Popular hill station Nainital is located in the state of Uttarakhand. Set in a valley containing mesmerising lake, having pear shape (narrow at the stalk and wider towards the base). Surrounded by mountains it captures the complete attention of the viewer. From the top of higher peaks of the region, a dramatic landscape of magnificent plains to the south and tangled ridges in the north can be seen. Minutes away from the Naini Lake, Gurney House (a historic building) was the house to writer and hunter-conservationist Jim Corbett. The house was sold by Jim Corbett’s sister in the year 1947, when they left for Kenya. It is now owned by NilanjanaDalmia. Built in 1881, the cottage was constructed with the dismantled material of their earlier house on Alma Hill (the hill on which a landslide occurred). Therefore, the name entailing the house built of carted material of a dismantled house.
Since Gurney House is a private home, a complimentary tour of this heritage property requires appointment from the owner. The residents of the house duly welcome Corbett- lovers. Jim Corbett, one of the noblest Englishman to have lived in India. The owners have kept the original archaic intact. His chair, bed, rooms, study, veranda, even some old photographs everything altogether adds to the ambience of the place. Each room is preserved with his belongings and other memorabilia. The house still stands on the 150-year-old logs. It is very nostalgic for Corbett lovers as it relates to the small incidents as described in his writing related to this house. The house brings Corbett’s writings alive. A journey back in time, that’s how a visit to the house turned museum can be summed up. After visiting this place, one can learn about Jim Corbett’s lifestyle. For the ease of the visitors, the house is very close to Emily cottage.
