The National Chambal Sanctuary is famous for the rare gangetic dolphin. The sanctuary was founded in 1979 and is part of a large area co-administered by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Fast facts:

Total Area: 340 sq. kms
Best time to visit: all year
Accommodation: Hotels & Restaurants
Nearest Town: Agra, 70 kms,
How to get there Air: Agra, 70 kms, Rail Agra, 70 kms.
Species found: swamp deer, chital, nilgai, wolf, leopard, hyena, gharial and wild boar.

National Chambal Sanctuary:

National Chambal Sanctuary on the River Chambal is a refuge for the rare and endangered Gharial ( Gavialis gangeticus) and Ganges River Dolphin ( Platanista gangetica). The 400 km stretch of crystal clear water also supports Marsh Crocodiles, Smooth Coated Otters, 6 species of Terrapins/Turtles plus 250 species of birds. The Chambal river originates in Kota, Rajasthan and merges with the Yamuna at Bhareh. The river passes through sandy ravines which are famous for its dreaded dacoits. The river can be approached for birding near the town of Bah, Uttar Pradesh where Chambal Safari Lodge provides accommodation and has boating arrangements. Bah is a 5-6 hour drive from New Delhi via Agra.

Access: Most birders access the sanctuary near Agra in Uttar Pradesh, where the Chambal Safari operates boat cruises and walks along the river and ravines. The NCS is 86 km southeast of Agra and 125 from the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary (Bharatpur), on the Agra-Fatehabad road. Despite its proximity to these places, the Chambal Valley remains largely unexplored. Listed below are a few birding sites that have been ‘explored’.

How to get there:

Air: The nearest airport is at Agra, 70 kms.

Rail: The nearest railhead is at Agra, 70 kms.

Road: The sanctuary is 70 kms from Agra and 5 kms from Etawah.