Chambal Safari

Chambal’s main advantage is that you can stay here, seeing Agra and the Taj Mahal on the way and then continue to Ranthambore or Rajasthan after your stay. Chambal is run by the owners, Ram Pratap Singh and his wife Anu and there is a lovely atmosphere about the place. There is a checklist of 198 bird species, reptiles and mammals within the six acres of grounds, and you can head off on guided jeep, river, camal and natural walks in the local area. If you like more cultural pursuits, then a visit to the Bateshwar Temples on the Yamuna River is a must, alongside visit to traditional rural villages.

There are just 12 rooms here, ten of which are simply styled cottages set within the grounds with two larger bedrooms in the main lodge (Mela Kothi). The cottages have verandas looking out on the woodland, and the bedrooms have both front and rear facing verandas. Don’t expect a great deal; there are no TVs for instance.

Meals are served in a traditional buffet style, and a real highlight in the evening bonfire where guests meet to share stories about their day’s adventures.