Like some other reviewer's, I wish I had stayed for longer.
I have just returned to New Delhi from Chambal Safari Lodge & feel inclined to submit a review whilst the experience is fresh in my mind & also as a palliative to my surrounding " delights " of Paharganj.
My visit was for a period of 2 nights . I arrived about mid day, having journeyed by car from Agra.
The Lodge lies about 800 m back from the road leading to Bah & is not that far from the very new Agra to Lucknow Expressway. In fact, we returned to New Delhi via this road as it connects directly with the Yamuna Expressway, consequently avoiding Agra City entirely. The journey was done in 4 hrs including a stop for tea.
My first impressions were very favourable; a large lawn surrounded on 3 sides by trees & on the 4 th side by the low, refurbished old stables which house the restaurant, kitchens, offices, toilets etc. A covered area furnished with comfy chairs, tables & games sits nearby. One can borrow a brolly here in case of rain. Nearby is a fire pit where wood is burnt in the evening & guests can sit around.
The lawn is sprinkled with charpoys, tables, chairs & hammocks & lunch is served out here if the weather is kind.
After a cup of tea & a chat to ascertain my schedule, I was taken to my room. The accommodation consists of single storey buildings scattered though the grounds, some with private gardens. All have covered outdoor seating.
My building was quite isolated ( good! ) with just one other room joined.
Beautifully appointed inside with high ceilings, quality wooden furniture, easy chairs, very comfy twin beds, scatter rugs on a marble floor. Tea & coffee facilities restocked daily, tasteful lighting, quality fabrics. Many little thoughtful extras such as mozzie cream, detachable solar lights that can be used to negotiate the pathways at night, mozzie coil, joss sticks & a folder containing information, a bird & animal check list ( very comprehensive ). Choice of tours described & priced.
I had pre booked a river tour & a jeep safari. My guide suggested we take the former that afternoon. With my driver's car we drove to the Chambal River & then boarded our boat & gently cruised up stream scanning the banks. Much to be seen, marsh crocodiles, gharials ( one huge specimen ), turtles & , of course, birds.
Under patient guidance we were lucky to see 2 River Dolphins.
Next morning, having chosen the Sarus Crane jeep safari over the Blackbuck one, we drove for some distance, stopping on different occasions to look at birds. My guide was absolutely excellent, spotting & hearing birds I would have missed.
The Sarus Cranes are so impressive & it was a thrill to see them scattered around the fields, some pairs with their offspring.
Returning to the Lodge for lunchtime, we had a break until about 3 pm before embarking on a walk around the grounds & surrounding farmland, spotting yet more birds until nearly dusk.
After dinner we had a short prowl around the grounds with a flashlight to see what was about. Just a flashing glimpse of a civet.
Not only did we tot up a massive 146 different birds but also, Indian Hares, Grey Mongoose, Little Mongoose, dozens of Nilgai & the aforementioned river life.
Food was excellent, served as buffets, choice of Indian or European cooked from locally sourced produce.
Hard & soft drinks available.
I must also mention the wonderful photographs of wildlife & local scenery adorning the walls of accommodation , office & restaurant alike.
There is a wi/fi hub outside but internet is not reliable, indeed not available during my visit but not too worried about that- make your plans around that. No T. V. 's, either which is no loss.
2 best nights sleep on my visit to India were here. All I heard were the owls & jackals.
Re reading my review, I see that I have forgotten to mention the bathrooms : very clean, quality ware, hot water provided by boiler- 15 to 20 minutes & water is very hot..
Top class shampoo, bath gel etc provided.
This is not a cheap venue but you get a quality experience in beautiful surroundings & delivered by professionals. My guide was top notch. Imagine that I will return for a longer visit.

Not pretentious just wonderful at what it did. Cottages in the grounds - and what great grounds they were. The rooms were big and the en-suite shower rooms also had plenty of space. The hotel offered a free laundry service and provided great food on both of our nights there. Wine was also made available at not too horrendous a price. This was a lovely place to stay - my only gripe was the absence of a swimming pool - they have the room. Otherwise a place with real charm and atmosphere.

It's an extraordinary place, full of wildlife. Very knowledgeable guides, amazing birds, fantastic food, wonderful excursions including on the River Chambal. The lodges are just beautiful. Can't recommend it highly enough.