Some vacations come with an extended itinerary. In my case, this was barely the case, since I only wanted to escape the crowds when planning my trip to Shivpuri. Step by step, the place showed its secrets of past royal glory, lush paths, and serene wild waters. I enjoyed taking in the environment without rushing from site to site. I was captivated by the marble chhatris, the secrets of history, the wild animals at Madhav National Park, and the pleasant weather, which enabled me to enjoy each kilometre on the road. The key feature of my trip to Shivpuri was the two types of heritage: natural and historical.
Why Shivpuri caught my attention
Shivpuri is not a commercially popular safari destination. It is a real mystery for tourists and travellers. You can find forests, wildlife, and royal history here without thousands of tourists. Learning about the town, I discovered that Shivpuri gives many opportunities for quiet and slow trips.
Arriving at open spaces in Shivpuri
The first thing I was happy to experience at Shivpuri was the environment. It was lighter compared to the crowded city I had left behind. There were wide roads leading into the town and lined by many huge trees.
Walking through Shivpuri’s Scindia chhatris
The Scindia chhatris are white marble tombs built in honour of the royal family ruling this area. These domes and pillars are beautifully decorated with elaborate carvings. I strolled around enjoying the different pieces of art. The historical surroundings made the whole experience enjoyable.
A morning inside Shivpuri’s Madhav National Park
Madhav National Park is located on the outskirts and was traditionally used by the Scindia rulers as a hunting site. I had booked an early morning safari to spend my day peacefully with nature. At least a few deer crossed our way at a short distance.
Finding hotels in Shivpuri close to the park
Staying near Madhav National Park made the early safari timing far easier to manage. I looked at a few hotels in Shivpuri before the trip and picked one just a short drive from the park gate. That choice saved time every morning and meant I never rushed through breakfast.
The calm waters of Shivpuri’s Sakhya Sagar
Sakhya Sagar Lake is within a national park surrounded by thick forests. I arrived at the banks of the lake in the late afternoon when the water appeared golden. There were a few birds flying over the lake without much disturbance. I spent almost an hour watching the changing light.
George Castle in Shivpuri and its unfinished story
George Castle is located on the hillside near the lake where it was built to welcome King George V for a hunting expedition. However, the visit never took place, and the building remained unused. Walking through its empty hallways made me feel strange due to the silence.
Evenings around Shivpuri
Shivpuri is a small town, and when evening falls, the rhythm becomes slow. I walked in the local market where I came across shops selling convenience products instead of souvenirs. The tea shop near the intersection became a spot I would visit every evening.
What I would tell anyone visiting Shivpuri
If you go to Shivpuri, make sure you schedule at least one early morning safari because it provides the best chance of wildlife spotting. You should also reserve enough time to understand the chhatris and enjoy the experience instead of hurrying through it. If wildlife viewing is the main purpose of your visit, ensure you book accommodation close to the national park. Keep the evening for strolling slowly in town.
Final thoughts
My trip to Shivpuri has changed my understanding of travel that revolves around grand plans and big events. I now know that sometimes the most important moments are the smallest ones. For instance, a morning safari in the forest, the peaceful surroundings at Sakhya Sagar, the impressive ornaments of the chhatris, and the empty rooms of George Castle provided me with numerous unforgettable impressions.
