This atlas is in beta. I am still checking facts, ranges, and species lists, so some of it may be wrong or incomplete. It is here early so these places get seen. If you spot an error, write to me.
Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary
BetaThe National Chambal is a boat sanctuary along a clean river of ravines and sandbars. It is one of the best places to photograph gharial, Ganges river dolphin and the Indian skimmer, all of them threatened.
Why this place matters
The last unpolluted major riverine habitat in northern India, critical for gharial survival.
The wildlife
A field list of species recorded in this landscape, with current IUCN Red List status.
Mammals
Ganges river dolphinPlatanista gangeticaENEndangered
Smooth-coated otterLutrogale perspicillataVUVulnerable
Birds
Indian skimmerRynchops albicollisENEndangered
Reptiles
GharialGavialis gangeticusCRCritically Endangered
Mugger crocodileCrocodylus palustrisVUVulnerable
Plan your visit
Winter mornings offer atmospheric mist on the river and intensive basking behavior by gharials.
- Typical sightings
- Massive gharials basking on sandbanks; skimmers flying low over the water surface.
- Light and terrain
- Water reflection requires polarizing filters; early morning mist provides atmospheric, high-key lighting.
- Good to know
- No terrestrial disembarkation allowed on nesting sandbars.