Jungle Retreat - the new age eco getaway

A unique family-run holiday destination set in the Indian outback.

Jungle Retreat, located at the foothills of the Nilgiris, skirting the Mudumalai Wildlife sanctuary and the National Park of Tamil Nadu, is the perfect getaway. 

We, the Mathias family, have lived on a tea plantation for many years in close proximity to the jungles of Tamil Nadu. Jungle Retreat was born of our family's close bond with the wilderness. 
We bought a dilapidated sericulture plantation skirting the Mudumalai wildlife reserve and made it our home. We worked on the concept of converting this plantation into a holiday retreat. It took a year to get operational as we designed and built the resort ourselves, with local tribal labour. It was challenging and pleasurable to see local material put to good use.

We've come a long way since that first year. We now offer accommodation in country style cottages with sprawling private verandahs that afford spectacular views of receding mountains and tropical jungles. The cottages have been styled individually to cater to different needs.

Besides the magnificent local wildlife, at Jungle Retreat we have an operational farm housing dogs, pigs, cows & chickens.

There is no television, no telephone and no music in the rooms to invade the peace and quiet of the surroundings. This creates an atmosphere of utter serenity, which is as refreshing as it is rare. 

Activities

Trekking: Walking shoes are definitely advisable on this trip, because treks through virgin forest and alongside sparkling streams feature on our menu of activities. Share the secrets of the dry deciduous forest, which boasts a wealth of flora and fauna that thrill the ornithologist, the botanist and the interested nature lover. The trip could get adventurous because of the afore-mentioned fauna - if the tree trunk you're leaning on moves, say a small prayer. There are chances of seeing wildlife (sloth bears, elephants, bison etc.) at close quarters on a trek. The birds are particularly varied and exotic, due to an immediate elevation of 3500 feet that provides a variety of climatic conditions, which appeal to hundreds of different kinds of birds. The climb, which is feasibly challenging, begins through bamboo, passes dry deciduous forest, eucalyptus and finally the famed tea plantations of the Nilgiris. A guide will accompany every party of trekkers, to provide information on the flora and fauna, as well as to see to your safety.

Camping: Camping in the wilds - something to appeal to your romantic and adventurous side. We provide you with a tent (alternatively, you could bring your own) and invite you to experience the delights of out door life at our on-campus camping sites.

Safaris: A one-hour van safari, either at 6:30 a.m. or 4:00 p.m. can be arranged. These trips are perfect for wildlife buffs who wish to spot the spotted deer, bear with a bear, or a boar. Alternatively, you could tour the jungle Mowgli style, atop a tame elephant! Four people and a trained mahout will be carried by our resident gentle giant into the jungle, away from the beaten track, along the road not taken. Because the elephant actually goes through the jungle, chances of seeing game at close quarters are very high.

Tribals: The Nilgiri district is home to a large number of indigenous tribes, such as the Todas - a rare matriarchal society, famed for their silver jewellery and their polyandrous, matrilineal practices. Also indigenous to the Nilgiri district are the Kurumbas, the Paniyas and the Irulas (the latter three being lowland tribes). A visit to a tribal village could be organised for a first-hand glimpse of how the true inhabitants of this paradise live.

Visit a forest department elephant camp where around 29 elephants are cared for and trained. But beware, let you get taken for a ride!

You can also enjoy a refreshing Dip 'N' Sip in our unique swimming pool. This pool offers a mesmerising view of the beautiful landscape and the hills sorrounding Jungle Retreat. The bar inside the pool ensures that you get your share of Liquid for the day. So, dont forget to carry your Speedo. Also, we could organise visits to local tea, coffee and pepper estates. Or you could stop over at the Ooty golf links -35 km from the retreat

Many of our guests enjoy a full day excursion (with packed lunch) through the twin sanctuaries of Bandipur and Mudumalai, to Gopalswami Betta, a hill with a historic temple at its peak.