INDIAN ADVENTURES BIRDING AND WILDLIFE LODGES > INDIA
Indian Adventures Wildlife and Adventures Resorts are the pioneers of Wildlife and Adventure tourism in India with 4 properties in the Major National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of India. Each resort offers excellent locations, cottage style accommodation with private sit-outs, the services of naturalists for jungle safaris, birdwatching, elephant safaris, tribal and folk dances, barbecue dinners and a library.
All destinations are a birdwatchers paradise offering an average of 300 species of birds along with a host of other mammals including Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Chital, Chinkara, Wild Dog, Hard Ground Barasinga, Guar etc.
Wild Chalet Resort is located in the buffer zone of Kanha National Park in the state of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. The resort is situated on the banks of the Banjar River with luxury cottages offering a panoramic view. Single, twin and four room cottages with private sit-outs and hammocks overlook the confluence of the Ghanghar and the Banjar river.
Tiger Trails Resort is situated 2 kms away from the world famous Bandhavgarh National Park in the state of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. The resort has charming cottages surrounding a private lake, part of an 11 acre wooded estate. All luxurious cottages blend beautifully with the environment with private sit-outs and hammocks.
Tiger Moon Resort is ideally located adjoining Ranthambhore National Park in the state of Rajasthan in North-western India. The resort is situated with a foreground view of the Aravali Hills, sharing a virtual boundary with Ranthambhore, a 2 km drive to the National Park entrance. The mature 20 year old estate of 2,800 trees offers ample birding opportunities.
Bison River Resort is ideally located on the River Kali near Dandeli wildlife sanctuary in the state of Karnataka, South India, 125 km from Goa. The charming cottages overlook the majestic Kali river and are surrounded by age old trees of Rosewood, Kindal, Jack-fruit, Coconut Palm, Mango Tree, Betel and Cashew which cover the resort complex in a green camouflage which in-turn offers excellent birding in and around the resort with a feeling of being in the woods itself. All cottages are covered, with open private sit-outs, overlooking the river with a strategically located dining and conference hall.
Some 300 species of birds include herons, storks, ducks, geese, birds of prey, snipes, sandpipers, kingfishers, owls, woodpeckers, cuckoo-shrikes, minivets, flycatchers, chats, babblers, mynas. For a complete list www.indianadventures.com/ChecklistOfBirds.htm
Contact: Indian Adventures Wildlife and Adventures Resorts
257, SV Road, Bandra (W), Mumbai – 400050, India
Tel (91-22) 26408742, 26333622, 26428244
E-mail iawr@vsnl.com, indad@bom3.vsnl.net.in
Website www.indianadventures.com
Click here to see Indian Adventures 
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JUNGLE LORE BIRDING LODGE, PANGOT > NAINITAL
Pangot is small village 15 kilometers from Nainital. The entire drive is through the forested area of Cheena Peak Range via Snow View Point and Kilbury, the main habitats for excellent birding.
One can see a variety of Himalayan species along the way such as Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Blue-winged Minla, Spotted & Slaty-backed Forktail, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Khalij Pheasant and a variety of thrushes etc. The numerous perennial & seasonal creeks are home to an amazing variety of flora and fauna including Leopard, Yellow-throated Himalayan Martins, Himalayan Palm Civet, Ghoral, Barking Deer and Sambhar.
As you reach village Pangot, you are guided to Jungle Lore Birding Lodge by the local people. A 5-minute walk down to the lodge rewards you with Dark-throated Thrush, Slaty-headed Parakeet, Streaked-laughing Thrush, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch and Russet Sparrow.
The lodge has 4 cottages with attached toilets with running hot & cold water. The Swiss tent has an independent toilet and a hot shower. The tent can accommodate two persons on camp cots. Kafal House has 6 rooms with en suite facilities, adjoining Jungle Lore.
More than 250 species of birds have been recorded in the area. Numerous walks through the terrace fields into thickly wooded oak forest are extremely rewarding. There are good trails from the lodge to Timla Pani, Ggughu Khan, Kilbury Forest Rest House and on to Cheena Peak. The guide may accompany you on these treks (prebooking required).
Contact: F 313, Ground Floor,
Lado Sarai,
New Delhi 110030
Telephone - +(91)-11-44128785, +(91)-9811704651
E-mail: wildindiatours@vsnl.com
Web: www.himalayanlodges.com, www.indianwildliferesorts.com
For birding tours visit www.junglelore.com
Click here to see Jungle Lore Birding Lodge, Pangot
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SAT TAL BIRDING CAMP > SAT TAL
Sat Tal Birding Camp is located at 4,400 feet in a small village of Bhakgtura, 4 km from Sat Tal in Nainital district. This deluxe has 5 tents with ensuite facilities. The camp is flanked by pine and oak forest. Little dip pools attracts various species of birds. This is an ideal base for birders, nature enthusiasts, walkers and the visitors wishing to explore Sat Tal and the surrounding area.
Sat Tal is an ideal all-season camp 7 hours drive from Delhi (or a comfortable overnight journey by train). To get to Sat Tal Birding Camp, one can take any of the following options:
• Drive from Delhi via Moradabad , Haldwani and Bhimtal: 7 hours
• Overnight air-conditioned train from Old Delhi railway station (departing at 2245 hr.) to Kathgodam (arriving at 0615 hr.) and then 3 hr. drive via Bhimtal.
• Overnight air-conditioned train from Old Delhi railway station (departing at 2245 hr.) to Ramnagar (arriving at 0500 hr.) and then 3 hr. drive to Sat Tal via Haldwani and Bhimtal.
• Upon reaching Mehragaon, take the road to Sat Tal, drive 2 kilometers after the turn and you will see the board on the left side of the road.
The camp is equipped with all modern amenities such as:
• Each tent is twin bedded with a western style toilet, hot shower (on order)
• Meals on fixed menu basis
• Railway station pick up and drop
• Taxi Hire
• Guide for birding, short treks and nature walks
The camp specialises in birding tours and excursions. Please let them know if you are a birder and they will provide all information, guidance and logistic support. A few species have been 'staked out' for you. Let the camp know if you need a checklist of the area.
Contact: F 313, Ground Floor,
Lado Sarai,
New Delhi 110030
Telephone - +(91)-11-44128785, +(91)-9811704651
Click here to see Sat Tal Birding Camp
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TIGER CAMP > CORBETT BIOSPHERE RESERVE
If you are planning to take a break in the foothills of the Himalayas and have decided to follow tiger trails and do some serious birding, the right place to visit is Corbett National Park.
Nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett National Park has extremely varied topography and vegetation. This gives it a rich diversity of habitat and natural beauty. Flat valleys are interspersed with hilly ridges and the Park's rolling grasslands known as the 'Chaurs' provide visitors with an excellent view of the animals.
The Corbett biosphere reserve is a haven for 50 mammals, 580 species of birds and 25 reptile species. The park has elephants, Himalayan black bear in the higher elevations, sloth bear, a variety of lesser cats and a large variety of avifauna.
If you are looking for a visit with a difference to the Corbett National Park you must stay at Tiger Camp. Tiger Camp is located on the periphery of Corbett National Park surrounded by thick jungle on one side and the river Kosi on the other. Tiger Camp offers deluxe cottages and rooms, superior rooms & standard cottages. All are with ensuite facilities. All cottages are air-conditioned. There is a 'Gol Ghar' dining hall that serves Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine in buffet style.
Naturalists and jeep drivers are trained to guide you for birding walks, jungle visits for animal viewing and tiger-tracking.
Tiger Camp also provides night stays in the rest houses located deep in the forests.
More than 580 species have been recorded in Corbett Biosphere Reserve. The most sought after species are Ibisbill, Wallcreeper, Spot-bellied Owl, Great Hornbill, Pallas' Fish Eagle, Crested Kingfisher, Brown Dipper and three species of forktail. Being centrally located, Tiger Camp offers easy access to some of the best birding areas such as Jhirna, Dhikala, Kumeria, Kosi river, Mongoli Valley and Nainital.
Contact: F 313, Ground Floor,
Lado Sarai,
New Delhi 110030
Telephone - +(91)-11-44128785, +(91)-9811704651
Click here to see Tiger Camp
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ELDHO'S BIRDING LODGE, THATTEKAD > KERALA
Eldho's Birding Lodge is nestled deep in a 10-acre plantation. The lodge is for bird watchers and nature lovers. The envious location of the lodge affords long walks in the wild country and unexplored territories, the experience of which is enhanced by some of the most experienced guides.
The rustle of the breeze in the adjoining forests, the call of the birds, and at night sitting around a camp-fire and listening to the occasional calls of the owls provides an unforgettable dimension to the ambience.
The entire lodge construction is handiwork of traditional builders with prime focus on vital natural elements—sunlight, wind and rainfall. Large mud cottages thatched with bamboo grass, over a lining of bamboo ceiling. Large airy windows and verandas on three sides of the cottages offer armchair birding. Keeping in mind the needs of the international traveler, each cottage is designed with modern interiors to ensure maximum comfort. Each mud cottage is a spacious bedroom with attached toilet facilities.
Nearest airport: Kochi (54 km). Nearest railway stations: Eranakulam (65 km)
Best Time to Travel: October to March when bird viewing is the best.
Contact: F 313, Ground Floor,
Lado Sarai,
New Delhi 110030
Telephone - +(91)-11-44128785, +(91)-9811704651
Click here to see Eldho's Birding Lodge
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GIR BIRDING LODGE > GIR NATIONAL PARK
Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary comprises 1,412 sq km of deciduous forest interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen flora, acacia, scrub jungle, grasslands and rocky hills. Fed by perennial and seasonal rivers and streams, the sanctuary has large water bodies like the Kamleshwar Dam that are good for crocodiles and birds.
The Gir Birding Lodge is located in a large mango orchard at the entrance to the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. The lodge has two rooms in the main building (sharing a bath) and 4 cottages with attached bathrooms, featuring western toilet fittings, hot-and-cold showers. Comfortably furnished, the rooms and cottages are surrounded by groves of the famous Kesar Mango of the Gir hills and other vegetation ensuring that a good number of birds come into the property itself.
Geared-up for birders and other nature lovers, the lodge has knowledgeable resident naturalists to take guests for birding walks and excursions, a natural history library and arrangements for game-watching drives in the sanctuary.
According to official census figures, Gir has about 300 lions and 300 leopards, making it one of the major big-cat concentrations in India. Sambar and spotted deer (chital), blue bull (nilgai), chousingha (the world's only four-horned antelope), chinkara (Indian gazelle) and wild boar thrive in Gir. Jackal, striped hyena, jungle cat, rusty-spotted cat, langur, porcupine, black-naped Indian hare are among the other mammals of Gir.
Gir has a large population of marsh crocodile or mugger, which are among the 40 species of reptiles and amphibians recorded in the sanctuary.
The park checklist has 250 species of birds including the endangered Lesser Florican and the Sarus Crane. Many species like the Painted Sandgrouse, Grey Francolin, quails, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Black-naped Monarch, White-browed Fantail, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Grey-headed Flycatcher, Verditer Flycatcher, Tickell's Blue Flycatcher, Greenish Warbler, White-eye, Common and Marshal's Iora, Rufous Treepie, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon have been spotted by guests around the lodge itself.
Long-billed Vulture, Indian White-backed Vulture, Red-headed (King) Vulture, Eurasian Griffon Vulture, Changeable Hawk-eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Bonnelli's Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Laggar Falcon, Red-headed Falcon, Oriental Honey-buzzard, White-eyed Buzzard and other raptors have been seen in the sanctuary. Gir also has Brown Fish Owl, Eurasian Eagle Owl and Spotted Owlet. In the evening, nightjars can be seen near the lodge gate. Follow this link for a recent bird tour report from the lodge.
The lodge can also be used as the base to visit the coastal areas from Veraval to Diu Bird Sanctuary for shore birds.
Contact: F 313, Ground Floor,
Lado Sarai,
New Delhi 110030
Telephone - +(91)-11-44128785, +(91)-9811704651
E-mail: wildindiatours@vsnl.com
Web: www.himalayanlodges.com, www.indianwildliferesorts.com
Click here to see Gir Birding Lodge
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SUNDERBANS NATIONAL PARK > WEST BENGAL
Where the land meets the sea at the southern tip of West Bengal lies the Indian Sunderbans, a stretch of impenetrable mangrove forest of great size and bio-diversity. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sunderbans is a vast area covering 4,264 square km in India alone. The Indian Sunderbans forms the largest Tiger Reserve and National Park in India. A paradise for birdwatchers, the bird list includes such rarities as the Masked Finfoot, Mangrove Pitta and the Mangrove Whistler.
The Sunderbans are a part of the world's largest delta formed by the mighty rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna. Situated on the lower end of the Gangetic West Bengal, it is also the world's largest estuarine forest. The Sunderbans is criss-crossed by hundreds of creeks and tributaries. It is one of the most attractive and alluring places remaining on earth, a truly undiscovered paradise.
The Sunderbans forest is home to more than 250 tigers. The Bengal Tigers have adapted themselves very well to the saline and aqua environs and are extremely good swimmers. There are crocodiles, which can be often seen along the mud banks. Sunderbans National Park is also noted for its conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtle.
The MB Sundari is a meticulously maintained and charming river launch - an experience in itself. This self-contained floating abode can sleep eight in comfort. The bathrooms are fully equipped with running water and showers. Complete electricity back-up is provided. The kitchen serves delicious Indian and western meals. You sit in the canopied upper-deck on comfortable chairs and watch the wonders of the Sunderbans go by.
Contact: F 313, Ground Floor,
Lado Sarai,
New Delhi 110030
Telephone - +(91)-11-44128785, +(91)-9811704651
Click here to see Sunderbans National Park
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HOTEL EAGLE'S NEST > DHARAMSALA
Hotel Eagle's Nest is set in over 50 acres of cedar, oak and rhododendron, situated in the splendid Himalayan foothills (6,808ft/2,042m), overlooking the Kangra and Kullu Valleys and the palace of the Dalai Lama, amidst his community in exile from Tibet. This unusual and beautiful corner of India has the snowcapped Dhauladhar mountain range as its spectacular backdrop - providing stunning views from the garden.
Eagle's Nest is an ideal spot for birdwatching, centre-based trekking, walking and visiting local sights, or as a base from which to attend the many local ashrams, yoga/meditation classes, or as a retreat.
The house is an accumulation of the surrounding influences; each en-suite apartment is decorated in a style: Moghal, Tibetan, Modern and Himachali.
This region of India is famous for its huge variety of bird species, from massive Lammergeiers, vultures, eagles, migratory wetland birds to the array of brightly coloured flocks of small birds. The surrounding area is one of the few places in the world where you may see wild leopards. There are also bears, langur monkeys and pine martens.
Read Richard Scambler's report from Dharamsala
At Eagle's Nest, we are fortunate to have so much unspoilt forest around us. In addition, there is an enormous reservoir / wetland area within a few hours' drive. A number of trips include day-treks, overnight trips and longer treks, guided by Arvind Sharma, a dedicated expert in the feild. Prices start from $50 per person per day. Click here for birdwatching itineraries.
Contact: Hotel Eagle's Nest
Upper Dharamkot, Mcleodganj,
Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
INDIA - 176219
Email:info@hoteleaglesnest.com
Phone(s) :+91 (0) 92184 02822, +91 (0) 1892 221910, +91 (0) 1892 221920, +91 (0) 1892 220794
Click here to see Hotel Eagle's Nest
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