Visit Chambal Sanctuary, India

Chambal is a land that has retained its unique landscapes, rugged charm and rare wildlife.

A mere 70 km southeast of Agra (home of the Taj Mahal), it is a world far removed from the chaotic madness of modern Indian cities. The valley is fast emerging as an exciting new destination, given its unique and unpolluted habitat and the consequent rich diversity of life forms that it supports.

The National Chambal Sanctuary

In 1979 a 400 km stretch of the river and up to 6 km wide swathes of the ravines on either side of the river was designated the National Chambal Sanctuary to provide protection for the critically endangered gharial (ghavial) crocodiles. Today the varied habitats of the sanctuary are home not only to the gharial but to an amazing abundance of other wildlife, such as the rare and highly endangered gangetic dolphin, marsh crocodile (muggers), eight species of turtle, smooth coated otter, Indian striped hyena, jungle cat, golden jackal, Indian wolf and foxes among others.

Birdwatching

A bird watcher's paradise, the Sanctuary currently boasts 311 species of resident and migratory birds including large numbers of the rare Indian skimmer, greater thick-knee, small pratincole and lapwings.