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.)
The 20 feet high Gurney House
named after the house Jim Corbett lived in for many years, gives you the
civilized 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.