National Chambal Sanctuary, also called the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary, is a 5,400 km2 (2,100 sq mi) tri-state protected area in northern India for the critically endangered gharial (small crocodiles), the red-crowned roof turtle and the endangered Ganges river dolphin. Located on the Chambal River near the tripoint of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, it was first declared in Madhya Pradesh in 1978, and now constitutes a long narrow eco-reserve co-administered by the three states. Within the sanctuary, the pristine Chambal River cuts through mazes of ravines and hills with many sandy beaches.

The Chambal River is a tributary of the Yamuna River in central India, and thus forms part of the greater Gangetic drainage system. The river flows north-northeast through Madhya Pradesh, running for a time through Rajasthan, then forming the boundary between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh before turning southeast to join the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh state.It is a legendary river and finds mention in ancient scriptures. The perennial Chambal originates at janapav, south of Mhow town, near manpurIndore, on the south slope of the Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh.

About 4 kms from the town of Dholpur is an ancient sacred place called Machkund. It commands a scenic view. It has a tank surrounded by a series of temples of different dates. The place is named after Raja Machchh Kund. Raja Machchh Kund, the twenty fourth king of the Suryavanshi Dynasty (the solar race) is said to have reigned nineteen generations before Lord Ram. According to legend, Raja Machchh Kund, was sleeping here when a demon Kaal Yaman while pursuing Lord Krishna, accidentally woke him up. The demon was burnt to ashes because of a divine blessing to Raja Machchh Kund. It is now a sacred place for pilgrims.

The fort is situated about 7 km south of Dholpur city on the left bank of the Chambal river near a road bridge on the National Highway No. 2. The fort was built earlier and was enlarged, repaired and used by Shershah Suri in A.D. 1540. The stone fort has four gates and is entered from east through a large gate. The fort has palace buildings, a temple of Hanuman and a tomb, besides some ruined structures.