Mela Kothi - Chambal Safari Lodge - Mela Kothi

11/06/2026

Meet our exhibitors | London Summer Roadshow 2026

Say hello to Chambal Safari Lodge (Mela Kothi)

Tucked within a restored century-old estate of mango orchards and native woodland, Chambal Safari Lodge is a tranquil base for exploring one of India's least-known but most rewarding wildlife regions — the dramatic ravines and river systems of the National Chambal Sanctuary.

Just a short drive from Agra and the Taj Mahal, this family-run lodge offers a world away from the crowds. Here, boat safaris along the crystal-clear Chambal River reveal critically endangered gharials, marsh crocodiles, rare Gangetic river dolphins and over 300 species of birds — a true paradise for naturalists and birdwatchers alike.

Beyond wildlife, the lodge connects guests to the region's living heritage — from ancient temples and historic battle sites to local communities and the fascinating legends of the Chambal ravines.

Lovingly run by the Singh family, Chambal Safari Lodge pairs genuine warmth with a deep commitment to conservation and community — proving that some of India's most extraordinary experiences lie far off the beaten track.

Come meet Anu at the London Summer Roadshow

🗓 17th June 2026
📍 Millennium Hotel & Conference Centre Gloucester, South Kensington, London

27/05/2026

27/05/2026

Kanak - Harvesting Gold

The Sanskrit (and Punjabi) word for wheat reflects the colour of the grain - gold, or so we believed given the grain we consumed for much of our lives. Those golden-hued ever-thirsty fast-growing high-yield hybrids, harbingers of food security for a nascent nation.

It was the surprise discovery of an ancient heritage grain, and an experiment with no-till regenerative agriculture that brought forth another interpretation of Kanak - something precious. A reminder of a patient, nature-venerating and ecologically balanced time. As hybrids ripened and readied for harvest, the original grew stronger, rose taller (picture 3).

A lesson perhaps, a reminder certainly of the preciousness of patience and perfection.

08/05/2026

Celebrating Parveen Shaikh, an exceptionally dedicated young scientist whose field work & commitment have provided crucial support for protecting the critically endangered Indian Skimmer.
A lone woman ranger, Parveen has shown exemplary strength in negotiating harsh and often hostile landscapes and building abiding relationships within the local communities.

A project birthed over the course of deliberations and funds raised in 2016 at the first Bird Festival hosted by the Mela Kothi-Chambal Safari Lodge.
The seed money of £10,000/- was matched by Bird Life International, and the project initiated under the expert & watchful eye of BNHS.

Take a bow Parveen - you have done a stellar job and made us all justifiably proud!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DX1b15Olh7c/?igsh=MTVkdXRlaHhoc2xwYQ==

21/04/2026

Not all leopard sightings need a jeep.
Sometimes, all it takes is a quiet boat and the Chambal River. 🐆

Add Chambal Safari Lodge to your India itinerary… and you just might spot one.

More from Chambal coming over the next few days 👀✨

18/04/2026

Possibly the most anticipated annual gathering of the boutique tourism fraternity - definitely the most fun!

Looking forward to catching up, working hard, and partying harder 😎

Viva La Tres’

11/12/2025

If the health of a habitat is best judged by its inhabitants and annual migrants, the Chambal flows fitter than a fiddle!

Sharing images of a few of our recent sightings

25/11/2025

Join us at the 8th TOFT Wildlife & Nature Tourism Awards 2025 for an an insightful Panel Discussion on the topic: “Birding in Tiger Land”

Date: Friday,12th December, 2025
Time: 4:30-5:10 PM
Venue: Bikaner House, New Delhi

This engaging session will bring together leading experts and thought leaders to explore Birding as an immerse experience in Tiger Reserves ,which can further drive conservation efforts, protect ecosystems, and benefit local communities.

Together, they will share insights, case studies, and strategies that demonstrate the potential of birding tourism to protect biodiversity while empowering local communities. This engaging session will inspire new approaches to tourism that benefit the tiger reserves.

Stay tuned for a dynamic exchange of ideas, perspectives, and solutions! This includes rethinking global marketing strategies to strengthen the impact of sustainable tourism. Let’s reimagine tourism as a force for good.