Ideally located at the heart of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, encircled by the Sahyadri Range of the Western Ghats, and bounded to one side by a seasonal stream the camp is the perfect location from which to explore the regon's exceptional avifaunal diversity. 

You will soon be introduced to the commoner inhabitants of the forest and foothills. From first light, when the noisy cackle of the Malabar Grey Hornbill announces the start of the day, until dusk, when the Indian Pitta sounds its shrill whistle, days here are accompanied by the sounds of the forest, while at night its silence is disturbed by the calls of Oriental Scops Owl and Ceylon Frogmouth.
 
Owned and run by birders, for birders, the camp has a unique atmosphere where you will feel at home, and with only 14 rooms it is small enough not to interfere with the surrounding environment. 

Accommodation:
Our simple yet cosy accommodation comprises:

• 6 large safari-style tents, pitched on raised platforms, simply furnished (twin beds)

• 6 comfortable independent cottages, simply furnished (twin beds or a large double)

• 2 small but cosy rooms on the first floor of our farmhouse (double bed)

Each ‘room’, spread among the trees in over 3 acres of forest on the edge of the sanctuary, has its own covered verandah overlooking the forest (with a birds-eye view of feeding flocks in the forest canopy from the farmhouse), and private en-suite bathroom (wc, wash basin, and shower). 

Electricity:
The camp has mains electricity, however the supply can be erratic.  In case of power failure a light and fan in each room operate on an inverter, and failing this the camp generator will be run in the morning and evening. Candles are provided in all rooms.

Water:
Each bathroom has running cold water, supplied from our well. Water heaters are installed in the two farmhouse bedrooms; elsewhere we will supply a bucket of hot water in the evening on request.

Dining:
Wholesome buffet meals of traditional local recipes, cooked with fresh local produce in the camp kitchen, are served in our streamside sitout.

Tea and coffee are available throughout the day, while our bar is stocked with water, soft drinks and some local refreshers, beer, and a range of spirits – including Goa’s own Caju Feni, distilled in the nearby village. 

When to visit:
Our peak season is 1st October - 30th April, yet we remain open through the summer and ensuing monsoon. The most productive period for birding is November to early March, when winter migrants can be found alongside resident species, while for butterflies the best months are October, November, and December.

Temperature and climate:
Daytime temperatures from October to mid-April are usually in the range of 25-30C, dipping at night, occasionally below 15C between mid-December and mid-January.  By mid-April the summer heat becomes oppressive as daytime temperatures rise to 30-35C, remaining warm at 20-25C during the night. At this time humidity is high, at times uncomfortably so, often exceeding 70% inside the forest.

It is not unusual to experience some showers in October and the first half of November, yet the unpredictability of unseasonal rainfall in recent years indicates that showers are a possibility at any time throughout the year. The monsoon sets in by mid-June, and although birding is possible it is subject to breaks in the rain until October.

Clothing and equipment:
We recommend comfortable walking shoes, shoes or sandals for use within the camp, and at least one pair of long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt for use on walks inside the forest to prevent insect bites. We advise our guests to bring insect repellent (plug-in insecticide vaporisers are provided in all rooms), a pocket torch, and of course bins and scope.

Other facilities:
Facilities at the camp include a natural history reference library, and telephone for local calls (international calls may be available on urgent request). 

With the stream adjoining our grounds the camp is endowed with a natural swimming pool of crystal clear water until early March, and for the non-birder the camp is an ideal place to relax with a book, or simply unwind in the peace and quiet of the forest.

Wildlife in the camp:
The camp and surrounding areas have a birdlist of over 260 species. Birds commonly seen within the camp grounds 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, Small Sunbird, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Black-naped Blue Monarch, and Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher. 

Besides the birds, the camp is frequented by troops of Hanuman Langurs and Bonnet Macaques. Fruiting trees attract endemic Malabar Giant Squirrels, while Indian Flying Squirrels can sometimes be heard in the neighbouring forest at dusk. 

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. 

Our eco responsibilities:
Any tourism related activity, including those promoting wildlife and the environment, has the potential to damage the natural world, however any environmentally undesirable consequences can be effortlessly minimised. Backwoods Camp aims to operate in harmony with nature under a series of ecological guidelines that help to conserve the ecology of our area, restrict environmental disturbance, and increase awareness among local and wider communities.

Unnecessary disturbance to birds and other wildlife is discouraged within our grounds and our surroundings.  In particular we discourage tape luring of birds where unnecessary, and intrusive photography, especially of nest or roost sites. To this aim, group sizes are also kept small.

Part of the camp was once a forest clearing used to grow millet. Now we are aiming to create a balance between the open areas preferential to some species, and the forest, allowing natural vegetation to regenerate within most of the camp and assisting nature by re-planting indigenous trees and shrubs in these areas. The majority of our construction work has been carried out between existing trees, building around them where necessary to avoid felling as far as possible, and most has employed the skills of local craftsmen, incorporating local construction styles, materials and techniques.

Almost every member of our enthusiastic and friendly staff is from the local community. We hope to develop their awareness of their environment and, by ensuring that the benefits of eco-tourism remain in the area, in the long-term encourage the preservation of the local environment.  We also endeavour to support local craftspeople working with natural materials in our area by incorporating their products within the camp, while our kitchen uses locally and organically grown food produce as and when available.

In order to help reduce wastage of resources we rely greatly on the Internet and email as our main methods of communication, minimising our use of paper. All non-biodegradable waste produced at the camp is disposed of responsibly, the majority being recycled.