These 5 Places Are Great For Birdwatching

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If you’ve been wanting to go birdwatching since forever but haven’t gotten down to planning the trip yet, we’ve shortlisted five destinations in central India that are some great options.

Jamtara Wilderness Camp

Jamtara Wilderness Camp set amidst varied tree expanse is located near the northern periphery of the Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The Camp gives you an exclusive access to the park via Jamtara gate, just 2 minutes away. The perfect place to unwind as well as to experience the jungles at close proximity, the Camp is Amit Sankhala’s vision of offering ultimate luxury in the wild. It also takes forward the legacy of Tiger conservation and responsible tourism that the Sankhala family upholds.

Book here.

Vanghat Lodge

Set amongst blissful wilderness, Vanghat’s remote location may only be accessed on foot by a 2km hike from where the road ends. The lodge comprises just four spacious thatched cottages amidst the wilderness. This ensures that the impact on the local environment is kept to a minimum with just a fifth of the property built upon, maintaining the forest environment for the hosts, the wildlife and ensuring exclusivity and a personalised service for guests.

Book here. 

Sarai At Toria

Sarai at Toria on the river Ken is an ideal getaway to Panna, Khajuraho, Kalinjar and Ajaygarh. Beautifully designed mud cottages are fashioned on local village houses. Set in 11 acres of stunning land, Sarai offers many dining choices like breakfast by the river, lunch under the spreading Ficus tree and dinner by the candle light under a star-lit sky. The open pavilion overlooking the river doubles as a lounge and dining. Popular now as a three-night destination, Sarai at Toria’s river safaris, village walks and excursions to Ajaygarh Fort offer great insights into the region.

Book here.

Jim’s Jungle Retreat

Corbett is India’s first National Park and home to over half of India’s bird species. Jim’s Jungle Retreat in the southern forests of Corbett offers 18 cottages and lodges close to a seasonal river that comes alive in the monsoons. The retreat combines luxury with a concept that borrows as much from the forest bungalows as from the enduring architectural legacy of the local villages. The land features water bodies and open spaces with native shrubs and trees for birds to nest and animals like deer and wild boards to walk in through its natural fencing, creating a vital connect between man and jungle.

Book here.

Mary Budden Estate

In the high mountains of Kumaon about an hour’s drive from Almora is the Binsar Sanctuary, a haven for Himalayan wildlife and birds. Thickly wooded, virtually an extension of the Binsar forests is the five-acre Mary Budden Estate that celebrates  health living. Yoga is integral to the Mary Budden experience, so Samara, a star Yoga teacher is available for private retreats.

Mary Budden Cottage and the Rhododendron Cottage on the Estate together offer seven exquisitely furnished rooms with lounge and nature-bound outdoor spaces. An extension to the Mary Budden experience is the Dalar Village that can provide guests with a high level of comfort in a village.

Book here.