My trip to Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand, may have taken place during the off-season—when monsoon rains close the forest gates and safaris are suspended—but the journey to get there was nothing short of wild. As I settled into my seat on the flight from Mumbai, a swarm of bees unexpectedly began gathering outside, eventually forming a hive on the aircraft. This unexpected delay of three hours was followed by a two-and-a-half-hour flight to Bareilly and a three-hour drive by road. However, all the travel woes faded away the moment I arrived at my final destination: voco Jim Corbett, an IHG Hotel.
From the moment I entered the resort, I was immersed in the local culture. Greeted in true Kumaoni style, I was welcomed by the tunes of a bagpiper, a refreshing glass of buransh (rhododendron) juice, and a taste of the region’s traditional sweet, Bal Mithai.
voco Jim Corbett is not just another resort; it is India’s first voco hotel, marking the introduction of the sixth brand from IHG’s global portfolio to the Indian market. Spread across 13.5 acres of lush greenery along the majestic Kosi River, the resort, located in the Dhikuli region of Jim Corbett, serves as a sanctuary of tranquillity and serenity. Nestled at the foothills of the Mailani range, the hotel offers an immersive experience in the captivating natural beauty and rich wildlife of the Kumaon region.
Stay
The hotel features 70 well-appointed, modern, and spacious rooms, each adorned with elegant décor. The rooms are thoughtfully designed to provide the utmost comfort, with plush bedding and all the amenities you could need, allowing you to unwind and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
I was lucky to get the spacious river-facing room. Waking up to the view and sound of the rapids while sipping a hot cuppa was one of the highlights of my weekend getaway.
Sip
Our first evening began at the charming, river-facing Kosi Bar & Kitchen. Here, we savoured unique Kumaoni cocktails, including gin infused with Timur (a variety of pepper native to this region), and a locally distilled coffee liqueur Bandarful, similar to a Kahlua in flavour.
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Whether you’re unwinding with live music at night or enjoying a cup of coffee during the day, this bar offers a rustic setting with the soothing sound of the flowing river as a backdrop.
Eat
With Executive Chef Tenzin Losel helming the kitchen, the culinary experience at voco Jim Corbett is nothing short of extraordinary. From local delights to global flavours, every meal showcases diverse culinary offerings, whether it’s at Kosi Bar & Kitchen or Veda – All Day Dining, the hotel’s in-house restaurant.
We indulged in a delightful assortment of Mediterranean dishes, including cheeses, marinated olives, bell peppers on toast, zucchini croquettes, wine-marinated mushrooms, cold cuts, batter-fried fish, chicken and olive skewers, and garlic prawns. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Champagne, or Prosecco is the perfect choice to complement these flavours.
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For a taste of India, we relished a selection of exquisite kebabs, such as Bharwan Aloo (stuffed potatoes), Soya Malai Chaap (creamy soy kebabs), Paneer Tikka (grilled cottage cheese), and Tandoori Khumb (spiced mushrooms). The highlight was the Kumaoni Murgh Tikka, a regional speciality where succulent chicken is marinated in aromatic spices and grilled to perfection. Alongside Amritsari Fish (crispy spiced fish), Gilafi Seekh Kabab (flavoured minced meat), and Bhanjeere Ka Jhinga (tender prawns), we experienced the vibrant and diverse kebab traditions of India.
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However, for me, the Kumauni Thali prepared by Chef Losel at Veda emerged as the winner as it offered a peak into the rich culinary traditions of Kumaon. The thali featured a variety of dishes, including Kumaoni Chicken Curry, homemade Mutton Curry, Aloo Thewani (spiced potatoes), Bhatt Ki Churdkani (black soybeans cooked with aromatic spices), Maduva Ka Roti (coarse wheat flour unleavened bread), Organic Red Rice, and Jhangora Kheer, a traditional sweet made from rice and milk.
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Explore
While I couldn’t make it to the forest for a safari, the next most thrilling activity to choose from was rafting in the Kosi River. Although it’s not as famous as rafting in Rishikesh, it certainly adds an element of fun and adventure. And if you’re very lucky, you might even spot a tiger stopping by the river to drink water.
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Besides making arrangements for a jungle safari, voco Jim Corbett offers plenty of other activities for you. Popular tourist attractions include Garija Temple, Hanuman Dham, Sitabani Temple, Dhangarhi Museum, and the Corbett Waterfall. But if you choose to be within the lush surroundings of the hotel, there’s a lot to keep you entertained–from morning yoga sessions and chill time by the pool to a game of badminton in the lush lawns and high tea and snacks on the Mango orchard.
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Spa
Following a safari or rafting experience, the only place you’ll want to head to is the resort’s Tattva Spa. I indulged in much-needed TLC as the skilled therapist eased every knot in my body, leaving me in a state of relaxation. The spa offers a range of treatments and therapies inspired by ancient healing techniques and modern wellness practices, ensuring a rejuvenating experience.
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ELLE’s Verdict
voco Jim Corbett offers more than just a stay; it provides an all-encompassing experience with its all-day dining options, banquet halls, alfresco lounge bar, refreshing pool, rejuvenating spa, meticulously manicured lawns designed for holding lavish weddings, amphitheatre, and a fully equipped fitness centre. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, an adventure-filled getaway, or a dreamy destination wedding, this resort in the enchanting realm of Jim Corbett is an ideal choice.
