The Old Magazine House – Jungle Lodges & Resorts – REVIEW

Namastey from team India Ghoomo,

On our very first trip to Dandeli in December 2013, Kamal & I decided to stay at the Old Magazine house – which is a part of Jungle lodges and resorts property.

The resort is very popular among birdwatchers since one can spot over 200 spices of birds within the resort during winters. This video aims to give you an overview of the property and our experience.

We chose to drive our own car and left pretty early at 2:00 am and took the NH4 route. After covering a distance of nearly 475 Kms we reached the property at 8:30 am.

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The Old Magazine House – Jungle Lodges & Resorts – REVIEW

The moment we got down from the car the only sound we could hear was melodious chirping of birds and we we could see birds fluttering their wings and flitting from one branch to another. Since it was a winter morning, it was mist all around.

The old magazine house is surrounded by thick forest and is located in an area which is not open to the general public and the property grounds allow the visitors to enjoy the charms of untouched surroundings.

We quickly checked-into our cottage which was simple and rustic with a spacious balcony overlooking the thick forest. They offer 2 types of accommodation – cottages & dormitory. Currently, since the cottages are under renovation, the property has only dormitory with 20 beds available for bookings.

After having unpacked and freshened we headed towards the dining area gol ghar for breakfast. The dining space was huge offering a 360 degree view of the surroundings and We could spot birds right from there.
Food served was a buffet spread with a variety of dishes to chose from and everything we had was tasty.

After breakfast we decided to walk around the property and spent some time watching birds, clicking pictures and making video footage’s.

There was nothing much to do in the afternoon so we went to see the supa dam which is very close to the property and simply walked around. The bridge offered a lovely view of hornbills flying around from one tree to another and resting over the branches.
At evening, after having a cup of warm tea, the management arranged a 30 min trek inside the property to the Sunset view point. The trek was not a difficult one but for those who are not habitual of trekking might get exhausted.
Watching the sun setting down slowly behind the hills is truely amazing and should not be missed. One can enjoy the panoramic view of the serene backwaters of the Supa reservoir and the lush wildlife greenery spread for miles at a stretch.

After spending around 30 minutes at the hill top, we made our way back towards the lodge. On reaching, we were served delicious snack and tea followed by dinner at 8:30 pm.

Day 2 –

After enjoying a bird watching session early the next morning, the management arranged a short coracle boat ride activity for us carried out at Kali Adventure Camp – It’s yet another Jungle lodges property in Dandeli not very far from the old magazine house.

The slow coracle boat ride into the River Kali was relaxing and thrilling at the same time. We spotted quite a variety of birds on the trees and on little bushes that surround the water and watched crocodiles basking in the sun.

After a 30 minutes coracle boat ride session we returned back to the lodge, had breakfast and made our way back to Bangalore.

The Old Magazine House – Jungle Lodges & Resorts – REVIEW

Verdict!

This Jungle lodges property is unique in it’s own and is best suited for nature lovers and avid birders. The pleasant early morning chill refreshes the mind and soul and the melodious chirping and whistles of birds which starts even before the sunrise fills you heart with peace and happiness.

The humble and courteous staff ensures your trip is a delightfully memorable one.

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