Jungle Lore Birding Lodge, Pangot
Location Northwestern forest range of Nainital in the village of Pangot Season Around the Year Altitude 22000m Places to see Naina Peak, Kilbury Trek Activities Birding, Camping & Trekking
Pangot - the bird paradise in Nainital Hills
Jungle Lore Birding Lodge is India's first and foremost birding lodge and has been key to birding success in the region.
The entire drive is through the forested area of Cheena Peak Range via Snow View Point and Kilbury, the main habitats for excellent birding. The forests of Pangot and surrounding areas are dominated by thick Oak, Pine and Rhododendron. The streams passing by the area makes it even more attractive place. The district of Nainital covers the tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, sub-alpine and alpine zones. The terai & bhabar belt presents the climate of the plains while the deep valleys with elevation upto 1000 Mts. play host to varied types of animal , birds, trees typical of hills as well as plains
One can see a variety of bird species along the way to Pangot such as Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Blue-winged Minla, Spotted & Slaty-backed Forktail, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Khalij pheasant are to name a few. One can also spot mammals such as Yellow-throated Himalayan Marten, Sambhar, Himalayan Goral, Barking Deer, Leopard, Civets, Yellow-bellied Himalayan Weasal, Leopard Cat, Serow, Wild Boar, Red Fox etc. The famous Corbett National Park is situated 80 kilometers from Pangot.
The hill station is visited in a huge number by tourists all round the year. The pleasant and spell bounding weather in summers and snow clad mountain peaks in winters attract visitors from all over the world. Pangot is a quiet and calm place which makes it an ideal destination for honeymooners too. It is an incredible place for bird watching, adventurous activities, mountain biking and trekking. The trekking trail starts from Pangot and leads to Naina Peak. Another one leads to Corbett National Park.
How to Reach
To get to Pangot, one can take any of the following options:
By Road
- Drive from Delhi via Kathgodam and Nainital: 8 hours
- Drive from Delhi via Ramnagar (Corbett National Park) and Kaladungi: 7½ hours
By Train
- Overnight air-conditioned train from Old Delhi railway station (departing at 2235 hr.) to Kathgodam (arriving at 0615 hr.) and then 2 hr. drive to Pangot via Nainital.
- Overnight air-conditioned train from Old Delhi railway station (departing at 2235 hr.) to Ramnagar (arriving at 0500 hr.) and then 2½ hr. drive to Pangot via Kaladungi.
- There are now day trains to Kathgodam and Ramnagar as well.-
The activities here are numerous and most of them can be availed at a cost as specified at the lodge. We suggest you book them in advance with us.
Bird Watching
More than 250 species of birds have been recorded in the area. One can have excellent birding opportunities in the lodge itself. Besides, there are numerous walks through the terrace fields into thickly wooded oak forest which are extremely rewarding. Opt for short or long holidays,
Treks
- China peak (2611 meters) is one of the highest peaks in Nainital. Since the biotope is of thick forest, this is a sheer trekkers delight.
- Day treks are organized for individuals, small groups and families with picnic lunch.
- Overnight and 2-3 night treks are also organized with all equipment and staff. The most popular trek is the old trail from Pangot to Corbett via Kunjakharak and Akashkanda.
Boating
Nainital, which is just 15 km away from Pangot, is famous for boating. Yachts, paddle boats and rowing boats are available on hourly basis.
Horse riding
Horse riding is one of the most interesting activities in Nainital to visit scenic spots such as Dorothy Seat, Land's End and Tiffin Top. Three day horse riding tour is conducted from Corbett Park to Pangot. You may ask us for this tour.
Shopping
The Tibetan market along the edge of the lake is very popular for curios and candles.
Picnic
Kilbury is a nice and quiet place to get panoramic views of the snow clad mountains. You may go with packed lunch and enjoy the flora and fauna of this place.
Cooking Class
We are happy for you to interact with our chef. We can arrange a free cooking lesson and you can share your favourite recipe with us too. -
Each room has a double bed with fresh linen, fresh towels and warm blankets / duvets. Heaters are provided in cold weather.
Cheer Cottage
As soon as one descends into the parking area from the main road and walks down 10 steps, one reaches Cheer Cottage.
The cottage is equipped with a double bed, a wooden attic with two separate floor mattresses, en suite toilet with a WC and a hot shower, a wooden verandah overlooking the valley and the garden. Bucket and mugs are provided in the toilet for wash up if the water pressure is less in the shower or faucet. The size of the room is about 15'x18'.
Koklas Cottage
Walking down 20 steps from Cheer Cottage past the dining room, one reaches Koklas Cottage.
The cottage is equipped with a double bed, en suite toilet with a WC and a hot shower, a small sit-out facing the jungle and the garden. Bucket and mugs are provided in the toilet for wash up if the water pressure is less in the shower or faucet. The size of the room is about 11'x12'.
Khalij Cottage
Walking down 20 steps from the dining room, one reaches Khalij Cottage.
The cottage is equipped with a double bed, an extra bed, en suite toilet with a WC and a hot shower, a sit-out facing the approach path & the jungle. Bucket and mugs are provided in the toilet for wash up if the water pressure is less in the shower or faucet. The size of the room is about 14'x16'.
Magpie Cottage
Walking down 15 steps from the Khalij Cottage, one reaches Magpie Cottage.
The cottage is equipped with a double bed, a wooden attic with two separate floor mattresses, en suite toilet with a WC and a hot shower, an enclosed verandah facing the approach path & the jungle. Bucket and mugs are provided in the toilet for wash up if the water pressure is less in the shower or faucet. The size of the room is about 12'x14'.
Dining Room
Walking down 10 steps from Cheer Cottage, one reaches the Dining Room.
The dining room also serves the purpose of a restaurant. When we have a full house we serve buffet meals. à la carte meals are served on prior order as per the menu. Please give adequate notice. The meals are wholesome and hygienic. The menu consists of Indian and Kumaoni dishes. We usually serve traditional home-cooked Indian food. We try and keep spice and chilly levels moderate but if you still find the food too hot, do let our staff know and we'll be happy to suit it to your taste. Please inform us if you have any special dietary requirements.
On prior intimation we could also arrange a private dinner in the verandah of your cottage or provide you room service.
We stock a limited selection of beverages at the lodge. All beverages are chargeable.
Alcohol is not served at the lodge; the clients may get their own.
We discourage the use of pre-packaged food items and bottled water as it adds to pollution and is additional cost for us to carry it all the way back to Haldwani for proper disposal. The guests may get their own food items as per their preference and are requested to take away as much non-biodegradable material with them. We serve filtered water that is safe to drink. -
