Manila Bird Watching

Overview

Manila is one of my favorite offbeat places in Uttarakhand near Delhi. It has completely lived up to the expectations for me or to whosoever I suggested this place. Prospering in the lap of the Himalayas, Manila Village, an abode of Manila Devi, imbibes a sense of calmness among the travelers and does not fall away an inch by its meaning “enchanting.”
Located in Almora district of Kumaon, Uttarakhand, and contoured by dense forest range along with a wide view of mighty Himalayas, this offbeat place remains un-crowded most of the year is unknown to many. Hindi is the official language in Manila, while locals also speak in local Kumaon language. So, there are no issues in communication aspects.
Apart from peace and tranquillity, Manila village offers breath-taking panoramic views of mighty Himalayas right from Trishul to Panchchulli, including Nanda Devi peaks. The experience of seeing golden glows at sunrise and sunset over this range of Himalayas is just enough to fall in love with this beautiful yet small village in the Himalayas named Manila.

Location

Manila village is located about 85 KMs from Ranikhet in Almora district of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. Ramnagar near Jim Corbett is just 75 KMs from Manila. Marchulla, situated at the banks of Ramganga river and famous for its wildlife excursion being the tip of Jim Corbett National Park, is located just 45 odd KMs from Manila.

Bird Watching in Manila

Manila in Uttarakhand is very famous amongst ardent birding enthusiasts. Many birdwatchers from India and other nations visit Manila in India for birding trips. Most of the wildlife photographers club destinations like Manila, Chafi, Sattal, Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal together. This is where the most beautiful and colourful birds, both common and rare, are found.
Birdwatching is the top things to do in Manila and Chafi in Uttarakhand. I always hire a guide during birding trips. A local guide known all the spots where specific birds can be easily spotted. You can contact the birding guide at below mentioned numbers.

Manila Devi Temple

Manila (Maa-Neela) as locals call it. Famous for deity named Maa Neela Devi, is a Manila Devi Temple 10Kms away from Vatsyayana Resorts.
Manila has been a hidden gem for birding activities. Very few Birders in India and from outside India, really know about this awesome bird-watching destination near Jim Corbett National Park.

From this unique concept resort itself, you can sight 14 different species that are only found in the Kumaon region. You can travel to these BW Trails in Manila and find sightings of some birds that are listed below.

Best Time to Visit

Since weather in Manila is pleasant all through the year, it is visited by discerning traveller irrespective of high season and low season. Since Manila s an offbeat destination, not many visit it, making it an uncrowded hill station even when the nearby Nainital suffocates with over tourism, mostly in summer.
That said the best months to pay a visit to Manila in Uttarakhand are March, April, May, June, September, October and November.