Chambal River Safari

27/05/2019

14/05/2019

While the Ganges is sacred but heavily polluted, the Chambal’s ‘cursed’ but pristine waters have proved a blessing for locals

13/02/2019

Twenty years today....

Calm pervades the air, the gentle blue of the Chambal offset by the rugged hue of the ravines. The mustard fields skimming the waters edge, in the far distance ragged pennants on bamboo staffs leaning over in supplication, the white washed shrine simple, serene, stark. A cavalcade of sure-footed camels appears through the cavernous folds of the ravines, marks its way across the river, unerringly finding the shallow footholds between the banks. An eagle soars over-head, the kingfisher hovers and dives, the skimmers glide in synchronized elegance, whilst the ducks and geese scatter in random bliss. The osprey, regal and disdainful, surveys all perched on his solitary post, fearsome muggers and gharials lie supine, as an unblinking, unhesitant sun wraps one and all in a warm stupor.

Who could help but fall in love?

Twenty years ago, we heard the ballad song of these feared and forsaken badlands. They responded to our love, yielding their secrets, trusting us with their future.
So was the Chambal Safari pioneered on a sunny winter afternoon in February 1999; an effort to share the magic, and preserve the wonder. Where most saw barren cliffs, we found a unique habitat teeming with life, architectural marvels and tales of chivalry and rebellion, a safe harbour for man and beast alike.

Many laughed, most scoffed. Impossible, unsustainable, insane were regular epitaphs.

Twenty years later, in February 2019, we stand vindicated. It was possible, it is sustainable, and insane we shall remain. Dreamers till the end. Leading where others follow…

26/08/2016

Promotional film for Chambal - Bird Festival 2016 Recapping the Chambal, UP Bird Festival 2015.

16/06/2016

Have you stayed at Chambal Safari Lodge - Mela Kothi ?
It's been nominated in the Category 'Up and Coming Excellence for Nature Award 2016' You can vote here http://www.toftigers.org/Vote/Default.aspx