Gwalior, India | World’s Best Cities

Gwalior, India

Perched strategically on the northern plains of Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior’s history is in your face: its skyline is dominated by the imposing 1,300-year-old Gwalior Fort, called the “pearl among fortresses in India” (think the Acropolis in Athens to the power of 10!). A masterpiece of Rajput architecture, the fort offers a glimpse into the city’s storied past as a royal stronghold. The Jai Vilas Palace, home to the Scindia dynasty, and the echoes of the composer Tansen’s musical legacy solidify Gwalior’s cultural reputation. Today, it is the required visitor must-see and hosts elevated public spaces and parks, that, along with green spaces like Phool Bagh and the rejuvenated Tighra Dam help the city’s #61 ranking in our overall Livability index. The relatively affordable cost of living helps, too.

The Gwalior-Chambal Expressway should bolster the city’s connectivity, making it a key player in North India’s logistics and trade networks. Meanwhile, the talent pool is ready for future investment, as Gwalior has emerged as a center of learning, with institutions like the Scindia School and Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) producing a pipeline of skilled professionals. Plans for a new medical research institute and a dedicated IT park in the city aim to diversify its economic base, drawing investment and talent from across India.