Old Magazine House

This resort is a hidden gem for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Nestled deep within the jungle, it offers a peaceful retreat far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While it may not offer luxury or extravagant amenities, the rooms are simple yet functional, providing all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Guests here tend to spend most of their time outdoors, immersed in the natural surroundings. The birdwatching experience is exceptional, with a diverse range of bird species to spot, varying with the seasons. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher or a nature lover, there's always something new to discover. What truly sets this place apart is the staff. From the manager to the guides and support staff, everyone is incredibly friendly, welcoming, and passionate about birds. Their enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge enhance the experience, making it feel more like a personal tour than a standard stay. The food, though simple, is authentic and reflects the local culinary traditions. It's a perfect complement to the natural setting.

As a seasoned visitor of this camp and other JLR properties (having visited here four times since 2013), I can confidently say that it is well worth an experience for birdwatchers and other wildlife enthusiasts alike. The biodiversity and lush greenery noticeable in the camp is astounding, and it is my first visit here that made me delve deeper into the world of birdwatching. Though the state of accomodation has slightly deteriorated in recent years due to lack of funding preventing the loghuts' upkeep, the camp manages to retain its avifaunal charm, which I find extremely pleasing. As in all Jungle Lodges properties, the staff are kind and ever ready to help with any concerns. Mornings and evenings are best spent looking for birds and other wildlife at the bird baths, at other parts of the campus and towards Dandeli Timber Depot.

I visited this place after almost 4-5 years but things have not changed at all. No improvements in the room. They only have wall mounted fan for the entire big room which is quite insufficient during summer months. They must have a ceiling fan and an air conditioning. Muddy and red color water is supplied in both bathroom and toilet taps. Food variety and quality is also so so. Birding visiting hide have reduced drastically over past 5-6 years with almost zero morning activity. Things are ok when few select birds come like trogon, Malabar Pied Hornbill and Spot Bellied Owl|Staff is all very good with special mention to Vinayak and Ramesh.

I had visited Old Magazine House earlier for bird photography and the experience was awesome. So this time I decided to take my family there, and it was a great decision. Everyone, birder or not, enjoyed the stay and food immensely. Unfortunately we had only 48 hours to spend there, and we were loathe to start back for home. Already looking forward to my next visit.

Wonderful place to stay. Excellent food, very good room, warm customer service from the entire team. Superb arrangements for bird photography. Very friendly manager. Food in particular was superb, both in terms of taste and choice of items. Check in and check out were both very smooth. Overall a great place to stay

I wasn't sure what to expect when I booked two nights birdwatching and photography at the OMH but the experience was very enjoyable and rewarding. |My room was excellent, clean and spacious.|The staff are most welcoming and as I was the only non domestic visitor the restaurant staff went out of their way to make sure I was happy with the food on offer and it wasn't too spicy. It wasn't and it was all very good and plenty of it. In fact besides three meals , tea/coffee and biscuits or soup and a snack were also included in the package as indeed were the guided walks. |There were not too many guests for the two days I was there so not too many people at the screens trying to get the best positions. All seemed very civilised and friendly although there was an element of "I'm better than you because I have a bigger lens" with a couple of people!! Whether they know how to use them is a different matter and I'll never know I don't suppose!!|The birds didn't disappoint and duly came to drink but unfortunately they do tend to leave it until quite late afternoon and the majority of the action seems to happen when the light is fading fast. I had hoped that the morning sessions would be better but I was told that was not the case, the birds don't visit in the morning it seems. A shame. The alternative is a trip to the Timber Yard which I did on one morning and a local walk on the second. With I hindsight I wish I had gone to the Timber Yard on both mornings, it was excellent.|In summary I would definitely recommend a visit , it was amazing how far people had travelled to spend a night or two there and that says it all.

This government owned and operated Jungle lodges is a great place for Birding enthusiasts, photographers in general! Access to near by Sightseeing at Ganesh Gudi is close enough but privacy is great! Maintenance is a little problem, but okay. Also the towels can be little fresh.

I have visited Old magazine house a lot of time. But this time I felt it can be suggested for families who would like to spend time in the wild. Everyone here right from the manager to servers are well mannered and supportive. So do visit OMH. Sincere request to visitors please avoid making noise its a very paradise for Birders but this season compared to earlier I felt the bird activity has gone down.