Shivpuri`s main attraction, Madhav National Park, stretches over an area of 355 sq km. the park boasts a fascinating mix of natural beauty, history and architectural wonders. The flora comprises tropical dry, deciduous and mixed type forest and a lake ecosystem, as well as dry thorn forest, typical of northwestern Madhya Pradesh. The two lakes within the park – Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar – named after the Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia and Madho Rao Scindia – provide a permanent water swource to the wildlife and wetlands to the aquatic fauna. The park is open throughout the year and affords plenty of time to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Carry a pair of binoculars for easy viewing. The dominating carnivore in the park is the leopard. It can be relatively hard to spot, although lucky visitors may glimpse one in the early morning hours or at twilight. Wild dogs (dholes) and Indian wild boar are often seen along the banks of Sakhya Sagar Lake. The park is also home to wolves, jungle cats, hyenas, foxes, jackals. Dholes have occasionally also been spotted on the Agra-Mumbai Road and on the road to Jhansi, located near the park. The most easily seen animals are the herbivores. The park has a sizeable population of cheetals. Sambars, chowsinghas and blackbucks. In addition to this, small animals like jungle cats, monitor lizards and black napes can be seen along the forest trails. Hanumana langurs or grey langurs jumping from one tree to another, or sitting along the road nibbing on fruit, are also a common sight. Orinthologists will have a field day here since the park has rich avifauna. Birds are aplenty in Side Park and near Sakhya Sagar. Bareheaded geese, paradise fly catchers, demoiselle cranes, darter or snake birds, little grebe or dabchicks, grey partridges, rosy pelicans, white bucked or Bangal vultures are all seen in abundance here. Watching peacocks dance along the lake in the monsoons is quite an unforgettable experience. Visitors can also spend wome time in the Sailing club at the Sakhya Sagar Lake to observe the resident crocodiles and exquisite aquatic birds or relax on the banks of the Madhav Sagar, which seems like an oasis in a desert, and is full of blooming lotuses. In fact, this whole park has a serene environment, far removed from the chaos of cities. The natural aroma of the trees, the silence, broken only by birdcalls, and verdant environs soothe the city-weary soul like nothing else. For those who love nature, this park is the complete package. Close to the park lies the Bhadaiya Kund. The water of this spring is said to have curative powers, apparently because it collects minerals along its path, which get dissolved in it. At the highest point deep inside the park stands the incongerously named George Castle, which was built in 1911 by Madho Rao Scindia of the Gwalior royal family to host King George V. the king spotted a tiger on the way to the park and shot it, satisfying the purpose of his visit, and thus never went to Madhav National Park at all. However, the two-storeyed dwarf castle still remains. Set amid the dense forest, it offers a splendid view of Shivpuri and the point where the three lakes – Sakhya Sagar, Madhav Sagar and Jadav Sagar – meet. Besides the palace, Tunda Bhakra spring, the Bhura Khoh waterfall and the ancient Churan Chaj rock painting site are definitely worth a visit.