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Introduction
Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh is one of India’s most celebrated national parks. Located in the Shivpuri district, Madhav National Park in Shivpuri was the royal hunting reserve of the Scindia rulers of Gwalior, featuring the historic George Castle.
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Madhya Pradesh |
| Districts | Shivpuri |
| Year of Notification | 1958 |
| Total Area | 354 sq km |
| Landscape | Dry deciduous forest, open grassy pastures, and twin lake reservoirs. |
| Major Rivers & Waterbodies | Sakhya Sagar Lake (Ramsar Site) and Madhav Sagar Lake fed by Manier River |
| Nearest Airport | Gwalior Airport (GWL) – 125 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Shivpuri Railway Station (SVPI) – 5 km / Gwalior Junction – 125 km |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
Location
The national park lies in the Shivpuri region of Madhya Pradesh. On Agra-Mumbai Highway (NH-46) near Shivpuri town.
History
Notified in 1958; Sakhya Sagar Lake inside park declared a Ramsar Site in 2022.
Landscape, Geography & Habitat
Covering an expansive area of 354 sq km, the park’s terrain features Dry deciduous forest, open grassy pastures, and twin lake reservoirs.
Flora
Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Dry deciduous forest, open grassy pastures, and twin lake reservoirs.
Fauna
Primary Mammals & Key Species: Tiger (re-introduced in 2023), Leopard, Striped Hyena, Sloth Bear, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chital, Sambar Deer, and Marsh Crocodile.
Other Wild Animals & Wildlife
Avifauna & Bird Species: Sakhya Sagar Lake Ramsar Site attracts Marsh Harrier, Pintail, Pochard, Pelican, Flamingo, Saras Crane, Cormorant, and Pied Kingfisher.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The lifeline of Madhav National Park is sustained by: Sakhya Sagar Lake (Ramsar Site) and Madhav Sagar Lake fed by Manier River.
Other Attractions
Major nearby tourist attractions, historic monuments, and viewpoints include: George Castle (inside park summit), Scindia Chhatris Shivpuri (8 km), Bhadaiya Kund Hot Springs (6 km).
Weather & Climate
Continental climate (8°C to 44°C).
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Gwalior Airport (GWL) – 125 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Shivpuri Railway Station (SVPI) – 5 km / Gwalior Junction – 125 km
- Road Connectivity: On Agra-Mumbai Highway (NH-46) near Shivpuri town.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal tourism season for wildlife viewing in Madhav National Park is from October to March.
Accommodation
MP Tourism Tourist Village Shivpuri.. Advance booking through official State Tourism or Forest Department portals is highly recommended.
Conservation Highlights
Reintroduced Tigers in 2023 to restore upper Vindhyan predator balance.
Visitor Tips
Visit George Castle built at the park’s highest point for spectacular lake sunset views.
Did You Know?
- Features George Castle, built in 1911 for British King George V’s tiger hunt.
- Contains Sakhya Sagar Lake, designated a UNESCO Ramsar Wetland Site in 2022.
- Tigers successfully reintroduced to the park in March 2023.
Last Updated: August 2026