Study Tour to Gwalior from 10th to 12th April 2024.

By Ms. Marina, (Manager Sales)

I was given this opportunity to go on a FAM tour to Gwalior from 10th to 12th April 2024. The overall experience was learning and enlightening. Hence, I am pleased to share a “Brief Report on the Familiarization Trip" for your reference.

Travel to Gwalior

• I boarded the Vande Bharat train departing at 0600 hrs from Hazrat Nizamuddin platform no. 7 to Gwalior.
• Travelled in executive class with revolving 2x2 seats. Breakfast menu and food quality were good.
• Reached Gwalior station 10 minutes early. Received warmly by a representative and guide with a placard just outside the coach.
• Transferred to Hotel Deobagh, approx. 5 km away. Since rooms weren't ready, proceeded directly to sightseeing.

Sightseeing on Arrival

• Visited: Gwalior Fort, Sahastra Bahu Temple, Teli Ka Mandir
• Returned via walk to Gopachal Caves
• All places were extremely amazing

Hotel Stay

Stayed at: Hotel Deobagh

• One of the best in the city
• Large rooms with all amenities
• Big lawn, frequent peacock calls
• Old temple inside premises
• Welcoming, professional staff
• Food was amazing

Apart from Deobagh, I visited 5 hotels. You can access the appraisal form through the following link: Gwalior FAM Trip by Marina from 10th to 12th Apr'24

Hotel Ranking (Best to Lowest)

• Luxury Hotels: Taj Usha Kiran Palace
• 4 Star & Heritage: Radisson Blu, Deobagh [Heritage]
• 3 Star & Heritage: Clarks Inn, Krishnayan Homestay [Classic Heritage]
• 3 Star Boutique: M.P Tourism Tansen Residency

Not Recommended:

• Clarks Inn – Loud music, mainly used for weddings, rooms need renovation
• Tansen Residency – Only Super Deluxe Room is renovated; rest of the hotel needs overhaul

City Sightseeing Tour

Visited the following on day of arrival:

• Gwalior Fort
• Gopachal Caves
• Jai Vilas Palace

Updated Entrance Fees

Show Timings:

• Summer: 08:20 – 08:55 PM
• Winter: 07:20 – 07:55 PM

Additional Excursion

I recommend Gwalior as a 2-night destination for guests interested in cultural heritage.

Excursion to Morena District (Approx. 40 km / 1 hour drive)

• Chausath Yogini Temple (Ekattarso Mahadev Mandir): Circular temple atop a 100-foot hill with multiple Shiva lingas
• Bateshwar Group of Temples: 200 ancient Hindu shrines across 25 acres, North Indian architecture

Returned to Gwalior by 4:00 PM and visited a few more hotels.

Sound & Light Show (Post-Covid Restarted)

• Duration: 35 minutes
• Hindi Show: 07:20 PM (Summer), 06:20 PM (Winter)
• English Show: 08:20 PM (Summer), 07:20 PM (Winter)
• Highly recommended

Transportation

• Vehicle was clean and well-maintained
• Included: cushions, white seat covers, foot mat, mineral water
• Driver in uniform
• Warm welcome by guide and representative on arrival
• Guide was knowledgeable, calm, and helpful during hotel visits and sightseeing

Road Conditions

• Road from railway station to Deobagh: Good condition
• Road to Morena District: Good condition, scenic village views

Train Experience

Outbound Journey: Vande Bharat – Executive Chair Car

• Comfortable revolving seats, clean and less crowded
• Provided: newspaper, garland, 500ml mineral water, good meal

Return Journey: Vande Bharat – AC Chair Car

• Surprisingly crowded
• No mineral water provided
• Beverages were chargeable
• Meal not up to the mark