Chambal Pristine & Esoteric

The river is an epitome of purity, less damaged by polluting industries and urbanity. It is surrounded by enigmatic low rise sandy mountains that create an amazing maze of ravines. The ravines are topped by scanty thorn forest of Babul typical of arid and semi arid zones in India. The amazing spectacle of ravines and river flowing through spell binds and intrigues.

Chambal was once notorious for harboring Dacoits like Phoolan Devi, Daku Man Singh, Tehsildar Singh,  Daku Madho Singh, Mohar Singh, Chhidda Makhan  and others. Decimated gangs of dacoits or bandits still patrol the region giving sleepless nights to the law and order machinery.  Anyway all the Cat and Mouse chase has been effective in curbing the menace. The menace has not hampered tourism and is limited to rural environment perhaps dominated by local politics.    

For the travelers visit to Chambal River Sanctuary is the easiest way to experience the rivers magnificence.  The panoramic river cruise on motor boats is and enchanting experience.  The river is home to two crocodilians the mugger and gharial besides the Gangetic river dolphin. The fauna is amazing  eight species of freshwater turtles, smooth coated otter, jackal, hyena, fox, and some nocturnal mammals. 

The bird life is interesting one can see Indian Skimmer, Great Stone Plover,  Long Legged Buzzard, Osprey, Black-bellied terns, Sarus Crane, Woolly Necked Stork, Black-necked storks, Bar Headed Goose, ruddy Shelduck, teals, Bonelli's Eagle, Laggar Falcon, Sand Lark, Brook's Leaf Warbler, stilts, Comb duck and more.

The vegetation is diverse depending upon the region the river traverses through. Nevertheless vegetation is dominated by arid zone floral elements. The geology is diverse with sedimentation and soil types that are much varied.      

A short visit is worth it perhaps few hours of boat ride and birding on the shores. MPT facilitates motorboat ride at affordable fee at Dholepur in Rajasthan. MPT is on the Madhya Pradesh. part of the river across the bridge.