Everything in life is a continuum. Be it earth, all its inhabitants, life as we know it, in all its forms and the very consciousness itself is a continuum with each of us fitting seamlessly into it temporally and spatially. The story of Jim’s Jungle Retreat is of one such continuity, in the line of awakened conservation consciousness.
A story of family vacations dating back over seventy years, with family members kitted in their safari best following a full day of jungle sport, of commandeering mahouts and white-turbaned bearahs, surrendering to the thrill of campouts in forest bungalows, tiger tracking on elephant back, long campfire nights with forest guards, and sumptuous picnic lunches surrounded by the wonders of the jungle – a Corbett pilgrimage, learning about the wilderness through sight and sound, discussion and debate. Such was the draw of the jungle that even a blissful post-wedding vacation was spent here.
As conservation and protection became the mainstay of our legal system towards jungles, Inder Pratap realized that a sustainable venture was necessary, one that has at least the three dimensions – regeneration of vital forest land, support for local villagers dependent on the forest’s fragile resources, and affords discerning travellers the privilege to experience and celebrate the richness of the Indian jungle and all the treasures it holds.
Thus, was born Jim’s Jungle Retreat on the very edge of the forest that had so enticed Inder Pratap a lifetime ago, a legacy and love that he imparted effortlessly to his children who continue along the path of conservation and sustainable hospitality, even against odds at times, drawing strength from within. Artistically borrowing from Nietzsche, when you gaze into the wilderness, the wilderness also gazes into you, a source of strength and identity for everyone at Jim’s Jungle Retreat.
Happy Earth Day!