Chambal
Overview - Chambal
The Chambal Valley is synonymous with legendary tales of bandits. That phase is done and dusted, and there is now a modern conservation success story which is the Chambal National Sanctuary – one of the last refuges of the Gharial crocodile– the most critically endangered species amongst various important species of wildlife and birds occurring at Chambal.
The Sanctuary in totality is spread out between 3 states of India : Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Chambal River originates in the Vindhyan Mountains of Central India, and is a tributary of the River Yamuna, forming large Ravines and creating a maze of Mud-cliffs which provide nesting grounds for birds, reptiles and crustaceans of the area.
The habitat around the river is mostly Tropical Scrub Forest. Here, there are over 300 species of birds recorded in addition to various reptiles and freshwater mammals.
Best Time to Visit Chambal
The place witnesses wide variations in climatic conditions. Being in North India, the region experiences hot and dry summers. Winters make for the ideal time for bird watchers when the temperatures average a pleasant 10-32 degrees. Monsoons are not advisable as undertaking the boat ride becomes risky.
Highlight Species - Chambal
- Indian Skimmer
- Black-bellied Tern
- Black-necked Stork
- Sarus Crane
- White-tailed Lapwing
- Grey-headed Lapwing
- Indian Courser
- Pallas’ Gull
- Pallas’ Fish Eagle
- Pallid Harrier
- Marsh Harrier
- Indian Eagle Owl
- Brown Hawk Owl
- Short-eared Owl
- Long-legged Buzzard
- Egyptian Vulture
- Bonelli’s Eagle
- Booted Eagle
- Tawny Eagle
- Indian Spotted Eagle
- Peregrine Falcon
- Osprey
- Desert Wheatear
- Bar-headed Goose
- Ferruginous Duck
- Great-crested Grebe
- Comb Duck
- Greater Flamingo
- Lesser Flamingo
- Asian Openbill
Types of Safaris - Chambal
Boat Safaris : The waters of the Chambal are explored by boat which can be hired from the area itself with issuance of a permit.
Walking Safaris : Walking the ravines or the agricultural fields nearby for closer look at the Sarus Crane and other bird species.
How to reach Chambal
By Air : A 5-hour drive from New Delhi International Airport – well connected worldwide and within India as well.
By Train : The nearest railhead is in Agra at a distance of almost 70 km. Alternatively, you can take a train to Dholpur, which is nearly 80 km away from the sanctuary. Well connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, etc. You can hire a taxi from the railway junction to complete the further journey.
- 1.5 hour drive away from Agra – world famous city of the Taj Mahal.
- A 3-hour drive away from Keoladeo-Ghana National Park, Bharatpur – popular wetland birding area.
