Obviously, the colonisers underestimated the talents of Indians and that was when they entered our land to realize the value and richness of our country. Otherwise, how is it possible to see such grand heritage and thousands of literature in several 100 Indian languages even to this day? It is pride to see the amazing craftsmanship in each and every structure that has stood the test of times. Many historical regions have lost importance over time; here is one such beautiful town named Shivpuri that stands strong yet forgotten in Madhya Pradesh.
Cenotaphs (Chhatri) of Scindia Rulers
Photo Courtesy: Nagarjun Kandukuru
Drenched in the royal legacy of Scindia rulers, Shivpuri is now known for its wildlife. It is a district with a town that has a similar name. On one side, it is the famous Jhansi of Uttar Pradesh and on the other part is Rajasthan.
Shivpuri, once a summer capital of Scindia rulers, is now a tourist place with many historical sites and religious places. The quiet ambience and nature's bounty never fails to make the visitors happy.
Let us make a trip around all the prominent tourist places in Shivpuri:
Interior View of Chhatri
Photo Courtesy: Nagarjun Kandukuru
Chhatri
Chhatris are the memorials or the cenotaphs of the Scindia rulers. The ornately constructed marble Chhatris of Madhav Rao Scindia and Dowager Queen Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia are some of the beautiful structures of those times. A blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles reflect in these structures. Even to this day, the life-size portraits of these two royals can be found here.
Lake Bed in Madhav National Park
Photo Courtesy: LRBurdak
Madhav National Park
In recent times, Shivpuri is well-known for Madhav National Park. Once a hunting ground for the kings is now a wildlife reserve. The rich biodiversity in this dry deciduous forest is an abode for several animals and birds. Some of the main attractions are the beautiful Chinkaras, Chitalsand Indian Gazelles. Wild animals like leopards and sloth bears are also found here. Apart from this, the large water bodies bordering the park are also a home for many species of birds. Hence Madhav National Park is a paradise for bird lovers as well as wildlife enthusiasts in Shivpuri.
Bhadaiya Kund
Photo Courtesy: Teacher1943
Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar
Sakhaya Sagar and Madhav Sagar bordering Madhav National Park are also the prominent tourist places in Shivpuri.
George Castle
George Castle, in the middle of Madhav National Park served as a Jungle Resort for the Scindia Rulers. It was Jiwaji Rao Scindia, who commissioned this castle in the name of a British King George V who happened to visit Shivpuri in 1911.
Madhav Vilas Palace
Madhav Vilas Palace, which was once a summer palace, is now a government office. It is one of the enchanting structures of those times.
Tourist Village
Photo Courtesy: Teacher1943
Other Attractions in Shivpuri
Bhadaiya Kund, Shiv Temple (Chhatri Road), Ban Ganga Dham, Sakhya Sagar Sailing Club and Tunda Bharka are the other attractions in Shivpuri.
How to Reach Shivpuri
Gwalior is around 120 km to Shivpuri.
By Bus: Buses are available from Gwalior to reach Shivpuri.
By Train: Shivpuri Railway Station is well connected with other major cities of Madhya Pradesh.
By Air: Gwalior Airport is the nearest airport to Shivpuri
Click: How to Reach Gwalior