Shivpuri

Along with its kothis, palaces and `chhatris', Shivpuri is also noted for its 156 sq km National

Park. Just over an hour's drive from Gwalior, Shivpuri was once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Gwalior in the midst of its game sanctuary - the Madhav National Park - is a crescent-shaped lake, Chand Pata (or crescent moon) where once regattas were held. Chhatris or cenotaphs erected in a Mughal Garden in Shivpuri, honour the memory of Maharani Sakhya Raja Scindia and her son Madhav Rao Scindia.

ACCESS

Shivpuri town- the summer capital of the Scindias- is 112 km from Gwalior on the Agra-Mumbai road. Nearest airport and railhead is also Gwalior and Jhansi (110 km). Gwalior is air linked with Delhi, Agra, Bhopal, Indore, and Mumbai. Regular bus service connects Shivpuri with Gwalior, Indore, Bhopal, Jhansi and Ujjain.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Bhadiaya Kund - picnic spot; Chhatris - cenotaphs of marble inlaid with precious stones; National Park - 156 sq km in area and has a variety of wildlife.

EXCUESIONS

Surwaya - 21 km on Jhansi Road. Has archaeological remains of a fort, three Hindu temples, a monastery and a stepwell; Narwar - 56 km. A medieval fort with palaces and mosques; Pawaya - 32 km. Identified as the site of the ancient city of Padmavati.

ACCOMMODATION

Tourist Village (M.P. STDC) Bhadiya Kund, Jhansi Road, Shivpuri-473551. Pone: 07492-2600.