Mela Kothi – Chambal Safari Lodge
River safaris,
Bateshwar temples
Couples,
Birdwatchers,
Curious Explorers
A one-of-a-kind safari lodge.
Surrounded by untamed terrain – once a lawless land – it doesn’t get much more rugged and ‘real’ than this. While the family-run retreat has a homely, familiar feel, the experiences and excursions it offers guests are anything but ordinary.
The lovely owners have made a conscious effort to ensure the property is as eco-friendly as possible and in tune with the natural surroundings. Authentic home-cooked food is served in the restaurant using local and organic produce and the garden’s old trees and sprawling bougainvillea set among the restored late 18th-century stable block makes for an idyllic spot to dine in the evenings.
Despite sitting fairly close to the honeypot site of the Taj Mahal (around an hour’s drive away), the eco-lodge feels a million miles away. A stay here is the perfect antidote to Rajasthan’s hectic cities: you can have some downtime and decompress surrounded by greenery and birdsong.
Chambal Safari Lodge is a great base for guided wildlife excursions and walks.
It’s well worth waking early for a sunrise boat safari down the calm Chambal River. You’ll admire local and migratory birds overhead, spot gharials, muggers and turtles sunbathing on the sandbanks, and – if you’re lucky – glimpse a Gangetic river dolphin breaking the water’s surface.
A visit to the quiet ghats in Bateshwar nearby is also not to be missed. Here, you’ll wander timeless temples, see Sadhus in the brightest of orange robes and soak up a staggering sunset.
The Rooms
The lodge offers a selection of cottages and rooms housed in restored outbuildings, with a rustic, homely feel. Interiors are simple but comfortable, with touches of local style and plenty of privacy.
The focus is on the natural surroundings, with shaded gardens and quiet corners perfect for unwinding between excursions.
What You’ll Find:
Why You'll Love It:
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Chambal Safari Lodge on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
India, exceeded all expectations
Fantastic holiday, excellently planned
Immersive India
The Curious Traveller’s Expert Guide to India
Want to know more? With its vast size, rich diversity, and countless possibilities, planning a holiday to India can feel overwhelming – so we’ve created our Curious Traveller’s Guide to India to help make sense of it all.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for both first-time visitors and those returning for more.
