ON THE wings OF FREEDOM

For the first time in my life, I had an understanding of the naturalist’s drive that I had seen only in birdwatchers.

- AHTUSHI DESHPANDE​​​​​​​

THE NAINA DEVI HIMALAYAN BIRD

Conservation Reserve nestled on a secluded long ridge above Nainital is a bird lover’s paradise. It is also a nature lover’s haven, with some of the oldest preserved forests of Kumaon straddling this rich belt. Its serene and unspoilt beauty lies undisturbed as it falls off the sightseeing circuit from Nainital, leaving only the passionate birders and solitude seeking individuals to visit. I’d like to believe that I fall into the latter category as I have visited the area not jut once but thrice.

Pangot, a small village here is the main hub where most of the lodges of the reserve are located. This time I was heading for the very first birding lodge of India and naturally Pangot’s oldest—the Jungle Lore Birding Lodge.

India’s FIRST BIRDING HOTEL

It takes years of letting wilderness take over to get a true forest feel. Being over 20 years old, Jungle Lore wore its years and its forest feel well. Four cottages that were named after the various pheasants stood nestled in thickets of bushes and trees. Situated on the edge of an old oak forest, all kinds of birds frequented the property.

* Kunjakharak lies 2,292 metres above sea level, where the man-made road ends. part of the protected zone of Naina Devi Himalayan Bird conservation reserve, this is home to a two-room rest house, a hut for the guards