Chambal & Taj Mahal Pre-Extension 

River Safari & Cultural Landscapes

Chambal & Taj Mahal Pre-Extension

April 11-14, 2027  |  Led by Amazonia Expeditions adventure specialist Edward Yount

This short pre-extension offers a introduction to North India, combining iconic cultural landmarks with unique wildlife experiences. From the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal to the pristine river ecosystem of the Chambal, the journey provides a balance of history, nature, and rural landscapes, setting the tone for the main wildlife expedition to follow.

 

Trip Length

4 Days / 3 Nights

Group Size

16

Difficulty Level

Easy

Trip Length: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Group Size: 12-15 Travelers
Difficulty Level: Easy

Start Your Adventure

Trips start at a cost of $1230 in addition to the base trip rate and include private boat safari experiences, all lodging, meals, and more. Please review the trip details below for more information.

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN! 

Hosted by Local Guides and Amazonia’s Experienced Trip Leaders

Your Extension Highlights

The Chambal and Taj Mahal pre-extension offers a vivid contrast to the tiger reserves of the main expedition, moving from one of the world’s most iconic monuments to one of India’s most pristine and least-visited river ecosystems.

Other highlights include:

  • A visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and an enduring symbol of Mughal artistry
  • A boat safari on the Chambal River in search of rare gharial crocodiles, freshwater dolphins, turtles, and abundant birdlife along unspoiled ravine landscapes
  • A visit to the Bateshwar Temple Complex, a collection of over one hundred sandstone temples dating to the 8th–10th centuries, set along the banks of the Yamuna River
deer drinking water in bandhavgahr reserver with amazonia expeditions
Day 1 - Arrive in Delhi

Arrive in Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. (Please note that standard check-in time is from 2:00pm hrs. onward).The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest after your international journey or to explore the surroundings independently.

Accommodation: Lemon Tree Premier Aerocity or similar.

Day 2 - Delhi to Agra to Chambal

Day 2 – Delhi to Agra to Chambal

Early breakfast & depart by road for Agra. Upon arrival, visit the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this magnificent white marble mausoleum is renowned for its architectural beauty, intricate craftsmanship, and timeless symbolism of love. Following the visit, continue by road to the Chambal region, driving through the rural landscapes of Uttar Pradesh and northern India. Arrive at Chambal Safari Lodge (Mela Kothi), a charming heritage lodge set amid farmland and orchards near the Chambal River. Originally a colonial-era hunting lodge, the property has been thoughtfully restored and today offers a peaceful rural retreat, as well as an excellent base for exploring the unique ravine landscapes and wildlife of the Chambal Valley. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy some time at leisure to relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings.

Includes Breakfast, Dinner & overnight at the lodge in Chambal (Mela Kothi) – Chambal Safari Lodge

 

Day 3 - Chambal – Safari & Cultural Experiences

Day 3 – Chambal – Safari & Cultural Experiences

Early this morning, set out for a boat safari on the Chambal River, one of India’s most pristine and least disturbed river ecosystems. The Chambal is renowned for its rich wildlife and birdlife, and during the safari you may spot the rare gharial crocodile, freshwater dolphins, turtles and numerous species of migratory and resident birds. The quiet ravine landscape and unspoiled riverbanks make this a unique and memorable nature experience. Return to the lodge for time at leisure.

Later in the afternoon, proceed for an excursion to visit the Bateshwar Temple Complex, a remarkable group of more than one hundred small sandstone temples dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva. Dating back between the 8th and 10th centuries, the temples are beautifully set along the banks of the Yamuna River and offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s ancient religious heritage. Return to the lodge in the evening.

Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight Lodge in Chambal (Mela Kothi) – Chambal Safari Lodge

 

Day 4 - Chambal – Delhi

Day 4 – Chambal – Delhi

Early breakfast – check out and drive back to Delhi to connect with Central India Tiger Safari program.

Costs and Logistics to Prepare for your Journey

Practical Details

Deposit: $500 / person

$1230.00 per person (double occupancy)

For a single room + $300.00

NOTES:

This Trip Includes:

  • Ground transportation
  • English Speaking Guide in Agra
  • Naturalist Guides in Chambal
  • Chambal River Safari
  • Bateshwar Temple vist (Chambal)
  • Accommodation in lodges specified – subject to availability
  • All meals as listed on itinerary
  • All park fees, government taxes, and service charges

This Trip Excludes:

  • Any flights or transfers not mentioned
  • Laundry
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Alcoholic beverage
  • Any new taxes or fees levied by government
  • Visas and Travel insurance
  • Any items of a personal nature
  • Expenses incurred by re-routing, inclement weather, floods, famine, political disruptions, strikes, riots and other disturbances

What Our Guests Are Saying

★★★★★

“We had the most memorable trip of our lives. To be in the midst of tens of thousands of wild animals was mind-blowing. Thank you for arranging this. Thank you fantastic trip leader Dolly, attentive, thoughtful, energetic and kind.”

Mac and Julie: Serengeti Expedition

★★★★★

“Outstanding, life changing experience. I was just in awe of so much beautiful nature. Everything went smoothly with leader Dolly always ready to assist.”

Karen and Tom: Serengeti Expedition

★★★★★

“Incomparable with anything we’ve ever seen. To be in the middle of so many animals was just pure joy.”

Catherine and Sarah: Serengeti Expedition

★★★★★

Best trip of my life. Incredible abundance of wildlife. We hit the mass of migration in the right place and time.

Roger: Serengeti Expedition

Amazonia Expeditions, Inc., Travel Agency, Tampa, FL

Estefani Mishel Maytahuari

Mishel got her degree in tourism from Nauta Institute in 2016. After working as a guide with other companies, Mishel came to study with Amazonia Expeditions as a training guide in 2023. Mishel was promoted to head guide in 2025.

Leyner Arian Ijuma

Leyner got his degree as a tour guide in 2010 at the Nauta Institute and came to work at Amazonia Expeditions in 2021. He was promoted to head guide in 2023. He has biological field work experience from supporting Nicholas Gardner of the University of Florida who he helped study the adaptations of birds in seasonally flooded igapo forests. Birding is one of Leyner's strongest skills.

Julio Pacaya

Julio finished his studies as a tour guide at the Nauta Institute in 2016 and came to work as a training guide with Amazonia Expeditions in 2021. He was promoted to head guide in 2023. Nature photography and birding are among Julio's strongest skills. Julio is fluent in English and French, as well as his native tongue of Spanish.

Claudio Huayllahua Sánchez

Claudio was born and grew up in El Chino Village on the Tahuayo River. He studied primary school in El Chino and continued his education in Iquitos, earning a technical degree from SENATI Institute. He started working for Amazonia Expeditions in 2014 as a field research assistant with several biologists and as an assistant guide. Claudio was promoted to head guide in 2017 and is our camping and jungle survival specialist.

Hersog Chavez Yuyarima

Hersog first got the idea of becoming a guide after watching the tourist boats going by his village every day. He was fascinated that tourists would come to see his home and he loved the way that the guides he saw did their work. He knew that someday he wanted to be just like them. Hersog studied at technical school for 3 years leaning the basics of guiding. After graduating, Hersog worked as a guide for several years working with Peruvian tourists, later coming to work for Amazonia in 2017. Hersog was promoted to head guide in 2019. He has worked as a field research assistant in the study of the elusive pygmy marmoset. Hersog is known for his sharp eyes and his unique stories about the jungle.

Lander Juan Peña Ramirez

Lander was born in the remote jungle community of Santa Victoria. His boyhood dream was to become to best jungle guide in the Amazon. Lander studied at a local institute for several years where he learned basic English and the foundations of the being a tour guide. Later he worked for several years at other jungle loges as a guide, honing his skills as a survival camping guide. Lander came to work for Amazonia Expeditions in 2017 and along with a strong interest in birding and fishing is also one of our lead camping and survival guides.

Aladino Jr. Hidalgo

Aladino was born and raised in El Diamante Village along the Blanco River and attended school in the community of “Valentin” on the Tahuayo River. During this period, Aladino worked with his father as a trailblazer, assisting primate researchers who came to study at a local field station. Afterwards, he moved to Lima where he worked for several years while studying guiding & English. Upon returning in 2019, he was hired by Amazonia as a field assistant and actively supported researchers studying giant river otters, pygmy marmosets, and various bird species. He then joined Amazonia Expeditions as a guide assistant and was later promoted to head guide in 2022.

Jhony Hidalgo

Jhony was born and raised in El Diamante Village along the Blanco River. He attended primary school in his home village and high school in the community of “Valentin” on the Tahuayo River. Jhony later pursued further studies in Iquitos, where he obtained a guide degree from the Milagro Fe & Alegria Institute. After graduating, he worked at the Amazon Rescue Center in Iquitos (CREA), guiding visitors to the center. In 2021 he joined Amazonia Expeditions as a guide assistant and was promoted to head guide in 2023.

Sila Hidalgo

Sila was born and raised in El Diamante Village along the Blanco River. She attended primary school in Diamante village and high school in the community of “El Chino” on the Tahuayo River. Her family moved to El Chino so Sila could attend high school, as it was the closest village offering secondary education. Later, Sila joined our Angels (AoA) scholarship program to further her education in Iquitos, where she earned a guide degree from the Milagro Fe & Alegria Institute. She completed her internship at Tahuayo Lodge. After graduating, Sila began her career with Amazonia Expeditions as a guide assistant and was promoted to head guide in 2022.

Welister Perez

Welister grew up in the small community of Padre Cocha just outside of Iquitos City. He lived there for most of his life, and later worked at several jungle lodges before starting at Amazonia Expeditions. Welister has proven himself as both a talented jungle man and team player with an eagle eye for spotting wildlife. After several months of training with Amazonia he was promoted to a head guiding position in 2017.

Javier Anibal Alván Arévalo

Javier has worked at the Amazonia Expeditions lodges since 2006, starting as a young teenager as an assistant in building repair, then moving up to motorboat pilot, then camping assistant and assistant guide, and after passing his guide exams with high grades was promoted to head guide in 2014. Javier is also our Canopy Zipline specialist and has taken professional certification classes in Costa Rica. Javier is also a fishing specialist and is beloved by families with children.