Information and Tips on Madhav National Park Madhya Pradesh
One of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in the country, Madhav National Park, is located within 5 kms of the famous tourist town of Shivpuri. The Scindias who ruled Gwalior from the 18th to the mid-twentieth century, had made Shivpuri the summer capital of the kingdom and it was from here that they went hunting to the adjoining forests which are today a part of the park area. Soon after India’s independence, this former hunting ground of the Scindias was notified as a National Park in 1958.
The area falls in the plateau-like Vindhya ranges which separate north and south India. The gentle undulating terrain has a mix of moist and dry deciduous forest with meadows in between. This allows tourists good all-round visibility and ample opportunity to spot wildlife.
The forest is home to antelopes such as the nilgai, chinkara and chowsingha, and deer species such as chital, sambhar and barking deer. These animals are easily spotted during a circuitous safari tour in the forest. Other species include the golden jackal, Indian wild dog and wild boar. Also Visit – Madhya Pradesh holiday packages
For the more lucky ones, a sighting of the leopard or wolf can make this a memorable trip. At present, forest officials cannot confirm the presence of any tigers in the Park.
The man-made water bodies in and the park attract flocks of birds every winter and thousands of wintering waterfowl make this park their home. While the Chandpatha and Sakhya Sagar lakes are located inside the park, Madhav Sagar lies on its periphery.
From October to March the waters of these lakes teem with northern shovellers, pintails, Eurasian wigeons, greylag geese, ruddy shelduck, common teals and pochards. The ducks clearly outnumber the other water birds which comprise herons, storks, egrets, ibsis and many species of waders. Three species of cranes are sighted here, the common, sarus and demoiselle. Crocodiles are also found in good numbers and are easily spotted from the Sailing Club deck on the Sakhya Sagar. Boating facilities have been discontinued in Sakhya Sagar, in view of safety issues for tourists.
In 1911, Jivaji Rao Scindia, the then ruler of Gwalior, built the turreted George Castle in the honour of King George V who was to come here on a tiger-hunt. The castle standing at the highest point in the park (484 m) offers a panoramic view of the forest.
The other interesting landmark inside the forest is the ‘shooting box’, built on the banks of Sakhya Sagar in 1936. It was essentially used as a vantage point to spot and shoot birds and animals. There are also two watchtowers of historical importance inside the forest — the hexagonal Bhura-kho tower built in 1915 and the Golf tower which overlooks the Sakhya and Madhav Sagar lakes.
How to Get There
By Air: The nearest airport is at Gwalior
By Rail: Jhansi (95 kms) and Gwalior (115 kms) are the closest railheads.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Timings: Sunrise to 11am, 2.30pm to sunset
Entry Fee: Rs 15 (Indians); Rs 50 (foreigners)
Vehicle Entry: Rs 75
Guide: Rs 200
Charges for still photography and video grapy separate
For more information on Madhav National Park and Madhya Pradesh tour packages contact Swan Tours one of the best Indian travel agency.
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