National Chambal Sanctuary - Truly a pristine paradise

The cleanest of all, Chambal is haven for countless wildlife!

The legend has it that the River Chambal originated from the blood of thousands of cows sacrificed by a ruthless king wanting supreme powers. It is said that the dark history of this place is the reason why no industrial town has been established near the river, making it one of the cleanest rivers in India.

Away from all the industrial pollution, the National Chambal Sanctuary is sheltering a wide array of avian, aquatic, and other wildlife with its pristine air, water, and landscape. It is also known as the Chambal Gharial Sanctuary for the rich population of Gharials found here.In the 1970s, the government of India realised that poaching and fishing have brought down the population of Gharials, this is when the Chambal River Valley was identified as one of the areas where a good number of gharials and crocodiles were released in the river under a confined breeding programme. Today, the place said to have the highest population of Gharials in India.

Types of wildlife to explore in National Chambal Sanctuary

There is a huge variety of wildlife and some of them are exclusive to the Chambal Sanctuary. Have a look below.

Aquatic animals in National Chambal Sanctuary

The river is abode to smooth-coated otters, eight types of tortoises, over 30 kinds of fishes, marsh crocodiles and critically endangered Gangetic dolphin which also happens to be the National Aquatic Animal.

Avian life in National Chambal Sanctuary

The park boasts of famous Indian skimmers which breed here in great numbers. During winter, it turns into a birding paradise with over 300 species of resident and migratory birds to sight. Other birds such as common teal, northern pintail, sarus crane, and black-bellied tern and red-crested pochard can also be seen here. Therefore, this wetland makes the best place to do bird-watching.

Other wildlife

Besides the rich avian contingent, there is rich wildlife to spot such as golden jackal, chinkara, wild boar, Indian wolf etc.

The best way to explore the sanctuary is by a boat safari which will let you discover many birds and aquatic animals. A boat ride in itself is a worthy experience that gives you a great opportunity to do wildlife tour and photography in a different way.