Shivpuri

Shivpuri, previously known as Sipri, is a town and a municipality in Shivpuri district, located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is in the Gwalior Division of northwest Madhya Pradesh and is the administrative headquarters of Shivpuri District. It is located approximately 125 kms (78 mi) from Gwalior, 104 kms (65 mi) from Jhansi 103 kms (64 mi) from Guna and 337 kms (211 mi) from Bhopal. It is situated at an altitude of above sea level.

The town is a tourist destination in the monsoon season as it has a number of waterfalls, like ''Bhura kho'' and ''Tunda Bharkha kho''.

Lakes in Shivpuri include ''Chandpatha jheel'', ''Jadhav Sagar jheel'', and other small lakes.

The town is known for its greenery, forests, and also as the former summer capital of the Scindia Dynasty, who at one time ruled the Gwalior."Shivpuri"
''Encyclopaedia Britannica'' 5 September 2014 A notable commander of 1857 rebellion, Tatya Tope was hanged in Shivpuri in 1859.. Shivpuri also has Asia's largest crater (the Dhala crater) which is almost 11 km in diameter.

Tourism

Shivpuri is a prominent tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh, known for its royal heritage, natural beauty, and wildlife attractions. Historically serving as the summer capital of the Scindia dynasty of Gwalior, the town today offers a unique blend of architectural legacy and ecological diversity.

One of the major attractions is the Madhav National Park, which spans an area of approximately 354 square kilometers. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, chinkaras, nilgai, and over 300 species of birds. Within the park lie the Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar lakes, which enhance the area’s biodiversity and provide opportunities for birdwatching and boating.

Located inside Madhav National Park is the George Castle, a hunting lodge built in 1911 for the visit of King George V. Though the king never stayed there, the castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest and is a popular trekking destination.

Another major historical site is the Chhatris (cenotaphs) of the Scindia rulers, constructed in Mughal-Rajput architectural style. These structures, set amidst landscaped gardens, reflect the grandeur of Gwalior's royal past.

The Madhav Vilas Palace, a pink-stone royal residence, is another key highlight. Though not open to the general public as it is now used for government training purposes, the palace remains an architectural landmark in the city.

Shivpuri also features several natural picnic spots, such as Bhadaiya Kund, Bhura Kho, and Tunda Bharkha Kho, which are especially popular during the monsoon season for their lush surroundings and waterfalls.

Located around 41 km from the city is the Narwar Fort, a 10th-century structure offering scenic views and historical insights. In addition, the Karera Bird Sanctuary, not far from Shivpuri, attracts birdwatchers from across the region.

Geography

Shivpuri is situated at approximately 25.43° north latitude and 77.65° east longitude. By road, Shivpuri is approximately 120 km (74.5 mi) south of Gwalior and 96 km (59.6 mi) west of Jhansi. Shivpuri has an average elevation of approximately .

Climate

Shivpuri has a subtropical climate like most of the northern regions of India, that features three major seasons mainly: a hot summer, a monsoon season, and a cold winter.

Summer

Summer in Shivpuri arrives in April and lasts till June. During this period, Shivpuri remains hot, with an average high of 40 °C while the low stays around 26 °C. May is considered as the hottest month of the year when the average high temperature in the city climbs to 43 °C. However, as the season progresses, temperature drops slowly.

Monsoon season

Throughout the monsoon, July–September, Shivpuri experiences a much enjoyable temperature, with an average high of 34 °C. The minimum, on the other hand, fluctuates between 20 °C -24 °C.

Winter

The winter months remain cool and comfortable for people. The season, from November till March, remains somewhat chilly, with the average minimums of 8 °C while the low drops to 2 °C.

History

The first historical mention of Sipri (Shivpuri) was of Emperor Akbar hunting elephants there in 1564.

In the 16th century, Shivpuri, like all of Gwalior, was part of the Maratha Empire. The empire weakened at the end of the century, and during the '' Gardi-ka-wakt'', or 'period of unrest', the rajput of Narwar secured the town and district. The Sindhias, under Daulat Scindia, captured the town and district from the ruler of Narwar in 1804, and made the town their summer capital.

Education

Schools

* Kendriya Vidyalaya, Shivpuri
* Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Shivpuri

Colleges

* Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Medical College
* Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia P.G. College, Shivpuri
* Govt. Polytechnic College, Shivpuri
* University Institute of Technology RGPV Shivpuri

Transportation

* Roadways, Shivpuri is well connected by roads. Gwalior is 125 Km while Bhopal is 337 km and Jhansi is 104 km away from Shivpuri.
* Railway, Shivpuri railway station is located on Gwalior Indore line. Many train halts here. Its connect many major city of india.
* Airways, Nearest airport is Gwalior Airport, which is 134 km from Shivpuri .

See also

* Madhav National Park
* Dhala crater
* Government Medical College, Shivpuri
* List of cities in Madhya Pradesh

Shivpuri Mandi BHav
/ref>

References

{{Authority control

Cities in Madhya Pradesh