Thunderbird Hotel: Comfort average near Keoladeo National Park
Two Things to bring tourists to the blue collar city of Bharatpur: Lohagarh (Iron Fort) and the Keoladeo National Park, where the latter is a much bigger draw. It’s no wonder that many of the guests a home near this border town, just inside the eastern Rajasthan state lines, put their names in various ornithological references to the hopes of reeling birds, nature-loving tourists. Hotel Sunbird is an example.
Upon his arrival in the city after sunset, without reservation and without doubt a clue about where to stay in Bharatpur, my goal was to find a hotel with a bed and maybe a little ‘hot water. It extends along the 4-lane divided about 2 km outside the city, is a strip of hotels near the park entrance. As I went around the room before checking out houses that cluster properties, it was clarified that the rooms do not come cheap near Keoladeo Park. In the end I decided on Hotel Sunbird. A race to Western tourists had descended on a nearby property owned by a foreigner. I might have found some new contacts there, but my gut said to get ready.
Sunbird Bharatpur Hotel rooms range of single rooms in the main building, with cozy cottages built around a small back yard. This is a trend that many competitors offer the same rate. Singles or couples looking for a little extra privacy will enjoy the beautifully decorated cabins in a tranquil atmosphere. I was happy with my nice clean room on the second floor right away. Two people can easily share space, picnic area, or the battle to push the corner of a small television. Plenty of hot water is poured into a bathroom with shower to the west.
Hotel Sunbird proximity of Bird Park was not what attracted me. In fact, I had plans to visit the park on this trip. Rather, it was an attractive red brick exterior of the main building constructed either on purpose or accidentally, just like the 1800s colonial mansion complete thick-cut windows. Deep green ivy attached to the brick walls create a faux New England feel. Charming courtyard lined with sandstone blocks of potted plants out before the house, a nice buffer for a dusty parking lot and exterior doors. Hotel Sunbird felt like guest house, and not just another hotel.
Meals are served family coupled with a restaurant in the lobby
Two young indigenous men were over for operations inside the house that serves as lobby and restaurant Indian food. The owners, a middle-aged Indian family were still within range of the ear behind the reception desk offers guests comfortable. Chef party, part servant, part in cash handlers and the engine room, the two men pushed through the night like hungry travelers dinner ordered or requested rooms.
My early morning wake up to the winery and paranthas before pushing away from a long day of sightseeing, had helped two friends the night before. Obviously tired, they are happily prepared and served my meal, good conversation. The test is no good hotel is whether it seems good in daylight as it was in the dark for check-in. Hotel Sunbird Aced the test.
Price: Rs 1600 inclusive of breakfast (. Reduced slightly in published rates we will see a hard bargaining of any discounts)
Dinner: Rs 195 Malai Kofta, plain roti and water. Delicious.