The National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the critically endangered gharial, the red-crowned roof turtle, and the Ganges river dolphin—the main attraction of National Chambal Sanctuary. You can take a camel, a horse, a 4WD-car, or explore sanctuary by foot. However, the river safari is the most impressive option. The landscape is comprised of the Chambal River crisscrossing through ravines and hills with many sandy beaches along the way.
Boat rides are available at several points along the river and offer good opportunities to see various water species and shore birds among a spectacular backdrop. Walking trails along the river and ravines also let visitors explore the fauna and flora of the sanctuary. Other inhabitants of the sanctuary include magar (crocodile) and gharial (alligator), wolf, and wild boar.
Other attractions include Black-tailed Terns, Red-crested and Ferruginous Pochards, Indian Coursers, Pallas's Fish. The Chambal Sanctuary is open from Mid-October to mid-June, but tourists have to visit it from November to March. During monsoons, the water level rises and the river becomes difficult to navigate.
You will need to travel almost 300 km to the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary from Agra, but the experience is worth it.
Practical info
What is the best time to visit the National Chambal Sanctuary?
The sanctuary is open to visitors from mid-October to mid-June, but for the best experience, it's advisable to visit between November to March. The river can be challenging to navigate during monsoons, and high water levels can make it unsuitable for safari boats. Visitors can expect comfortable weather between November to March, with lower temperatures and less humidity. Show more
What species can be found in the National Chambal Sanctuary?
The sanctuary boasts a diverse range of species, including the Gharial, Red-crowned Roof Turtle, and the Ganges River Dolphin, which is critically endangered. Other animals such as crocodile, alligator, wolf, and wild boar can also be spotted. The sanctuary is renowned for its birdlife, with plenty of magnificent species like black-tailed terns, red-crested and ferruginous pochards, Indian coursers, and Pallas's fish. The Chambal river is home to many species of fish too. Show more
What is the main attraction of the National Chambal Sanctuary?
The sanctuary's main attraction is the endangered Ganges River Dolphin, a unique species restricted to Indian rivers. Visitors can also spot other endangered animals like Gharials and Red-crowned Roof Turtles, as well as several bird species. The sanctuary offers a stunning backdrop for the safari experience, with its ravines, hills, and sandy beaches located along the Chambal river. Show more
What transportation options are available to explore the sanctuary?
The sanctuary can be explored by foot, camel, horse, or 4WD-car, but the river safari is the most popular and coveted mode of transportation. Along the Chambal river, visitors can experience boat rides that offer fantastic opportunities for bird watching and spotting water species. There are also walking trails available for hikers to explore the sanctuary's fauna and flora while enjoying scenic views of the river banks. Show more
How far is the National Chambal Sanctuary from Agra and how can one reach there?
One can reach the National Chambal Sanctuary, which is approximately 300km from Agra, by a hired taxi or car, with a six-hour journey duration. Another option for visitors is a train journey from Agra to Dholpur, the nearest railway station, followed by a taxi or bus ride to the sanctuary, which is approximately 20km away. Traveling by train to Dholpur is a practical and convenient choice for those coming via Agra. Show more
