Excursions in Gwalior

Shivpuri
hivpuri is steeped in the royal legacy of its past, when it was the summer capital of the Scindhia rulers of Gwalior. And earlier, its dense forests were the hunting grounds of the Mughals emperor when great herds of elephants were captured by Emperor Akbar. Much later, it was the Tiger that roamed the wooded hills and many a magnificent beast was 'bagged' by royal Shikaris. Today Shivpuri is a sanctuary for rare wildlife and fauna.

Chanderi
Chanderi is a town of historical importance in Ashoknagar District of Madhya Pradesh state in India. It is situated at a distance of 127 km from Shivpuri, 37 km from Lalitpur, 55 km from Ashok Nagar and about 45 km from Esagarh It is surrounded by hills southwest of the Betwa River. Chanderi is surrounded by hills, lakes and forests and there are several monuments of the Bundela Rajputs and Malwa sultans. Chanderi finds mention in Mahabharata. Shishupal was the king of Mahabharata period.

Orchha
Orchha is the erstwhile capital city of the Bundela rulers. The town is steeped in history and is famous for its palaces and temples built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The architectural splendor of the monuments in Orchha reflects the glory of its rulers. The Betwa River, on whose banks Orchha lies, and the forests around it attract tourist to this place.

Sonagiri
This sacred place is popular among devotees & ascetic saints to practice for self-discipline, austerity and to attain Nirvana (Salvation) since the time of BhagwanChandraprabhu (The 8th Teerthankar), Five & half Crores of ascetic saints have achived salvation (Moksha or Nirvana) from here.

Datia
Peetambra Peeth" is located near the city. Peetambra Peeth is the famous "Sakti-Peeth" of the country. Sh. Golokwasi Swamiji Maharaj established "Bagla Mukhi Devi" and "Dhumawati Mai" at this place. Vankhandeshwar Temple at Peetambra-Peeth is one of the Mahabharat-Kaleen temple of Shiva.

Jhansi
One of the most important venues of India’s first war of independence in 1857 and the erstwhile capital of Rani Lakshmibai’s kingdom. Jhansi serves as the gateway to Bundelkhand region. Along with Jhansi, Panna, Orchha and Khajuraho are some of the prominent places which fall under Bundelkhand region.

Tigra Dam
Tigra dam is located in the outskirts of Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) and it is the primary source of drinking water for Gwalior city. If you visited all the famous tourist places of city and want to spend some time in natural place, then you must give it a try. The dam was constructed about hundred years ago and the reservoir has a capacity of 4.8 million cubic meters.

Madhav National Park
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.

Mitaoli
Mitaoli is a village where the popular Chausath Yogini Temple lies - The temple is perched atop a hill surrounded by the lush greenery. A climb of approximately 100 steps will take you to the beauty of this splendid round temple. The striking views will definitely have you reaching for your camera too! As claimed by etchings and engravings in the temple, the ancient shrine is said to have been built by the Maharaja Devapala. In fact, the Parliament House in New Delhi is believed to have been inspired from the circular design and architectural intricacies of the Mitaoli temple! It is also said that Mitaoli, Padavali and Bateshwar made a golden triangle in which a university existed about a 1000 years ago! The alleged teaching centre was said to be a hub to impart education in Mathematics, Astrology and Hinduism to the children with the help of sun rays!

Padavali
The notable Padavali fortress was built in the 18th century by the Jat Ranas rulers of Dhaulpur. Graciously guarded by a lion and lioness, the fort also has a temple that once served as a divine place to worship Lord Shiva. Every stone used in the fortification and in the making of the temple has something to convey about the ancient era through its inscription and detailing!

Bateshwar
The site is not just about one temple; the Bateshwar temples are a cluster of almost 200 mini grandeurs made of sandstone, devoted to lords Shiva and Vishnu. Spread over 25 acres, these shrines were built across slanted hills near Padavali. The temples were constructed in the 8th to 10th century AD probably during the Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty. Interestingly, the jungle nearby is full of beautiful birds like peacocks, parakeets and kingfishers. One can often spot the national bird perching and posing on the rooftop of the temples.