National Chambal Sanctuary

National Chambal Sanctuary is a tri-state riverine wildlife sanctuary along the Chambal River, with its Uttar Pradesh section centered near Chakarnagar in Etawah district. Established in 1979 to protect the critically endangered gharial, it also conserves mugger crocodile, Gangetic dolphin, Indian skimmer and migratory birds. The sanctuary features ravines, sandbanks and clear river waters, offering boat safaris for wildlife viewing in a relatively undisturbed river ecosystem.

Visitors can expect a riverine landscape of ravines, sandbanks and clear waters along the Chambal River near Chakarnagar. The main experience is a motorboat river safari to observe gharials basking on sandbanks, mugger crocodiles, Gangetic river dolphins, turtles and winter migratory birds including Indian skimmers. Safaris are guided by forest department approved boatmen and naturalists, with viewing from the boat and riverbanks. Facilities are basic and the area is relatively remote and undisturbed.

Declared as National Chambal Sanctuary in 1979 as a tri-state sanctuary across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to protect the critically endangered gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). It was established under the Crocodile Conservation Project with support from the Government of India for conservation of gharial, mugger and Gangetic dolphin in the Chambal River ecosystem.

The Chambal River is associated with traditional riverine culture and local folklore of the Chambal ravines. The sanctuary area near Bateshwar and Chakarnagar is valued for its relatively pristine river ecosystem and community-based eco-tourism centered on wildlife conservation.