Chambal Sanctuary Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Chambal Sanctuary

Apart from seeing the animals and birds in the Chambal Sanctuary, you can also take a journey to the Bateshwar Temples on the river Yamuna. The complex consists of more than a hundred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Bateshwar is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna and, so it is little wonder that there are several legends and myths associated with it. The high ravines surrounding the temple complex is also home to a large number of Naga sadhus who stay in mud houses and caves found in this region.

The nearby Yamuna river and its surroundings are home to a range of resident and migratory birds such as Kingfisher and Pelican amongst others. During the month of November, an annual animal fair is held at the open walls of the temple complex. The fair attracts saints, sadhus, tradesmen and villagers from around the region.

Although better known for the gharials, Gangetic dolphins and alligators, the Chambal sanctuary is also an emerging birding destination. The river Chambal originates from the Central Vindhya Mountains and meanders its way through the Kota district of Rajasthan, Morena and Bhind districts of Madhya Pradesh, and Agra and Etawah districts of Uttar Pradesh, finally making its way to river Yamuna.

Chambal sanctuary is listed as an important bird area. With more than 330 species of resident and migratory birds to its credit, the sanctuary is fast gaining reputation as the destination of choice for birding in India.

Autumn and winter months are the best time for some excellent bird watching. During these months, apart from the resident birds you can also see the altitudinal migrants from the higher Himalayas and Palaearctic region. The sanctuary is the destination of choice to see the Indian Skimmer and other birds such as white-rumped vulture, the Indian vulture and the greater spotted eagle.

A camel safari is a perfect way to search and spot the wildlife that has made the ravines of the Chambal sanctuary their home. The camel safari will take you through long forgotten trails and pathways, along the river banks, the ravines, the neighbouring villages and Fort Ater. A camel safari along the banks of the river will give you the opportunity to spot the endangered gharials and alligators.

If you are lucky, you may also spot the Gangetic dolphins. En route, you can spot several birds such as Indian Skimmer, Common Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, Lesser Whistling Teal, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Comb Duck, Pied Kingfisher, House Swift, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, and Spot-billed Duck. The safari will also take you to the ancient temple complex at Bateshwar on the river Yamuna. The complex consists of more than a hundred temples dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

There are several ways to explore the Chambal Sanctuary. You can opt for a camel or jeep safari. The Jeep safari takes you through a network of trails crisscrossing the ravines, river banks, areas of shrub vegetation, laid-back villages and the Ater fort.

En route the journey, you will get an opportunity to see the crocodiles, alligators and the Gangetic dolphins that live in the river. The sanctuary is also a major birding destination with more than 300 birds to its credit, and the number seems to be growing every year.

Apart from the resident birds, you can also see a fair share of migratory birds from Siberia, altitudinal migrants from the higher Himalayas and Palaearctic region. In fact, the sanctuary is listed as an important bird area, IN122. The jeep safari also takes you to the ancient temple complex at Bateshwar on the river Yamuna. The complex consists of more than a hundred temples dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

The village safari takes you to the villages near the Chambal sanctuary. These villages provide you with an insight into the life of people in rural India. Stroll through the villages and you will be able to see potters at work making matkas (earthen pots), khullars (earthen cups) and many more traditional items. You can also see cobblers mending shoes and a variety of other leather items.

The shops sell different types of knick-knacks, jaggery, traditional sweets etc. The village safari takes you through some scenic routes within the sanctuary. Along the way, you can get to sight several birds and animals.

You will also get an insight into the traditions and customs of the locals. The pace of life is slow, and everyone seems to know each other. The locals are warm and hospitable and are more than willing to share information and answer queries.

The Chambal Safari takes you through the Chambal sanctuary, which is administered by three states, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Established in 1979, the sanctuary encompasses the 400 km stretch of the Chambal River and covers an area of 1235 sq km around the river.

The Chambal Sanctuary is also known as the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary and serves as the protection area for the endangered gharial (crocodile). Chambal River is one of the most pristine rivers in India. It has remained unpolluted largely because its origin is considered ‘unholy.’

Legend has it that the river originated from the blood of thousands of cows that were sacrificed by King Rantideva. This has kept the people well out of the way leaving the waters for reptiles and birds. The Chambal Sanctuary is also a listed sanctuary for birds and attracts more than 330 species of resident and migratory birds and the number of birds keeps increasing every year.

The Chambal Sanctuary is best explored on boats. River safari on the Chambal river provides the perfect opportunity to view the wildlife of the region. The boatmen are particularly adept at manoeuvring the rafts as close to the animals and birds as it is possible.

Trained naturalists along the trip provide interesting information about the varied flora and fauna of the sanctuary. The rafts cruise along the river passing by ravines giving way to rolling hills. Along the route, you can see reptiles basking in the sunshine along the banks or dolphins, usually in pairs, frolicking in the river. The pristine surroundings are dotted with small whitewashed shrines clinging atop the ravines.

You can see the goats chewing away every blade of grass that the ravine seems to produce. You will also notice the watermarks along the highest ravines – these indicate the power and force of the river during the monsoons.