SHIVPURI

 Spread across the northern region of Madhya Pradesh, Shivpuri is a serene place with fresh air akin to a natural oxygen bar and fringed by lush green vegetation boasts of an invigorating ambiance. Due to its inviting surroundings, Shivpuri was declared as the summer capital by the royal Scindia clan. Earlier, a famous hunting spot of erstwhile rulers of the Mughal dynasty and the British Viceroys is now popular for its wildlife sanctuary, water springs, forts, royal white marble Chhatris and many other places of historical interest. 

 

 Shivpuri is famed for housing exuberant collection of the wildlife and floral population. Madhav National Park located in the vicinity of Shivpuri is a home for a good number of animals and avian fauna. Spread out in an area of 157.58 Sq. Kms, Madhav National Park is a place worth visit for wildlife zealots. Chinkara, Indian gazelle, chital, The nilgai, sambar, chausingha, blackbuck, sloth bear, leopard and the common langur can be seen in good numbers.

 

 Chandpata, a man-made lake attracts many species of birds during winter season. It is a heavenly feeling to sight the birds like geese, pochard, pintail, teal, mallard and gadwall, cormorant, laggar falcon, paradise flycatcher and golden oriole which come to the lake and breed during the cold winters. Some lovely and some sharp notes of the birds like spotbill duck, grey heron and kingfisher can be heard in the dense jungles. The welcoming waters and the lush green environ makes Madhav a bird’s paradise. 

 

 Apart from natural scenic beauty and rich collection of wildlife, Shivpuri’s archaeological monuments offer a rare feast to the archaeological buffs. Remains of ancient forts, palaces and ramparts of old structures would be impressive sceneries to the onlooker.

 

 Rich in its biodiversity and ethnicity, this verdurous land with its lofty hills, wildlife sanctuaries, forts and geological sites is all set to provide extravagant feast to your senses.

                                                   PLACES TO SEE

Madhav Vilas Palace : This beautiful rose-pink summer palace of the Scindia clan is a perfect example for the artistic calibre of the past generations. The palace appears classy with its white marble flooring, graceful terraces and ganapathi mandap.

Madhav National Park : Madhav National Park located in the vicinity of Shivpuri is a home for a good number of animals and avian fauna. Spread out in an area of 157.58 Sq. Kms, Madhav National Park is a place worth visit for wildlife zealots. Chinkara, Indian gazelle and chital. The nilgai, sambar, chausingha, blackbuck, sloth bear, leopard and the common langur can be seen in good numbers. Many birds like geese, pochard, pintail, teal, mallard and gadwall, cormorant, laggar falcon, paradise flycatcher and golden oriole can be spotted as well.

Chhatris : This is the place where the sepulchral monuments are erected in the name of the deceased members of the royal Scindia dynasty. The place looks beautiful with eye-catching gardens in Mughal style, lofty trees, colourful spread of flora and lighted lamps. Chhatris of Madho Rao Scindia and the dowager queen Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia are located opposite each other and are built in Hindu-Islamic styles. 

Bhadaiya Kund : A natural water spring with abundant minerals is known to have great medicinal value.

Narwar : Narwar which is about 40 kms from Shivpuri, earlier the capital city of Nal Maharaj consists of a valiant fort. The fort located on a hill of 500 feet is beautifully built in the Rajput style of architecture. The inner walls look elegant with bright paints and glass work. 

Surwaya : This place has ruins of a valiant fort which further encloses step-well, monastery and 3 Hindu temples. From Shivpuri Surwaya is about 21 kms.

Kerera Bird Sanctuary : Karera Bird Sanctuary is about 45 kms from Shivpuri. This sanctuary has been developed to protect the endangered Great Indian Bustard and increase its population. Black buck can also be sighted in large numbers.

Picchore : Picchore is a historical city which is famous for its massive fort. The fort was constructed by Rajaveer Vrashabh Dev Singh of Bundela dynasty. Other interesting places are Raja Bhoj’s palace, Nageshwar mountains, Rasik Bihavi, Ganesh temple, spectacular lake and Veer Jagat Singh’s tomb. Picchore is 78 kms from the city of Shivpuri. 

Kadwaha : About 100 kms from Shivpuri lies Kadwaha which is popular for its archeological remnants of the 14 Brahmanical temples. It also houses a 2-floor monastery.

By Air : Gwalior which is close to Shivpuri, about 112 kms connects the major cities of Delhi & Bhopal with regular flights. 

By Bus : Good bus service is available from Shivpuri to Gwalior, Jhansi, Indore, Bhopal and Ujjain. 

By Rail : Jhansi (100 kms) and Gwalior (112 kms) are the nearest railway stations.