Full day excusrion ranthambhore to Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary -tristate protected area for the critically endangered gharial (small crocodiles), the red-crowned roof turtle and the endangered Ganges river dolphin.
About National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary
National Chambal Sanctuary, also called the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary, is a 5,400 km2 (2,100 sq. mi) tristate protected area in northern India for the critically endangered gharial (small crocodiles), the red-crowned roof turtle and the endangered Ganges river dolphin.The Chambal river originates in Kota, Rajasthan and merges with the Yamuna at Bhareh.Located on the tripoint of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh the river passes through sandy ravines which are famous for its dreaded dacoits. Within the sanctuary, the pristine Chambal River cuts through edges of ravines and hills with many sandy beaches protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
National Chambal Sanctuary on the River Chambal is a shelter for the rare and rare Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) and Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica).The 400 km stretch of crystal clear water also supports Marsh Crocodiles, Smooth Coated Otters, 6 species of Terrapins/Turtles plus 250 species of birds.The critically endangered gharial crocodile and the red-crowned roof turtle live here, and together with the endangered Ganges river dolphin are the keystone species of the sanctuary. Other large threatened inhabitants of the sanctuary include muggar crocodile, smooth-coated otter, striped hyena and Indian wolf. Chambal supports 8 of the 26 rare turtle species found in India, including Indian narrow-headed softshell turtle, three-striped roof turtle and crowned river turtle. Other reptiles who live here are: Indian flap shell turtle, soft shell turtle, Indian roofed turtle, Indian tent turtle and monitor lizard.
Birds in National Chambal Sanctuary
The National Chambal Sanctuary is listed as an important bird sanctuary at least 320 species of resident and migratory birds inhabit the sanctuary. Migratory birds from Siberia form part of its rich avian fauna. Vulnerable bird species here include the Indian skimmer, sarus crane, Pallas’s fish eagle and Indian courser. The pallid harrier and lesser flamingo are near threatened. Winter visitors include black-bellied terns, red-crested pochard, ferruginous pochard and bar-headed goose. Other species include great thick-knee, greater flamingos, darters, and brown hawk owl.
Main Attractions Of Chambal Sanctuary
Main attraction of the sanctuary are fresh water dolphins, 21-foot-long crocodile, 18-foot-long gharials and rare turtles. A good population of Indian Skimmers is the strongest birding attraction here. This endangered species is easily seen near Bah and is one of the few remaining places where you can get close views of this beautiful bird. Black-bellied Terns, Red-crested and Ferruginous Pochards, Bar-headed Goose, Sarus Crane, Great Thick-knee, Indian Courser, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Darters andthe resident Brown Hawk Owl, all add up to an impressive list of bird
Common plants in the sanctuary include khair (Acacia catechu), palash (flame of the forest, Butea monosperma), churel (Indian elm tree, Holoptelia integrifolia), ber (Indian plum, Ziziphus mauritiana) and grassy patches on both sides of the river
A boat excursion will also offer many viewpoints for photography of water and shore birds and landscapes. Walking trails in the ravines and along the river offer opportunities for close observation of the wide variety of plants and animals in the sanctuary.Going up and down the river as it flows through the ravines is a great experience.