Madhav National Park

Spread over an area of 355 sq km, Madhav National Park is located in Shivpuri district in Madhya Pradesh. The park is popular for its monuments associated with the Gwalior state as well as its flora and fauna.

Prior to independence, the park was the royal game reserve of the rulers of Gwalior state and was known for its tiger population. According to records, Lord Hardinge shot eight tigers in a day during his visit in 1916. Lord Minto shot 19 tigers during his visit to the Gwalior state.

Declared a national park in 1958, the national park consists of dry deciduous mixed and dry thorn forest. The major trees found in the park are khair (acacia catechu), salai, kerdhai, dhawda, tendu, palash, etc.

Wild animals such as deer, chinkara, nilgai, sambar, chausingha, blackbuck and leopard are commonly seen. The park is also home to migratory birds like geese, pochard, pintail, teal, mallard and gadwall.

Two lakes in the park – Sakhya and Madhav Sagar – support a large variety of biodiversity. The lakes were created in 1918 on Manier river. The main attraction of the Sakhya Sagar lake is the marsh crocodiles which can be seen in abundance.

Boating is allowed on the Sakhya Sagar lake and it is also one of the best ways to see the birds. A viewing lodge constructed by the Scindias, called as the Shooting Box, overlooks the lake.

Another attraction of the park is the George Castle, built by Jivaji Rao Scindia. It was built for the stay of British King George V while on a hunting expedition. The castle offers majestic views of the lake and surroundings during sunset.

The park is rich in its flora and fauna which compels the nature admirers to visit this park. Besides wildlife, this park is also famous for some other attractions.

George Castle, built by the Jiyaji Rao Scindia, is situated in the dense forests of the park at a high point. Hundreds of tourists visits this spectacular George Kaisal fort in Madhav National park. Named after British emperor George V, it is said that in 1911, George V reached this area to hunt a tiger in the forests. The then Gwalior province ruler Jiajirao Scindia constructed the two-storey marvelous fort at the top of a highest hill for him. It was studded with Belgium glass and Italian tiles besides stone from here. It was said that the British ruler killed a tiger before coming to the fort and returned sans visiting the citadel but the monument was famous after him. The fort was one of the magnificent edifices built inside the Park and now developed as attractive tourist spot. From here, the view of the placid lake is exceptional and the best time to visit the castle is at evening when the setting sun lights up the lake like a mirror.

Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar lakes
Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar lakes are two important biodiversity support systems in the Park. Situated on the edge Madhav National Park Sakhya Sagar Lake, is the habitat of variety of reptiles like . marsh crocodile or mugger, Indian Python and the Monitor Lizard. Sakhya Sagar Boat Club the other prime attraction in Madhav National Park is located on the edge of the Park. Built in the Year 1919 by then Maharaja of Gwalior state for V.V.I.P housing, one can have beautiful view of migratory birds and reptiles from here.

Ghadi Ghar
Built in 1921, it is facing boat club and Sakhya Sagar Lake. It is said that Nawab Ali Khan Walia presented a big watch (Ghadi) to then Maharaja of Gwalior and he installed that watch in the front upper portion of this building.

Location of Madhav National Park :On the semi-arid plateau of Malwa. Small centre of Shivpuri is 7km (4 miles) from Madhav park and1115km (70 miles) from GWalior. Gwalior and Jhansi (95km; 60 miles) are the nearest railheads

Climate of Madhav National Park :Summer months are unpleasanlfy hot (maximum 43°C/ 109°F in May) while winter nights are very cold (minimum 3°C; 35°F).

Chital Deer, Madhav National ParkWhen to go Madhav National Park : The months between ( November and May) best for visitors.

Getting to Madhav National Park : Shivpuri lies on Agra"Bombay NH3. Regular bus services to the park operate from Jhansi, Gwalior, Indore and Bhopal.

Facilities at Madhav National Park :Park is open 06:00~ 19:00 (sunrise to SUnset) each day; entry restricted from 11 :00-15:00. Visitors, can join a guided tour or hire a jeep accpmpar)ied by a guide. Accommodation available at the Tourist Village (3km, or 2 miles, from Shivpuri), MPSTDC"owned Chinkara Motel (8km, or5mifes, from the park), as well as circuit houses (constructed for govern" ment officials) and dak bungalows (rest houses for park officials)inthe park. There is an observatory tower.

Wildlife in Madhav National Park : : Mainly herds otdeer: Chinkara, Chital, Nilgai. Also Wild Boar and an abundance of migra" tory birds at the two lakes. Boat tides on the lake from the Sakhya Sagar Boat Club for wildlife viewing can be arranged through the Forest Department. Also otinterest are the chhatris ofthe Scindia royal family and Narawar fort.

Fact File:

The nearest airport is at Gwalior (112 km), connected with Delhi, Bhopal, Indore and Mumbai. Nearest railheads are at Jhansi (101 km) and Gwalior which are on the Delhi-Chennai main lines.Shivpuri is connected by regular bus services with Gwalior, Indore, Bhopal, Jhansi and Ujjain.

To make your wildlife tour more exciting and comfortable we offer you the best accommodation options available at MP Tourism Hotel Palash and Hotel Panchanan, and other hotels like Ashok Lake View, Jehan Numa Palace, and Imperial Sabre.

Permits and Reservations for Madhav National Park : For accommodation, contact: Tourist office, Government of India, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh; or Director, Madhav National Park, Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh-473551.

The Madhav National Park is protected under the influence of the Wildlife Protection Act that came into effect in the year 1972. Special attractions here are listed below:- 

Chinkara
Indian Gazelle
Chital
Nilgai
Sambar
Chausingha also regarded as the Four-horned Antelope
Black Buck
Sloth Bear
Leopard
Langur
Striped Hyena
Jackel
Jungle Cat
Crocodiles and others

The Madhav National Park of Madhya Pradesh can also be a scintillating destination for the bird enthusiasts as it is full of mind-boggling varieties of birds which will enchant you. The avifauna that prevails here is truly spectacular. Some of the varieties frequently seen in this park include:- 

Red Wattled lapwing
Large Pied Wagtail
Pond Heron
White-breasted Kingfisher
Cormorant
Painted stork
White Ibis
Laggar falcon
Purple Sunbird
Paradise Flycatcher
Golden Oriole