Survaya ki Garhi, located 20 km outside Shivpuri, is one of the Narwar town’s historical jewels. Noteworthy for the remains of a fort, three Hindu temples, a monastery and a step-well, the fort complex was earlier called “Saraswati Pattam.” Among the many stone-carved statues in the temples, one beautiful statue is of Lord Vishnu riding on Garuda. The ceiling here has flowers carved on it, and the pillars stand out with the most stunning architecture of stone-carved sculptures. ASI recognised Survaya ki Garhi as a hidden heritage gem of the state, representing the beautiful Kachchh Apnakhata architectural style.
About Survaya Ki Garhi
Image Credit: Madhya Pradesh Tourism for Facebook
Hidden near Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh is a small fortress, no less than a reservoir of architectural brilliance and cultural richness. The Survaya Ki Garhi is a hidden jewel of heritage in MP, essential to the state. Located 20 km outside of Shivpuri, close to the Shivpuri–Jhansi Road, lies the small town called Survaya Ki Garhi. A serene lake adds to the old-world charm of this small and quaint town. An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is also located in the town, making it historically significant. It used to be known as ‘Saraswati Pattam’. With the new-age modern developments around the city, it is not difficult to feel like a tourist in Rome when every turn leads to an ancient relic right next to the modern buildings.
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Architecture Surrounding Survaya ki Garhi
Image Credit: Madhya Pradesh Tourism for Facebook
While it is a small fort (garhi) complex with a moat, it was initially a Hindu monastery partially destroyed by a local Mughal chieftain and subsumed to make the current castle complex. One can see the difference between the small stone pieces for later buildings and the larger and less smooth ones used to construct the temples and the monastery building. It was partially restored in 1916 by the British. The group of temples belong to the period of 10th-11th century. The Survaya ki Garhi, on the inside, hosts a group of temple & monastery fortresses built much later, probably to prevent the invaders from destroying the temples.
Among the treasures, the architectural pattern owes itself to the Kachchaphaghta style of early mediaeval India, where the themes of music, dance, and demi-gods are visible in the gorgeous sculptures. The sculpture of Lord Ganesh is depicted on the column of the wall. Amongst the many stone-carved sculptures in the temples, a particularly striking one is that of Lord Vishnu on his Vahana Garuda. The roof here is carved into floral patterns. The pillars here stand out, having the most beautiful architecture of stone-carved sculptures. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva and faces the west. The Garhi is an auditorium that is entirely built out of stone. One can imagine the echoes of the dance recitals and musicals from long ago still lingering in the auditorium. The temple is very well preserved- the grounds are immaculate and well maintained and look as preserved as they were 1000 years back.
Places To Visit Near Survaya Ki Garhi
Embark on your journey by visiting the top places near this major attraction. Here are some of them.
1. Narwar Fort
The Narwar fort dates back to the mediaeval era and lies atop a hill. Located 41 km away, it was said to have been rebuilt by the Kachhwaha Rajputs when they took control of Narwar town in the 10th century. The fort is a spectacle of beauty, featuring stunning Rajputana-style architecture with flat ceilings, fluted columns, and gracefully crafted multifold arches that echo the town’s rich heritage.
Location: Ward No 10, Narwar, Madhya Pradesh 473880
Timings: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
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2. Sheopur Fort
Image Credit: Ritukejai for Wikimedia Commons
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Sheopur town, the Sheopur Fort reminds us of the past, with marks on its walls narrating stories of a bygone era. On the top, outdoors, you get the feel of Diwan-e-Khas, overlooking the small river as you gaze down upon the fort walls. The detailed architecture inside the fort is a testament to the town’s historically rich heritage that is bound to leave you enchanted.
Location: MM5V+GR7, 476337, Kila Rd, Karnal Bazar, Sheopur, Mithepura, Madhya Pradesh 476337
Timings: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday
3. Dob Kund
Image Credit: Spoorthi Jain for Facebook
Situated on the Goras-Sheopur road, approximately 55 km from Sheopur town, Dob Kund beckons tourists with its scenic allure. This enchanting water body, formed by the union of two natural ponds, serves as a serene escape near Shivpuri. Its historical tapestry unfolds across civilisations, from the prehistoric age to the present day, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
Location: P2CJ+6J4, Dobh, Madhya Pradesh 476355
Timings: Open 24 hours a day
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How To Reach Survaya Ki Garhi
Survaya ki Garhi is located in Shivpuri, a small town in Madhya Pradesh. Shivpuri is a beautiful town, and the best way to reach it is to take a flight to Gwalior and then a taxi to Shivpuri. However, there are other options, which are now discussed.
By Road: Shivpuri is well connected with other cities in MP. From Gwalior airport, Shivpuri is only 116 km if you travel by NH46. Shivpuri has regular bus services to major cities, such as Gwalior and Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, and Jhansi. There is a bus service to Aligarh and another to Agra, Udaipur, Kanpur and Noida. Travellers who have done the Lucknow to Ahmedabad via Jhansi and Shivpuri say that the roads are good, with four lanes and little or no traffic.
By Rail: Shivpuri is a railhead in MP. The station has two platforms and is well connected by services with Delhi, Mumbai, Gwalior, Pune, and Chandigarh, among many other cities. Three weekly trains run from Delhi to Shivpuri, which is 431 km away. Similarly, trains from Mumbai to Shivpuri take around 20 hours to reach the destination.
By Air: Shivpuri does not have an airport, but you can take a taxi or bus to Gwalior, 116 km away. Alternatively, you can fly to Agra Kheria, 196 km from Shivpuri. Taxis and buses to Shivpuri are available there.
Further Read: Orchha Sanctuary
Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation, including seeing the beautiful architecture of Survaya ki Garhi in Shivpuri, make sure you plan your trip to Madhya Pradesh to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities; book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Survaya Ki Garhi
Where is Survaya ki Garhi located?
Survaya ki Garhi is located in a small town named Shivpuri in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh
Who built Survaya ki Garhi?
It was built by a local king known as Avantivarman for his guru Purandar and was part of 5 such monasteries in the area.
What's the best time to visit Survaya ki Garhi?
The best time to visit this location is during winter because it offers comfortable travel conditions and cooler temperatures compared to other seasons.
Summers generally bring temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius, and the scorching heat can make sightseeing uncomfortable.
Is Shivpuri an excellent town to visit?
Shivpuri, formerly known as Sipri, is a quaint city renowned for its tropical deciduous forests, peaceful surroundings, and old-world charm. Located approximately 120 km south of Gwalior, it is blessed with diverse flora and fauna and marvellous architectural complexes. It is a must-visit town.
What are some of the must-visit places near Survaya ki Garhi?
Shivpuri is home to several architectural gems that bear witness to its long history of governance by various families, including the Mughals, Marathas, Rajputs of Narwar, and Scindias. These include the intricately embellished Royal Chhatris, George Castle, and the nearby Narwar Fort, among other architectural marvels.
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