The story of The Birder’s Inn is the story of one man’s love for nature, his connection with Bharatpur, his belief in hard work, and his dream of creating a place where people could experience the wilderness of this remarkable region with warmth and authenticity.
That man was Mr. Tirath Singh Sikarwar
Born into the Sikarwar family of Bharatpur, Tirath was the son of Mr. Sohan Singh Sikarwar and the grandson of Subedar Major Maharaj Singh. His family’s connection with Bharatpur goes back generations, and the land on which the lodge stands today is also part of that family history.
A Land with History
The land has a story of its own.
Subedar Major Maharaj Singh was awarded a substantial piece of land in recognition of his service and contribution to the army of the Bharatpur princely state. During the British period, a portion of this land was used by the British for playing polo, adding another chapter to the history of the grounds on which The Birder’s Inn stands today.
Generations later, that same family connection to the land would become the foundation for something very different—a small lodge created around a love for birds, wildlife and the wilderness of Bharatpur.
The Beginning of a Dream
In 1995, Tirath took the first step towards what would eventually become his life’s work.
He built the first four rooms on the property. At that time, there was no name for the lodge; it was simply the beginning of a dream.
Over the next few years, Tirath continued to develop the property while nurturing his growing connection with visitors and wildlife enthusiasts coming to Bharatpur.
In 1998, he gave the property its identity and named it The Birder’s Inn—a name inspired by the extraordinary birdlife of Bharatpur and his own deep love for nature and wildlife.
From that point onwards, he devoted himself to managing and gradually expanding the lodge. There was no grand plan to build a large property overnight. Instead, it grew slowly, through patience, determination and years of hard work.
The lodge in its first years: whitewashed walls, green-tiled arches and a young garden.
The land
A land with history
Awarded to Subedar Major Maharaj Singh for his service to the Bharatpur state. In British times, part of it was a polo ground.
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rooms
Room by room, season by season, The Birder’s Inn grew from those original four rooms into the 39-room lodge it is today.
Every part of that journey carries his effort, dedication and vision.
A Life Dedicated to Wildlife
For Tirath, being a hotelier was only one part of his life.
He was first and foremost a naturalist and a lover of wildlife.
An Arts graduate from Rajasthan and a diploma holder in Nature & Wildlife Interpretation, he spent much of his life learning about and exploring the natural world around him. He could often be found in Keoladeo National Park, continuing to deepen his knowledge of its birds, wildlife and ecosystems.
Over the years, he guided numerous wildlife and cultural groups from India and around the world. His work brought him in contact with organisations and tour companies including Indian Nature Tours, Natural Focus Australia, Cox & Kings UK, International Expeditions USA, Eco Expeditions USA, and the Boston Museum of Science, USA.
Through these experiences, Tirath explored many of the major national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of the Indian subcontinent.
He also assisted filming teams on wildlife and nature productions across India and was a keen amateur nature photographer.
But perhaps his greatest pleasure was sharing what he knew.
He could spend hours observing birds, discussing wildlife, exploring the park, or simply talking with guests about the natural world. His knowledge came not only from books and qualifications, but from years spent walking, observing, listening and learning in the wilderness.
For many guests, a stay at The Birder’s Inn was therefore more than simply a place to sleep. It was an opportunity to experience Bharatpur through the eyes of someone who had dedicated his life to its wildlife.
More Than a Lodge
Over the years, The Birder’s Inn became much more than the property Tirath started in 1995.
It was his home, his workplace, his passion, and a place where friendships were made.
Guests from across India and from different parts of the world have come through its doors. Many have returned again and again—not only for Bharatpur and its birds, but for the warmth and personal touch that Tirath and his team brought to their stay. He believed in hospitality that felt genuine.
The lodge grew, but the spirit behind it remained the same: a love for nature, a love for Bharatpur, and a desire to make every guest feel welcome.
Carrying His Legacy Forward
Today, Tirath’s legacy is carried forward by his family—his wife, Pinky Singh Sikarwar; his daughter, Anisha Singh Sikarwar; and his son, Utsav Singh Sikarwar.
Together, we are committed to continuing what he started. For us, this is not simply about managing a hotel. It is about looking after something our husband and father built with his own hands and nurtured throughout his life. The 39 rooms that stand here today are a reminder of his journey—from the first four rooms in 1995, to the establishment of The Birder’s Inn in 1998, and eventually to the lodge we have today.
His love for wildlife continues to inspire us. His respect for guests continues to guide our hospitality. And his belief in Bharatpur and its extraordinary natural heritage remains at the heart of The Birder’s Inn.
A Story That Continues
Tirath may no longer be standing at the entrance to welcome guests, walking through the lodge, or sharing stories of birds and wildlife, but his unwavering presence and steadfast spirit remain woven in The Birder’s Inn.
- It lives in the property he built.
- It lives in the people who knew him.
- It lives in the birds of Keoladeo that he loved so deeply.
- It lives in the land whose history connects generations of the Sikarwar family.
- And it lives in his family, who now have the privilege and responsibility of carrying his legacy forward.
The Birder’s Inn began with four rooms and a dream.
In 1998, that dream found its name.
Today, that dream continues through his family.
With love and gratitude,
The Sikarwar Family