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By NEETA LAL
The freshly-minted Shervani Pebbles and Pines Corbett, a 48-room boutique hotel offers a unique blend of comfort with adventure for discerning guests visiting Uttarakhand. Among the stunning property’s top draws are curated wildlife experiences, jungle safaris to view tigers in their natural habitat in the Jim Corbett National Park, nature trails, curated dining experiences and community engagement initiatives.
Gaurav Singh Manhas, GM of the property elaborates on the hotel’s other distinguished offerings:
Q. Uttarakhand is brimming with resorts. How do you distinguish your property with so much competition?
A. Our unique location allows us to offer a slew of specialized activities, such as guided nature/river walks and adventure sports that highlight the natural beauty and culture of the region.Around the Dikhuli area, a majority of the resorts have become highly commercialized and congested losing touch with nature.Our location in Kyari village has better unexplored natural spaces and a serene river area for nature lovers as compared to other places in Corbett.
Q. What authentic and immersive experiences do you offer to your guests?
A. One of our USPs is that we showcase Uttarakhand’s authentic heritage by collaborating with local artisans. Our focus is on providing exceptional experiences like a candlelight/poolside lawn/terrace dinner; riverside breakfast/lunch or high tea; private bonfire with starters; village lunch and team building games at nominal charges.
We also organize adventure activities like body surfing, Temple Hill Hike , Zip-lining, river rafting, hot air ballooning, guided nature walks with naturalists, body surfing experiences, Marchula Drive to the Crocodile Viewpoint and Ram Ganga River. These unique experiences aim to create lasting memories and a profound connection with the natural beauty and culture of Jim Corbett for our esteemed guests.
Q. Tell us about how you’re showcasing local Kumaoniculture through your food?
A. We’re committed to offering our guests sustainable and authentic culinary experiences by using locally sourced ingredients and hiring local chefs. Our kitchen proudly incorporates traditional Kumaoni ingredients such as millets, lentils, and native herbs into dishes, staying true to the region’s flavors while supporting local farmers.
For a healthy start to the day, we use millets like madua (finger millet) to create delicious and nutritious morning bakery selections, offering a wholesome alternative to standard breakfast items. This focus on local and sustainable cuisine not only promotes wellness but also helps reduce our environmental footprint, ensuring a fresh and eco-friendly dining experience.We also organize cooking classes featuring traditional regional dishes on demand. The hotel features a 24×7 multi-cuisine restaurant, offering a diverse dining menu including Kumaoni, Indian, Continental, and Pan-Asian cuisine. Guests can also enjoy lawn meals with live folk music.
Q. Uttarakhand is an ecologically fragile region. What sustainability initiatives have you have adopted to take care of the ecosystem?
A. Our hotel has an eco-friendly architecture built with sustainable materials and practices such as using local pebble stones and pine wood (hence the name `Pebbles and Pines’). The hotel’s design ensures maximizing natural light usage as well as incorporating lot of green areas and plantation. For water conservation, we have implemented rainwater harvesting systems, water-efficient fixtures and recycling wastewater techniques by installing state-of-the-art infrastructure. This also helps irrigating our massive lawns by reducing water consumption.
We’re also involved in wildlife protection. Collaborating with local conservation groups to promote wildlife preservation efforts and educating guests about responsible tourism practicesis big on our agenda.
Q. Tell us about your measures to enhance energy efficiencyat the property.
A. We have installed energy-efficient lighting (like LEDs) and are utilizing smart energy management systems to minimize electricity use. We have also established a comprehensive waste segregation system like Color Coded Bins which reduce single-use plastics by promoting reusable items. We’re also doing local sourcing by partnering with local farmers and artisans for food and supplies to support the local economy and reduce carbon footprints associated with transportation.
Q. What are your community engagement initiatives?
A. We believe in involving local communities in the hotel’s operations. While offering cultural experiences to guests, this also provides job opportunities to local villagers as both full time employees and vendors. Our eco-tours and activities are very popular. Organizing eco-friendly walks/tours that promote awareness of the local ecosystem and conservation efforts allows guests to connect with nature responsibly and enjoy a distinctive lunch experience at Kyari Village with the villagers.The extensive meal not only offers a unique culinary experience but also supports the local community, enabling eco-friendly tourism and contributing to the conservation of traditional livelihoods. It also provides economic opportunities to the villagers, fosters cultural exchange, and promotes the sustainable use of local resources.
Q- What other unique experiences can guests look forward to at your resort?
A. We offer a range of unique experiences that enhance a guests’ stay. We offer exclusive guided safaris that focus on lesser-known trails in Kyari village increasing guests’ chances of spotting elusive wildlife while learning about the ecosystem.Our nature trails and birdwatching tours are complimentary and designated experiences with our expert naturalist who helpsguests identify local flora and fauna, including a variety of bird species.
There’s a spacious swimming pool where guests can relax and unwind. A soon to be opened- luxurious spa will help guests rejuvenate themselves. Our well-equipped recreational area offers diverse activities for all ages. For families travelling with young children, there is a dedicated toddlers’ area with safe and engaging playing equipment. Moreover, the hotel features a modern gymnasium for maintaining fitness routines while on vacation. Be it the magnificence of the jungle or the promise of opulent comfort and adventure, we provide a gateway to an unforgettable experience amidst the wilderness.
Neeta Lal, a New Delhi-based Editor & journalist has worked with India’s leading publications in senior editorial positions. She currently writes & edits for leading national & international publications. She has also been a scholar at the International Summer School, Norway and Concordia University, Canada, and has travelled to 75 countries in search of good stories on gastronomy, travel, art and culture
