Palighat · about 45 km from the park
Chambal river safari
A Chambal river safari is a boat ride at Palighat: gharial, mugger crocodiles, river dolphins and winter birds, half a day from Ranthambore.
On the river
Quiet water, rare wildlife
The Chambal runs clean and slow through ravine country, inside the National Chambal Sanctuary.
From the jetty at Palighat the boat moves slowly along sand banks where gharial and mugger crocodiles bask in the sun. The river is one of the last strongholds of the gharial, a long-snouted crocodile found only in South Asia.
What you may see
- Gharial and mugger crocodiles on the sand banks
- Gangetic river dolphins surfacing in deeper water
- Indian skimmers, river terns and, in winter, migratory ducks and waders
- Ravines and sandstone cliffs along the banks
- Boat ride
- About 1 h 30 m
- From the park
- About 45 km
- Season
- October to June
- Best light
- Morning
- Booked
- On WhatsApp
Plan the day
Pair it with a tiger safari
The Chambal makes a good half day between two Ranthambore shifts, or on the day the zones you want are closed. Morning boats have the softest light and the most bird activity.
We arrange the cab from your hotel to Palighat and back, and book the boat. Send your date on WhatsApp and we will suggest a plan around your safari shifts.
Chambal safari
Chambal questions
How far is Palighat from Ranthambore?
About 45 km. Allow roughly an hour each way by road, depending on where you stay.
When is the boat safari open?
The boat runs from October to June. River levels and sanctuary rules decide the exact dates each year, so check with us before you plan.
Is this booked through the same form?
No. The form on this site is for Ranthambore park safaris. Chambal boats are booked on WhatsApp, with the cab if you need one.
Is it safe for children?
Yes. Boats move slowly and stay close to the banks, and children usually love the crocodiles and birds.
Chambal booking
Book the boat on WhatsApp
Send your date and number of guests. We reply with boat timings and a cab plan from your hotel.