Experiences
Activities
While you're enjoying your peaceful stay at Magpie Cottage, here are a few nearby places and activities we recommend to make your stay even more memorable.
Jungle Safari
Venture into the adjacent Kalagarh Tiger Reserve. Keep an eye out for elephants, leopards, and elusive tigers. Safaris can be arranged upon request.
Magpie Cottage is located in the Simalsaira Village, approximately 7 km. from the Vatanvasa Gate, an entry point of Halduparao (Corbett Tiger Reserve).
The Halduparao Forest Rest House (Corbett Tiger Reserve)
Built in 1890, the historic Halduparao Forest Rest House is located 50 km from Kotdwara and is accessed via the Vatanvasa Gate, followed by a scenic 10 km drive through the forest. Perched on the right bank of the Palain (Sonanadi/Golden) River at an elevation of 385 metres, it offers sweeping views of the river and surrounding wilderness. While the original rest house is over a century old, modern accommodation has been added for visitors. A watchtower within the premises overlooks the river, providing excellent opportunities to observe wildlife—including deer, elephants, and other animals—as they gather to drink, graze, and move along the riverbank.
Riverside Life
Birdwatching
Magpie Cottage is a birder's paradise, home to over 250 species ranging from Himalayan endemics to migratory waterfowl. Upon request an experienced expert can accompany guests on a Birdwatching trail.
The diverse elevation gradients make it perfect for spotting vibrant songbirds, raptors, and pheasants in their natural habitats.
Top species to look out for by habitat and season are as below.
Common & Year-Round Residents
- Pheasants & Partridges: Kalij Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, and Chukar Partridge.
- Flycatchers & Robins: Blue Whistling-Thrush, Verditer Flycatcher, and Gray-headed Canary-Flycatcher.
- Others: Gray Treepie, Large-billed Crow, and the White-throated Laughingthrush.
Summer Visitors (Mar - Aug)
- Vibrant Birds: Blue-capped Rock-Thrush, Rosy Minivet, and Indian Paradise-Flycatcher.
- Raptors & Birds of Prey:
- Eagles & Kites: Black Eagle, Steppe Eagle, and Crested Serpent-Eagle.
- Vultures: Himalayan Griffon.
Migratory Waterfowl (Wintering, Near River)
- Ducks & Mergansers: Brahminy Shelduck, Mallard, and Goosander.
Nature Walks
Stargazing & Bonfires
End your day under a breathtaking canopy of stars, far away from city lights. As the crisp mountain air rolls in at dusk, we set up a private, crackling bonfire for you and your loved ones.
Gather around to share stories, roast snacks, or simply listen to the gentle flow of the Palain river in the distance. The profound silence of the surrounding wilderness combined with the warmth of the fire creates an unforgettable, magical evening perfect for acoustic music and quiet reflection.
Magpie At Night
Experience the tranquil beauty of Magpie Cottage as the sun sets and the wilderness transitions into the calm of the night. The property transforms under the moonlight, offering a serene atmosphere perfect for winding down.
Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of our beautifully lit outdoor spaces, listen to the nocturnal sounds of the forest, and embrace the secluded luxury of living close to nature after dark.
Lansdowne Town
This secluded wilderness haven is approximately 48 km. away from Lansdowne and 38 km. from Kotdwar. Lansdowne is a peaceful, untouched hillstation in Uttarakhand. Engulfed in dense forests and touring pine trees, this quaint hillstation is cosy, picturesque and quiet, all at the same time.
Getting Around:
- Distance from Jolly Grant Airport - 142 km.
- Distance from Kotdwar Railway Station - 39 km.
- Distance from Motor Nagar Bus Stand - 39 km.
- Distance from Dhauntiyal Market - 15 km.
Wildlife Sightings at Magpie Cottage
At Magpie Cottage, the wilderness begins at your doorstep. Set on the edge of the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, the cottage offers an extraordinary opportunity to encounter wildlife in its natural habitat. Elephants, Himalayan Kalij pheasants and nocturnal creatures have been sighted from the lawns, along the bamboo fences and even from the rooftop terraces—a quiet reminder that at Magpie Cottage, there is no real boundary between the forest and the place you stay.
Spotting Wild Elephants at Night
Caretaker observing a wild elephant from the cottage rooftop terrace using a spotlight
Elephant at Forest Perimeter
Close-up view of a wild tusker feeding along the property forest boundary
Himalayan Kalij Pheasant
A stunning male Kalij Pheasant foraging inside the bamboo fence of the cottage lawns
Nocturnal Elephant Encounter
Unedited video recording of a wild elephant feeding right beside the cottage property boundary
Rooftop Wildlife Watch
Observing nocturnal animal movements directly from our open rooftop terrace
Forest Guards patrolling Magpie Cottage at night
Forest Guards on night mission preventing wild elephants from entering Magpie Cottage.
Dining
Farm to table, forest to soul.
Meals at Magpie Cottage are prepared by local cooks using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From hearty Garhwali breakfasts to evening barbecues under the stars, every dish tells a story of the land.
Dine al fresco on the open terrace with panoramic views of the valley, or gather around the outdoor dining table nestled among the trees. We accommodate dietary preferences — just let us know in advance.
