This Newly-Opened Indian Resort Is A Top Destination For Birdwatchers
With more than 1.4 billion people living within its borders, India currently ranks as the most populous country on the planet—but it's not just humans that thrive across this storied nation. From the Asian elephant to the gharial, there's a staggering array of native wildlife that's been calling India home for eons, with no shortage of iconic mammals, birds and reptiles to be found during a visit. And while top-tier ecotourism destinations abound across the country, few destinations can offer such a seamless blend of luxury and wildlife experiences as The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort.
Located in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, this lavish property sits on the edge of India's Bandhavgarh National Park, a renowned preserve that's brimming with all sorts of majestic megafauna. While tigers abound across the refuge, the surrounding region also offers unparalleled opportunity for birdwatching, with The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort operating several avian-inspired tours taking place both on-property and within the neighboring park. During a Kalpvriksha and the Birdsong excursion, guests can marvel at colorful sunbirds and bee-eaters thriving in the surrounding forest, while the Palash Pathways experience is available at both dawn and dusk, allowing visitors to spot species like the jungle nightjar and Indian scops owl as they search the surrounding area for food.
The Malabar pied hornbill is native to India and Sri Lanka.
Of course, no stay at The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort is complete without embarking on a Jungle Safari across Bandhavgarh National Park. While the Bengal tiger is by far the most famous resident of the park, a typical expedition also offers the opportunity to spot sambar deer, striped hyenas and sloth bears—and there's no shortage of eye-catching birds that call the park home as well. In addition to world-renowned species like the common peafowl and Malabar pied hornbill, there's a wealth of passerines that can be found flitting from branch to branch, with the Indian paradise flycatcher, Indian pitta and Asian green bee-eater being three particularly striking species.
As an added bonus, the property offers a wide range of luxurious amenities to enjoy in between birding sessions. During the afternoon, guests can seek refuge from the sun in the 18-meter outdoor infinity pool, while there's no shortage of high-end dining experiences to enjoy all throughout the day. For a deep dive on the storied culinary culture of Madhya Pradesh, The Dining Room offers a diverse range of curries, kebabs and other dishes, while those wishing to dine in harmony with the surrounding wilderness should be sure to book a dinner at The Bush Kitchen. Perched on the edge of a glittering lake, this open-air venue is perfect for a sunset meal, with all sorts of smoked and grilled dishes gracing the menu.
The Asian green bee-eater feeds primarily on insects, with prey ranging from ants to wasps to—of ... More course—bees.
While the Indian coastline boasts top-tier ecotourism destinations like Marine National Park and Sunderban National Park, the interior of the country is home to world-class wildlife destinations as well, with The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort serving as a prime example. Ferocious felines thrive just beyond property limits, and to sweeten the deal, the hotel grounds are brimming with all sorts of dazzling avifauna both large and small. If you're planning an all-out ecotourism expedition across India anytime soon, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for this world-class ecolodge.
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