By Neha Kirpal
Nestled in ancient woods adjacent to the Jakhu Temple in Shimla, Jungle House is a highly personalised boutique haven in the Himalayas. The home of HH Princess Kusum of Bharatpur,the history of this house, perched on a sunny spur at a height of 7,700 feet, dates back to the late nineteenth century.
The earliest record of the cottage dates back to the 1880s, when it appeared on a government map of the city. An early English settler bought the property from a local shepherd and built the original cottage. The home then passed into the hands of a family that owned and managed some of the country’s finest hotels.
In 1940, HH Princess Kusum of Bharatpur returned from England to India along with her infant son and an English nanny. Having spent her childhood at her father’s summer home, Peter’s Field, she was determined to have her own home in Shimla.
At a picnic in Jakhu with her cousins, she chanced upon this charming house and fell in love with it. Interestingly, the property’s owner simultaneously fell in love with her son’s nanny whom he subsequently married.
Over the years, Jungle House has seen some thoughtful modifications made to it from time to time. HH Princess Kusum of Bharatpur had a house in Surrey, and so replicated its lounge in the Jungle House’s current structure, complete with large bay windows. The house was later modified by her daughter, Asha, the home’s present owner.
The grandson of HH Princess Kusum of Bharatpur, Karan Singh, is a professional with several years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry. Born and brought up in Shimla, it was his passion project to start something of his own in this magical city filled with stories, legends and scandals. The owners were keen to craft and share their unique experience of Shimla with individuals looking to stay in a gracious country home.
“We wanted to retain and restore these heritage structures, which are little treasures in themselves. The only way to do that is to use them—the more lived-in they are, the longer they live,” says Singh, who opened the doors of the Jungle House to guests in August 2021.
Till date, the property retains its colonial hill architectural style while combining it with exceptional levels of modern amenities and comfort. With just two exclusive suites, this secluded retreat is an intimate getaway for a discerning traveller looking to slow down, relax and unwind in the hills—while still being a mere few kilometres of walking distance from the hustle and bustle of Shimla’s Mall Road.
Both of the well-proportioned stone cottage suites in the property, Chelsea and Holly, are meticulously designed with teak floors, high ceilings, large bathrooms, elegant decor and original artworks. With private sit outs, the exquisite rooms also enjoy sweeping uninterrupted views of Choor Chandni peak. Further, the beautifully manicured lawns with a variety of colourful flowers are an absolute delight.
In terms of food, the property offers a wide selection of delectable cuisines to suit every palette—exotic Mediterranean fare of pita bread and hummus, Continental favourites like Chicken Kiev and shepherd’s pie, sumptuous breakfast staples like Eggs Benedict and pancakes, homemade jams and preserves as well as a signature afternoon high tea, consisting of scones, biscotti and cake. Many old family recipes too, including the Maharaja of Bharatpur’s own recipe for game, are diligently prepared by the in-house chef, using locally sourced ingredients.
Since there are hardly any tourists this side, the scenic area is relatively quiet and serene. With an extensive library, a rustic stone fire pit and croquet in the premises, there’s much to do. But if that’s still not enough, the hosts can help organise a bunch of exciting activities comprising heritage walks, treks and motorcycle drives in collaboration with their local partners.
Another unique experience not to be missed is shinrin-yoku or forest bathing. The walk up to Jakhu Tibba is a quaint 700 metre trail through the forest, lined as it is with pine, deodar and rhododendron trees. At the end of it, one reaches the highest point in Shimla, which at 8,000 feet, commands some breath-taking views of the valley. Needless to say, one needs to be on guard, especially after dark, when leopards are occasionally spotted.
In all, a home away from home, Jungle House is a truly bespoke escape in the hills.
Location: Located on Jakhu Hill in Shimla, Jungle House is 500 metres from the Jakhu Temple and a 3 kilometre walk from the Mall.
How to Reach: Jungle House is approximately 25 kilometres from the Shimla Airport and 6 kilometres from the Shimla Railway Station. Shimla is also within driving distance from Chandigarh and Delhi
Cost: INR 22,000 + 18% GST per room per night (for Holly) and INR 25,000 + 18% GST per room per night (for Chelsea). The rate includes daily breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner for two guests, apart from free flowing tea, coffee and soft drinks throughout the day. Every evening, guests are also hosted for a sundowner.
