Chambal safari lodge near Agra
| country: | India | ||||
| location: | Village Jarar, Bah, Uttar Pradesh | ||||
| price: | From Rupee 1,500 - Rupee 8,000 per room per night including complementary tea, coffee. Price depends on room type. See below for activities, more room price info & meal costs. 5% tax applicable. We are closed from 1 May to 31 Sep
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| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
introduction to Chambal safari lodge near Agra
The Mela Kothi – Chambal Safari Lodge is an oasis of calm and tranquility nestling in the midst of a 35 acre heritage plantation of large old growth trees, surrounded by farmland. The plantation is part of a much bigger area used by the Zamindars (feudal Chieftains) of Jarar to conduct their annual cattle fair (Mela).
The current owners, Ram Pratap Singh and his wife Anu, have turned their inheritance into a charming eco-lodge, where their young son Sumer is the ‘chief naturalist-in-charge’! The Lodge has been lovingly restored and extended, the plantation supplemented with large numbers of native trees and plants, and now boasts over 198 different species of birds and mammals.
The Lodge kitchen uses locally grown organic produce and offers home-cooked traditional Indian buffet meals. The eco-friendly accommodation in 10 independent double/twin bed ensuite cottages/rooms, combines the natural warmth of local homes with the comfort of modern amenities, and the entire staff is from within the local community.
The Lodge and its extensive grounds provide a relaxing environment and are a far cry from the hustle and chaos of modern cities. Wake-up to the birdsong of the barbets, have breakfast and lunch under the trees with the koels and hornbills in attendance, spend the afternoon reading in a hammock with peacocks for company and end the day around a blazing bonfire under a star studded sky with the hooting owls, flapping flying foxes and shy Civet cats. All this whilst enjoying warm personalised hospitality and attention to detail.
The Lodge organises guided river, jeep & camel safaris and nature walks in the Chambal Valley – allowing visitors to explore the natural, cultural and historical heritage at their own pace.
Birdwatching: A bird watchers paradise, the Chambal River banks are the ideal habitat for numerous migratory and resident birds. One can easily spot colonies of the rare Indian Skimmer, Greater Thicknee, the Comb Duck, Brahmani Duck, Bar-headed Geese, Spoonbill, Herons, Kingfishers, Fishing Eagles, Flamingos, Pelicans, Cormorants, and Partridges. One may explore on motorboats on the river and on foot along the banks of the river and at the lodge.
A 400km stretch of the river Chambal has been designated The National Chambal Sanctuary, known for its Gharials, Marsh Crocodiles, Gangetic Dolphins and over 319 bird species. Tours are led by trained naturalists, and guests are provided information pack on the National Chambal Sanctuary and surrounding areas, including extensive and regularly updated checklists of species.
River safaris - Rupee 2,500 per person 3hrs, Jeep safaris - Rupee 1,500 per jeep for half day and Rupee 3,000 per jeep full day. 4.95% tax is applicable. The Lodge also organises birdwatching trips to the wetlands at the Patna Bird Sanctuary and the Sarus Crane Conservation Area, as well as morning and evening rambles in the Lodge grounds and surrounding countryside with the resident naturalists.
Cultural Excursions: The Chambal Valley has been inhabited since time immemorial. There are many interesting desolate ruins or thriving villages that nestle within its folds. The Lodge organises excursions to some of these fascinating sites. These include visits to the ancient temple complex at Bateshwar on the river Yamuna, 10 km from the Chambal Safari Lodge, consisting of more than a hundred temples dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The ravines surrounding the temples and river are home to a number of Naga sadhus (snake worshiping ascetics) who have carved out little caves and temples within the mud walls. In early November, the open areas around the temple complex play host to an annual animal fair, the origins of which stretch into antiquity. The fair coincides with the most auspicious period for praying at Bateshwar and is an important fixture for saints, sadhus, tradesmen and villagers. Witness a colourful pageant of rural India that is as unchanging as it is timeless. Guided tour of Bateshwar Temples and Sadhu Caves – Rupee 1,000 per person.
Other excursions include camel safaris through the ravines and villages up to the magnificent ruins of Fort Ater, village walks to the nearby village of Jarar for an experience of rural India, Jeep Safaris exploring small towns and villages. Camel Safari - 3 hour safari - Rupee 1,500 per person.
The current owners, Ram Pratap Singh and his wife Anu, have turned their inheritance into a charming eco-lodge, where their young son Sumer is the ‘chief naturalist-in-charge’! The Lodge has been lovingly restored and extended, the plantation supplemented with large numbers of native trees and plants, and now boasts over 198 different species of birds and mammals.
The Lodge kitchen uses locally grown organic produce and offers home-cooked traditional Indian buffet meals. The eco-friendly accommodation in 10 independent double/twin bed ensuite cottages/rooms, combines the natural warmth of local homes with the comfort of modern amenities, and the entire staff is from within the local community.
The Lodge and its extensive grounds provide a relaxing environment and are a far cry from the hustle and chaos of modern cities. Wake-up to the birdsong of the barbets, have breakfast and lunch under the trees with the koels and hornbills in attendance, spend the afternoon reading in a hammock with peacocks for company and end the day around a blazing bonfire under a star studded sky with the hooting owls, flapping flying foxes and shy Civet cats. All this whilst enjoying warm personalised hospitality and attention to detail.
special things to do and see here
The Lodge organises guided river, jeep & camel safaris and nature walks in the Chambal Valley – allowing visitors to explore the natural, cultural and historical heritage at their own pace. Birdwatching: A bird watchers paradise, the Chambal River banks are the ideal habitat for numerous migratory and resident birds. One can easily spot colonies of the rare Indian Skimmer, Greater Thicknee, the Comb Duck, Brahmani Duck, Bar-headed Geese, Spoonbill, Herons, Kingfishers, Fishing Eagles, Flamingos, Pelicans, Cormorants, and Partridges. One may explore on motorboats on the river and on foot along the banks of the river and at the lodge.
A 400km stretch of the river Chambal has been designated The National Chambal Sanctuary, known for its Gharials, Marsh Crocodiles, Gangetic Dolphins and over 319 bird species. Tours are led by trained naturalists, and guests are provided information pack on the National Chambal Sanctuary and surrounding areas, including extensive and regularly updated checklists of species. River safaris - Rupee 2,500 per person 3hrs, Jeep safaris - Rupee 1,500 per jeep for half day and Rupee 3,000 per jeep full day. 4.95% tax is applicable. The Lodge also organises birdwatching trips to the wetlands at the Patna Bird Sanctuary and the Sarus Crane Conservation Area, as well as morning and evening rambles in the Lodge grounds and surrounding countryside with the resident naturalists.
Cultural Excursions: The Chambal Valley has been inhabited since time immemorial. There are many interesting desolate ruins or thriving villages that nestle within its folds. The Lodge organises excursions to some of these fascinating sites. These include visits to the ancient temple complex at Bateshwar on the river Yamuna, 10 km from the Chambal Safari Lodge, consisting of more than a hundred temples dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The ravines surrounding the temples and river are home to a number of Naga sadhus (snake worshiping ascetics) who have carved out little caves and temples within the mud walls. In early November, the open areas around the temple complex play host to an annual animal fair, the origins of which stretch into antiquity. The fair coincides with the most auspicious period for praying at Bateshwar and is an important fixture for saints, sadhus, tradesmen and villagers. Witness a colourful pageant of rural India that is as unchanging as it is timeless. Guided tour of Bateshwar Temples and Sadhu Caves – Rupee 1,000 per person.
Other excursions include camel safaris through the ravines and villages up to the magnificent ruins of Fort Ater, village walks to the nearby village of Jarar for an experience of rural India, Jeep Safaris exploring small towns and villages. Camel Safari - 3 hour safari - Rupee 1,500 per person.
traveller reviews for Chambal safari lodge near Agra
A wonderful experience for families; the hospitality was so genuinely warm and caring; the wildlife wonderful, and an excellent way of getting some idea on how 1/6 of the world's population lives.
(more)
rooms, food and facilities
Great care has been taken to create environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing accommodation that is also authentic to the area. The Lodge has 8 independent cottages with en-suite bathrooms and small covered verandahs, 1 twin room and 1 single room in the restored stable block and 2 large and luxurious double rooms in the main heritage building. The cottages and rooms are spacious, airy, comfortable and uncluttered. The furniture and colourful furnishings have been procured locally as far as possible. The ensuite bathrooms have European style seats, washbasins, and running hot & cold water for showers and hamam style baths.
The Lodge kitchens serve authentic ‘home cooked’ buffet meals with fresh organically grown ingredients. Most of the produce is from the Lodge farms or procured directly from the local farmers.
The recipes include local specialties that have been fine-tuned over many generations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner cost Rupee 300 (£4) (£4), Rupee 500, Rupee 500 (£6) per person respectively. 13.5% tax is applicable.
Family friendly: All the cottages are designed to accommodate an extra bed, and two of them have an extra bed/divan as part of the regular furniture. Young children are therefore able to sleep with their parents. There is ample space at the Lodge for children to play and run around. Here children love climbing the trees, exploring the fields and grounds and digging for potatoes. The boat ride through the National Chambal Sanctuary is usually enjoyed by children due to the numerous sightings of the large reptiles - Gharials, Marsh Crocodiles, as well as the turtles and large flocks of birds.
The river beach with its fine white sand is also suitable for children to build sandcastles, search for shells and explore the river bank.
prices
Accommodation prices: | Type | Maximum Occupancy | Price per night + 5% tax extra |
| Twin Bed Cottage | 2 + 1 extra bed | Rupee 5,000 + Rupee 500 per extra bed |
| Family Cottage | 3 + 1 extra bed | Rupee 5,500 + Rupee 500 per extra bed |
| Twin Bed Room | 2 | Rupee 2,000 |
| Single Bed Room | 1 | Rupee 1,500 |
| Double Bed Luxury Room | 2 + extra bed | Rupee 8,000 + Rupee 500 per extra bed |
Meal prices (Buffet):
| Breakfast | Rupee 300 per person + 13.5% tax |
| Lunch | Rupee 500 per person + 13.5% tax |
| Dinner | Rupee 500 per person + 13.5% tax |
how to find us
By car: The Lodge is located 70 kms southeast of Agra on the Agra-Fatehabad road. The road conditions are good and the drive through picturesque countryside takes about an hour from the Taj Mahal.By plane & train: The nearest airport & train station is at Agra, 70 km away.
how this holiday makes a difference
 This Lodge is the culmination of the dreams of Ram Pratap Singh and Anu Dhillon (an Engineer from IIT Roorkee and an Environment Scientist from London University, respectively), who chose to give up successful careers and along with their then newborn son to move back to their ancestral farms in 1999. Since then every effort has been made to initiate sustainable and self sustaining projects in the Chambal Valley, a largely unknown and hitherto neglected part of North India, despite being in such close proximity to the World famous Taj Mahal.The couple work in close collaboration with the forest department and local communities to help strike a balance between ostensibly divergent needs. Village level eco-development schemes have been revived and peoples’ participation encouraged. They have been instrumental in placing the National Chambal Sanctuary onto the international birding and wildlife map, thus ensuring its continued protection. They have raised and highlighted issues of concern regarding the sanctuary and its surrounding areas, as well as helping seek solutions such as providing technical inputs for building check-dams in the ravines, setting up of check-posts and watch-towers, organising village level meetings, preparing extensive checklists of the bird, mammal and reptilian species, providing logistical and financial support to researchers, the Forest Department, WWF amongst others and actively participating in the protection and management of the Chambal Valley. Eco-tourism by definition requires the involvement and benefit of local people and communities. The team members belong to the area and have been trained by the Singhs. They are a highly motivated, enthusiastic and friendly group of people and an integral part of the Chambal Safari Lodge family. Procurement of goods and services for the Lodge is done locally, as far as possible. Local craftsmen and technicians are employed in all restoration and extension work. The team is committed to minimising the environmental impact of their lodge. They recycle organic waste through compost pits and inorganic wastes through traditional ‘kabari’ collection systems. Bath & kitchen water and rainwater runoff in ponds is re-used through the use of soak-pits. In 2008 a rain water harvesting project was started on 7 acres of land. Once complete, this project will tap all the Lodge rainwater overflow to create a large lake within the Chambal Safari Lodge grounds and also recharge groundwater reservoirs.  All visitors are provided with information for reducing water and power consumption. The bathrooms all have showers but ‘bucket baths’ are recommended, as they use only 20 litres of water compared with 100 litres required for an average shower. There is limited use of electrical equipment and power efficient products are used when necessary eg. water heaters. The electrical generators are used sparingly and solar back-up sources are being explored. The Lodge uses vegetables and grains grown organically in their own fields and also buy the organic produce of other local farmers. Large numbers of indigenous trees and shrubs are planted every year to supplement the existing growth and to create a ‘nature reserve’ that is being progressively allowed to regenerate itself, untouched by human interference. The results of their efforts can be judged by the fact that the Lodge area now boasts of a checklist of over 198 species of birds, reptiles and mammals. Six acres of land has been dedicated to develop a Forest nursery to supply reforestation drives for the local villagers free of charge. The office uses e-brochures, e-cards and CDs instead of printed brochures. Environment awareness camps are organised for schools and local communities. Every October they organise a wildlife week to create awareness and generate interest amongst school children. Close to 20,000 children participated in the 2005, 2006 and 2007 events, which included talks, essay and quiz competitions, and visits to protected areas near Agra, including the National Chambal Sanctuary. |
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