chambal safari lodge

• Getting here

GPS Coordinates: 26.8725° N, 78.5642° E

Season months: october to april.

Operating Season

1st October to 30th April

A mere hour's drive from the Taj Mahal, in the heart of the Chambal Valley, lies an oasis of tranquility nestling in sprawling acres of reclaimed woodland. Mela Kothi – The Chambal Safari Lodge.

A warm and welcoming haven for the eager explorer and weary traveller alike. Come prepared. This land will mesmerize you.

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Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge

Mela Kothi Road, Village Jarar, Tehsil Bah, District Agra, 283104 Bāh, India – Great location - show map

Cleanliness

Value for money

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The food was delicious and the staff warm, welcoming, and informed about the local wildlife and culture. We loved our stay and would highly recommend.

It was lovely to arrive in such a beautiful garden with flowers, peacocks and other wildlife. Staff was very friendly and the lodge was big and nicely decorated. Food during breakfast, lunch and dinner were excellent: a daily changing buffet of both traditional and innovatove dishes, made of super fresh ingredients from local farms. Excursions by local guides and boat 'safari' with a naturalist were very well done. Good ethical and community-based accommodation: they employ local people, empowering women and creating a caste-free safe space.

Peaceful rural setting, abundant wildlife, attentive and friendly service, high standard of cuisine, gracious and generous management, experienced and friendly Guide, variety and quality of experiences offered

The atmosphere is very relaxed and flexible. While great for birders and wildlife lovers it is also interesting for those without.much knowledge of nature. We loved the river safari- with an excellent guide- and visit to Bateshwar temples. The heritage Village was a bit disappointing; visits to the nearby lively little town would be an option. The food was lovely!

Nous étions les seuls présents ce soir là.Bonne cuisine, service sympathique. L'hôtel est vraiment super pour les amateurs de safari. Un des rares endroits au monde ou vous pouvez voir des gavials à deux pas.

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Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge features free bikes, garden, a shared lounge and terrace in Bāh. There is free private parking and the property provides paid airport shuttle service. At the hotel, every room is equipped with a desk, bed linen and a patio with a garden view. With a private bathroom equipped with a bidet and free toiletries, rooms at Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge also provide guests with free WiFi, while selected rooms have a balcony. Guest rooms at the accommodation include air conditioning and a closet. At Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge you'll find a restaurant serving Indian, Italian and Pizza cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options can also be requested. The area is popular for fishing and cycling, and car rental is available at the hotel. Speaking English and Hindi at the 24-hour front desk, staff are always on hand to help. The nearest airport is Agra Airport, 49 miles from Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Non-smoking rooms
• Airport shuttle
• Free parking
• Family rooms
• Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms

Property Highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.9)

Free private parking available at the hotel

Saved to 32 lists

Availability

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Sustainability certification

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Hotel area info

Restaurants 1 restaurant on site.

• Cuisine Indian • Italian • Pizza • Local • International • Grill/BBQ
• Open for Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • High tea • Cocktail hour
• Ambience Family-friendly • Traditional
• Dietary options Vegetarian • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Amenities of Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge Great facilities! Review score, 8.3

• Toilet paper
• Bathtub or shower
• Private Bathroom
• Free toiletries
• Wardrobe or closet
• Garden view
• Outdoor fireplace
• Picnic area
• Outdoor furniture
• BBQ facilities Additional charge
• Electric kettle
• Socket near the bed
• Drying rack for clothing
• Clothes rack
• Bicycle rental
• Cooking class Additional charge
• Tour or class about local culture Additional charge
• Themed dinners Additional charge
• Bike tours Additional charge
• Walking tours
• Badminton equipment
• Hiking Additional charge Off-site
• Sitting area
• Coffee house on site
• Wine/Champagne Additional charge
• Kid-friendly buffet
• Kids' meals
• Special diet meals (on request)
• Tea/Coffee maker
• Valet parking
• Accessible parking
• Invoice provided
• Private check-in/out
• Baggage storage
• Express check-in/out
• 24-hour front desk
• Outdoor play equipment for kids
• Indoor play area
• Board games/Puzzles
• Books, DVDs or music for children
• Board games/puzzles
• Daily housekeeping
• Ironing service
• Fax/Photocopying Additional charge
• Meeting/Banquet facilities Additional charge
• Fire extinguishers
• Smoke alarms
• 24-hour security
• Shuttle service Additional charge
• Shared lounge/TV area
• Designated smoking area
• Air conditioning
• Mosquito net
• Wake-up service
• Tile/Marble floor
• Private entrance
• Packed lunches
• Chapel/Shrine
• Airport shuttle Additional charge
• Entire unit located on ground floor

See availability House rules

From 2:00 PM

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in

Until 11:30 AM

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

Children 13 and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Prices for extra beds aren't included in the total price. They'll have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

There are no cribs available at this property.

All extra beds are subject to availability.

No age restriction

There's no age requirement for check-in

Free! Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.

Accepted payment methods

Cash Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print Must-know information for guests at this property

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimize transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property currently isn't accepting guests from certain countries on dates where such guidelines exist.

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimize transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property may request additional documentation from guests to validate identity, travel itinerary, and other relevant info on dates where such guidelines exist.

Due to coronavirus (COVID-19), this property adheres to strict physical distancing measures.

FAQs about Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge

What are the check-in and check-out times at mela kothi - the chambal safari lodge.

Check-in at Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:30 AM.

What is there to do at Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge?

• Tour or class about local culture
• Themed dinners
• Cooking class

What type of room can I book at Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge?

How far is mela kothi - the chambal safari lodge from the center of bāh.

Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge is 2.3 miles from the center of Bāh. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

Does Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge have a restaurant on site?

• The Stables

How much does it cost to stay at Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge?

The prices at Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

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Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge

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• Excellent 169
• Very Good 87
• All languages ( 278 )
• English ( 267 )
• German ( 5 )
• French ( 2 )

" This hotel would suit anyone looking for a different experience from that offered by chain hotels. They definitely offer a personal touch. "

" Take advantage of the special trips offered. "

" Do not confuse the LODGE with the CAMP opposite with an almost identical name - they are not associated and the quality is in no way compara "

" Mind your head! "

" There is ample car parking within the property and the roads all the way are great "

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MELA KOTHI - THE CHAMBAL SAFARI LODGE (AU$254): 2024 Prices & Reviews (Agra, India) - Photos of Lodge - Tripadvisor

Chambal Safari Lodge

Located in the heart of the Chambal Valley, this family-owned heritage property sits on an extensive wooded estate, surrounded by farmland, a mere hour’s drive from the Taj Mahal.

Since its restoration as an award winning eco-lodge, the property provides easy access to and is an ideal base for exploring the National Chambal Sanctuary and the Sarus crane wetlands. With elegant, spacious and well-appointed rooms, delicious home-cooked meals and a warm and friendly ambience the Mela Kothi-Chambal Safari Lodge is a peaceful haven of gracious hospitality. The grounds are home to over 200 species of birds & mammals, with nilgai, flying foxes, golden jackals, civets, jungle cats and the occasional striped hyena to keep you company.

View suggested itinerary

Wildlife trips

Birds & tigers in central india.

Travelling from the Chambal River and the famed wetlands of Bharatpur, both bird hotspots, to the legendary Taj Mahal, and the central Indian national parks of Pench, Satpura and Tadoba, we search for exciting mammals and birds, including sloth bear, leopard, Asian wild dog, jungle cat and tiger. Find out more about Z) Birds & Tigers in Central India

• Destination : India
• Price (inc. flights) : 17 days from £5,995
• Trip type : Group Tour

National Chambal Sanctuary

This beautiful sanctuary was established in 1979 along a vast stretch of India’s Chambal River. Numerous ravines, the product of centuries of soil erosion by flood and rain water, line its banks. The cliffs and vegetation shelter numerous birds, mammals and reptiles, and the river is one of India’s most pristine. Find Out More about {acc:title}

• Where : Uttar Pradesh State
• Ideal for viewing : Gangetic river dolphin , gharial crocodile , Indian skimmer , marsh crocodile , smooth-coated otter
• Excellent for : River safaris , Birdwatching

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Chambal Safari Lodge

• Experiences

A charming lodge set in an oasis of woodland with a focus on wildlife and nature.

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About Chambal Safari Lodge

Set just an hour outside Agra, Chambal Safari Lodge is a peaceful woodland getaway, built and managed by passionate conservationist and naturalist, Ram Pratap Singh. A descendent of the Singh family, who own much of the surrounding farmland, Singh restored the neglected house in 1999 allowing visitors to explore his ancestral home, and it's a paradise for wildlife and bird lovers. There are 35 acres of land to explore and the guides are knowledgeable and incredibly warm and generous. A lovely change from the hotels in Agra, it's also close enough to combine a visit to Taj Mahal too.

From $ 90 person/night

Agra, India

What you'll love

The Singhs consider themselves real foodies, and the daily buffet banquets, always created using organic, locally-grown produce, are lip-smackingly good.

Insiders tip

Take an out-of-the-ordinary safari by camel. Explore the Chambal Ravines on these hump-backed creatures, spotting local wildlife and ambling past ancient archeological sites.

Something to think about

The lodge is an hour outside of Agra so although the Taj is within easy reach, it's not the place to stay for sunrise visits.

The property

Set within bright green forest and working farmland, the lodge resides on 35 acres of the old family plantation. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of the town, this is a place for relaxation and connecting with nature. The main building, Mela Kothi, is home to the dining room and a bar, and there are plenty of seating areas dotted around the grounds. Expect to sample an abundance of local cuisine daily and spend evenings huddled around the bonfire, gazing up at the night sky.

You'll sleep either in a room in the main house or in one of the many cottages around the grounds. Both come in varying sizes and offer a taste of local design and hospitality. There are 13 spots to stay in total, and some offer access to the welcoming library or open out onto a pebbled courtyard or farmland, whilst others come complete with lovely private gardens or verandahs.

The lodge runs regular safaris, both on the Chambal River (they are the only lodge in the area allowed to do so) and in the National Chambal Sanctuary, 22 kilometres away. On the water, you'll spot turtles, gharials, muggers and, if you're lucky, the Ganges river dolphin. Trips out by jeep should bring spottings of sarus cranes, along with other breeds of wetland birds and buckback deer. The ancient town of Bateshwar is also fun to explore, or you could stay put and spot jungle cats, hares and fruit bats in the gardens.

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A heritage eco-lodge in Jarar, Uttar Pradesh

• Mela Kothi – The Chambal Safari Lodge

The Chambal is the stuff of legends, with its maze like ravines having been home to many a rebel and brigand over the years. What better place to bring these stories alive than in a heritage safari lodge set in sprawling reclaimed woodlands close to the meandering Chambal River. The Mela Kothi, built by zamindaars of yore, is located right in the heart of Chambal. The surrounding country is ancient. Dry and arid in parts, the area has bursts of greenery where the Chambal River and the nearby Yamuna flow. The River and the lack of industrial development in the region have ensured rich biodiversity with the Gangetic River dolphin, gharials and marsh crocodiles making their home in the Chambal’s waters. Hundreds of species of birds too can be found in the National Chambal Sanctuary, a protected area that covers a 400km stretch of the Chambal River and between one and six kilometre swathe of ravines on either side.

The Mela Kothi is the ideal redoubt from where to make forays into the National Chambal Sanctuary. The owners, who are descendants of the zamindaar who built the lodge, will arrange for boat, camel and jeep safaris into the protected zone and excursions to the nearby heritage towns, temples and villages. The Lodge, open only from October to April, is a thing of beauty. The rooms are large and airy, kitted out in bright and comfortable furniture and furnishings, and most have verandahs attached. Large courtyards and gardens make the lodge a cosy haven.

Price: from Rs 7,000 per night for stay (not including GST) Read More:  http://chambalsafari.com/

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Mela Kothi – The Chambal Safari Lodge

These are exemplary industry leaders. These providers have a positive impact on the environment, local communities and their clients. They invest both time and money to maintain sustainable tourism practices.

National Chambal Sanctuary

Uttar pradesh.

• Activities / Special Features
• Accommodation
• Opening Times
• Children Policy
• With a team of trained naturalist guides, the lodge is able to offer several excursions designed to best discover the natural, cultural and historical attractions of the Chambal valley; including safaris by boat, jeep or camel, village walks, and temple visits to the site of an ancient cattle and horse fair that is larger in size than the Pushkar fair.
• The lodge has 13 rooms, one large heritage room, two suites, a suite and a twin-bed room in the Bougan Serai, and eight cottages in the grounds surrounding the main house. Rooms have private sit-outs overlooking the woodland and fields.
• Authentic home-cooked meals with local specialities are served, all made with fresh organically-grown ingredients from the lodge’s farm or procured directly from the local farmers. Relax in the evening with beer or a glass of wine. 
• Closed from 1st May to 30th September.
• Nearest airport - Agra (70 km)  Nearest railhead - Agra (70 km), Gwalior (140 km)  Nearest park gate - Nandgaon Ghat (17 km)
• Children of all ages are welcome.

Further Information and Booking:

Visit website email contact contact number.

As you glide quietly down the powering Chambal River, you are mesmerised by the deep ravines that envelope you on both sides, formed by continuous soil erosion of monsoonal floods over countless millennia. They form a maze of entwining cliffs of ancient mud and dry scrub forest – home to various species of mammals, reptiles and birds. National Chambal Sanctuary is named after the river, one of India’s cleanest and longest rivers and covers an area of 1,235 square kilometres. It was declar Read more>>

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Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge

Ram Pratap Singh and his wife Anu have turned their run down inheritance, Mela Kothi, into a lovingly restored homely lodge n...

Mon - Fri: 9am to 5.30pm

Telephone: 01473 890499

Chambal Safari Lodge

Set in farmland, Chambal is a great place to experience rural Indian life and nature about one hour from Agra.

Bar and Lounge at Chambal Safari Lodge, Jarar, India

© Chambal Safari Lodge

Jarar, Agra India

Tribes style: modest.

• Enjoy a break from sightseeing
• Join the guide for a nature walk
• Savour traditional and contemporary cuisine
• Explore by boat and bike
• Visit Jara village and temples at Bateshwar

Also known as Mela Kothi and the Chambal River Lodge, the Chambal Safari Lodge is housed in an old colonial-era building which has been lovingly restored. Surrounded by a 35 acre plantation, a great deal of animal and birdlife can be seen in the gardens around the lodge, with nature walks led by resident naturalist guides. The trees around the lodge are home to colonies of flying foxes as well as civets, and shrikes, babblers and hornbills can be seen in the surrounding farmland.

The lodge has thirteen rooms made up of eight cottages in the grounds, one room in the main house, three suites and one room in separate buildings. All have been decorated and furnished with great care and attention to detail and are equipped with air conditioning, fans and hot and cold water. Electric supply in this rural part of India can be erratic, but generator power is provided in the mornings and evenings, and solar-powred lamps, candles and torches are available.

The lodge serves meals mostly prepared from their own and locally sourced organic farms, and many of the recipes are family favourites that have been handed down from generation to generation. The main house has sitting room, library and verandas which you're welcome to use, and there are several spots in the garden where you can enjoy tea and coffee. After dark the firepit is the main gathering place outdoors.

A wide variety of activities are available from the lodge. The Chambal River is best explored by boat, with the lodge providing their own boats and expert boatmen to see the birds and animals in and around the river. Walking safaris can also be arranged on the banks of the river as well as the surrounding farmland. For a more cultural trip, you can also visit the rural villages around the lodge and nearby sites such as the ancient Bateshwar Temples, scene of the annual Bateshwar Fair each November, and Fort Atar.

Call:  01473 890499

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Client Rating for India 5/5 from 130 reviews

Loved it here. Accommodation in separate bungalows, lovely guides and lovely food. The sounds of the birds was just incredible.

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Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge

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• Excellent 169
• Very Good 87
• All languages ( 278 )
• English ( 267 )
• German ( 5 )
• French ( 2 )

" This hotel would suit anyone looking for a different experience from that offered by chain hotels. They definitely offer a personal touch. "

" Take advantage of the special trips offered. "

" Do not confuse the LODGE with the CAMP opposite with an almost identical name - they are not associated and the quality is in no way compara "

" Mind your head! "

" There is ample car parking within the property and the roads all the way are great "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

MELA KOTHI - THE CHAMBAL SAFARI LODGE - Updated 2024 (Agra, India)

Chambal Safari

• Agra, Varanasi and Northern India

In a Nutshell

Chambal Safari Lodge is a small eco-lodge located close to Agra offering a blend of wildlife and cultural experiences in this untouched corner of India.

At a Glance

• Lovely wildlife lodge close to the Chambal and Yumuna Rivers
• Close to the superb Bateshwar Temples on the Yamuna
• You can easily see Agra and the Taj Mahal on the way to Chambal and spend your time away from the city at night
• Links up well with journeys onto Ranthambore, Ramathra Fort and Gwalior

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.

Millis Potter Insight

• Itineraries

Experiences

Chambal safari itineraries.

Travel is all about those unique and special moments which make you smile. Our aim is simple: to offer exceptionally unique and innovative itineraries that are totally personalised around you.

Homestays and Havelis: An Immersive Tour of Rajasthan

This immersive private tour of Rajasthan is unique in that it only focuses on staying in top-end homestays and characterful Havelis. This allows you to get an excellent insight into local Indian life, cuisine, and embark on some truly unique, off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Hidden Rajasthan

Get off-the-beaten track with a tour of hidden Rajasthan, perfect for a second-time trip to India. Explore the rural heartlands that many skip on their first experience of India.

Experiences around Chambal

Make an enquiry.

We arrange totally bespoke trips and design an itinerary that is designed around you. You may have seen a suggested itinerary that we can base your plans around, or we can start with a blank sheet and paper and design something from scratch. You can leave a phone number and suggest a time to call you back, and we can also arrange to do this during the evenings or at weekends if you are busy during the daytime. We can also meet up with you in you fancy a coffee and are based in and around London.

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Mela Kothi - The Chambal Safari Lodge

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 169
• Very Good 87
• All languages ( 278 )
• English ( 267 )
• German ( 5 )
• French ( 2 )

" This hotel would suit anyone looking for a different experience from that offered by chain hotels. They definitely offer a personal touch. "

" Take advantage of the special trips offered. "

" Do not confuse the LODGE with the CAMP opposite with an almost identical name - they are not associated and the quality is in no way compara "

" Mind your head! "

" There is ample car parking within the property and the roads all the way are great "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

MELA KOTHI - THE CHAMBAL SAFARI LODGE, Agra (₹̶ ̶1̶5̶,̶3̶4̶4̶) ₹ 13,843 Reviews & Photos