Established in 2003, the Vanghat Lodge has become renowned for its exceptional birding opportunities, boasting over 270 species year-round in its vicinity. With no network connectivity – unless you walk 100 m. beyond the encircling electric fence to the riverbed, visits to the lodge are a wonderful digital detox and wildlife adventure in one. Run as an ‘ecolodge’ with a conservation ethos, Vanghat tries to minimise human impact on the surrounding landscape. Most of the dwellings are made of mud or stone, in a local style. There are no gardens or lawns – the habitat within the lodge is similar to that of the surrounding nature trails, but for the trails that connect the rooms with the open-air eating area, which overlooks a bird bath. A one-tusked male is a frequent visitor to the area around the lodge, and tigers prowl down Champion’s Trail, named for the Imperial Forest Service Officer and wildlife photographer F.W. Champion. Walking the riverbed is an exercise in playing wildlife detective, with a plethora of animal signs – pugmarks, hoof marks, pellets, scats and scrape marks – left behind in the sands to analyse the movement of animals the previous night. Beyond birdwatching, the lodge actively engages in conservation efforts, collaborating with the community to tackle challenges such as the removal of invasive lantana bushes and promoting the stewardship of wild areas for the benefit of all.
| Day 1 | Arrival at Delhi and drive to Vanghat |
| Day 2-4 | Birding and nature trails at Vanghat |
| Day 5 | Depart |