Activities

• The ravines and nearby villages on camel back and visit the 800 year old fort Ater - Camels remain an important mode of transport for man and goods alike. They are also an ideal means for exploring the ravines and searching for the wildlife that have made these ravines their home. Be transported back in time as you amble along long forgotten trails and pathways on these haughty beasts, with their snootily upturned noses and disdainfully curled lips. One may take a Camel Safari along the river banks, into the ravines, through villages and up to Fort Ater.

• Just sit back by the river side on our base camp where our local guides will acquaint you with the area and its history. 

• The estate itself is home to a variety of birds and from here - The Chambal Safari organises special Nature Walks along the river banks, around the ravines and in the fields surrounding the National Chambal Sanctuary. Morning and afternoon and late evening rambles are also organised in and around the Chambal Safari Lodge grounds and surrounding farmland.

• Sarus Crane Reserve. Recommended for Birders. - The Sarus Crane Conservation Reserve starts around 30 kms from the Chambal Safari Lodge, extending to about 100 kms. It is a widespread wetland area, interspersed by cultivated fields, where large numbers of the Sarus Cranes breed. Although not a protected area, since 1999 the Supreme Court of India, recognising its importance as a habitat has designated the area a reserve with restrictions on development.

• Bateshwar temple, 108 Shiva temple complex - The ancient temple complex at Bateshwar on the river Yamuna, 10 km from the Chambal Safari Lodge, consists of more than a hundred temples dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Referred to as Surajpur in ancient texts, Bateshwar derives its current name from its reigning deity Lord Bateshwar Mahadev (another name for Shiva). The ravines surrounding the temples and river are home to a number of Naga sadhus (snake worshiping ascetics) who have carved out little caves and temples within the mud walls.
  
  In early November, the open areas around the temple complex play host to an annual animal fair, the origins of which stretch into antiquity. The fair coincides with the most auspicious period for praying at Bateshwar and is an important fixture for saints, sadhus, tradesmen and villagers. Witness a colourful pageant of rural India that is as unchanging as it is timeless.
  

• Jeep Safari taking you deeper in to the ravines - The Chambal Safari arranges jeep safaris through remote hamlets and habitations hidden within the folds of the Chambal and Yamuna ravines, presenting a fascinating journey through a world that is strangely as far removed as it appears connected to modern India.

• River safari on river Chambal - The calm and gentle waters of the Chambal River are best explored on boats and the River Safari provides spectacular opportunities to view the wildlife. The Chambal Safari boatmen are exceptionally skilled at cutting the boat engines, and manoeuvring as close to the birds and animals as possible without disturbing them. Trained naturalists accompany visitors and provide expert information on the Chambal wildlife. The River Safari is a most relaxing, enjoyable and special experience.

• Village Visit. - The Villages around the Chambal Safari Lodge provide an interesting insight into rural India. One can still find a potter at his wheel making earthen ware kullars (cups), a cobbler using the simplest implements to fashion and repair a most interesting variety of leather items, and shops selling all manner of goods from jaggery blocks to hand-woven quilts. The Chambal Safari organises short Village Walks allowing access to all this and more.

• The Patna Bird Sanctuary, designated in 1990, covers a wetland habitat of one sq. km. that includes marsh, khajur forest and a lake full of weeds. It is home to over 200 bird species in the winter months. During this period more than 300,000 birds can be found in this area, transforming the small lake into a riot of colours and sounds. Patna Bird Sanctuary lies 80 km northwest of the Chambal Safari Lodge, and is a good place to see large flocks of birds such as Cranes, Geese, Ducks, Waders, Cormorants and Spoonbills.