Backwoods Camp Getaway
Jungle Lodges
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Experiential Jungle Lodge
Backwoods Camp is a birdwatching camp on the edge of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, near Mollem in Goa (India). The camp is run on ecological principles and visitors are accommodated in tents and cabins. The camp was set up in 1999 by Pramod Madkaikar, Loven Pereira and Leio de Souza and is aimed at birders who wish to experience the birds of the Western Ghats. In particular, a visit to Backwoods is well-known as one of the most reliable ways for birders to see Sri Lanka Frogmouth.
Birds commonly seen within the camp grounds themselves include Malabar Trogon, Flame-throated and Yellow-browed Bulbuls, Orange Minivet, Puff-throated and Dark-fronted Babblers, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, Indian Blackbird, Malabar Whistling-thrush, Orange-headed Thrush, Indian Pitta, Small Sunbird, Nilgiri Flowerpecker, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Black-naped Blue Monarch, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Ceylon Frogmouth, Oriental Scops Owl, and Brown Hawk-owl.
It is possible to regularly find 15 of the 28 birds endemic or near-endemic to the Western Ghats within the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, with the exception of those species restricted to areas of higher altitude in the southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Besides the birds, the Camp is frequented by troops of Hanuman Langurs and Bonnet Macaques, while fruiting trees attract endemic Malabar Giant Squirrels. Butterflies are abundant and confiding, with species including the spectacular Malabar Banded Peacock and delicate Malabar Tree Nymph, both found solely in the Western Ghats.
Backwoods Camp is a must visit for birdwatcher and those who enjoy reserve forest exploration.