Chambal Safari Lodge is a refurbished family estate, set in the close proximity to the Yamuna River, about one hours’ drive from Agra. Originally known as ‘Mela Kothi’ or Festival House, the lodge was traditionally used as the family's base for their annual Cattle Fair that started in 1910. Early this century, the great grandson of the Sing family, Ram Pratap Singh and his wife Anu, left their professional careers to start an eco-friendly lodge with a view to support the local community.
Today, there are 6 luxury rooms in the main house and 8 cottages. All are neat, comfortable and traditionally designed and have a private veranda overlooking their family owned farmland. Bathrooms have modern amenities with a shower, though guests are encouraged to save water and electricity. Breakfast is served in the main house, lunch often on the lawn in front of the house, drinks by the roaring bonfire and traditional Indian dinner is by candle light in the dining hall.
Over the years, the valley with its unique and unpolluted habitat, is fast emerging as an exciting new destination. There is abundant wildlife, medieval temples and magnificent ancient ruins, animal fairs and naga sadhus. The owners invest part of the profits on environment management projects, local schools, build check-dams for collecting and storing rainwater. As a result, the wildlife has returned and Chambal valley is on to the international birding and wildlife map.
Amenities
24hr Room ServiceBar/PubCoffee ShopConciergeLibraryRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesWi-Fi AvailableYoga Classes/Instruction On SiteStay Chambal Safari Lodge features just 13 rooms and cottages. The 6 luxury rooms in the main house have open-beamed ceilings, polished cemented floors and king-size beds with colourful covers. Alongside, are 8 white-washed cottages, with mud plastered walls and terracotta roofs. All rooms have a private veranda overlooking the paddy fields or the woodland. Ensuite bathrooms are fitted with hot water geysers and showers, though guests are encouraged to save water.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Chambal Safari Lodge but there are no specific facilities available for children.
Dine ‘Home cooked’ buffet meals are served either in the garden or in the dining room, which was originally a horse stable block. The menu at Chambal Safari Lodge is traditional Indian cuisine reflective of the local Chambal area. Meals are prepared with fresh organically grown ingredients from the owners' own farm or is procured directly from the local farmers. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day for you to enjoy in the garden.
Relax There is a lovely sitting area with a fireplace, a library and several board games. Chambal Safari Lodge also has a cricket set that is put to good use throughout the season. During the day, relax in hammocks, set between shaded trees and in the evening set around the roaring campfire with a drink before heading for a delicious home-cooked dinner.
Experience Chambal Safari Lodge is an ideal base for exploring the Chambal Valley and surrounding areas. The relaxing cruise on the Yamuna River’s placid waters, provides dramatic landscape and close-up views of the amazing wildlife. The nearby National Chambal Sanctuary is home to the Gharial, endangered Gangetic dolphin, marsh crocodiles, turtles and smooth coated otters amongst others. While rich birdlife includes over 316 species of resident and migratory birds.
Location Chambal Safari Lodge is located about an hour's drive from the Taj Mahal, in the heart of the Chambal Valley. Located on the banks of the river Yamuna in a sprawling reclaimed woodland, there are over 100 temples to explore.
When to go The best time to travel to India is between September and March. This is a high season when the weather is pleasant. Summer starts in April and by June, it becomes very hot. By July there is the south-west monsoon, which brings heavy rains to the west coast. Although the word "monsoon" often brings to mind images of torrential floods and landslides, it is not a bad time to travel to India. The downpour tends to come and go quickly, leaving behind a clean, glistening landscape.
Destination
Northern, India
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