Gwalior City Guide

Local dishes like Poha and Kachori are popular. Some international options exist but are limited. Vegetarian and vegan food is widely available. Late-night food is rare but some street stalls remain open.

Nightlife is quiet with a few hotel bars and restaurants. There are no clubs or pubs.

Coffee scene is growing with traditional stalls and some cafes. Specialty coffee is rare.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. Around 5-10% in restaurants; rounding up fares in taxis is common.

SIM cards from Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea are sold at official stores. Jio and Airtel give good coverage. ID and a photo are required to activate.

Cleanliness varies by area; tourist zones are cleaner than older neighborhoods.

Some pharmacies and minimarts open late, but 24/7 services are rare. Limited night clinics and food options.

Supermarkets like D-Mart, Reliance Fresh, and More carry some international products. Fresh markets offer local produce but expect to bargain. Shops are usually open 10 AM to 9 PM.

UPI payments are common even at small vendors. Cards work at big hotels and stores. Cash is still needed for small shops and transport.

ATMs from SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and Axis Bank are common. Some charge fees for other-bank cards, but many offer free transactions within limits.

Schools teach mainly in Hindi and English. Notable schools include Scindia School and Delhi Public School. Contact schools directly for admissions.

There is no dedicated digital nomad community or events. Networking is mostly informal.

Main parks are Phool Bagh, Gandhi Park, and gardens near the fort, good for walks and light exercise.

Popular running spots include around Gwalior Fort and parks. Air quality can be poor in winter.

Gyms and sports grounds for cricket and football exist.

Tennis courts exist at sports clubs and academies.

Padel is not common here.

Yoga studios are available, often linked to gyms or ashrams.

Martial arts like Karate and Taekwondo are taught in dojos. Other styles like BJJ and Muay Thai are rare.

No skiing facilities.

Limited water sports; some boating on local lakes.

No surfing opportunities.

No diving spots available.

Private hospitals like Apollo Spectra and Jaya Arogya have better facilities and some English-speaking staff. Public hospitals provide basic care. Pharmacies are plentiful, some open 24/7.

Tap water isn't safe to drink directly. Use bottled or filtered water.

Parks like Phool Bagh and Gandhi Park have playgrounds. Baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions include Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, and the zoo.

Conservative attitudes prevail. Legal protections exist but acceptance varies.

Pet policies vary and are limited. Vet services available. Some parks allow pets on leash.