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The Mela Kothi – Chambal Safari Lodge - is an oasis of calm and tranquillity nestling in the midst of a sprawling 35 acre heritage plantation, surrounded by family owned farmland. The plantation is part of a much larger area that was used by the Zamindars (feudal Chieftains) of Jarar to conduct their annual cattle fair (Mela).
After decades of neglect, the Mela Kothi and its grounds have been lovingly restored. Ram Pratap Singh and his wife Anu have turned their inheritance into a charming eco-lodge, where their seven year old son Sumer is the ‘chief naturalist-in-charge’!

Accommodation:
By combining the natural warmth of local homes with the comfort of modern amenities, we have managed to create cosy, eco-friendly accommodation.

Eight independent en-suite cottages, with covered verandahs, on raised red sandstone platforms in the woodland around the restored Mela Kothi. The twin bedded en-suite rooms are airy and spacious. Large windows allow fresh air and natural light into the rooms whilst the sloping roofs with canopies add warmth and charm. We also offer one large bedroom each in the restored Stable Block and in the Mela Kothi.

Electricity:
The Lodge is located on a rural feeder line, which means that the electricity supply can be very erratic. In case of a power failure, the Lodge generator is operated for an hour in the morning and evening to power the geysers and ensure a supply of hot water in the bathrooms. We provide candles and hurricane lanterns in all the rooms.

Water:
We have running cold water. There are geysers installed in all the bathrooms but are dependent on the erratic electric supply. We ensure a supply of hot water in the mornings and evenings by operating a generator. If all else fails, we supply a bucket of hot water on request in the morning and in the evening.

We are a water scarce area. The water table is falling steadily, and our water source at present is deep bore wells at 220 ft. Although showers are available in all the bathrooms, we recommend bucket baths, as an average shower utilizes over 100 litres of water, whereas bucket baths consume no more than 20 litres.

Our Meals:
The Lodge kitchens serve authentic ‘home cooked’ meals with fresh organically grown ingredients. Our cooks have been in the family for generations and our recipes include local specialties that have been fine-tuned over the years.

Our Team:
Our team members are a highly motivated, enthusiastic and friendly group of people from the local community. (Find out more about us)

Our Resident Wildlife:
The sprawling grounds of the Chambal Safari Lodge are home to numerous birds and small mammals. Evening Nature Walks around the Lodge, with our resident Naturalist, are the best time to go looking for Palm Civet Cats, Foxes, Jungle Hares, Fruit Bats, Hedgehogs and the Indian Striped Hyenas. With a checklist of over 170 birds, birding in the Lodge grounds starts with the ‘wake call’ of the Barbets & Babblers, and continues through the day and well into the evening.

Safari/Excursion Activities -

River Safari - This includes entry tickets for the National Chambal Sanctuary, services of a trained naturalist, three hour river safari, nature walk through the ravines and at the Chambal Safari Lodge. This does NOT include cost of travel to and from the National Chambal Sanctuary. 

 Rs. 2500 per person + 4.954 % tax

CAMEL SAFARI  - This includes the cost of entry tickets for the National Chambal Sanctuary, services of an escort, Camel Safari through the ravines up to Fort Ater and back to base camp at the edge of the river (approx. four hours), guided tour of Fort Ater. This does NOT include cost of travel to and from the National Chambal Sanctuary. 

Trip through ravines to Fort Ater & back  Rs. 1500 per person + 4.954 % tax

JEEP SAFARI     

(Rates are for the Jeep and not per pax)  Rs. 1500 half day/Rs. 3000 full day + 4.954 % tax

Guide charges for the Jeep Safari  Rs. 1000 + 4.954% tax  
 

SARUS CRANE WETLAND AREA  Rs. 2500 per person + 4.954 % tax 
This includes the cost of travel and services of a trained naturalist and escort. 

TOUR OF BATESHWAR   Rs. 1000 per person + 4.954 % tax 
This includes a guided tour of the medieval temples of Bateshwar, a walk along the temple ghats and visit to sadhu (ascetics) caves. This does NOT include cost of travel to and from Bateshwar

... Room View ...

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Full Moon Dates : *The Tajmahal by moonlight shall be open on Full moon day and two days before and two days after the full moon, except Friday.
Even for moonlight visit it shall remain closed on Friday. During month of August 2011 Taj Mahal shall not open due to Ramzan.
* The tickets are issued ONLY ONE DAY in advance from ASI, Agra office. There is NO same day issue of tickets.
The timings for ticket purchase are 1100 hours to 1700 hours one day before.
* ASI needs following details in advance on the application form for ALL guests :
Name, Sex, Passport number, Age & Nationality.
e For Indians need age / address and full names for all guests.