Chambal: From Terror to Tourism

Chambal River always evokes images of dacoits in black with guns, riding on galloping horses. The valley and its ravines have  given birth to legendary dacoits like Phoolan Devi,  Daku Man Singh, Mohar Singh and the like in reality and innumerable others in Hindi cinema. It is said that “He who drinks of River Chambal, will not spare the enemy”. However all this is set to change as Uttar Pradesh is slowly trying to establish itself as a favored destination for river cruising in Chambal area.

Chambal Ravines

Chambal originates from Kota in Rajasthan, flows through sandy ravines and ends at Bhare, Etawah, where it merges with Yamuna. The sanctuary area runs along three states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, with UP having as much as 150 km of the river in Agra and Etawah districts.  A vast 425 km length of the Chambal River was declared a protected area in 1979, but it is only now that it has caught attention of the officials.

Ghariyal

Rare Species of Turtles

The National Chambal Sanctuary is home to some near extinct species of Ghariyals,  eight rare species of turtles including the red crowned roof turtle and Gangetic dolphins. Even being one of the unparalleled wildlife spots in the country, it never really got its due share of recognition. This will change with a revamp of the circuit as the untapped tourism potential of this potentially high attraction zone is getting recognized by the Government.

River Safari at National Chambal Sanctuary

The sanctuary’s main attraction is river cruising and ride to ravines offered by some private tour operators to a trickle of guests; an activity which could see major value building effort by the state. The proximity of the sanctuary to Agra, makes it doubly attractive destination, with possibility to draw tourists by it mesmerizingly serene ambience. The government plans to attract the Taj-bound tourists to Chambal sanctuary by offering river cruise and safari.

Furthermore,  Etawah at an hour’s drive from Agra already has a Lion safari coming up. Developing Chambal sanctuary will provide a tourism corridor between Agra and Etawah along with Ramsar (an important wetland in the area), which along with bird sanctuaries of Patna (Etah) and Saman (Mainpuri) could become a bird watcher’s haunt. Along with this four ghats — Sehson, Udi, Panchnada and Bhare, along Chambal are also set for a makeover, and with this, who knows that this Chambal –Etawah – Agra may be the upcoming tourist hot circuit.

The Other Home can design a special tour package for the tourists, covering Chambal with Golden Triangle Tour.

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