Location
Located in the Shivpuri District of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Madhav National Park covers a total area of 375.22 km2. The place was used as a shooting reserve of the Maharaja. Note that the Maharaja belonged to Gwalior. Madhav National Park, named after Madho Rao Scindia, was officially declared a National Park in 1959. The park fascinates tourists with its beautiful surroundings that comprise castles, dense woodlands, and lakes. The beauty of Madhav National Park is intensified by the presence of the two lakes – Madhav Sagar and Sakhya, located at the center of its forested ambiance. These lakes support the life of several animals, including reptiles and migratory birds.
History and Geography
Madhav National Park was initially a shooting reserve for the Maharaja of Gwalior. Before it became a shooting reserve, it was used as a hunting ground by the Mughal emperors. This place, full of tigers, was named after Madho Rao Scindia. This forest is believed to have supported the existence of numerous elephants and as per legend, Emperor Akbar captured some in 1564. When British King V was passing by during his visit in 1911, the exquisite George Castle was hurriedly constructed to beautify the place in respect of his visit. The castle was established deep inside Madhav National Park and at its highest point.
Geographically, Madhav National Park is situated in Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh, India. The park is just at the base of the Great Vindhyan Range. It has a forest that contains a combination of deciduous trees, beautiful grassland, and little stony hills. The place experiences a maximum temperature of 47 degrees C and a minimum of 4 degrees C.
Habitat and Biodiversity
The Madhav National Park is supportive and habitable for a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The dominant flora includes dhawda, tendu, kerdhai, and salai among others. The place is also habitable to different types of animals. We have mammals, birds, and reptiles in this park. The dominant fauna include:
Mammals
Examples are chinkara, tiger, Indian gazelle, nilgai, chital, sambar, black buck, chausingha, leopard, sloth bear, striped hyena, langur, jackal, etc.
Birds
Examples found here are red wattled lapwing, pond heron, large pied wagtail, cormorant, white-breasted kingfisher, white ibis, purple sunbird, laggar falcon, golden oriole, paradise flycatcher, migratory geese oriole, white ibis, pochard pintail, painted stork, etc.
Tourism
The Madhav National Park offers a very stunning and spectacular site for visitors from all over the world. The most convenient days to visit are between May and November. In that period, the weather conditions are favorable and visitors can peacefully tour all the sites. The gates remain open from 6.30 AM to 12 Noon and 2.30 PM to 6.00 PM. The entry fees are as follows:
Indians pay Rs. 15/- per person
Foreigners pay Rs. 150/- per person
A vehicle entry will cost additional charges: Rs. 50
The closest airport is Gwalior, 120 km from Madhav National Park. The airport is well connected by road to the National Park. The Jhansi railway station is the nearest, about 95 km away from the park. This railway is also well linked to the road network. The Madhav National Park can be visited from all Indian cities via the vast road networks.
Threats and Conservation
The Madhav National Park should be protected from pollution and poachers. It is believed that the park was full of elephants, which were killed and taken away by poachers. The animals remaining in the park are susceptible to poaching and killing. The state government is working closely to ensure security for all the flora and fauna. The Madhav Saga and Sakhya Rivers must be protected at all times. They are the major water source for many park animals including beautiful migratory birds. They must be secured from unnecessary pollution and contamination that may kill both the aquatic and terrestrial life they support.
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