CHAMBAL LODGE

The Chambal Safari Lodge 'Mela Khoti' is an oasis of calm and tranquility, nestling in the midst of a 35 acre Plantation of large shady trees. The birds, of course are quite noisy, especially the parakeet's and the babblers (called 'gossipmongers' in the local dialect, after their habit of gathering in large groups, and all babbling at the same time!). The resident Brown Hawk Owl and the Flying Foxes (large bats), don't seem to mind, though, and slumber on regardless.

The larger trees, some of which are centuries-old, provide a safe harbor for birds and animals that have made them their home. The Plantation is a part of a much larger area that was used by the Zamindars of Jarar to conduct their annual cattle fair. Parts of the old Mela Kothi, and its stables, where the chieftain and his retinue would camp for the annual Mela, have been restored and put to use as dining and sitting areas for visitors.

A further seven independent cottages with attached bathrooms and verandas have been laid out in the area around the Mela Kothi. Great care has been taken to use locally available materials and craftsmen as far as possible, to create environmentally sound yet ascetically pleasing interiors and surroundings.

The existing Plantation has been supplemented with many local, indigenous species of trees, shrubs and grasses, to provide a haven for additional wildlife, and thus creating a little jungle of wilderness. The Plantation is further surrounded by fields of organically grown produce the supply the kitchen at the Mela Kothi. Native trees are currently being planted to ensure a similar supply organic fruits and juices in the near future.

Every effort is being made to make the Chambal Safari Lodge as environmentally sound and self-sustaining as possible.

The Chambal Safari Lodge is 65 kilometers from Agra on the Fatehabad road at Jarar, and lies 12 kilometer short of the Chambal Safari base camp on River Chambal.