The National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary near Sawai Madhopur is a remarkable destination for visitors exploring the Ranthambore’s wildlife. While Ranthambore is widely known for its jeep and canter safaris, the Chambal River Safari offers a refreshing and equally captivating experience. A boat safari along the Chambal River allows visitors to observe gharials, crocodiles, and a wide variety of migratory and resident birds in their natural habitat. The serene surroundings of Palighat make this river safari a peaceful yet exciting encounter with wildlife.
Located in Palighat village of Sawai Madhopur district, the sanctuary lies along the banks of the Chambal River, one of India’s most scenic river systems. The site is approximately 45 km from Ranthambore and can be reached in about an hour by road. On 7 December 1979, the Government of India officially declared it the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary to protect the endangered gharial population, whose numbers are even lower than those of tigers in many forests.
The National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary was developed as a river-based protected area extending over a length of nearly 425 kilometres. The protected zone stretches approximately 2 to 6 km on both sides of the river. The sanctuary spans across three Indian states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, making it one of the country’s largest riverine wildlife reserves. In the Ranthambore region, the Chambal River acts as a natural boundary, with Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh on one side and Madhya Pradesh on the other, extending up to the Bhind area.
Explore Chambal Safari with Ranthambore Safari
Along with exploring the tigers and the fort of Ranthambore, visitors must sign up for the mesmerising Chambal Boat Safari. The forest and the river safari, altogether in a single wildlife trip, will undoubtedly provide a unique experience. On one hand, the jeeps and the canters traverse across the various safari zones of the forest of Ranthambore. On the contrary, the Chambal River Safari glides across the Chambal River through motor boats. Both are completely different rides, yet they leave a breathtaking memory.
The river safari operates under the administration of the Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area known for its rich aquatic and riverine wildlife. The sanctuary is home to gharials, the endangered Gangetic dolphin, marsh crocodiles, several species of turtles, and otters. A boat safari offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe these remarkable reptiles and aquatic animals in their natural surroundings. In addition to its aquatic life, the sanctuary supports nearly 316 species of birds. The river safari, therefore, serves as an ideal platform for birdwatching, allowing visitors to witness a wide variety of resident and migratory birds, including rare views of large nesting colonies along the riverbanks.
