India: this is without doubt the best place to stay if you are visiting the Chambal river. The lodge is in African safari-style, making use of an old farm. Rooms are available in rustic, comfy bungalows set in the large gardens. Bathrooms have hot water. The food here is exquisite and abundant, and the service is first class. WiFi in the restaurant area only.
In the lodge grounds there is some great birding to be had. It is not hard to see Spotted Owlet, Brown-headed Barbet, Indian Scops Owl and Indian Grey Hornbill here. There is also a large colony of Indian Fruit-bat which provides an amazing spectacle at dusk. At night you can see Common Palm Civet near the kitchens and Indian Hare is numerous here.
The river specials are also not hard to see and include Indian Skimmer, Jungle Cat, Great Thick-knee, Indian Gharial and Ganges Dolphin.
Our guide was Grajendra Dagar (e-mail: gsds26@yahoo.com; tel: +919 627450455). His services come included with your stay at the lodge. He knows the birds of the area back to front, including owl roost sites, bird song etc. Highly recommended!
