Madhav (Shivpuri) National Park

Madhav Shivpuri National Park was established in the year 1958 at the time of the creation of the state of Madhya Pradesh after independence. It received its present name in 1959. Before this it was known as Madhya Bharat National Park that originated as a private game preserve of the rulers of Gwalior. Today it enjoys further protection under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.Madhav National Park lies between Agra-Bombay road and Jhansi-Shivpuri Road. It is spread over an area of 157.58 Sq. Kms. A drive through the park watching animals is very exhilarating experience. The Park is heaven for wildlife and wildlife - buffs. The park remains open throughout the year and boasts of large numbers of chinkara, Indian gazelle and chital.

FLORA
Acacia catechu (Khair), Teak, Salai, Kerghai, Dhawda, Tendu, Palash etc.

Fauna
The predominant species that inhabits the park is the deer, of which the most easily sighted are the graceful little Chinkara, the Indian gazelle, and the Chital. Other species that have their habitat in the park are Nilgai, Sambar, Chausingha or four-horned Antelope, Blackbuck, Sloth Bear, Leopard and the ubiquitous common Langur. Tiger Panthera tigris (occasional), leopard Panthera pardus, striped Hyaena, jackal Canis aureus, jungle cat Felis chaus) chital Axis axis, sambar Cervus unicolor, nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus, four-horned antelope (chowsingha) Tetracerus quadricornis, wild boar Sus scrofa, chinkara (mountain gazelle) Gazella, crocodile and others.

The National park is equally rich in the artificial lake, Chandpata, is winter home of geese, pochard, pintail, teal, mallard and gadwall. A good site for bird watching is where the forest track crosses the wide rocky stream that flows from the Waste Weir. Species that frequently this spot are Red Wattled Lapwing, Large Pied Wagtail, Pond Heron and White - Breasted Kingfisher. The avifauna also includes Cormorant, Painted Stork, White Ibis, Laggar Falcon, Purple Sunbird, Paradise Flycatcher and Golden Oriole.

BEST TIME TO VISIT
During summers (April-June)
The monsoon season (July-August)
The winters however (October-March)

Transport Information :

• By Air: Gwalior (112 km) and it is connected with many cities including Delhi, Bhopal, Indore, and Bombay.
• By Rail: The historic town of Jhansi (100 km). Jhansi in turn is well linked with major cities in India, including Delhi and Bombay.
• By Road: Gwalior, Indore, Bhopal, Jhansi, and Ujjain.