Shivpuri

The old summer capital of the scindias was at Shivpuri. 114km south-west of Gwalior and 94km west of Jhansi. Set in formal gardens, the chhatris (tombs) are the main attraction here. With Mughal pavilions and sikhara spires, these beautiful memorials to the Scindia rulers are inlaid in pietra dura style, like the Taj Mahal. The chattri of Madhao Rao Scindia faces his mother's chattri across the tank.

Nearby is Madhav National Park, essentially a deer park. On the edge of the park is the Sakhya Sagar lake. Swimming from the old boat club pier here might not be wise as there are crocodiles in the lake.

Chanderi

At the time of Mandu's greatest power, Chanderi was an important place, as indicated by many ruined palaces, serais (inns), mosques and tombs - all in Pathan style similar to that of Mandu. The Koshak Mahal is a ruined Muslim palace that is still being maintained. Today the town is chiefly known for its gold brocades and saris.

Sonagiri

 60 km from Gwalior, on Jhansi Road. The 108 Jain temples date back 1,500 years, all arranged on the steps of a hill. The main temple on the top of the hill is in honour of the 8th Tirthankara. One can walk up on paved pathways to see the temples. Aarti is performed in the main temples between 6-9 pm daily.

Dholpur

Between Gwalior and Agra, actually in a part of Rajasthan that seperates Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, Dholpur was the scene of a pitched battle between Aurangzeb's sons to determine who would succeed him as emperor of the rapidly declining Mughal empire. The Shergarh Fort in Dholpur is very old and now in ruins.

West of Dholpur near Bari is the Khanpur Mahal, a pavilioned palace built for Shah Jahan but never occupied.

Datia

68 km, on Jhansi Road (8 km from Sonagiri). The main sight in this town is the 7-storeyed palace of Raja Bir Singh Deo buit atop a hill. Other sights are a temple with Mughal frescoes, Gopeshwar Temple and the tantric peeth of Pitambara Devi, open 6 am-10 pm.