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Shivpuri
Shivpuri, in the
state of Madhya Pradesh, was once the summer capital of the Scindia
clan of Gwalior. Prior to that, its thick forests were the hunting
grounds of Emperor Akbar. They were home to the tiger, and the site of
many a grand shikar, resulting in several big cats being 'bagged' by
royal huntsmen. The sylvan surroundings and an other - worldly aura
that it exuded, made it the natural choice as the summer resort
capital of the Scindias. Shivpuri's royal ambience still lives on in
its majestic palaces, hunting lodges, exquisitely adorned chhatries
(cenotaphs) built by the Scindias.
Once the playground and retreat of the royalty, today Shivpuri houses
a wildlife sanctuary and thus, holds hope for the conservation of the
fast depleting animal kingdom.
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