Chambal River Safari
Sawai Madhopur is home to the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, a fantastic destination to explore while visiting Ranthambore. One of the highlights of Ranthambore is the Chambal River Safari, which offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature. In addition to the jungle safaris in Ranthambore, the boat safari at the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary is one of the best excursions available. The Chambal River, located in Palighat, Ranthambore, provides an excellent setting for spotting crocodiles, gharials, and a wide variety of birdlife. You can enjoy a thrilling boat ride while getting up close to these fascinating reptiles.
The sanctuary itself is situated in Palighat Village, along the banks of the Chambal River, approximately 45 kilometers from Ranthambore, which is about an hour's drive away. The Chambal River is noted as one of India’s most beautiful rivers.
On December 7, 1979, the government officially designated the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary to protect the rare gharials and crocodile species found in Rajasthan. In fact, gharials are even rarer than tigers in the region.
The National Chambal Sanctuary spans approximately 425 kilometers as a river sanctuary, with a width ranging from 2 to 6 kilometers on either side of the river. The Chambal River serves as a significant state border near Ranthambore, demarcating areas between Madhya Pradesh on one side and Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh on the other. This sanctuary, which begins at the Kota Barrage in Rajasthan, extends through Sawai Madhopur and continues north and south through Rajasthan. The sanctuary area of Rajasthan covers around 285 square kilometers, including sections that reach into Dholpur in Rajasthan and Morena in Madhya Pradesh
Ranthambore National Chambal Sanctuary
The National Chambal Sanctuary is primarily known for its gharials and crocodiles. If you love wildlife and are visiting Ranthambore, the Chambal River offers a wonderful opportunity to explore amphibians and aquatic life in their natural habitat. This river is home to the endangered gharial, a type of crocodile, as well as the National Aquatic Animal, the Gangetic Dolphin.
For bird enthusiasts, the Pali Ghat area of the Chambal River is a true paradise. Currently, the Ranthambore Chambal River Sanctuary is home to over 316 species of resident and migratory birds. Some of the notable bird species found here include Indian Skimmers, Ruddy Shelducks, Bar-headed Geese, Indian Coursers, Black-bellied Terns, Black-necked Storks, Red-crested Pochards, Common Cranes, Ferruginous Ducks, Sarus Cranes, Northern Pintails, and Common Teals. You can also find large nesting groups of Indian Skimmers, Great Stone-curlews, and Lapwings. The Indian Skimmer breeds at the Chambal River Sanctuary, and other species such as the Pallid Harrier and Lesser Flamingo are also present.
Chambal Safari is not only home to a diverse range of birds but also features a variety of amphibians and aquatic creatures. These include smooth-coated otters, Gangetic dolphins, gharials, marsh crocodiles, eight species of turtles, and 30 species of fish. Among the terrestrial mammals found in the area are wild boars, blue bulls, porcupines, jungle cats, Indian hares, Indian foxes, hyenas, and golden jackals. Additionally, Indian wolves have been spotted in the nearby regions.
The vegetation surrounding the Chambal River includes trees such as palash (flame of the forest, Butea monosperma), khair (Acacia catechu), ber (Indian plum, Ziziphus mauritiana), churel (Indian elm, Holoptelia integrifolia), and babul (Egyptian acacia or thorny acacia). The grass patches on either side of the river are complemented by mostly small and prickly flora.
The ideal months to visit the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary for a river safari are from November to March.
If you are in Ranthambore and looking for a unique and memorable experience, the Chambal River Safari at Pali Ghat is a perfect alternative to the typical jungle safari. Be sure to bring your cameras and binoculars, as they will help you explore the intriguing landscape of Pali Ghat. You can also enjoy the beautiful confluence, known as the sangam, of the Chambal and Parwati rivers at Pali Ghat.
