If Bhupinder Singh’s famous song – Dil Dhoondhta Hai Phir Wahi Fursat Ke Raat Din – were to find a true manifestation, for me it would be at the Jungle Lore Birding Lodge in Pangot, Nainital
Pangot is a quaint little village, primarily a birder’s paradise, about 20kms uphill from Nainital. I had booked myself in the Jungle Lore Birding Lodge for 3 nights. This quaint little place has just 4 cottages built at different levels on the mountain, and nestled within a thicket. A couple of the cottages have lofts and can accommodate a family of 4 to 6 members. The rest are smaller ideal for a solo traveller or a couple.
This lodge is a haven for birders and nature enthusiasts. The best part of the property is the bird hide which is built in a corner a little secluded – thereby allowing the photographers ample opportunity to click at their heart’s content. The hide is the hidden treasure of the property, where you get to see a large number of avian visitors, and if lucky a marten too (though I wasn’t as lucky). Barking deer also pay a visit to the hide.
Some other visitors within the property premises. I would've spotted atleast 15 different bird species on the property grounds..
Since I was there in the last week of December, daytime temperatures hovered around 12 degree Celsius and nights were as low as 2-degree, winter is a perfect time to visit Pangot.
My 4 days were spent thus: waking up early morning to the sound of birdsong, sipping a hot cup of chai while savouring the morning avian activity around and breathing the crisp mountain air, thereafter layering up, picking up the camera and walking up to the hide and other spots in the property in search of the thrushes, tits, jays, parakeets etc. This would be followed with a scrumptious Indian breakfast of parathas while soaking in the winter Himalayan sun with a paperback in my hand. Afternoon lunches served in the common dining area was piping hot chapatis with daal and 2 vegetable preparations. Evenings were spent chatting with the friendly staff by the wood fire, and an early dinner later it was time to call a night under the multiple layers of blankets. Even the starlight was exceptionally bright there.
Pointers:
Price for one night: Would depend on the season – but varies between INR 3500 – 5000
Nearest town: Nainital
Amenities: The best part of this place is that it doesn’t have fancy amenities – its basic, but its beauty is in just that. No wifi, No swimming pools, Food served in the common area.
Contact info: https://junglelorebirdinglodge.com/
Conclusion: This in my opinion is by far the best option to stay in Pangot if you want to get the feel of living right in the midst of the forest and the birds.
