Built by Raja Mansingh Tomar, Gwalior Fort dominates the city like a great monolith. It is one of the finest citadels of India. Emperor Babar described it as "the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind". It has been the scene of momentous events, imprisonments, battles and jauhars.

A steep road winds upwards to the fort, flanked by statues of Jain tirthankaras, carved into the rock face. The magnificent outer walls of the fort still stand, 2 miles in length and 35 ft high, bearing witness to it's reputation for being one of the most invincible forts of India. Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture. The 15th century Gujari mahal is a monument of love of raja Mansingh Tomar for his Gujar queen, Mrignayani. The outer structure of the Gujari mahal has survived in an almost total state of preservation, the interior has been converted into an archaeological museum housing rare antiques.