National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary in Sawai Madhopur is an incredible tourist spot in Ranthambore. Chambal River Safari in Ranthambore is a rendezvous with nature. Apart from Jungle Safari in Ranthambore, Crocodile Safari or Chambal River safari at National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary is one of the best options. To explore the crocodile, Gharial and amazing diversity of birdlife, Chambal River is a wonderful site at Palighat Ranthambore, where you can enjoy interesting inhabitants by boat rides.
National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary is located at Palighat Village of Sawai Madhopur, which is adjacent to the banks of the Chambal River. One of India's most beautiful rivers, "Chambal" is approximately 45 kilometers away from Ranthambore and about an hour's journey. It was famous for the dacoits in the 1970s. To protect the rare crocodile species of Chambal River in Rajasthan, on December 7, 1979, the government has gazetted in the form of National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary. These rare crocodile species are known as Gharial, which are less than the number of tigers in the forest.
The area of National Chambal Sanctuary was established as a river sanctuary with a length of about 425 km. The width of both sides of the Chambal River sanctuaryis about 2-6 km. The National Chambal Sanctuary area is spread over three states, which include Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Near Ranthambore, till Bhind, the Chambal River forms a primary state border, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are on one side and Madhya Pradesh is on the other side. This riverine Sanctuary starts from Kota Barrage in Rajasthan. Chambal River flows in the northern and southern part of Rajasthan and its course is through Sawai Madhopur. In the next section, the Chambal River sanctuary covers Morena in Madhya Pradesh and Dholpur of Rajasthan. Total Sanctuary area is approximately 285 sq. km in Rajasthan. The main attractions of the National Chambal Sanctuary are the Gharial and the Crocodile. If you are on Ranthambore tour and are wildlife enthusiast, Chambal River is a wonderful tourist spot for exploring amphibians and aquatic animals in the natural habitat. Chambal River is a shelter of rare crocodile species "Gharial" and the National Aquatic Animal Gangetic Dolphin.
Pali Ghat Chambal River is a paradise for curious bird lovers. Chambal River Sanctuary currently boasts more than 316 species of migrant and resident birds in Ranthambore. You can find the species of many birds at Chambal River, Ranthambore, which include Indian skimmers, ruddy shelducks, bar-headed geese, Indian courser, black-bellied terns, black-necked stork, Red-crested pochard, common crane, Ferruginous duck, Sarus crane, bar-headed goose, northern pintail and common teal. This site has also large nested colonies of Indian Skimmers, Great stone-curlew and Lapwing. Chambal River Sanctuary is the breeding site of Indian Skimmer. The pallid harrier and lesser flamingo have also been reported here.
In addition of rich avian, during Chambal Safari, you can find other amphibians and aquatic animals. These including – Marsh Crocodiles, Gharial, around eight species of turtle, 30 species of fish, Smooth-coated otter and Gangetic Dolphins. In terrestrial mammals population includes - Wild Boar, Blue Bull, Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Indian hare, Indian fox, Hyenas and Golden Jackal. The Indian wolf has been reported from the surrounding areas.