During the reign of the Mughals in India, Madhya Pradesh was frequented by the kings and their courtesans for hunting. One of the most prominent spots for such endeavours is known to be Shivpuri, a district in Gwalior. The town was then covered in dense forests, making it perfect for hunting holidays. Later on, the Scindia rulers added to the beauty of this lush town and constructed palaces and royal lodges. Among the lot of them, the George Castle in Madhav National Park is one of the most prominent ones.
George Castle Was Originally Built For King George V
This exquisite piece of architecture was built by Jivaji Rao Scindia more than a century ago, in 1911. It is situated in the heart of this dense national park. The primary motive behind constructing this two-storey castle was to aid in the stay of the king of the United Kingdom, George V. That year, the king planned to visit the national park for a tiger hunt during his trip to India. However, this castle with exquisite English tiles and magnificent windows ended up being abandoned after the king killed a tiger on his way and didn’t feel the need to spend the night there.
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Explore The Wilderness Of Madhav National Park
Nevertheless, this castle offers a stunning view of the wilderness that surrounds it. From nilgai, sloth bears, and wild pigs to black bucks and jackals, you can spot many wild animals from the top of this castle. Right next to the castle, you can also find the intersection of three beautiful lakes: Madhav Sagar, Sakhya Sagar, and Jadhav Sagar. It might not have served the purpose for which it was constructed, but it is still a cherished structure with architecture worth marvelling at. It also serves as a great place to soak in the beauty and wilderness of the vast national park.
Reaching Shivpuri is quite convenient, no matter your mode of transport. You can either fly to Gwalior Airport and take a 3-hour drive to Shivpuri or take a train directly to Shivpuri station. You can also cover the distance via road if you’re travelling from nearby cities.
During your visit to the Madhav National Park, be sure to take a halt at George Castle to gaze at a panoramic view of the Kardhai forests.
Where: Madhav National Park, Gwalior
When: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: ₹600 (Indians) | ₹1650 (Foreigners)
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons