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The burnt
red of the cottages forms a restful backdrop to verdant
environs. Sloping tiled roofs, cool stone floors with throw
rugs, block wood furniture and other details allow maximum
comfort while continuing the illusion of being in the wilds.
The accent is clearly on nature.
The
40 guest rooms have a clever area separation, for sleeping
and for living, as in a suite. You get a sense of
miles of extra space. Double roomed suites are available
for groups and families.
All
the rooms are air conditioned with hot water in baths, and
a refrigerator full of cooling drinks.
Outdoors
Apart from a hundred and seventy six mango trees, you can
see at the Hideaway a bountiful jackfruit tree near the
reception, variegated bamboo including sacaram, bushes of
hibiscus, rainflower, gandharaja, ticoma, raat ki rani and
haemilia, azalea aplenty, and guava trees which yield fruit
three times a year!
The
grounds are meant for meandering, loitering, meditating
and playing...
A
tennis court on the sprawling lawns gives way to the
swimming pool with its languid blue waters, very therapeutic
after a rigorous safari.
The
poolside bar lets you beer as you float.
Even
greater relaxation techniques are available close by - massage
therapy by trained masseurs.
By
the time you’ve worked up a wild appetite, your sense of
smell will lead you to the Gol Ghar, the thatched outdoor
restaurant which lays out magnificent breakfasts, lunches
and dinners. (The nights are generally wilder, with bonfires,
entertainment and bonhomie.)
Indoors
The 20 feet high Gurney House named after the house Jim
Corbett lived in for many years, gives you the civilised
world.
Billiards,
where potting the red might come easier than capturing a
tiger with a lens.
Lounging,
on sofas, while dreaming of the big cat.
Dining, rather
lavishly, on freshly cooked exotica, continental and Indian
flavours. Or sitting on the deck, and listening to
the Kosi. Clinking glasses filled with amber.
Listening
raptly to the slide show of the Corbett Hideaway Chief Naturalist
in the meeting hall.
References
about tigers, elephants and birds are available right down
the path at the library, a free and easy place where you
can sip a cuppa and browse.
THE
NATURE SHOP
Charming souvenirs and memorabilia are for the picking
at The Nature Shop which also stocks herbal cosmetics
and fascinating local crafts.
Cuisine
The resort
serves excellent continental food and Indian cuisine. And
a great variety of it all! The specialities of the Kumaoni
region are a favourite feature on the menu. The emphasis
is on freshness of produce.(Remember to ask for minestrone
soup, which is a wee bit spicy but lipsmacking. And the
chicken kakori kababs that give your palate exciting information
on gourmet cooking!)
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