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Jungle Lodges & Resorts · Birding & Nature

Old Magazine House

Ganeshgudi, Joida Taluk, near Dandeli, Uttara Kannada · 60 km from Goa · Exclusive forest area
🌟 Terrace Dinner Under the Stars 🐶 Ganeshgudi Birding 🌿 Exclusive Forest Access 🏛 British Colonial Heritage 🋾 60 km from Goa
60 km
From Goa
3 Packages
From Rs 2,714
Rafting
₹1,500 extra · Nov–Jun
Exclusive
Forest not open to public
🌟

Terrace dinner stars
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Dinner on the terrace — stars above, forest sounds, no light pollution
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Magazine House building
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The historic Magazine House — British colonial era
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Malabar Pied Hornbill
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Malabar Pied Hornbill — Ganeshgudi birding
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Forest trail trek
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Guided trekking — exclusive forest area
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Kali river rafting
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Kali River rafting — Rs 1,500 extra · Nov to Jun
Property at a glance
Operated by
Jungle Lodges & Resorts
Govt. of Karnataka
Distance
60 km from Goa
480 km Bengaluru · 30 km Dandeli
Nearest Airport
Hubli Airport · 80 km
Goa Airport · 60 km
Nearest Railway
Londa Junction
approx. 26 km
Forest
Exclusive access
Not open to public
Check-in / out
12 noon / 11 AM
Backpackers Pkg
₹2,714
Per person all-incl.
Rafting add-on
₹1,500
Extra · Nov to Jun only

Our Perspective

Our perspective on this property

Old Magazine House is the most atmospheric property in the JLR network. The “Magazine” refers to a British colonial-era building used to store ammunition during forestry clearing operations in the Western Ghats. The camp is built around this structure — and the terrace above it is where dinner is served every evening under a sky with no light pollution whatsoever. Stars overhead. Forest sounds on all sides. Guests consistently describe it as the most atmospheric meal they have had in any JLR property.

Three overnight packages: Deluxe Package (Rs 4,130, 5 rooms with AC, TV, balcony), Cottage Package (Rs 5,546, only 2 cottages — book ahead) and Backpackers Package (Rs 2,714, dormitory). All include stay, all meals, guided trekking and forest entry. White water rafting on the Kali River (30 km, Dandeli) is available at Rs 1,500 extra, November to June only.

Ganeshgudi is a birding pilgrimage destination. The Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, flycatchers, orioles and Indian Pitta are regularly spotted. The camp is in an area of the forest not open to the general public — giving it an exclusivity that most eco-resorts cannot claim.

The natural combination is Kali Adventure Camp (30 km) for rafting and wildlife, plus Old Magazine House for birding and the terrace dinner. Call us to plan the 2-property North Karnataka circuit.

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Magazine house night
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The Magazine House — dinner terrace above, stars beyond
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Malabar grey hornbill
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Malabar Grey Hornbill — Ganeshgudi
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Sunset point view
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Sunset Point — guided trek destination

🌟 Terrace under the stars · 🐶 Ganeshgudi birding · 🌿 Sunset Point trek

Packages & Accommodation

All 3 overnight packages include: Stay · Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast · Guided Trekking · Forest Entry Charges · GST 18%. Seasonal hike applicable.
Most affordable
Backpackers Package
Dormitory accommodation · Same core activities · Ideal for groups and budget travellers
₹2,714 per person · twin sharing · subject to change
  • Stay in Dormitory
  • Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
  • Guided Trekking
  • Forest Entry Charges & GST 18%
Most affordable overnight option. Same core activities as other packages. Ideal for trekking groups, young adults and budget travellers.
Rafting — Additional Activity
White water rafting on the Kali River, Dandeli (30 km)
Rs 1,500 per person extra above package rate
Season: November to June only
Not available July to October (monsoon)
  • All overnight tariffs are per person per night on twin-sharing basis
  • Single occupancy: 30% extra above twin-sharing rate
  • Children below 5: complimentary  |  Children 5–12: 50% tariff
  • Rafting: Rs 1,500 per person extra  |  November to June only  |  Confirm at booking
  • Cottage Package: only 2 cottages — book well in advance
  • Seasonal hike applicable on all tariffs  |  Tariffs subject to change without prior notice
Call Padaki Travel Desk at +91 97315 56663 for current rates and availability before booking.
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Campfire forest
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Campfire — meals by campfire as an alternative to the terrace
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Asian paradise flycatcher
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Asian Paradise Flycatcher — Ganeshgudi, Western Ghats

🌿 Campfire dining · 🐶 Asian Paradise Flycatcher

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Best Time to Visit

☀️
October – March
Best Season

Resident bird population peaks as migratory birds arrive. Malabar Pied Hornbill colony most active. Clear skies — best stargazing on the terrace dinner. Most comfortable for trekking. Rafting available from November.

Best overall
🌊
November – June
Rafting Season

White water rafting on the Kali River available at Rs 1,500 extra per person. November to February: best combination of rafting + comfortable weather + birding. Confirm rafting availability when booking.

Rafting available
🌧️
June – September
Monsoon Season

Forest is spectacularly green. Bird watching still good. Rafting NOT available July to October. Trekking trails wet but accessible. Atmospheric forest retreat.

No rafting Jul–Oct
Rafting note: White water rafting on the Kali River (30 km from camp) is available November to June only. Not available during monsoon (July to October). Always confirm rafting availability when booking through Padaki.

Who Should Book This

Serious Bird Watchers

Ganeshgudi is a pilgrimage destination for Western Ghats birding. Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Pitta, Crested Serpent Eagle and many endemic species. Exclusive forest access gives better sightings.

Kali Adventure Camp Combination

30 km from Kali Adventure Camp, Dandeli. The most popular 2-property combination in North Karnataka — Kali for rafting and wildlife safari, Old Magazine House for deep forest birding and the terrace dinner.

Heritage and Atmosphere Seekers

The British-era Magazine House, exclusive forest access and terrace dinner under bright stars create an atmosphere no modern eco-resort can replicate. For guests who value character over facilities.

Budget Travellers and Trekking Groups

Backpackers Package at Rs 2,714 — dormitory accommodation with same activities: trekking, forest access, all meals. Excellent value for birding and trekking groups.

Goa Travellers Seeking a Forest Break

60 km from Goa — the closest JLR property to Goa. A 1-2 night add-on for any Goa trip provides a complete contrast — beach and exclusive Western Ghats forest.

Combine with These JLR Properties

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Old Magazine House?
Old Magazine House is an eco-resort by Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd in Ganeshgudi, Joida Taluk, near Dandeli, Uttara Kannada. In an area of the forest not open to the general public. Three packages: Deluxe Package (Rs 4,130), Cottage Package (Rs 5,546), Backpackers Package (Rs 2,714). Rafting Rs 1,500 extra, November to June. 60 km from Goa. Subject to change.
What does the name Old Magazine House mean?
The “Magazine” refers to a British colonial-era building used to store ammunition or gunpowder during forestry clearing operations in the Western Ghats. The camp is built around this historic structure. The terrace above it is used for dinner every evening — stars overhead, no light pollution, forest sounds on all sides.
What packages are available at Old Magazine House?
Three overnight packages: Deluxe Package (Rs 4,130 per person, 5 rooms, AC/TV/balcony/refrigerator), Cottage Package (Rs 5,546 per person, 2 cottages only), Backpackers Package (Rs 2,714 per person, dormitory). All include stay, all meals, guided trekking, forest entry and GST 18%. Rafting Rs 1,500 extra, November to June.
What is the Backpackers Package at Old Magazine House?
Backpackers Package at Rs 2,714 per person includes dormitory accommodation, all meals (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast), guided trekking and forest entry charges. Most affordable overnight option. Ideal for trekking groups, young adults and budget travellers who want the same Old Magazine House experience.
What is the rafting option at Old Magazine House?
White water rafting on the Kali River, Dandeli — approximately 30 km from the camp. Rs 1,500 per person extra above the package rate. Season: November to June only. Not available July to October (monsoon). Always confirm rafting availability when booking through Padaki.
What bird species can be seen at Old Magazine House?
Ganeshgudi is one of the finest birding areas in the Western Ghats: Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Babblers, Orioles, Emerald Dove, Indian Pitta, Crested Serpent Eagle and many endemic species. Exclusive forest access gives better sightings than in public areas.
How far is Old Magazine House from Goa?
Approximately 60 km from Goa (Panaji) — about 1.5 hours. The closest JLR property to Goa. Hubli Airport is approximately 80 km away. Nearest railway station: Londa Junction, 26 km.
How is Old Magazine House different from Kali Adventure Camp?
Both are in the Dandeli region, 30 km apart. Kali Adventure Camp is about adventure — white water rafting, jeep safari into Kali Tiger Reserve, coracle, energy. Old Magazine House is about deep forest immersion — exclusive forest access, Ganeshgudi birding, atmospheric terrace dinner under stars, and quiet. The 2-property combination is the most popular choice for North Karnataka.
What is the Cottage Package at Old Magazine House?
Cottage Package at Rs 5,546 per person includes stay in one of only 2 cottages at the property. Same inclusions as Deluxe Package: all meals, guided trekking, forest entry, GST 18%, full amenities (AC, TV, balcony, refrigerator, coffee maker). Only 2 cottages available — book well ahead.
How do I book Old Magazine House?
Call or WhatsApp Padaki Travel Desk at +91 97315 56663 or email muralidhar@karnatakatravelguide.in. We book at official JLR rates. Cottage Package (2 only) — book 3 to 4 weeks ahead. Confirm rafting availability separately. Advance booking 2 to 3 weeks recommended for all packages.

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Address
No. 81, 6th Main, 18th Cross,
Malleswaram, Bangalore — 560055

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