Discover Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh

Let’s rediscover Shivpuri, a city not many know or are aware of. From the Royal Chattri’s to spectacular edifices and ancient temples and forts, Shivpuri has plenty to be seen and explored making it an offbeat location.

Shivpuri was the summer capital of the Scindia Rulers of Gwalior and was a popular hunting ground for the royal family. Distanced at just 116 km from Gwalior, Shivpuri is a perfect weekend destination from New Delhi and Jaipur.

Places to See In & Around Shivpuri

Bhadaiya Kund: is a natural spring that offers a mesmerizing sight during monsoons. The water has a high mineral content and has therapeutic powers to heal ailments.

There’s even a small temple here too.  The water falls from a spring onto the temple roof below before collecting in a pool and flowing into the Chand Pata (also known as Sakhya Sagar) Lake, which is a man-made lake that receives water from Jadhav Sagar and Bhadaiya Kund.

Sakhya Sagar Lake & Madhav Sagar Lake: Both lakes were created in 1918 on the Manier River and are inhabited by numerous kinds of wildlife including Marsh Crocodiles, Indian Pythons and Monitor Lizards. Also a great place for birdwatching, especially during winter when migratory birds arrive. The lakes come under the range of Madhav National Park and look stunning with the backdrop of Vindhyachal Hills.

I remember seeing my first ever crocodile here as a child and the memory is still fresh and as exciting as it was then. And it was huge! There used to be boat rides years back but now I am unsure. If you or someone you know more please share details.

Insider Tip: Some locals talk about hidden caves deep inside the park. Used by saints and wanderers in ancient times, these would be worth exploring if you find a knowledgeable guide.

You could also go for a Night Safari in Madhav National Park. It’s Less crowded than famous reserves; a great way to see nocturnal wildlife.

George Castle (14 Kms): Built by Jivajirao Scindia for King George V, this scenic spot inside Madhav National Park offers panoramic views.

Interestingly, George Castle was built by Jiwaji Rao Scindia for King George V who was interested in coming here in 1911 for tiger shooting. However, he shot a tiger much before he reached and never got an opportunity to visit the place.

Today the turrets of Grand Castle offer visitors a chance to view the interesting architecture. Perched on a hilltop, the George Castle faces the beautiful Sakhya Sagar Lake and reflects the changing colors of the day making this place truly unique and a must-visit for all.

Cenotaphs of the Scindia Royal Family: Set in a beautifully designed and elaborate Mughal garden, the Royal cenotaphs or Chattri’s belong to the Scindia Rulers and Princes. The architecture here uses a mix of Hindu and Islamic styles and has typical Rajput and Mughal Pavilions and Shikhara.

Facing each other across a water tank, the Chattri (Cenotaph) of Madhav Rao Scindia and Queen Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia offer a mesmerizing sight. Made using marble with intricate carvings, both are impressive yet distinctive in their style.

Narwar Fort: is a historic fort atop a hill with fascinating architecture and legends of valiant Rajput warriors.

Other places to explore near Shivpuri

Temple Ruins at Sesai: Sesai is 12 km from Shivpuri on A.B. road. At Sesai, there are two temples – a Sun Temple and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Both temples belong to the Pratihara period but today only a few remarkable ruins remain. Sesai was once a Jain pilgrimage site and one may view some other interesting Jain statues at a museum located within the Jaina Complex. Learn more about these fascinating temples at https://puratattva.in/sesai-surya-mandir.

You can also travel to explore some other temple ruins at Ranod. Ranod was also known as Aranipadra or Ranipadra in our Hindu inscriptions. Read more at https://puratattva.in/ranod-a-mattamayura-matha.

Bhura Kho Waterfall: Bhura Kho is located 20 km from Shivpuri and is known for its beautiful waterfall that falls from a height of 25 metres before merging with the Madhav Sagar Lake. There is also an ancient Shiva Temple here that is visited by the locals.

Surwaya Garhi (Fort): located 20 km from Shivpuri, the Surwaya Garhi is an ancient site that was once a monastery where knowledge was shared and meditation & yoga were practised. Although the site is over 500 years old, the Surwaya Fort is supposedly newer. The fort is quite small but a charming place to visit. It was built by Kachhawahas Rulers of Narwar and an inscription of Samvat 1341 seen in the step-well inside the fortress mentions it as ‘Saraswati Pattan’.  

Surwaya was once a major centre of the Mattamayura sect of the Shaiva tradition and has been identified with ancient Sarasvati-pattana and Shankhamathika.

Jal Mandir, Pohari: Pohari is 35 km from Shivpuri and is famous for an old temple site. Constructed in 1811, the temple adapts a similar architecture to the Golden Temple, Amritsar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha, the temple is 3 stories but the ground floor always remains submerged in water no matter how dry the season.

Distance Chart to Shivpuri

By Road: 

Gwalior to Shivpuri: 116 Km
New Delhi to Shivpuri: 452 Km via Yamuna Expy
Jaipur to Shivpuri: 342.8 km via MP SH 6
Agra to Shivpuri: 233.6 km via NH 46 and Mumbai – Agra Rd/Srinagar – Kanyakumari Hwy

By Railways: From Hazrat Nizamuddin, Delhi, reaching Shivpuri is quite a convenient 6-7 hour train journey.

Train No: 19326 – Amritsar-Indore BVi-Weekly Express
Train No: 14318 – Dehradun-Indore Express
Train No: 19308 – Chandigarh-Indore Weekly Express

Feature Image Copyright by Devu Shukla – Pexels