The Chambal is unlike anywhere else in Rajasthan. Instead of dust and desert, you get deep green water winding through a limestone gorge, cliffs rising on both sides, and wildlife that has all but disappeared from India's other rivers. Our Chambal boat safari in Kota takes a small group out on the water for two to two and a half hours, at the pace of the river.
Choose your route
Both routes cost ₹2,200 per person, all-inclusive, with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 people per boat.
Chambal Garden → Garadia Mahadev
The classic Kota cruise. You board at Chambal Garden and head upriver into the gorge, below the famous Garadia Mahadev viewpoint — sheer cliffs, still water, and crocodiles basking on the rocks. Ideal if you have half a day and want the signature Chambal scenery.
📍 Boarding point directions →Jawahar Sagar → Jhawar Island
The longer, wilder route through the Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary. Deeper into protected country, with the best chance of serious wildlife — otters, gharials, raptors, owls and vultures, and on the gorge slopes the possibility of panther and sloth bear. Best for keen wildlife watchers and photographers.
📍 Boarding point directions →What you'll see
- Mugger crocodiles basking on rocks and sandbanks along the banks.
- Gharials — the critically endangered, narrow-snouted river crocodile the Chambal is famous for.
- Smooth-coated otters, often in family groups, fishing in the shallows.
- Over 300 bird species — kingfishers, cormorants, storks and herons, plus eagles, owls and vultures on the cliffs.
- The gorge itself — layered limestone walls, quiet green water and, on the Jawahar Sagar route, the possibility of panther or sloth bear on the slopes.
Good to know
- Price: ₹2,200 per person, all-inclusive (no separate sanctuary fee)
- Group size: minimum 4, maximum 10 people per boat
- Duration: 2 hours (Garadia Mahadev) or 2.5 hours (Jhawar Island)
- Season: October to June; cruises pause in the monsoon (July–September)
- Best time of day: early morning or late afternoon, for light and wildlife
- Safety: life jackets for every passenger, experienced local boatmen
What to bring
Carry water, a hat and sunscreen, and sunglasses for the glare off the river. Binoculars and a zoom lens are well worth it — most wildlife is spotted at a respectful distance. In the winter months (November–February) mornings can be cold on the water, so bring a light jacket.
How booking works
Choose your route, date and group size on our booking form and submit it. We then confirm your slot personally on WhatsApp, along with the exact boarding point and timing for the day — because the Chambal is dam-fed, timings can shift with water levels. Payment is arranged directly with us; see our cancellation & refund policy for weather and reschedule terms.
Your boarding point is not our booking office in Anantpura. We always confirm exactly where to meet before your safari day — please check the location we send you.
Chambal boat safari — timings, charges & FAQs
What are the Chambal boat safari timings in Kota?
Safaris run in the early morning and the afternoon, roughly between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM depending on the season. Because the Chambal is dam-fed, we confirm your exact departure time on WhatsApp the day before — water levels and forest-department conditions can shift timings.
What is the ticket price for the Chambal boat safari in Kota?
The ticket price is ₹2,200 per person, all-inclusive, on both routes — there is no separate entry or sanctuary ticket to buy on top. A boat seats a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 people, so a group of four pays ₹8,800 in total.
What are the charges for the Chambal boat safari?
Both routes are ₹2,200 per person, all-inclusive — there is no separate sanctuary or entry fee on top. A boat carries a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 people.
Where does boating in the Chambal River start in Kota?
Boarding for the Garadia Mahadev route is at Chambal Garden, Kishorepura, in Kota city. The longer Jhawar Island route departs from Jawahar Sagar, about 30 km away. We confirm which boarding point applies to your booking — it is not our booking office in Anantpura.
Can I see gharials and crocodiles on the safari?
Yes. Mugger crocodiles are seen on most cruises, basking on rocks and sandbanks. Gharials — the rare, narrow-snouted river crocodile — are also regularly spotted, along with smooth-coated otters and over 300 species of birds. Sightings are wild and never guaranteed, but the Chambal is one of India's best rivers for them.
How long is the Chambal boat safari?
The Chambal Garden to Garadia Mahadev route takes about 2 hours (18 km). The Jawahar Sagar to Jhawar Island route takes about 2.5 hours (24 km).
Is the Chambal boat safari safe for children and non-swimmers?
Yes. Life jackets are provided and mandatory for every passenger, the boats are motorised and handled by experienced local boatmen, and the water in the gorge is calm. Please tell us in advance if any guest is a young child, is pregnant, cannot swim or has a medical condition, so we can advise you properly.
Do I need to book the Chambal safari in advance?
We strongly recommend it. Boats are limited and a minimum of 4 people is needed per departure, so booking ahead lets us confirm your slot and, if needed, pair you with another small group. Submit the booking form and we confirm on WhatsApp.
Ready for the Chambal?
Two routes · daily departures, Oct–Jun · ₹2,200 per person
Book your boat safari