Bharatpur – Dvalarstaðir

Debora Frakkland

Birders all over the world save up to go see Keoladeo park in Bharatpur, mainly in fall and winter, when the wetland hosts an amazing assemblage of migratory birds, as well as the Indian birds normally resident. A lot of hotels in town have bird-related names, but the Birders Inn sums up what this town is really about: birders. It is decorated throughout with bird-themed art, no fanciful decorative birds but accurately-depicted species (or the clientele would probably complain). It is the closest hotel to the park except for the one actually in it, which I understand is a bit more basic. I was told Birders Inn is booked solid months in advance of the main season, when birders pack the dining room every night, and the park every day. Well, we had to be in India during the monsoon, and while the European migrants (birds and people) aren't there then, the resident birds are. We practically had the hotel to ourselves, and certainly the restaurant - which therefore wasn't offering most of its menu, sadly because it looked great, but we ate well regardless (the pool and the wifi were also lovely). The park was almost deserted, and we were able to engage a full day with professional birder Pradeep Singh, whom I warmly recommend to anyone thinking of going to see birds in India. Or tigers. Or both. http://tigerpradeepsingh.com/ I haven't counted up the number of species we saw in that one day yet, but there were dozens, most of them new on my life list. We had one short rain shower, under cover with a lovely picnic lunch from the hotel. Then there was the magnificent antlered sambar that strolled a few feet away. And the jackals. So, despite being there in the most off of off seasons, we had a great stay at the Birders Inn, and a mind-blowing birding trip. They also arranged a car for our onward trip to Agra. Whenever you go I can't imagine you could do better.

Ankit Indland

Excellent service, cleanliness. Staff is very polite. Ambience is perfect.