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INTRODUCTION
Madhav Shivpuri
National Park was established in the year 1958 a t
the time of the creation of the state of Madhya Pradesh after
independence. It received its
present name in 1959. Before this it was known as Madhya Bharat
National Park that originated as a private game preserve of the
rulers of Gwalior. Today it enjoys further protection under the
Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The park is located about 110 km
south of the city of Gwalior on
the main Bombay–Agra road and is interspersed with hills and valleys
of the central Indian hill ranges of the Vindhyas. The mixed dry
deciduous vegetation of Madhav Shivpuri Park comprises of mixed
forests of sal, teak, and khair wood along with undulating
grasslands. Each year this park attracts thousands of tourists and
nature lovers and is famous for its Tigers.
CLIMATE
During summers (April–June), the temperature is
around 36°C. The monsoon season (July–August) is also generally warm
and occasionally wet. The winters however (October–March) see the
temperature falling and make the area a bit chilly.
ATTRACTIONS
Madhav Shivpuri National Park offers abundant
opportunities of sighting a variety of wildlife. One of the prime
reasons of this park’s popularity is the tiger. Tigers in the park
can be photographed from protected "shooting boxes,” as the beast is
bred in captivity within a buffer zone. Many tourists feel that
Madhav Shivpuri is one jungle that guarantees the sighting of a
tiger, and this makes it a thrilling place for tiger enthusiasts and
wildlife patrons. Other inhabitants of Shivpuri forest include
leopards, striped hyenas, jackals, jungle cats, chitals, sambhars,
nilgais, four-horned antelopes, wild boars, gazelle, sloth bears,
langurs, and crocodiles. Avian inhabitants include bar-headed geese,
ducks, spoonbills, demoiselle cranes, cormorants, painted storks,
white ibises, falcons, purple sunbirds, paradise flycatchers and
golden orioles. The artificial lake, Sakhya Sagar (or Candpatha),
and the forest’s rocky streams further enhance the beauty of the
picturesque setting of Madhav Shivpuri Park. The birds can be
conveniently observed near the lake and the scenery is quite exotic
at sunset when they fly back to their countless nests. Tourists can
also avail boating facilities at Sakhya Lake. A hired jeep is the
ideal way for getting around the jungle.
At
the park’s highest point rests the George Castle. It was built by
Maharaja Jiyaji Rao Scindia to commemorate the visit of King George
V. It offers some of the most pleasant views of Sakhya Sagar. The
best time to visit the castle is at sunset when Sakhya Sagar below
mirrors the changing hue of the evening sky. On the banks of the
lake is the Madhav Vilas Palace, a summer retreat of the Scindia
clan. A spectacular view of Shivpuri town and the park beyond may be
had from the palace’s turrets. The park’s Bhadaiya Kund (a natural
spring) is also a spot worth visiting. It is a local belief that its
water, which is rich in minerals, has healing powers.
Moving away from the park, the town of Shivpuri
still maintains its old world charm. Its royal past still lives in
the form of its majestic palaces, hunting lodges, exquisitely
adorned chhatris (cenotaphs) built by the Scindias.
REACHING THERE
The nearest rail junction is the historic town of
Jhansi (100 km). Jhansi in turn is well linked with major cities in
India, including Delhi and Bombay. The nearest airport is Gwalior
(112 km) and it is connected with many cities including Delhi,
Bhopal, Indore, and Bombay. State Transport Corporation as well as
private buses also connect Madhav Shivpuri National Park to
adjoining cities of Gwalior, Indore, Bhopal, Jhansi, and Ujjain.
STAYING THERE
A good stay at Madhav Shivpuri National Park is
hardly a problem judging by the fact that numerous hotels and clubs
thrive in the vicinity. The Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development
Corporation (MPSTDC) manages most of these. Two such places that
offer accommodation are Tourist Village and the Chinkara Motel.
LINKS TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD
A small market where basic provisions and postal
services may be availed is quite nearby. Stamped mail may also be
dropped at the hotels in the vicinity. A major town near the park is
Jhansi (100 km) where good medical (chemists, hospitals) and
communication (post, telegraph, telephone, fax) facilities are
available.
TRAVEL TIPS
For summers, light cotton clothes would be
suitable. During winters, which are cool to chilly, woolen clothes
are essential. Jeeps may be rented from MP Tourism Department’s
reception desk for full or half-day tours.
PLACES NEARBY
The nearby places include Chanderi (127 km),
famous for cotton saris; historic destination of Narwar (41 km)
famous for its medieval fortress atop a hill; Bundela and Marwah.
Quite close to the park is Surwaya (21 km.) that has remains of a
fort, three Hindu temples and a monastery. Moreover, for
bird-watchers there is the Karera Bird Sanctuary at a distance of 45
km on the Shivpuri–Jhansi road, a protected area for the great
Indian Bustard. Rajasthan state’s famous Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
lies 180 km northwest of Shivpuri and possesses its own magical
charm. |