Chambal National Park | Chambal Sanctuary

Chambal Sanctuary

A paradise for birdwatchers and photographers, this first riverine sanctuary in India, the National Chambal Sanctuary, is also a refuge for rare and endangered species such as the Ganges River Dolphin. It is located just 80 kilometers drive from Agra, the home of Taj Mahal. Its location is at the convergence of three states: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The first look at the place will impress you with its scenic vistas: deep ravines and scrub forests that have hidden generations of outlaws for centuries.

History

National Chambal Sanctuary, also called the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary is 5,400 sq km, established for the protection of the critically endangered Gharial, the red-crowned Roof Turtle and the endangered Ganges River Dolphin. Located on the Chambal River, it was first declared a sanctuary in 1978. It constitutes a long narrow eco-reserve. Its ravines are stretching over two-to-six-kilometer wide. Within the protected area, the pristine Chambal river cuts through mazes of ravines and hills with many sandy beaches. An exciting place to visit is nearby is Bateshwar village & Bateshwar Nath temple, it is full of bells offered as a gift to the deity. In the forecourt of the temple, hanging from trees and brackets are scores of bells of all kinds.

Chambal River

The river is abode to eight types of tortoises, over 30 kinds of fishes, marsh crocodiles, critically endangered Gangetic Dolphin and Smooth-Coated otters. From October till March, the wetlands of Chambal act as a temporary home to a myriad species which migrate from their native habitat of Europe, China, Serbia and Mangolia. The sanctuary boasts an impressive list of over 330 species of resident and migratory birds including the Indian Skimmer, Coots & Flamingos. The best way to explore the sanctuary is by a boat safari, which will let you discover many birds and aquatic animals. It is also possible to do Camel Safari and walking here.

Bateshwar Fair

Every year In October - November, a large cattle fair is held at Bateshwar. It coincides with the most auspicious period for praying at Bateshwar and is an important event for saints, sadhus, tradesmen and villagers alike. The fair attracts large numbers of Camels, Horses, Oxen, Elephants, and other cattle, as well as a multitude of merchants selling everything from traditional cooking utensils and spices to locally made furniture, handicrafts and cosmetics. The fair provides a colourful, vibrant, and entirely authentic glimpse of rural Indian life.

Getting There:
Chambal sanctuary is located just 1.5 hrs / 80 kilometres from Agra & about 5 hours from Delhi.

Recommended Circuit:
Tigers & Birds and Culture: Delhi - Chambal Sanctuary - Agra – Taj Mahal - Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - Ranthambhore - Jaipur

Birds of Central India: Delhi - Bharatpur - Chambal Sanctuary - Agra - Bhopal -Satpura - Pench - Tadoba NP - Nagpur -Mumbai

Temple & Tiger: Delhi - Chambal Sanctuary - Agra - Khajuraho - Panna - Bandhavgarh - Jabalpur - Delhi

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