Shivpuri

Shivpuri 

With it's luxuriant forests and undulating hills, Shivpuri was a natural choice as the summer resort capital of the Scindias. Shivpuri's royal ambience lives on in the exquisite palaces and hunting lodges and graceful, intricately embellished marble Chhatris (cenotaphs) erected by the Scindia rulers.

Shivpuri is a district of Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Shivpuri is very ancient town and a sacred place. It is named for the God Shiva. It is steeped in the royal legacy of its past, when it was the summer capital of the Scindia rulers of Gwalior. Earlier to that, Shivpuri's dense forests were the hunting grounds of the Mughal emperors. Emperor Akbar captured herds of elephants for his stables while returning from Mandu in year 1564. The thick forrests are still there and continue to be a source of forrest-produces of domestic and industrial use Shivpuri was awarded as Jagir to the Kachwahas of Narwar in the 17th century. It came under the rule of the Scindias in 1804, who granted it to one of their Maratha generals by name Ingle. Later, it was transferred to the HEIC in 1817 under a treaty, but the Scindias regained it in 1818. It was the summer capital of Gwalior State and government offices were shifted here in summer months.Tantya Tope was awarded death sentence on April 17, 1859 by British Raj for his part in the Revolt of 1857 in nearby Jhansi. He was hanged to death in Shivpuri, at a site near the present collectorate.

Shivpuri is also known for Marble-Chatri’s of Scindia’a, fort in Narwar/Narbar, Madhav National Park (spread over an area of 157.58 Sq. Kms ). Madhav is well known for the migratory waterfowl, which arrive from the North (mainly Siberia) to winter on and around the lakes. Dr. Salim Ali, world-famous ornithologist, has suggested that the lake (Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar, created on Manier river in 1918) be developed as a bird sanctuary and steps are now being taken to ensure that this is carried out. Bird life on the lake features many geese and ducks-whilst around the shores may be found several species of herons as well as storks and cranes. Taking the Lake view road, as described in circuit 3 may best see these Bird life in the Karera Bird Sannctuary is also plentiful, with many of the species typical of the habitat.Karera is about 60 km. from Shivpuri and is popular for temporary stay of migratory avian guests. A particularly good area for bird viewing is where the track crosses the wide, rocky stream, which flows, from the Waste Weir.

Madhav National Park
156 sq km in area, the park is open throughout the year. With a varied terrain of wooded hills, the forest being dry, mixed and deciduous with flat grasslands around the lake, it offers abundant opportunities of sighting a variety of wildlife. The predominant species that inhabits the park is the deer, of which the most easily sighted are the graceful little Chinkara, the Indian gazelle, and the Chital. Other species that have their habitat in the park are Nilgai, Sambar, Chausingha or four-horned Antelope, Blackbuck, Sloth Bear, Leopard and the ubiquitous common Langur.

The National Park is equally rich in avifauna. The artificial lake, Chandpata, is the winter home of migratory Geese, Pochard, Pintail, Teal, Mallard Gadwall, Red Wattled Lapwing, Large Pied Wagtail, Pond Heron, White - Breasted Kingfisher, Cormorant, Painted Stork, White Ibis, Laggar Falcon, Purple Sunbird, Paradise Flycatcher and Golden Oriole.

Chhatris
Set in a formal Mughal garden, with quiet nooks under flowering trees, intersected by pathways with ornamental balustrades and illuminated by Victorian lamps, is the complex in which the cenotaphs of the Scindias are set. Facing each other across a water tank are the Chhatris of Madho Rao Scindia and the dowager queen Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia, synthesising the architectural idioms of Hindu and Islamic styles with their shikhara-type spires and Rajput and Mughal pavilions.

Madhav Vilas Palace
Standing upon a natural eminence, the elongated rose-pink summer palace of the Scindias is a fine example of colonial architecture. The 'Mahal' as it is called, is remarkable for its marble floors, iron columns, graceful terraces and the Ganpati mandap.

Sakhya Sagar Boat Club
Edging the forests of the Madhav National Park is the Sakhya Sagar Lake, habitat of a variety of reptiles. Seen here are the Marsh Crocodile or Mugger, Indian Python and the Monitor Lizard. On the shores of the lake and connected to it by a broad pier is a Boat Club, an airy, delicate structure with glass panels.

Bhadaiya Kund
A scenic spot by a natural spring. The water here is rich in minerals, supposedly of a curative nature.

PARK ENTRY FEE
Morning trip: 0630 to 1000 hours. Afternoon trip: 1430 to 1800 hours.
Only 6 persons + 1 driver + 1 guide are allowed in one Jeep.
Entry Fee:
Indian Visitors	Rs. 20/-
Overseas Visitors	Rs. 200/-
Guide charges	Rs. 75/-
Vehicle entry	Rs. 100/- (Park - round charges will be extra as applicable)
Still camera	Rs. 25/- per Day
Video camera	Rs. 200/- per Day
Elephant ride:
Indian Visitors	Rs. 60/- per Adult per hour and Rs. 40/- per Child (below 12 years.)
Overseas Visitors	Rs. 300/- per Adult per hour and Rs. 200/- per Child (below 12 years.)
Cine documentary film	Rs. 12,000/- per day
Video documentary film	Rs. 6,000/- per day

Air

Nearest airport is at Gwalior (112 km), which is connected with regular flights from Delhi & Bhopal

Train

Nearest railheads are at Jhansi (101 km) and Gwalior which are on the Delhi- Chennai main lines.

Bus

Shivpuri is connected by regular bus services with Gwalior, Indore, Bhopal, Jhansi and Ujjain