National Chambal Sanctuary

Pinahat, Uttar Pradesh 283123

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National Chambal Sanctuary, also called the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary, is a 5,400 sq. km tri-state protected area in northern India home to critically endangered gharial (small crocodiles), the red-crowned roof turtle and the endangered Ganges river dolphin. Located on the Chambal River near the tri-point of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, it was first declared as a PAs in Madhya Pradesh in 1978 and now constitutes a long narrow eco-reserve co-administered by the three states. Within the sanctuary the pristine Chambal River cuts through mazes of ravines and hills with many sandy beaches along its banks.

Deep within the subcontinent lies a land whose many secrets lie still hidden from the human eye in its still largely unexplored terrain. A land is synonymous with harsh terrains and on its breath taking beauty, Chambal. Now uncover the many secrets of the famed land at the Chambal National Sanctuary. Originating in the Vindhayan ranges in M.P. the Chambal River snakes its way thought the states of M.P. Rajasthan and U.P. before finally meeting the Yamuna in the Etawah district of U.P. Its rich bio-diversity ensured that it was declared a National Sancturary in 1979 with its total area spanning across the three states of M.P. Rajasthan & U.P. The last bastion for some of the country's most endangerd wildlife like the Gharial, Muggar, Turtles, Otter and the fresh water Dolphin, the Chambal region also boasts of a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial bird.

After rampant poaching and fishing almost wiped out the Gharial population from the country in the 70's, captive breeding and reintroduction programme was started. Chambal was chosen as one of the main areas for reintroduction the species back in to the wild. The Chambal Sanctuary in U.P. covers an area of 635 sq. kms.

Spread over the Agra and Etawah districts, and a total of 290 different species of migratory and resident birds have been identified in the region so far. Winter is the best time to visit the sanctuary. A boat ride in its tranquil waters during this time is an exhilarating experience with spectaculars sightings of the big reptiles basking along the 180kms. Sparkling sand stretches in the morning sun. but the main draw of the santuray are of course the Flamingoes that arrive here in November and stay till May. The Rudy Shelduck Also arrives a little earlier in September & stays here till May. The Indian Skimmers have Huge Colonies in the sanctuary and bred prolifically here.

Visitor Attractions

Chambal River

Chambal River

Ghariyal

Ghariyal

Boating at Chambal River

Boating

Gangetic Dolphin

Gangetic Dolphin

Indian Skimmer

Indian Skimmer

How to Reach

By Road

It is well connected with Delhi by Yamuna Expressway. Road distance from Agra is 70 km and from Delhi is 270 kms.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Agra Cant and Agra Fort.

By Air

Nearest airport is at Agra IGIA, Delhi.

Ideal Time to Visit

15th November
to 15th June