Chhatri Monument

Situated at a distance of 121 km away from Gwalior, Shivpuri is a small town of Madhya Pradesh. The place is a stunning amalgamation of Hindu and Mughal cultures and has been a residence of the royalty in its glorious past. This place is also well known for the chhatris or chhatri monuments. The chhatris are a visual treat that speaks about the rich heritage of India. The chhatri monuments in Shivpuri are a perfect mix of Mughal and Hindu architecture. These beautiful structures were set in a Mughal garden and were made under the reign of the Scindia clan of Gwalior. The entire monument is highly admired for its architectural grandeur.

Surrounded by huge trees, dense shrubs, and green orchards, chhatris in Shivpuri look remarkably beautiful. Visitors are sure to be highly impressed by them. The garden in which the chhatris are set is very fascinating. There are various gorgeous flower plants within the complex and pathways are made, which intersect the garden. The garden is bordered with ornamental balustrades and Victorian lamps are installed to illuminate it.

History Of Chhatri Monument, Shivpuri:

Chhatris in Shivpuri are the tombs of late Scindia rulers Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia and Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia. Since Shivpuri was the summer capital of Scindia rulers, chhatris have been erected here.

Architecture Of Chhatri Monument, Shivpuri:

Made up of marble, these chhatris are elegantly decorated. This marble tribute to Madhav Rao Scindia is specifically impressive as it was inlaid with many semi-precious gems and embroidered with delicate screens that were reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. It is also believed to be the last example of pietra dura inlay work executed on such a great scale. The architectural style of these chhatris is a seamless blend of Islamic and Hindu influences with shikhara-type spires and Mughal and Rajput pavilions. Solid silver doors of the chhatris lead visitors into a spacious hall where the seams of the pillars and the roof were ornamented with pure gold. The chhatris of Madhav Rao Scindia and Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia stand facing each other and there is a water tank in between these two structures.

Tucked away in one section of the gardens here, there is a small memorial constructed in the same pietra dura inlay style. This memorial is dedicated to the Madhav Rao Scindia II who died in an air crash.

Best Time To Visit Here:

As Shivpuri is a popular tourist destination of Madhya Pradesh, it is frequented by tourists throughout the year. During summers, the temperature in Shivpuri soars up to 40 degrees Celsius and traveling throughout the city during this time will be unfavorable and exhausting. The winters in Shivpuri are very pleasant and the average temperature remains at 11 degrees Celsius which is perfect to visit Chhatri Monument and other places of interest in and around the place. So, the best time to visit Chhatri Monument in Shivpuri is from the months of December to February. Shivpuri experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, so one should avoid visiting Shivpuri in this period.

How To Reach Here:

As Shivpuri has well connectivity with the major towns and cities of Madhya Pradesh, there is no problem in reaching the place. Once you reach Shivpuri, you can easily get a bus, taxi, cab or auto-rickshaw to reach Chhatri Monument.

• By Air- If you are interested in traveling by air, take a flight till Gwalior and then reach Shivpuri by taking a bus or hiring a car. Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Air Terminal (Gwalior Airport) is the nearest airdrome and it will take 2 hours 48 minutes from the airport to reach the destination. The airport is at a distance of 125.6 Km from Shivpuri.

• By Train- Shivpuri has rail links with major other cities like Bhopal (300 Km), Indore (400 Km), Delhi (400 Km). People can also take a train till Gwalior and then reach Shivpuri by bus or taxi.

• By Road- Shivpuri connects several important cities by road like Delhi (400 Km), Indore (400 Km), Bhopal (300 Km), Jhansi (100 Km), and many more.

Nearby Attractions Here:

While visiting the Chhatri monument in Shivpuri, visitors can explore some other attractions here like Sakhya Sagar Lake, Survaya ki Garhi, Pawa Waterfalls, Shivpuri District Museum, Madikheda Dam, Bhadiya Kund, Karera Bird Sanctuary, Madhav Vilas Palace, Narwar Fort, and many more.