The Hermitage is surrounded by rice fields and coconut groves. The nearest belt of forest is some kilometres away, so in the resort itself one can see grassland species such as chats, robins, warblers, and species that may be seen in open country such as pipits, drongos, babblers etc. The most evident bird of prey is the Brahminy Kite which replaces the Pariah Kite seen commonly in the north. The gardens, with their many varieties of trees and plants, attract a number of species such as sunbirds, white-eyes, mynahs, wagtails and even coucals and woodpeckers. What is more, they can often be seen, frolicking outside, from the window of your cottage.

Outside the grounds one can stroll along the beach, saunter along the little lagoon to the north or ask for a boat ride to be arranged to the backwaters. The best time for bird-watching is between November and February; at this time the local population of waterfowl - moorhens, water hens, swamp hens, egrets, rails, crakes – is joined by many types of migratory birds.

It will be some time before we have a comprehensive checklist for Neeleshwar; we will be the first to come up with such a record for the region. All visitors to the Hermitage are warmly invited to make their contribution and help us in our endeavour. Click here for current checklist

There will be a bird guide at the resort from October/November onwards, who will work on the list and take keen birders for walks around the area.