Glimpses of Survaya Ki Grahi

Next day morning from Shivpuri we proceeded to Survaya Ki Grahi which is at a distance of 20 kms on Shivpuri - Jhansi road. This is a historical place with several old temples inside the fortress.

We shall explore more about this place in the subsequent posts.

Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia Chattri, Shivpuri

In Shivpuri there is a historic site of Scindia's cenotaphs. In the formal Mughal garden facing each other across a water tank are the cenotaphs (Chhatris) of the Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia and the Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia. The cenotaphs are blended with architectural idioms of Hindu and Islamic styles with their shikhara-type spires and Rajput and Mughal pavilions. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

The King Madhav Rao Scindia cenotaph has the glittering white marble surface inlaid with lapis lazuli and onyx. This creates a spectacularly rich effect.

The memorial contain life-size image of the King. It is rendered extreme devotion by ceremonially dressed retainers who perform the rituals of placing flowers and incense before the statue each day. The above snap of the interiors is taken during the day time.

The above snap was taken during he night when the interiors were lighted. At the far end the statue of the King can be seen.

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Wildlife in Madhav National Park

In Shivpuri, we went for boating in the Sakhya Sagar lake which is one of the important support system in the Madhav National Park. It is situated on the edge of forests of Madhav National Park. The lake is habitat of variety of reptiles. Species that can be seen here are marsh or mugger crocodile, Indian python and the monitor lizard. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

While boating here our boatman showed us the crocodile resting on the rocks in the lake. He stopped the boat nearby for us to click some snaps.

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Sakhya Sagar Lake, Shivpuri

In Shivpuri, the Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar lakes are the two important biodiversity support systems in the Madhav National Park apart from several other perennial and seasonal streams. Sakhya Sagar Lake is situated on the edge of forests of Madhav National Park. Boating is allowed in the lake and on the shores of the lake there is a Sailing Club. The lake is habitat of variety of reptiles. Species that can be seen here are marsh or mugger crocodile, Indian python and the monitor lizard. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

We did boating in the lake at the time of Sunset. If one is lucky then they can get glimpse of animals that have come near lake. While boating in the lake one can also see the George Castle at a distance.

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Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia Chattri, Shivpuri

In Shivpuri there is a historic site of Scindia's cenotaphs. In the formal Mughal garden facing each other across a water tank are the cenotaphs (Chattris) of the Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia and the Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia. The cenotaphs are blended with architectural idioms of Hindu and Islamic styles with their shikhara-type spires and Rajput and Mughal pavilions. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

The queen's cenotaph has a noble dignity of line and superb structural harmony.

The memorial contain life-size image of the Queen. It is rendered extreme devotion by ceremonially dressed retainers who perform the rituals of placing flowers and incense before the statue each day.

George Castle, Shivpuri

Deep inside the Madhav National Park near Shivpuri, at the highest point is the turreted George Castle built by the King Jiyaji Rao Scindia. Here imported English tiles for the floors and stained glass for the windows has been used. This was built at the time when British Ruled India. This was built for Emperor George V in the anticipation of his visit to India. It is a different story that he did no turn up. The castle supposed to provide best view of the lake below at the time of Sunset. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

As we did not enter the park, we did not get a closer view of the castle. But, I still managed to get a glimpse of the castle while boating in the lake. I had clicked several snaps of this castle from the moving boat.

Madhav National Park

There are several National Parks in Madhya Pradesh. Prominent among them are: Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhav National Park. Since it is required minimum 1 day time to enjoy the wildlife, landscape we had not planned our time for the park in this trip. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

Madhav National Park established in 1958 is 156 sq. km in area. This park is open through out the year. The forest here is dry forest across the hilly region and flat grasslands around the lakes. The animals most seen in the park are Deer, nilgai, Sambar, Antelope, Blackbuck, Leopard, Langur. Apart from these there are other animals like Tiger, Heyna are also present here.

We got a glimpse of wildlife while boating in the lake on the edge of National Park. The above shot is taken while boat is moving.

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Shivpuri, the Summer Capital

Shivpuri is situated 114 km from Gwalior. It is at an altitude of 1,515 feet above the sea level. We left Gwalior in the early morning, and reached Shivpuri in the afternoon. We checked into the hotel and after getting refreshed had the meals before venturing out to see the place. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

Shivpuri is known for its natural beauty and vast cultural heritage. It is the ancient town and its history dates back to the Mughal period. It was the summer capital of its erstwhile rulers, the Scindias. It came under the rule of the Scindias in 1804. Then the dense forests of this place were the royal hunting grounds. The sightseeing of this place require one day.

The places of interest are:

1. Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia Chattri
2. George Castle
3. Madhav National Park (1, 2)
   
4. Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar Lake Boating
5. Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia Chattri

We will cover the above in some detail in the subsequent posts.

Next day morning we proceeded from Gwalior to our next destination Shivpuri.

Distance: Shivpuri ---> Survyi Ki Grahi 20 kms