Covering approximately 5,400 sq kms of area across the three states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan is the National Chambal Sanctuary. In Uttar Pradesh, National Chambal Sanctuary is located in two districts of Agra and Etawah, head quartered at Agra. Chambal sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh covers an area of 635 sq km. The flagship species of the sanctuary are Fresh Water Dolphin and Gharial.
The sanctuary was notified in 1979, mainly to provide protection to the fast dwindling population of the critically endangered Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). Chambal River that runs through the sanctuary is home to the Gharial, providing protection in the wild. Smooth-coated Otters, eight species of Turtles, the threatened Gangetic Dolphin and various kinds of fishes are also found in this river.
The sanctuary encompasses a 400 km stretch of the Chambal and the swathes of the Chambal ravines on both sides of the river. In Uttar Pradesh around 180 km stretch of the river comes within the sanctuary. The river forms the core zone and the sandy banks of the river and the land around form the buffer zone. The sanctuary area begins downstream of the Kota barrage in Rajasthan and extends till the confluence of Chambal and Yamuna at Bhareh in Uttar Pradesh.
To Reach
By Air
The nearest airport from National Chambal Sanctuary is Kheria Airport, Agra which is about 107 km from there, Buses/ Taxis can be hired from the airport for the destination.
By Train
The nearest railway station from National Chambal Sanctuary is Agra Cantt(about 104,5 kms) and Mathura Railway Station (about 166 km).
By Road
National Chambal Sanctuary falls in Agra and Etawah Districts of Uttar Pradesh. It is well connected through NH 45 and Agra-Yamuna Expressway by road with all the major cities. It also has an excellent network of public/ private bus and taxi services to and from there,
Accommodations
Forest Rest Houses and private accommodations are available at Bah and Agra.