Mitavali - Padhavali: A song in ruins

Being at Mitavali

A very small dusty hamlet off NH-3, its hidden and forgotten treasures are most definitely overlooked. All is not lost though, thanks to the efforts of the Archaeology Department of India things are definitely looking brighter. The approach roads are now in shape and if you happen to travel to Gwalior from Delhi by road, make sure you don’t give this place a miss.

Mitavali-Padhavali are twin towns of the yesteryears and current twin villages and they have something striking hidden under their sleeves. Let us try to uncover the mysteries of this place sequentially.

What to visit/do in Mitavali

          Chausath Yogini Temple: One of the best preserved Yogini temples in the country. This temple is cited to be the source of inspiration for our Sansad Bhavan or the parliament house situated in New Delhi. One can just marvel at the immaculate symmetry of architecture, the craftsmanship of the inner sanctorum and one’s head will automatically bow down in reverence to the Mahadev to whom the temple is dedicated. As one sits at the temple's facade atop a hill with sun slowing turning red, all sense of time is forgotten

        Padhavali Gadhi Shiva Temple: There exists a well-preserved highly ornate temple of Shiva of which only the majestically carved rangamandapa and porch survives. The complex has been preserved mostly due to the adherence of locals towards Shaivism. This is truly an architecture lover's delight with multitude of Brahamincal deities of Mahakali, Surya, Parvati, Ganesh, Kartikeya,Krishna, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Vidyadharas and Apsaras are aplenty. Just take your time and let it all soak in. 

Where to eat

There are hardly any options to eat in Mitavali, make sure you pack your picnic baskets with ample amount of potable water. Alternatively one can make a stop at innumerous road side Dhabas at the highway which serve lip-smacking North Indian fare with Dal-fry and Gobi Sabzi (Cauliflower-potato) being the specialty.

So...

Despite the negative news hogging all headlines, there is something genuinely beautiful occurring in India. Some of its share can be attributed to ASI which has done a commendable job in preserving this song in architecture. We are the largest democracy in the world, sansad despite its all ill-borne attachments is considered the temple of democracy. So why not paying a visit to it's own inspiration. Right??

!Mitavali Tip!

There are two approach roads one from Gwalior-Morena section and another Gwalior-Bhind section, one should prefer the Morena section. The temples are extremely pet-friendly so if you are carrying your adopted child around, let them have an excursion too.

Reaching Mitavali

Gwalior should be made as base (Approx 40 kms away) after which one can hit NH92 till Gironghi and can follow the diversion till Mitaoli. Alternately one can hit NH3 till Milawali and then take a diversion via Aiti to reach Mitaoli. Accommodation of all sorts is available in Gwalior