The tale of two places – Dandeli Jungle camp and Old Magazine house

During my recent visit to Dandeli, I stayed at two places – Dandeli Jungle Camp and Old Magazine house. In this post, I try to explain my experiences of these place. The itinerary and stay was arranged by Dandeli.com. (https://www.dandeli.com/).

Dandeli Jungle camp

The camp has been in existance from 1994 and can be considered as one of the oldest in Dandeli. Situated in the village of Pradhani, it is 8 km from Dandeli town. It requires a detour of a kilometre from the main road to reach the camp. The last stretch is on the mud road in forest but reachable by all types of four wheelers. In that sense, it is away from the hustle and bustle of the town/village or the main road. A good place for people looking at peaceful atmosphere. Surrounded by forest, arecanut plantation and paddy fields, Dandeli Jungle Camp gives a nice experience of stay away from the town. One could hear the chirping of birds but during my visit it was the sound of rain that I heard.

 

Dharmesh, the person managing the place was very courteous and helped me a lot during the stay. It was nice to see locals being employed to look after the place. He gave a clear idea on the activities available during that time of the year.

 

The camp arranged me to go on a Kayaking, boating and Jacuzzi in the Kali river. I spent evening by watching crocodiles on Kali river and walking in the Dandeli timber depot looking for pied hornbills and other birds. More about the activities in another post.

 

The evening camp fire provided a way to socialise with other people in the camp. It also provides warmth during monsoon as the place is cold. The food was decent. Non vegetarians might crib about choices but as a vegetarian it was quite good. It was fun to watch the monkeys wandering around the cafeteria but thanks to the alert caretakers they could not venture inside.

 

In general, my stay at Dandeli Jungle camp was good. This camp provides basic amenities required to stay away from the noise of the city. It is great in terms of hospitality. They try to take care of the needs of the visitors in every possible way. If you are looking at luxury, then this place may not suit you. Here is the video of Dharmesh talking about the place. 

 

Dharmesh explaining about Dandeli Jungle camp

Old Magazine house

For avid birders and photographers, this place does not need introduction at all. While it is known as a great destination for birding, many people are not aware that it was the place that housed gelatin, dynamite and other explosives when Supa dam was being built. Hence the name “Magazine house”. Later, it came under the lease of Jungle Lodges.

 

Come during winter and the whole place will be bustling with birds and the people photographing them. I went during peak monsoon and the whole place was deserted. Few resident birds made an appearance when the rains gave some relief.

 

While the place maintains the standard of Jungle Lodges, I would say it is more suited for people watching and photographing birds. It has a bit of rustic experience. Being surrounded by hills and away from the main road (Watch the video below showing the road from the main road to entrance), you indeed feel isolated. The place is out of cell coverage area and hence the feeling os isolation may feel greater but it is a blessing in disguise to stay away from digital stuff at least for some time. Anyway, the dining area has signal so it is not that far from civilisation!!

 

I spent a long time lazing around and enjoying the nature around the place. The gates of Supa dam was lifted which meant that there would not be any water activities. Due to rains, the hiking options were also limited. The birds made an occasional appearance. I spent a good time hearing the stories of the place. Of course, we visited the Supa dam which was nearby.

 

I suggest to go to Old Magazine house in winter when it is the right time for birding. Monsoon is a good time for people looking to enjoy rain.

 

Entering into Old Magazine house from the main road

Final words

Overall, both places provided a nice experience for me. The trip was organised by Dandeli.com but the opinion mentioned in this post are mine.