Cruise the serene Chambal River at Palighat — spot critically endangered gharials, river dolphins, mugger crocodiles and 320+ bird species on a guided boat ride.
All packages include life jackets & expert naturalist guide. Select a package and fill the form to confirm your booking.
Guided 1-hour boat ride on Chambal River
Hotel transfer + boat ride on Chambal River
Boat ride + delicious lunch at Palighat
Safari + Hotel Pickup/Drop + Lunch — best value
All packages ₹500/person. Booking is online only. Carry a valid photo ID for all participants.
Fill in your details — we'll confirm within minutes
The National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary is one of India's most pristine river ecosystems, spanning 2,100 sq mi across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Established in 1979, it is home to critically endangered species found almost nowhere else on Earth.
Located just 45 km from Ranthambore, a day trip to Palighat on the Chambal River makes the perfect add-on to your tiger safari — offering an entirely different but equally thrilling wildlife encounter.
Did you know? The Chambal is one of the cleanest rivers in India — its clarity is what makes it possible for the Gangetic river dolphin (a blind, endangered mammal) to thrive here alongside the prehistoric gharial crocodile.
Every boat ride brings you face-to-face with some of India's rarest aquatic and avian wildlife
Critically endangered. Up to 6 m long. Basking on sandbanks — found nowhere else in such numbers.
The broad-snouted marsh crocodile. Commonly spotted hunting in shallow river channels.
India's national aquatic animal. Functionally blind — navigates by echolocation in clear Chambal waters.
An endangered freshwater turtle found almost exclusively in the Chambal River.
320+ species including sarus crane, Pallas's fish eagle, Indian skimmer & migratory waterfowl.
Playful otters are regularly spotted fishing in small groups along the riverbanks.
10 boat trips depart daily. Each ride lasts approximately 1 hour. Arrive 15 minutes early at Palighat ghat.
| Trip No. | Departure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trip 1 | 8:00 AM | Best for gharial sightings (early basking) |
| Trip 2 | 9:00 AM | Excellent for bird photography |
| Trip 3 | 10:00 AM | Good light for photography |
| Trip 4 | 11:00 AM | Dolphin activity increases |
| Trip 5 | 12:00 PM | Midday — warm sandbank basking |
| Trip 6 | 1:00 PM | Ideal for otter spotting |
| Trip 7 | 2:00 PM | Afternoon wildlife activity |
| Trip 8 | 3:00 PM | Mugger crocodile feeding time |
| Trip 9 | 4:00 PM | Golden hour for photography |
| Trip 10 | 5:00 PM | Last trip — sunset on the Chambal |
Follow these rules strictly to ensure a safe and responsible wildlife experience on the Chambal River.
Always wear the life jacket provided before boarding and keep it on for the entire duration of the ride.
No swimming in the Chambal River — gharials and mugger crocodiles are present. Stay in the boat at all times.
Maintain silence near wildlife. Sudden loud noises disturb gharials, dolphins and nesting birds.
No littering in or near the river. The Chambal is one of India's cleanest rivers — keep it that way.
Do not drink river water. Bring your own water bottles for the trip.
Photography is welcome but do not use drones or flash photography near sensitive nesting areas.
Carry a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Driving License) for all participants. Mandatory for entry.
Children under 5 must be accompanied and held securely at all times during the boat ride.
Gharials, river dolphins and 320 bird species await. Secure your slot before it fills up.
