Madhav National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Once a famous hunting ground of the Mughal emperors & Maratha royals, Madhav National Park is now a glorious wildlife sanctuary, in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, Central India. Spread over an area of 354 Sq. km, this verdant piece of jungle offers amazing views of lush greenery and architectural wonders, edified by the erstwhile rulers of Gwalior. This park has witnessed a lot of royal movements right from the time of Akbar, who is believed to have captured elephants from here in 1564. Madhav National Park fascinates tourists with its unique surroundings that comprise lakes, dense woodlands, & castles.
It gives a wonderful experience to the wildlife buffs and nature lovers, who are keen to explore the surroundings of this majestic woodland, inhabiting animals like tigers, Nilgai, Sambar, hyena, sloth bear, and crocodile. This park was named after Madho Rao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior from the Scindia Dynasty of the Marathas. It was declared a national park in 1958. A lot of tourists visit this captivating forest area to discover its flora and fauna and to see the sights of amazing monuments, that once belonged to the royals of Gwalior.
Madhav National Park is a combination of dry deciduous & dry thorn forests that make a home for a different variety of antelopes like Nilgai, Chinkara, and Deer, and carnivores such as leopard, wolf, jackal, fox, wild pig, etc. Its unusual terrain of hills, dry, mixed forests, grasslands, and lakes, makes it a perfect destination for sighting a variety of wildlife, especially avian species. The Sakhya and Madhav Sagar lake, located in the centre of the forest, support a rich variety of migratory birds including geese, pochard, pintail, teal, mallard, and gadwall. These lakes are a great nesting ground for birds and marsh crocodiles, that can be spotted here in abundance.
Flora and Fauna:
The varied landscape of forested hills and flat grasslands makes this park a unique place to spot a rich variety of avian species, mammals, and other wild animals. Some of the prominent flora of this park includes Dhawda, Palash, Khair, Kerdhai, and Salai. Madhav National Park offers tourists wide opportunities to sight popular animals like tiger, leopard, striped hyenas, common langur, blackbuck, jackals, sambhars, nilgai, and sloth bears.
Avifauna:
Madhav National Park also offers a rich variety of Avifauna or bird species like a white-breasted kingfisher, purple sunbird, migratory geese oriole, pochard, pintail, white ibis, cormorant, painted stock, Red-wattled Lapwing, large pied wagtail, laggar falcon, Indian pond heron mallard, Asian paradise flycatcher, and gadwall.
Places of Tourist Interest:
George Castle: This beautiful castle was built by Jivaji Rao Scindia in 1911 for British King George V, to make arrangements for his stay in the jungle. Though he never stayed here, this spot was widely used by members of the British Army and Royal families as a sheltered spot while on a hunting expedition. The castle is built at a height in the centre of the jungle and offers refreshing views of the lake, especially during the sunset and sunrise.
Sakhya Sagar Lake & Sailing Club: Tourists can enjoy boating in this lake and experience bird watching while riding through the water, surrounded by exotic flora. This lake is an important biodiversity support system, which provides a rich habitat for a variety of reptiles & birds. Some of the important reptile species that can be spotted here are a marsh or mugger crocodile, Indian python, and monitor lizard.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Geography
- History
- Wildlife and Biodiversity
- Sights and Facilities
- Weather Overview
Introduction {#introduction}
Madhav National Park, nestled in the Shivpuri District of northwest Madhya Pradesh, India, is a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Established in 1958, this 354 sq km park was originally known as Shivpuri National Park but was later renamed in honor of Madho Rao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior. Let’s delve into the details of this remarkable sanctuary.
Geography {#geography}
Madhav National Park boasts a diverse landscape, featuring forested hills, flat grasslands, and serene reservoirs. The largest water body within the park is Sankhya Sagar, a man-made reservoir created during Madho Rao Scindia’s hunting days. Additionally, Madhav Sagar (also known as Madhav Lake) adds to the park’s allure. The ecoregion of Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests envelops the area, contributing to its rich biodiversity. The average annual rainfall stands at 816 mm.
History {#history}
Once the summer capital, Shivpuri town served as the former hunting preserve for the Scindia maharajas of Ujjain and Gwalior. However, after India gained independence, the park faced degradation due to agriculture and mining encroachment. Despite being noticed in 1956, the park continued to deteriorate until its renaming as Madhav National Park in 1959. Conservation efforts gradually improved the conditions, leading to the termination of mining activities in the area by a Supreme Court injunction in 1998.
Wildlife and Biodiversity {#wildlife-and-biodiversity}
Madhav National Park shelters a variety of wildlife, including antelopes, deer, sloth bears, langurs, and a few elusive leopards. Unfortunately, the last resident wild tigers were spotted here around the late 1970s. The park’s avian population thrives, especially during winter when migratory waterfowls flock to the shores of Sakhya Sagar lake. This harmonious blend of flora and fauna makes Madhav National Park a true natural treasure.
Sights and Facilities {#sights-and-facilities}
On the picturesque shores of Sakhya Sagar lake, visitors can explore a boat club. From here, migratory birds become a delightful spectacle, enhancing the winter experience. The remnants of the Scindias’ hunting legacy, including a shooting box, hunting lodge, and sailing club, add historical charm to the park. Nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike will find solace in this serene haven.
Weather Overview {#weather-overview}
Here’s a glimpse of the weather in Madhav National Park throughout the year:
Month | High Temperature (°C) | Low Temperature (°C) |
---|---|---|
January | 23 | 10 |
February | 26 | 12 |
March | 31 | 17 |
April | 36 | 22 |
May | 41 | 30 |
June | 40 | 28 |
July | 34 | 26 |
August | 32 | 25 |
September | 33 | 24 |
October | 33 | 20 |
November | 29 | 15 |
December | 24 | 11 |
Nearby Destination:
Orchha
Gwalior
Chanderi
Agra
How to reach:
By Air: Gwalior Airport (135.0 Km)
By Rail: Jhansi Railway Station (88.8 Km)
By Road: Regular buses are available from Gwalior, Jhansi, Jabalpur, Rewa, and Shahdol to reach the Madhav National Park
Where to Stay:
One can find several budgets and mid-range rest houses and lodges in the park, run by the state tourism department, to spend a comfortable night in the park without spending much. Check out the list below…
- Sailing Club Guest House
- Ladies Club Guest House
- Band Stand Guest House
- Eco Lodge
- Tourist Village, Shivpuri
- Anuj Palace, Shivpuri
Best time to visit:
Months between October to March is perfect to visit the Madhav National Park, which records a good population of migratory birds in the winter season. Summer months are extremely hot here as the temp rises to 47° C, however, winter months record fall to 3° C.
Opening Hours: Park is open all through the year
Morning Safari Timings: 6:30 AM to 10 AM
Evening Safari Timings: 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Here are some customizable tour packages for exploring Madhav National Park, Madhya Pradesh, with different durations. You can choose the one that suits their preferences:
-
Weekend Getaway (2 Nights/3 Days)
- Day 1: Arrival in Shivpuri
- Arrive in Shivpuri and check in at a comfortable hotel.
- Explore the local market and enjoy a leisurely evening.
- Day 2: Madhav National Park Safari
- Early morning safari in Madhav National Park.
- Spot wildlife, including deer, langurs, and exotic birds.
- Visit Sakhya Sagar lake and the historical sites within the park.
- Day 3: Departure
- Check out from the hotel and depart for Delhi.
- Day 1: Arrival in Shivpuri
-
Nature Retreat (3 Nights/4 Days)
- Day 1: Arrival in Shivpuri
- Same as the Weekend Getaway package.
- Day 2: Full Day at Madhav National Park
- Explore the park thoroughly, including the boat club and historical landmarks.
- Enjoy a picnic by Sankhya Sagar.
- Day 3: Optional Trekking or Birdwatching
- Choose between a trekking adventure or birdwatching session.
- Relax by Madhav Lake in the evening.
- Day 4: Departure
- Check out and return to Delhi.
- Day 1: Arrival in Shivpuri
-
Wildlife Expedition (4 Nights/5 Days)
- Day 1-3: Same as Nature Retreat
- Day 4: Jhansi Excursion
- Visit Jhansi Fort and Rani Mahal.
- Explore the historical city.
- Day 5: Departure
- Check out and head back to Delhi.
Remember, these itineraries can be customized based on your group’s interests, preferred activities, and budget. For a seamless experience, consider hiring a guide through us who can enhance your wildlife encounters and share fascinating stories about the park. 🌿🦌🌅
In conclusion, Madhav National Park, with its captivating landscapes, rich history, and abundant wildlife, stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature and heritage. Gautam and Gautam Group (G n G Group) can explore this gem, immersing themselves in its beauty and serenity. 🌿🦌🌳🌅
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