National Chambal Sanctuary

The National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS) is a 400 km stretch of the river Chambal and a 1 to 6 km wide swathe of the ravines on both sides of the river, covering an area of 1235 sq. km.

The sanctuary is one of the last surviving habitats of the Gangetic River Dolphin & provides protection for 1200 Gharials & 300 Marsh Crocodiles. It is also home to eight species of Turtles, and to smooth coated Otters. The Sanctuary boasts of a rapidly increasing and impressive bird list of over 316 species of resident and migratory birds .

The calm and gentle waters of the Chambal River are best explored on boats and the River Safari provides spectacular opportunities to view the wildlife. The Chambal Safari boatmen are exceptionally skilled at cutting the boat engines, and maneuvering as close to the birds and animals as possible without disturbing them. Trained naturalists accompany visitors and provide expert information on the Chambal wildlife. The River Safari is a most relaxing, enjoyable and special experience.

Park Open : Open throughout the year

Best Season : December - February

Fauna : The critically endangered gharial and the red-crowned roof turtle live here, and together with the endangered Ganges river dolphin are the keystone species of the sanctuary. Other large threatened inhabitants of the sanctuary include muggar crocodile, smooth-coated otter, striped hyena and Indian wolf. Chambal supports 8 of the 26 rare turtle species found in India, including Indian narrow-headed softshell turtle, three-striped roof turtle and crowned river turtle.

Avifauna : Chambal sanctuary is a proposed Ramsar site. At least 320 species of resident and migratory birds inhabit the sanctuary. Vulnerable bird species here include the Indian skimmer,sarus crane, Pallas's fish eagle and Indian courser. Winter visitors include black-bellied tern, red-crested pochard, ferruginous pochard and bar-headed goose. Other species include great thick-knee, greater flamingo, darter, and brown hawk owl.

Shortest Route : Fly to Delhi and drive to Chambal

Nearby : Keoladeo National Park (160 km), Ranthambore National Park (50 km)

State : Madhya Pradesh

Area : 5,400 sq. km

Altitude: 215 to 505 m

Vegetation : Dry deciduous

Major City: Gwalior (140 Km)

Airport : Jaipur(215 km)

Railway Station : Sawai Madhopur (45km)