Which bird species do you think is the biggest attraction to visitors of your lodge (please only name one species)?
Malabar Trogon
What is the name of your lodge, and since when has your lodge been operating?
Nature’s Nest Goa was founded in 2010 by Pankaj Lad and Ramesh Zarmekar, both passionate wildlife enthusiasts with a deep love for the Western Ghats. Driven by their desire to introduce the rich biodiversity of this region to birders and a sensitive audience, they established Nature’s Nest Goa as a model for eco-tourism. Their vision was to create a space where nature education, sustainable practices, and conservation efforts are integrated into daily operations.
Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher
How best to travel to your lodge?
- 1 hr 15 mins from Madgaon town
- 1 hour 15 minutes from Goa (Dabolim) Airport
- 2 hours from Mopa Airport
- We can also arrange pickup and drop-off transfers on request.
Sri Lanka Frogmouth
What kind of services – except for accommodation and food – does your lodge offer to visiting birders?
- We offer birding packages to cover the endemics and key species of the Western Ghats with guided trails and jungle drives.
- We have water stations at the property for photographers.
- The property itself is a magnet for species like Crimson-backed Sunbird, Purple Sunbird, Loten’s Sunbird, Little Spiderhunter, Vernal Hanging Parrot, Jerdon’s Leafbird, and Nilgiri Flowerpecker.
Collared Kingfisher
What makes your lodge special?
- Over 300 bird species, including Western Ghats endemics, guided birding sessions, expert naturalists, and excellent photography opportunities.
- Immersive Nature Experiences: Our knowledgeable naturalists will not only help you find birds, but will also provide interesting facts and
- Insights about their behavior, habitats, and conservation efforts.
- Authentic Eco Stay: Cozy AC cottages, delicious home-style Goan cuisine and warm hospitality in a peaceful forest setting.
What are the 10 – 20 most interesting birds that your lodge offers good chances to see?
Key species include Malabar Trogon, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, Malabar Woodpecker, Brown Wood Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Wood-shrike, Blyth’s Starling, Nilgiris Flowerpecker, Indian Pitta, Flame-throated Bulbul, Crimson-backed Sunbird, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, White-bellied Woodpecker, Forest Wagtails, Western Crowned Warbler, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch and so on.
Indian Pitta
What is the best time to visit your lodge, and why?
November to February, due to the pleasant weather, lush forests, and the highest diversity of birdlife. This is the peak birding season, when resident and migratory birds make every guided walk a delight for birdwatchers and photographers.
Malabar Grey Hornbill
Is your lodge involved in conservation efforts? If yes, please describe them.
Yes. Nature’s Nest is actively involved in conservation efforts through habitat restoration. We protect and have restored a 15-acre private forest area adjoining the wildlife sanctuary in partnership with local community members, where we have created two waterholes that serve as an important water source for birds and wildlife during the post-monsoon, winter, and summer months. This has helped keep wildlife within the forest zone, reducing movement towards nearby villages and supporting efforts to prevent poaching. We have also constructed a small check dam in the village to retain water for local use during the dry season. We have monitored wildlife activity in this area by setting up camera traps for the last 5 years. 90% of our team members are local forest community members.
Blue-eared Kingfisher
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in visiting your lodge?
Bring your binoculars, camera, and comfortable walking shoes. Book for at least 2–3 nights for a birding experience. Let us know about your target species in advance.
Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher
Do you have activities for non-birders? If so, please describe.
- Immersive Nature Experiences – Open jeep night safari offers high chances for small and big mammal sightings; conservation trail to learn and understand camera trapping.
- The freshwater spring swimming pool is located within the resort.
- Village visit to experience cow milking, cooking with village locals, and farming activity.
- Family-Friendly Activities – Nature art, cooking sessions, fish spa, sunset trails, and interactive experiences loved by both adults and children.
- Nature-based yoga sessions – Reconnect with nature in a peaceful setting, learning and practicing yoga, pranayama and chanting.
- Relax in cozy forest cottages and enjoy traditional Goan cuisine.
Flame-throated Bulbul
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in staying at your lodge, how can they best contact you?
- Email: resv@planetlife.in / resv@naturesnestgoa.com
- WhatsApp/Call: +91 9923754664
- Visit naturesnestgoa.com
Asian Fairy Bluebird
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?
Nature’s Nest is located right next to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is very popular for its rich avian biodiversity. The whole habitat is a semi-evergreen forest filled with tall trees and thick forest cover. This place is a delight for nature lovers and ornithologists
Brown Wood Owl
Leave a Comment