Old Magazine House
Old Magazine House
Illustrative AI image of the region.
Govt. of Karnataka
480 km Bengaluru · 30 km Dandeli
Goa Airport · 60 km
approx. 26 km
Not open to public
Per person, WD = WE
Extra · Nov to Jun only
Our Perspective
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, same rate weekday and weekend: Deluxe Package (Rs 4,130, 5 rooms with AC, TV, balcony), Cottage Package (Rs 5,546, only 1 cottage — book ahead) and Backpackers Package (Rs 2,714, 20-bed 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.
Packages & Accommodation
- Stay in Deluxe Room (5 rooms available)
- Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
- Guided Trekking
- Forest Entry Charges & GST 18%
- AC · TV · Balcony · Refrigerator
- Coffee Maker · Wi-Fi (Common) · Parking
- Stay in Cottage (only 1 cottage available)
- Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
- Guided Trekking
- Forest Entry Charges & GST 18%
- AC · TV · Balcony · Refrigerator
- Coffee Maker · Wi-Fi (Common) · Parking
- Stay in Dormitory
- Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
- Guided Trekking
- Forest Entry Charges & GST 18%
- 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 1 cottage — book well in advance
- Seasonal hike applicable on all tariffs | Tariffs subject to change without prior notice
Exploring other Jungle Lodges & Resorts properties?
View all JLR propertiesA Typical Stay at Old Magazine House, Hour by Hour
Times follow JLR's standard programme for Old Magazine House and can shift with the season and weather.
Day 1Arrival & an afternoon trek or birdwatching
Day 2Birdwatching, coracle ride & departure
- Not included: transfers to and from the resort, activities marked as extra cost, and anything not listed in your package.
- House rules: outside food and pets are not allowed, and plastics should be avoided.
- At check-in: carry ID for every guest. If someone else made the booking, their ID is needed too.
Cancellation & Date Changes
- Cancelling: 10% charge if cancelled 15 days or more before check-in; 50% between 48 hours and 14 days; no refund within 48 hours or for a no-show.
- Changing dates: free if requested 15 days or more before check-in (once only — no further change or cancellation after that); 20% at 7–14 days; 50% from 24 hours to 7 days; no changes within 24 hours.
- How to cancel or change: by email from the address used for the booking, or in writing.
- Children and single rooms: children aged 5–12 pay 50% of the tariff, and single occupancy charges apply. Tariffs are per person per night on twin sharing and can change without notice.
Best Time to Visit
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 overallWhite 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 availableForest is spectacularly green. Bird watching still good. Rafting NOT available July to October. Trekking trails wet but accessible. Atmospheric forest retreat.
No rafting Jul–OctWho Should Book This
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.
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.
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.
Backpackers Package at Rs 2,714 — dormitory accommodation with same activities: trekking, forest access, all meals. Excellent value for birding and trekking groups.
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
Book Old Magazine House through Padaki
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Malleswaram, Bangalore — 560055
Any content mismatch on this page is purely accidental and not intentional. Rates and details are subject to change and will be confirmed at the time of booking.