Stretching over an area of 355sq km, Madhav National Park is Shivpuri’s main attraction, and boasts fascinating mix of natural beauty and architectural wonders. The park has tropical dry, deciduous and a mixed type forest, along with lakes. This is very typical of the northwestern landscape of Madhya Pradesh. The two lakes within the park – Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar – named after Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia and Madho Rao Scindia – provide a permanent water source to the wildlife, and wetlands to the aquatic fauna. The park is open throughout the year and affords plenty of time to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Carry a pair of binoculars for easy viewing.

The apex predator in the park is the leopard. It can be relatively hard to spot, although lucky visitors may get a glimpse of one in the early morning hours or at twilight. Wild dogs (dholes) and Indian wild boar are often seen along the banks of Sakhya Sagar Lake. The park is also home to wolves, jungle cats, hyenas, foxes and jackals.

The most easily seen animals are the herbivores. The park has a sizeable population of chitals, sambars, chowsinghas and black-bucks. In addition to this, small animals like jungle cats, monitor lizards and black napes can also be seen on the forest trails. Hanumana langurs or grey lan-gurs jumping from one tree to another, or sitting along the road nibbling on fruit, are also a common sight.

Ornithologists will have a field day here since the park has rich avifauna. Birds are aplenty in Side Park and near Sakhya Sagar. Bar-headed geese, paradise fly catchers, demoiselle cranes, darter or snake birds, little grebe or dabchicks, grey partridges, rosy pelicans, white bucked or Bengal vultures are all seen in abundance here.

Visitors can also spend some time in the Sailing Club at the Sakhya Sagar Lake to observe the resident crocodiles and exquisite aquatic birds or relax on the banks of the Madhav Sagar. At the highest point deep inside the park stands the incongrously named George Castle, which was built in 1911 by Madho Rao Scindia of the Gwalior royal family to host King George V. The king spotted a tiger on the way to the park and shot it, satisfying the purpose of his visit, and thus never went to Madhav at all. However, the two-storeyed dwarf castle still remains.

Kingfisher perched on a twig, Madhav National Park
Kingfisher perched on a twig, Madhav National Park
Courtesy MP Tourism

Besides the palace, Tunda Bharka spring, the Bhura Khoh waterfall and the ancient Churan Chaj rock painting site are worth a visit.

◆ Entry Indians ₹660; Foreigners ₹1,320 per vehicle upto five pax Timings Sunrise to sunset Guide fee ₹300

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT

While you are here, stay at the Madhav Resort (Tariff: ₹1,000–1,500), which has seven AC rooms, a canteen and power backup. Bookings can be made through Director, Madhav National Park (Tel: 07492-223379). Or else, stay at Shivpuri which has several choices.

THE INFORMATION 

When to go October to March

Wildlife office

Chief Conservator of Forests &

Director

Madhav National Park

Shivpuri

Cell: 09424794805

Cell: 09424794806 (Asst Director)

South Range Office

Tel: 220347

Cell: 09424794812

STD code 07492

State Madhya Pradesh

Location In Shivpuri District; nestled in the upper Vindhyan Hills

Distance 177km S of Jabalpur

Route from Jabalpur Take MP SH22 and continue on to NH12A, follow the Seoni Bypass Road to SH26 

GETTING THERE

Rail Shivpuri Railway Station. Jeeps can be hired for visits to the national park. However Gwalior (115km), is a major railhead; a taxi to the national park costs ₹4,500 approx