What a trip it was! From Agra I proceeded towards Gwalior, 121 kms away. As the guide narrated scenes from history which are related to Gwalior, I formed a fair idea of how this ancient city has been undergoing transitions towards a modern city full of life and activity.

The first place I visited was the Gwalior Fort, which stands as a colossus overlooking the entire city. It is popularly known as the Gibralter of India. How true the Mughal Emperor Babur was when he described the fort as “ the pearl in the neclace of the forts of Hind”!

The eastern part of the city is adorned with the mausoleum of the 16th century Sufi saint Ghous Mohammed and the tomb of Mian Tansen, the great singer in the court of Emperor Akbar. As I went to the tomb of Tansen I wished I could hear his harmonius notes played back by the air around.

I was besmirched by the architecture of the Jai Vilas Palace. It is quite similar to the famous Palace of Versailles in France. The architecture here is an intricate blend of Tuscan, Italian and Corinthian styles.

The Gwalior experience was quite a fascinating one. I can never forget those wonderful sights and visions, for they are etched on my mind.