Which bird species do you think is the biggest attraction to visitors of your lodge (please only name one species)?

The Cheer Pheasant is on the target list of many guests who visit the lodge.

What is the name of your lodge, and since when has your lodge been operating?

The Jungle Lore Birding Lodge, Pangot, Uttarakhand, India, was established in the year 1997

How best to travel to your lodge?

The lodge is well-connected to major cities via road and by air. The hill station of Nainital is 15 km away from Pangot, and the nearest stations include Kathgodam (45 km). The nearest international station is Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi (320 km), and the nearest domestic airport is Pantnagar Airport (approximately 75 km).

What kind of services – except for accommodation and food – does your lodge offer to visiting birders?

The Lodge is famous for its birdwatching trails that take guests to exotic birding hotspots near Pangot. With our expert guides and professional photographers, guests capture the best images and learn about the ecology of Pangot as well. There are village walks and customised itineraries that introduce people to the traditional lifestyle of Kumaon, Uttarakhand. There are butterfly and moth exploration activities at the lodge, which introduce you to the local herpetofauna of the region. All this comes with personalised experiences such as bonfire nights and stargazing activities.

Koklass Pheasant

What makes your lodge special?

The stay at Jungle Lore Birding Lodge surpasses being just a stay in every way possible. Situated in the middle of oak, rhododendron, and pine forests, various species of birds can be spotted right from outside the room. Our naturalists enrich your experience by taking you on trails where you not just spot bird species but also the whole ecosystem of Pangot. The staff makes sure you take the best memories from here by not just serving you the best delicacies of Kumaon, Uttarakhand, but also encouraging you to participate with them in their preparation.

What are the 10 – 20 most interesting birds that your lodge offers good chances to see?

Cheer Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Hill Partridge, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Black-headed Jay, Red-billed Blue Magpie, White-throated Laughingthrush, Rufous Sibia, Green-backed Tit, Black-lored Tit, Himalayan Bluetail, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Grey-winged Blackbird, Blue-fronted Redstart, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Slaty-headed Parakeet, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier are some of the species that can be spotted around the lodge.

Ultramarine Flycatcher

What is the best time to visit your lodge, and why?

The lodge is ideal for birding throughout the year. Different seasons present different birding opportunities to be explored by the guests:

• November – March: This time of the year is ideal for winter birding and spotting the Himalayan Specialities
• March – June: This time period is best to witness breeding plumages and bird activities, along with capturing the best shots with the camera.
• July to September: This time frame is ideal for witnessing the herpetofauna in the region. The monsoon emerges as a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts

Collared Scops Owl

Is your lodge involved in conservation efforts? If yes, please describe them.

Yes, Jungle Lore Birding Lodge has been involved in making locals a part of the conservation efforts. Through training naturalists and inculcating the spirit of birdwatching in them, Jungle Lore makes ecotourism an essential element of the daily livelihoods of the people. Furthermore, the guests are even introduced to these local conservation efforts and the results it has provided in sustaining the ecosystem of Pangot.

What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in visiting your lodge?

The guests are requested to carry their own pair of binoculars, shoes, and clothing that might be comfortable for trekking/hiking. Birders are advised to carry a telescopic lens and plenty of memory cards to cover the birding locations such as Cheena Peak, Kilbury Forests, Ghughukhan, etc. They are advised to plan a stay of 3-5 days.

Blue-fronted Redstart

Do you have activities for non-birders? If so, please describe.

There are plenty of activities for the non-birders that Jungle Lore Birding Lodge offers, such as nature walks, village walks, picnics, butterfly and moth exploration activities, bonfires and barbecue nights, stargazing activities, and much more.

If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in staying at your lodge, how can they best contact you?

• Jungle Lore Birding Lodge, Village Pangot, Near Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
• Website: https://www.junglelorebirdinglodge.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Book Online: https://www.asiatech.in/booking_engine/index3.php?token=MjA2Mw%3D%3D
• Phone:+91 80104 50000  | +91 88104 06510