Wild Brook Resort is set amidst the beautiful valley of Nalani in the foothills of Himalayas at Rajaji National Park. Surrounded by virgin forests and jungle streams, it is a perfect weekend retreat, which takes you far from civilization yet close enough for an easy access. Magnificent views of wild brooks, with a backdrop of lush forests refresh your scenic senses.
The Electricty and hot water supply running easily by solar power, Wild Brook Resort compliments the picturesque beauty outside with its use of traditional architecture and interiors. The retreat also houses a small library well equipped with nature and travel publications.
When the first thoughts of setting up a wildlife getaway seeped deep in a national park, the first desire was to make the getaway an eco friendly one. One can witness the plantation of over 40 varieties of trees in the retreat. The vegetables are sourced from the village and undoubtedly they are organic, the flour comes from the village pan-chakki and the milk from the buffaloes of the gujjars (tribal) staying in the jungle keep.
The problem for electricity and hot water at Wild Brook Resort was solved quite easily by solar power. The resort is also in the process of building an electricity generation turbine on the stream flowing next to the retreat.
Waste recycling has been given special priority, unlike the common septic tanks we have installed Shankar Balram ready-made septic tanks, which convert 10kg of night soil to 3 gm of black ash. The wastewater is used for watering trees and the kitchen waste is used as manure.
Finally a green retreat was born and was given a name “The Wild Brook”.
By procuring construction ideas and manpower from local architects, minimum use of bricks and construction material has been done to build the retreat. The construction is environmentally sensitive, harmonious with the natural features of the site and accentuates natural daylight.
Stone masonry has been the focus, the stone and mortar was ferried from within 1 km radius to minimize fuel consumption. Local manpower was used as far as possible to provide employment to the villagers.
The cottage roofs, tents and dining areas have been thatched to provide insulation and to blend with the jungle surroundings.
Waste recycling has been given special priority; unlike the common septic tanks we have installed Shankar Balram ready-made septic tanks, which convert 10kg of night soil to 3 gm of black ash. The wastewater is used for watering trees and the kitchen waste is used as manure.
The property compliments the picturesque beauty outside with its use of traditional architecture and interiors.
DETAILS OF ACCOMODATION
Cottages
Tents
Number
6
4
Attached modern bathroom with h/c water
Yes
Yes
Attached verandah
Yes
Yes
Fire Place
Yes
No
Solar Electricity
Yes
Yes
Writing Table and Chair
Yes
Yes
Changing/luggage Room
Yes
Yes
Bedroom Size
22 x 17 ft.
12 x 12 ft.
Bathroom Size
8 x 7 ft.
12 x 5 ft.
Wild Brook Retreat has a bagful of activities to keep the adventure spirit going. From laid back pony rides to adrenalin pumping rafting, just everything to give you an experiential holiday.
Early mornings are best kept for Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari. Wild Brook is 15 km from the Chilla gate of Rajaji National park, nevertheless action and sightings start the moment you leave the retreat for the park gate. 4 x 4 Gypsys are used for Jeep safaris and a trained naturalist accompanies the guests on safaris.
Safaris are also organized in the Motichur, Chilla and other ranges of Rajaji National Park on request.
Elephant safari is available from the Chilla gate, this is subject to availability of the Elephant.
The park is open from 15th Nov to 30th June.
White water rafting is organized on the mighty Ganges, which starts 38km from our retreat and ends in Rishikesh. Advance and beginner level rafting is organized. Safety and quality equipment is given paramount importance to make it a safe yet thrilling experience.
The guests can explore the surrounding jungles and villages on foot. Day excursions to nearby hills and streams with picnic hampers are a regular feature. The surrounding area has innumerable dry riverbeds making it perfect for walking. A temple on the hilltop and a Pan Chakki (water mill used for grinding wheat) could also be explored on foot.
Bird watching is something, which is close to our heart and no guest returns without his share. Species-specific trips are organized on request. The area is inhabited by over 400 species of birds. Hornbills, Red Jungle fowl, Sunbirds and Jungle Owlets are some of our permanent guests at the retreat.
Though difficult but if you still manage to get tired of the nature holiday you could be a part of the hustle bustle of the holy cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh, which are 24km and 18km respectively. Both cities offer beautiful temples and the ghats on the River Ganga for a holy dip.
Besides the above day excursions we offer Treks in Himalayas, Wilderness Camping, Hill Walking and much more.
• On reaching Haridwar, turn right from "Bhumanand Chowk" and cross the bridge over river Ganges. "Bhumanand Chowk" is situated on the highway and can be easily located.
• Take the left turn to "Chilla" in "Rajaji National Park" after crossing the bridge.
• Continue driving along the canal on your right after crossing the Chilla forest range office till you reach a small bridge over the canal near Kaudiya village on Kimsar road. The distance to this bridge is about 16 Km. from Haridwar.
• Take the unmetalled road and drive for about 1 Km. and then take the dirt track on the left. The ruts on the dirt track lead you to Vindhyavasini Temple through the river bed of "Been" river. This distance is about 6 Km.
• Upon reaching the confluence of "Tedon" and "Taal" rivers, take the left river course (Tedon) and drive for about 1 Km. On the right hand side is the place called "Nalani" where Wild Brook Retreat is located.
Road distances to Wild Brook
From Delhi: 229 km
From Haridwar: 24 km
From Rishikesh: 18 km
From Dehradun: 58 km
From Mussoorie: 90 km
From Chandigarh: 243 km
From Jolly Grant Airport: 32 km
From Corbett National Park: 245 km
From Delhi it is a comfortable 5-hour drive through Meerut, Muzaffar Nagar, Roorkee and Haridwar. When driving from Delhi the guests are suggested to take bypass roads in Meerut and Muzaffar Nagar.
Near Khatauli are a number of stopovers for refreshment like Cheetal Grand, Moolchand Resorts and Midway.
As the last stretch of 8 km is a dirt track, through dense jungle and inhabited by wild elephants, the guests are advised to arrive well before sunset.
By Train
Rishikesh is the closest railway station, though Haridwar is the most convenient. From Haridwar the ride is through beautiful forest in the foothills of Himalayas and takes only 45 min. There are number of train for this destination.
We arrange for transfers at nominal cost on prior information.
By Air
New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi is the closest International airport. Domestic airlines fly from delhi’s palam airport to dehradun’s joly grant airport. Flihts operate on Mon/Wed and Fri
Jagson Airlines (JA 401 & 402) -13 seater
Daily Indian Airlines flights on seasonal basis
From Jolly Grant Airport, Wild Brook is only 32km through Rishikesh
Packing for a vacation is every-one's nightmare, although many of us love to travel, very few of us love to pack! Packing usually comes at a bad day too - people often finish work one day and fly the next, or even later that night! Packing is squeezed into the time between, when you tend to be at your most stressed. As with most things - if you have a plan things will be easier and less-stressed - I'm sorry I can't promise stress free! Efficient packing should ideally mean that you return from holiday having used everything you took more than once! So lets start with what to take.
Top Tips to Pack: What to Take
Clothing
• Choose clothes appropriate for the climate. If you are going somewhere warm and leaving a cold climate consider leaving a set of warm clothes in the car if you are leaving it at the airport, or with friends if you are being collected.
• Stick with one basic colour scheme preferably a dark one which won't show marks and wrinkles so much.
• Make clothing items do double duty, men's shorts can be double as swimming trunks, a woman's tankini top can be an evening top. A shirt can layer over a dress in place of a jacket.
• Take multiple thinner items which can be layered instead of one bulky heavier piece. Thermal underwear is fantastic for cooler climates.
• A sarong can be the most useful item you take doubling as a skirt, dress, shawl, beach towel, top sheet and a tablecloth. You can even use it as a bag in a pinch!
• Shoes are always difficult: heavy and bulky. Try to wear your heaviest/bulkiest pair on the plane. I try to limit myself to 3 pairs: a pair comfortable for walking extended distances, a pair of sandals or flip flops and a dresser pair for evening!
Other Items
• A travel alarm if you don't have the function on a watch or cellphone that you are taking with you.
• Prescription medicines and a copy of the prescription in case you loose your bags. If you need glasses to see make sure you have a back up: an old pair, contacts or prescription sunglasses.
• Toiletries: take a minimum. If you are only going on a short trip take sample sizes or buy small containers and decant some to take with you. If, however, you are traveling for a long time then don't take 6 months supply - you can buy almost anything anywhere these days.
• Liquid soap and shampoo can be used interchangeably - you don't need both. You can buy solid shave soap which is lot more compact than carrying a shaving foam aerosol.
• If flying don't take brand new bottles of liquid - the liquid will expand slightly as the lower pressures on the plane and leak - use each bottle once to avoid this problem. Creams and aerosols are OK.
• Make sure your toiletries bag is actually waterproof - a surprising number aren't and bottles do break.
• Credit cards -preferably two in case one is lost or broken or eaten by the ATM.
• Details of your insurance policy. Important phone numbers or email addresses of medical specialists, family, work, anyone you may need to contact if something occurs to delay your return.
What Not to Pack!
• Anything you are taking "just in case". If you happen to get a last minute invite to the Queen's Garden Party in England ladies will need a hat - take the opportunity to go shopping!
• A cellphone unless you know it work at your destination and you know what the roaming charges are.
• Anything electronic unless you are sure you can plug them in / charge them at your destination.
• Anything you are sentimentally attached to or is particularly jewellery - you may have it stolen but far more likely you may just misplace it or leave it behind.
American Plan Includes accommodation, all meals, tea/coffee service, snacks and all taxes. Complimentary use of recreational facilities at the retreat.
Jungle Plan Includes accommodation, all meals, tea/coffee service, snacks, all taxes and 1 jeep safari in Rajaji National Park with entry charges. Complimentary use of recreational facilities at the retreat.
Rs. 1500/- per person for Indians; US$ 55 per person for foreigners (including vehicle hire and entry charges; Pick up and drop from/to Wild Brook Retreat)
Timings:
Morning Safari: 6.00am to 9.00 am
Afternoon Safari: 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm
Please make a note:
* Jungle Safaris are conducted in an open jeep on designated tracks through the Rajaji National Park
* Getting down, littering, speeding over 30 kms/hour and making noise are prohibited under Wild Life Protection Act 1972.
EXTRA CHARGES OPTED IN PACKAGE
• Jungle Safari Guide charges @ Rs. 300/- per hour
• Bird watching guide charges around Wild Brook Retreat or in the Rajaji National Park @ Rs.400/- per hour
• Guided trekking around Wild Brook Retreat @ Rs.300/- per hour
• Pick up/Drop from Haridwar / Rishikesh @ Rs. 700/- per person (up to 2 person) and Rs.500/- per person for more than 2 persons (each side) by cab/Jeeps.
• Pick up/drop from/at Jolly Grant Airport or Dehradun City Rs.2500/- per cab (upto 4 pax- each side).
(Rates are same for Indians and foreigners)
Note : Above mentioned rates are not valid from 23rd Dec till 2nd Jan.
