty, which controlled a big part of northern India at the time, built the temples between the 8th and 10th century AD. The approximately 200 temples that once existed here were just a heap of debris at the beginning of this century. Today, more than 80 temples have been restored by the Archaeological Society of India (ASI).
Teli Ka Mandir
Also referred to as Telika Temple, the Teli Ka Mandir is situated inside the Gwalior Fort. It dates to sometime between the early 8th and 9th century CE and is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Matrikas. The temple exhibits an immaculate blend of northern and southern Indian architectural styles. While the temple's shikhar (spire) is believed to be Dravidian, the decoration is in the Nagara style, which is typical to North India.
Padavali Fortress
Located about ten minutes from Bateshwar, this 10th-century Shiva temple was restored by the same ASI archaeologist who worked on the Bateshwar temple complex. While every corner of the temple is shrouded in carvings, the ceilings, pillars, and beams are festooned with imagery from myths and epics.
Chausath Yogini Temple
The Chausath Yogini Temple is perched atop a tiny hill on a tall pedestal. One of the few tantric temples still standing in India, it is devoted to 64 yoginis (feminine spirits). Close to Bateshwar and Padavali, the temple is a circular building with 65 chambers that open onto the main courtyard, including one for each of the 64 yoginis and a different one for Shiva. Additionally, despite popular perception, there is no proof to back the claim that this temple acted as a motivation for the actual design of the Indian Parliament.
Sas-Bahu Temple
The 11th-century twin temple is close to the Gwalior Fort and is devoted to Vishnu in his Padmanabha avatar. It was extensively damaged during the region's various invasions and battles. According to an inscription in the bigger of the twin temples, it was constructed in 1093 by King Mahipala of the Kachchhapaghata dynasty. The term "Sahastrabahu," which means a thousand arms, is perhaps whence the temple gets its name. Over time, it came to be popularly known as Sas-Bahu Temple.
How to reach these spots
You can book a private taxi, which will take you around all these places for about 2000-2500 rupees. You can also use public transport or hire an auto rickshaw for the whole day.
