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The National Chambal Sanctuary

Established in 1979, the National Chambal Sanctuary is unique in being jointly administered by three States, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The 400 km stretch of the Chambal river is home to the rare Gangetic dolphins. It's also where you can find some snappy crocodiles and alligators, so don't try swimming with the dolphins.

You can spot a range of toads and frogs and more than 250 species of birds. For bird watching, Bah in Uttar Pradesh is believed to be the best location. It's just a little more than a five-hour drive from New Delhi. On the way you can stop at Agra, and visit the Taj Mahal. Catch a glimpse of some rare birds like the pallas's fish-eagle, the white-rumped vulture, the Indian vulture, the greater spotted eagle, the Indian skimmer or even the Sarus crane.

The Chambal river, which starts from Kota in Rajasthan, meanders through sandy ravines before joining the Yamuna at Bhareh. The ravines, not too long ago notorious for the dacoits it sheltered, make a fascinating landscape. The sanctuary conveniently falls on the way from Bharatpur to Khajuraho or Corbett National Park via Agra.

Area: 635 sq km

Animals: crocodile or magar, alligator or gharial, chinkara, sambar, nilgai, wolf, wild boar, otters, six species of turtles and several species of frogs and toads.

How to get there:

Road: Etawah (5 km)

Rail: Agra (90 km)

Air: Agra (90 km)

Best Time to visit: November-February

Where to stay: at the Chambal Safari Lodge

Contact: Divisional Forest Officer for National Chambal Sanctuary, Etawah Forest Division or Braj Bhumi Forest Division.

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