Sagar Sondhi, CEO and a passionate traveller, thrives on crafting memories over the weekends, balancing a high-powered career with a deep love for exploration. Through his journeys, he finds inspiration in the perfect blend of luxury and nature.
As winter’s crisp embrace beckoned, the safari season unfolded with its untamed charm. This December, I embarked on an adventure to immerse myself in nature’s splendour, wrapped in the lap of luxury at Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa. Nestled in the quaint village of Bandarjudh on the edge of Uttarakhand’s Rajaji National Park, this exquisite retreat by the Claridges Collection promised a blend of colonial elegance and wilderness.
Our journey began with a quick indulgence at The Claridges in Delhi before hitting the road, courtesy of the newly-minted Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. In just four hours, we arrived at the property, greeted by the lush surroundings and the allure of 11 colonial-style tents that whispered tales of old-world charm. No sooner had we checked in than we were off to Rajaji National Park for a thrilling safari.
Rajaji is a vibrant mosaic of wildlife, home to over 500 elephants, 12 tigers, 250 panthers, and a dazzling array of deer, wild boar, and goral. Adding to this bounty are Himalayan black bears, sloth bears, and an orchestra of over 400 bird species. Luck favoured us with four leopard sightings, an exhilarating crescendo to a day spent in the wild.
Returning to the resort, we were treated to an elaborate supper in the expansive dining lounge, its colonial ambiance perfectly complementing the gourmet delights. A moonlit stroll through the property marked the perfect end to a day brimming with awe.
Day 2: Beyond the Safari
The next morning unfolded with a hearty breakfast, energising us for a nature walk in the park’s serene buffer zone. Aalia The Jungle offers an impressive bouquet of activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From horse riding and a chip-and-putt golf session to fishing, archery, cycling, and swimming, the day was a flurry of adventure.
Lunch was a revelation, showcasing a true farm-to-table experience with greens freshly harvested from the resort’s organic garden. Later, we ventured to the riverbed to witness a sunset so tranquil, it seemed nature itself paused to admire.
After an invigorating day, the spa beckoned with its promise of relaxation, delivering a blissful massage that rejuvenated mind and body. The evening culminated in a magical bonfire and al fresco dining under a starlit sky, a scene so cinematic it felt like a dream.
As we bid farewell to Aalia The Jungle, our hearts were full of cherished memories, and our minds brimmed with plans to return. Aalia’s unmatched hospitality, luxury, and array of experiences truly set it apart. Until next time, Aalia—thank you for the journey of a lifetime.
View this post on Instagram
