Ancient Indian texts refer to the Chambal as the Charmanyavati - originating from the blood of thousands of cows sacrificed by the Aryan King Rantideva. Its ‘unholy’ origins have certainly helped the Chambal survive and thrive untouched and unpolluted, and it remains one of India’s most pristine rivers.

Granted Protected Area Status in 1979 to help revive Gharial populations decimated by indiscriminate poaching, the NCS is an IUCN Category IV (Managed Nature Reserve) lying in the Indus-Ganges Monsoon Forest belt.

The Sanctuary begins downstream of the Kota barrage in Rajasthan. The sanctuary’s lower limit is near Panchnada, approximately 5 km after the confluence of the Chambal and the Yamuna at Bhareh, in Uttar Pradesh.

The NCS is one of the last surviving habitats of the Gangetic River Dolphin.

• Provides protection for 1200 Gharials & 300 Marsh Crocodiles.
• Home to eight species of Turtles.
• Home to Smooth coated Otters.

The Sanctuary boasts of a rapidly increasing and impressive bird list of over 290 species of resident and migratory birds and is gaining a reputation as one of the most reliable places to see the Indian Skimmer.

Best Seasons

October to March

Nearest Airport

Agra/Delhi

Nearest  Rail Stations

Agra

Logistics

Accomodation in Chambal Safari Lodge (link to chambal safari lodge)

Main Attraction

Accompanied by experienced local guides and naturalists, the we helps visitors explore the Chambal Valley at their own pace; on boats, camels, jeeps or on foot.

The calm and gentle Chambal of the winter is a raging beast in the monsoon months. The monsoon waters recede to expose the most dazzling white sands. The Chambal Safari Base Camp is set up every season on one of these beautiful river beaches. The Chambal Safari motorboats are stationed at the base camp, from where the river safaris commence. The base camp is also the starting point for the nature walks, camel and jeep safaris.

THE RIVER SAFARI
The calm and gentle waters of the Chambal River are best explored on boats and the River Safari provides spectacular opportunities to view the wildlife. The Chambal Safari boatmen are exceptionally skilled at cutting the boat engines, and manoeuvring as close to the birds and animals as possible without disturbing them. Trained naturalists accompany visitors and provide expert information on the Chambal wildlife. The River Safari is a most relaxing, enjoyable and special experience.

NATURE WALKS
The Chambal Safari organises special Nature Walks along the river banks, around the ravines and in the fields surrounding the National Chambal Sanctuary. Morning and afternoon and late evening rambles are also organised in and around the Chambal Safari Lodge grounds and surrounding farmland.

THE CAMEL SAFARI
Camels remain an important mode of transport for man and goods alike. They are also an ideal means for exploring the ravines of the NCS and searching for the wildlife that have made these ravines their home. Be transported back in time as you amble along long forgotten trails and pathways on these haughty beasts, with their snootily upturned noses and disdainfully curled lips. One may take a Camel Safari along the river banks, into the ravines, through villages and up to Fort Ater.

JEEP SAFARI
The Chambal Safari also organises jeep safaris into remote and inaccessible parts of the Chambal Valley. These Jeep Safaris are particularly productive in the months of October, November, late February and March, when large herds of Blackbuck can be seen