Ecotherapy, Forest Bathing And Much More: 19thcentury Mansion In Shimla Assures You The Peace You Deserve
Express Press Service
The Japanese know both nature and human nature. Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing in Japanese, is a fast-growing global health trend that involves meditative walking to "capture the atmosphere of the forest," as it literally says. Today, a grand colonial house in Shimla offers the same ecological therapy to its guests. Starting July 10, Jungle House, a 19th-century palace nestled in an ancient forest next to the Jakhu Temple, has launched guided tours for guests enjoying jungle bathing.
A half-day activity (starting at Rs 2,500) is the Jakhu Tibba (hill) tour. An accompanying naturalist reveals the wealth of species here, including sightings of Himalayan wildflowers, trees, birds and occasional wildlife. A 700-meter path through the forest is lined with pines, cedars and rhododendrons and leads to the highest point of the Raj's former summer capital, offering breathtaking views of the valley at 8,000 feet. "The landscape is therapeutic. But you have to be careful, especially after dark when leopards are sometimes spotted," warns owner Karan Singh. Singh and his mother run Asha Forest House, which looks like an English fairy tale, especially when it snows in winter.
The history of the palace is as interesting as the surrounding landscape. In 1940, Princess Kusum of Bharatpur returned to India from England with her young son and their British nanny. After spending his childhood at his father's summer home, Peter's Field, he dreams of owning his own house in Shimla. He came across this charming house while picnicking with his cousins in Jakhu. He fell in love with her and bought her.
The princess recreated the jungle house waiting room as a replica of her English home with large alcove windows, teak floors and a large bathroom with views of the Himalayas. His daughter Asha Singh, the current owner of the house, and his grandson Karan Singh, who has years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, manage the palace.
"We want to preserve and restore these historical structures, which are small treasures in themselves. The only way to do that is to use them - the more people there are, the longer they live," said Singh, who will be launching Jungle House as a tourist destination in September 2021. launched. Till today, the property retains its hill colonial style. And away from the hustle and bustle of Shimla's Mall Road, there are two exclusive suites, Holly and Chelsea.
The cottages are thoughtfully designed with teak floors, high ceilings, large bathrooms, stylish decor and original artwork. Rooms offer private seating areas and views of Chur Chandni Peak. Also, the beautifully manicured lawns bloom with a variety of colorful flowers. With an extensive library, rustic stone fireplace and on-site helipad, there's plenty to do. The Singhs organize heritage walks, hikes and motorcycle rides in collaboration with their local partners.
The property's food offers a variety to suit every taste – flatbreads and hummus, chicken Kyiv and shepherd's pie, pancakes for breakfast, and afternoon tea with scones, biscotti and cake favourites.
"Many old family recipes, including Maharaja Bharatpur, are carefully prepared by locally sourced chefs and use local ingredients," said Singh. Of course, the aperitivo hour is for sunset and free appetizers. But above all, the forest is inviting, beautiful, dark and deep and when it's time to sleep, the lullaby of the mountain wind in the conifers will bring the magic of the forest to your dreams.
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