Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Splash in the jungle
|
Rejuvenate in Nature’s lap at Solluna in the Jim Corbett National Park
|
Chill out At Solluna Resort
We were told there’s no mobile connectivity or landline in that part of the region. At first, the idea of not being in touch with the outside world didn’t perturb us. But would it be as easy as it seemed? The first panic attack hit us as
we entered the boundary of Jim Corbett National Park. Our signals went blank. “Is your phone catching any signal?” everyone was asking the other. “Oh God! How will we survive three days?” was the next worry.
Nestled within the protected reserve of the 500-sq km forest, Solluna Resort introduces you to a life without buzzing phones, television and computers, and one where Nature is at its purest best. Suddenly, the mobile phone becomes a thing of the past. A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, Jim Corbett National Park is located in Terai on the foothills of the Himalayas in Nainital district, Uttarakhand. And Solluna Resort is 35 km inside the Park. It is built on the banks of the river Ramganga, and surrounded by rocky peaks with a dense tree cover on all sides. It is 25 acres of sheer bliss — green lawns and tree-lined pathways on either side.
At present, there are 18 cottages, but, by September the number will increase to 51 when the entire resort undergoes a five-star makeover. The resort has tied up with the Sarovar Group of Hotels for this.
There are two cottages under one roof, and clusters of such identical buildings in different parts of the resort. Colourful climbers and shrubs adorn the outer walls. There’s a small seating arrangement outside the cottage, where you can sip your morning tea at leisure.
The rooms are spacious, with a huge, wooden double-bed and a pair of bamboo lamp posts by the bedside, giving a jungle feel. A skylight allows you to enjoy the landscape lying down. The silence of the place is infectious; you no longer feel the need to talk. Let the gushing river, the cool breeze and the restless frog do that for you. The resort has a restaurant that serves buffet meals, but the food is merely passable. And, there is no bar as of now.
The resort rents out bicycles on an hourly basis to allow you to explore the place on your own. There’s also a waterfall within the premises, which is active only during the monsoons. A sauna spa is also being planned. The place is a paradise for adventurous souls. Mountain-climbing, trekking and rock climbing are just some of the options. During the monsoons and after, water-rafting is another choice. Go on a night and a day safari to spot leopards and tigers, but if you are not so lucky, you can be content with watching elephants and sambar.
Within the resort, there’s a swimming pool, a basketball court and a tennis court to unwind. Laze around on the lawns or the swings. Just the right place if you want to recharge your batteries, and take back some fresh memories.
How to get there
It is about 280 km from Delhi, but takes over seven hours to reach as the roads are bad. The path narrows down as you enter Jim Corbett National Park, so ensure you are in an all-terrain vehicle. Ramnagar is the nearest railway station.
Tariff
A cottage with double-bed costs Rs. 6,300 for two persons (breakfast included). Every extra person is charged Rs. 3,300. There’s a special package for couples at Rs. 10,999 for two nights and three days (including taxes). It includes lunch, breakfast and dinner.
MANGALA RAMAMOORTHY
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
|
