 by Rison Thumboor, CC BY 2.0 httpscreativecommons.orglicensesby2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.jpg)
 by Rison Thumboor, CC BY 2.0 httpscreativecommons.orglicensesby2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.jpg)
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Description
Old Magazine House is a famous birdwatching lodge in southern India, located in the forested hills of Ganeshgudi, Karnataka. It is regarded as a birdwatching hotspot because the feeders, water drips, and dense woodland around the lodge attract an exceptional concentration of birds at close range. The lodge lies on the Londa–Dandeli Road, surrounded by dense reserve forest, which gives it its secluded, wildlife‑rich atmosphere. It sits at roughly 1,800 feet above sea level and is part of a government‑owned forest zone, which keeps the surroundings quiet and undisturbed.
Birds you can observe around the lodge include Brown-cheeked Fulvetta, Dark-fronted Babbler, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Blyth's Reed Warbler, Grey-fronted Green-Pigeon, Indian Yellow Tit, Rusty-tailed Flycatcher, Little Spiderhunter, Flame-throated Bulbul, Blue-capped Rock-Thrush and Malabar Trogon.
Between October and March, migrating birds arrive to the lodge and chances of spotting different species increase dramatically. However, the resident species of birds can be spotted around the year.
Details
Access
Old Magazine House is situated in Ganeshgudi, a forested area near Dandeli in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The area can be reached by flight, bus, or train to Hubli, which is the nearest major transport hub. From Hubli, the lodge is a drive of just over 85 km through forested roads leading toward Ganeshgudi. Travellers coming from Goa, Belagavi, or Dharwad typically approach via Londa, then continue along the Londa–Dandeli Road until they reach the forest entrance. Because the lodge is inside reserve forest, the final stretch is quiet and scenic, with the road narrowing as you approach the camp.
Guests stay in basic but atmospheric forest lodges. The focus is on clean, functional rooms with natural materials, open verandas, and close proximity to the birding area rather than on amenities. See the link to the website below for more info.