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,- | UP
A mere 2-hour drive from the
historic city of Agra is the
National Chambal Wildlife
Sanctuary, which covers
approximately 5,400 sq km
across the three states of U!ar
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and
Rajasthan.
Tucked within the folds of the
mystical Chambal ravines,
this sanctuary was notified in
1979 to save the endangered
gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). The
Chambal river that runs through
the sanctuary is home to over 400
gharials, the largest number of
gharials in the wild.
A boat ride is the best way to
view the famed wildlife here:
gharials, muggers, smoothcoated o!ers, several species of
turtles, and ripples made by the

occasional Gangetic dolphin.

While the Chambal boasts of an
impressive 330 species of resident
and migratory birds, and is one of
the best places to spot the elegant
Indian skimmer. While gharials
tend to hide under water if boats
stray too close to them, beware
of the deceptively calm-looking
mugger, quite capable at snapping
at anyone who comes too close.
Presently, tourist safaris are
conducted by the privately-run
Chambal Safari Lodge, situated
15 kms from the sanctuary gate.
Bateshwar, a li!le over 10 kms
from the sanctuary gate, is an
ancient temple complex on the
banks of the Yamuna.
ABOVE: The

gharial is named after the

ghara (or pot) shaped emboss at the end
of its snout

At a glance
District: Morena
Distance: Nandgaon (entry gate)
is 75 kms from Agra
Nearest Railhead: Agra
Nearest Airport: Agra
Best time to visit: Dec-March
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Entry fee: Rs 50 (Indians);
Rs 600 (Foreigners)
Timings: 9 am-5 pm
Closed from: July-Sept
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Boat ride: Rs 490

Vehicle fee: Rs 100
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Major fauna: Gharial, mugger,
smooth-coated otter, Gangetic
dolphin, red-crowned roofed
turtle
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Where to stay: Agra; Chambal
Safari Lodge in Jarar
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Contact: DFO, National Chambal
Sanctuary (0562) 2530091