Stretching to a span of almost one thousand plus kilometers Chambal River is a tourist’s paradise. Once famous for killer bandits living in the sandy dunes aside the river this region was once a frightening travel prospect.  Horrifying tales of vengeance, vendetta and loot emerged in Indian newspapers. The dreaded bandits killed many people every year pristine yet backward this hinterland has been transformed miraculously thanks to tourism and development that follows.    

The waterbody cuts across three large states of India from Janapav in Mohw in MP to submergence in Yamuna, Uttar Pradesh after flowing through the State of Rajasthan.  The long river is one of the least polluted entities among the aquatic systems in India and yes the wildest. 

Chambal region known for its faunal assemblage on the shores, and two crocodile species, Gharial and marsh crocodiles, Ganges Dolphin, number of turtles, fish and reptiles. This is a tourist’s paradise fore sure and yet few visit the remote confines of the river famous for boat tours and wildlife. 

Most of the visitors to this paradise which has been notified as sanctuary are from foreign lands they are keen birders. For the assemblage of avian species is as impressive as the wild animals on the shores. The dunes,  shores and the flowing waters all combine to form an impressive spectacle and home to vast number of avian species. The targeted bird is of course the Indian Skimmer which arrives to nest here but other species do not lack in the charm. The sand lark, painted stork, Bonelli’s eagle, osprey, wooly necked stork, chestnut bellied sand grouse, Indian eagle owl, bar headed geese, river tern, black bellied tern, Brahminy Duck, sarus crane, are few stars that enamor bird enthusiasts.      

You can see the lone hyena, jungle cat, wolf, occasional leopard, jackal to name a few animals that inhabit the salient confines of this hinterland. 

Best way of experiencing the enchanting landscape of Chambal is on boat tour. The looming sandy mountains, steep cliffs, small islets upon waters, green fields, quaint hamlets, and the surging waters of the river create a striking symmetry comprising of natural objects under the yonder blue sky. As the boat goes past the small islets can be seen full of the crocodiles and turtles. The clear water is like a mirage full of dainty aquatic creatures. The calm shores with still waters maintain serenity throughout the ride.  

On the boat you dwell in a surreal world an ethereal experience that is far removed from ours. Lost and stunned you wish the ride would continue forever. The boat is a motorboat and offers two and half hours of safari on the river. One of the best experiences in India it is near Agra. From here the drive to the shore is 90 km. The enchanting Chambal River safari is organized by Chambal Lodge at Bah. Bah township is 70 km from Agra. Another option is at Dholepur in Rajasthan organized by MPSTDC this is less costly but a shorter ride and not so engrossing.  Dholepur is sixty kilometres from Agra. From New Delhi the city of Taj Mahal is two and half hours drive.