Home For All: Nishant Singh On Opening An LGBTQIA+ Friendly Boutique Hotel In Mukteshwar
Anyone who has ever lived in a city has dreamt of getting away from the noise, pollution, and rigmarole of notifications and deadlines that define life in an urban metropolis. Whether it’s moving to the mountains or near the sea, for many nature-starved residents, living in idyllic surroundings while working remotely appears to be an unattainable goal. But that's not the case with Nishant Singh, the founder of The Birdcage, a luxurious boutique hotel (housing one suite and six other rooms) situated in the Kumaon hills of Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand.
After completing an eight-year stint in the corporate world, Singh felt the first flutter of living a more fulfilling and meaningful life in the mountains. In 2009, he moved to Manali in Himachal Pradesh to set up his first hospitality venture, an inn and café that saw phenomenal growth and success during its eight-year run. However, as the city got busier, he sought a more secluded environment. Eventually settling on Mukteshwar, he set about building The Birdcage and, in doing so, married his two callings—living a humble mountain lifestyle and heralding hearty hospitality.
Outlook Traveller spoke to Nishant Singh about The Birdcage’s unique offerings, why it embraces every stripe of traveller, and the challenges he faced in getting it off the ground.
The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Why did you decide to build The Birdcage and when did it open?
City life is tiring: the din, the pollution, the stringent deadlines and the never-ending notifications tire one’s mind and body. At the end of the day, we find ourselves yearning for a little bit of peace and quiet. You may try to get that at home; however, an authentic sense of bliss can only be achieved when you immerse yourself deep amidst nature. For some, they take off to the beach. Many like me find solace here in the hills.
I started work on The Birdcage in 2014 and we opened to guests in the summer of 2017. My vision was to create a boutique hotel that offered guests an intimate experience of the Kumaon region's natural beauty. Situated approximately 7,100 ft above sea level, the property provides panoramic views of the snowcapped Himalayan peaks. The design of The Birdcage reflects a harmonious blend of contemporary aesthetics and traditional elements, featuring wide bay windows, private gardens and thoughtfully curated interiors that showcase local craftsmanship.
Was it difficult to get started? What sort of challenges did you face?
Nothing is daunting when we desire change. [The] mountain lifestyle brings enough peace and solace to make all problems seem insignificant. However, some adjustments were called for, given the remoteness and one’s dependence on [the] forces of nature. One needs to plan logistics better and invest more in skill development, etc. Most importantly, one needs to respect [the] local culture and live in harmony with nature.
What sort of experiences can guests expect from a stay at The Birdcage?
Travelling to the hills may not always go as planned. Basic necessities like hygienic [surroundings] and comfortable accommodation or even a cup of coffee in the morning may seem difficult to find, leading you to feel tired and unable to enjoy nature’s glory to its fullest.
At The Birdcage, we understand this. That’s why we were the first to bring a unique and elevated brand of hospitality to Mukteshwar eight years ago. Even now, we’re the only ones who continue delivering warmth wrapped up in the most comfortable experiences. [We offer] luxurious accommodation, divine culinary experiences, a bar and very recently, we also brought the most sublime spa offering to the hood.
We’re romantics in love with the mountains and its lifestyle. We endeavour to share this experience with like-minded folks through our red-roofed hamlet overlooking the awe-inspiring Panchachuli range.
What are the custom experiences you offer to guests exploring Mukteshwar?
We love to curate unique experiences and itineraries for our guests depending on what they are looking for. These can range from private picnics in forests, nature hikes with some cultural immersion, mountain biking on rolling hilltops, birding, stargazing and even doing nothing at all. Each guest's experience is completely bespoke.
What sets The Birdcage apart from other lodgings in Mukteshwar?
The Birdcage has become renowned for its warm hospitality, exceptional dining and serene ambience. Our sincere, compassionate approach and dedication to delight guests has cultivated a loyal clientele who appreciate our personalised service and the tranquil environment it is delivered in.
To date, we are the only property of its kind in our hills to deliver a luxurious stay with all modern amenities you can think of—rooms that have their own private garden areas and balconies; interiors that are tastefully decorated, incorporating natural elements like framed branches and warm colour palettes to create a homely ambience; and a discerning, personalised, warm and gracious service that’s kind of become our trademark.
We are a cosy place with a very big heart. We take pride in our integrity and compassion. Above all, we promise long-lasting friendships.
Does The Birdcage only cater to LGBTQIA+ travellers?
The Birdcage is an inclusive retreat for all couples. We do not restrict ourselves to just LGBTQIA+ guests. After all, we all have to live together in society [and] in harmony with each other. Our endeavour is to acknowledge everyone and treat everyone with respect. Our goal is to bring about an inclusive society where LGBTQIA+ folks feel safe everywhere, not just in designated spaces.
Why is it important for LGBTQIA+ friendly lodgings to exist?
To be honest, I don’t think it’s important anymore. There was a definite need for it in the pre-decriminalisation era (2018) when The Birdcage was conceived and launched.
However, the political and legal environment has improved a lot in the last seven years. Most leading hotels are now LGBTQIA+ friendly. Also, our society, especially in our demography, is a lot more welcoming of LGBTQIA+ folks today than in the past. Community members and same-sex couples are not discriminated against as often as before.
A lot still needs to be done, no doubt. However, I am confident that we are headed in the right direction and we will get there soon enough.
How has your community and town reacted to The Birdcage’s presence?
Our relationship with the local community is built on mutual understanding, respect and tolerance. I strongly believe that we reap what we sow. The Universe never disappoints when we ourselves are promoting positivity.
How much does it cost to stay for a night at The Birdcage as a single traveller?
We have stay options starting from INR 7,700 plus taxes (including couple’s stay and breakfast) during our off-season period. It's best to refer to our website for all information related to stay options and tariffs.
