Chambal Safari Lodge

Mela Kothi Chambal Safari Lodge is a heritage eco-lodge in the village of Jarar in Uttar Pradesh, about an hour from Agra and the Taj Mahal. The lodge serves as a base for boat-based wildlife safaris on the Chambal River within the National Chambal Sanctuary, where over 260 species of resident and migratory birds have been recorded alongside Gharials, Marsh Crocodiles, Smooth-coated Otters and the rare Gangetic Dolphin. While not exclusively a birding operator, the lodge is widely recognised among Indian wildlife enthusiasts as the easiest entry point to one of South Asia's most reliable sites for the Critically Endangered Indian Skimmer, along with Greater Thick-knees, pratincoles and breeding Sarus Cranes in adjoining wetlands. Stays combine river safaris, ravine walks and visits to nearby historical sites such as Bateshwar. The lodge holds eco-tourism recognition and partners with the Chambal Conservation Foundation on local stewardship work. Tours are typically arranged as add-on safaris from the Golden Triangle circuit or as multi-day stays for birders and photographers seeking river-specialist species.