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Shivpuri Wildlife Sanctuary :India February 17, 2006

Shivpuri Wildlife National Park Shivpuri National Park also called Madhav National Park was set up when the state of Madhya Pradesh was formed in 1958. This wildlife sanctuary was originally the hunting reserve of the Scindia rulers of Gwalior. It then came to be known as the Madhya Bharat National Park. It now has complete protection under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Situated 110 km south of Gwalior, the Madhav Shivpuri National Park is known for its tigers, and draws many tourists every year. The vegetation of the Madhav Shivpuri National Park consists of grasslands interspersed with sal, teak, and khair forest. This mixed vegetation provides an ideal habitat for many species of animals and birds. Within the Shivpuri National Park, the Sakhya Sagar artificial lake, and streams running through the forest add to the charm of the wildlife reserve. The sight of birds flying back to their nests to roost at dusk, as the sun sets over the lake is a beautiful sight. You can also enjoy boating on the Sakhya Lake.

Shivpuri, in north Madhya Pradesh, was once the summer capital of the Scindias of Gwalior. Earlier, its impenetrable forests were the playgrounds of the Mughal emperors who hunted wild animals for pleasure.and profit.

Shivpuri’s royal ambience lives on in the exquisite palaces and hunting lodges and graceful, intricately-embellished marble chhatris (cenotaphs) erected by the Scindia princes.

Shivpuri is steeped in the royal legacy of its past, when it was summer capital of the Scindia rulers of Gwalior. And earher, its dense forests were the hunting grounds of the Mughal emperors when great herds of elephants were captured by Emperor Akhar.

Shivpuri remained with the Kachhawaha Rajputs upto 1804 when it was taken over by Scindia’s. It was captured by the English in 1817 but returned to Scindia’s next year and it continued to be a part of Gwalior state since then. In 1859 it is said that the great Indian leader Tatya Tope was hanged near the present Collectorate. Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia paid much attention towards the development of Shivpuri. He constructed a big palace and also developed the city. It was the summer capital of Gwalior State and government offices were shifted here in summer months.