Back in the 1800s, the Gurney House in Nainital was like a summer home for a famous British person named Jim Corbett. Nowadays, a family called the Dalmias owns it, and they turned it into a special place to remember the past. The Gurney House is like a cozy cottage surrounded by lots of greenery in Nainital. It’s about a 10-minute walk uphill from the Mall Road. They built it in 1880 for Jim Corbett to stay in during the summer.
The name “Gurney” is interesting. It means a house made from the parts of another house that got broken or taken apart. The Gurney House was actually made from an old house on Alma Hill that got destroyed in a landslide. So, they named it Gurney House because of that. It’s a nice, old cottage that’s been kept well, and when you visit, it feels like going back in time to see how Jim Corbett lived during his summer visits.
Facts about Gurney House, Nainital
During the summer, Jim Corbett frequented the cottage as part of his endeavors to track and hunt dangerous, man-eating animals. The cottage now keeps many valuable things that belonged to Jim Corbett, like trophies, a fishing rod, an African drum, furniture, and various books.
The cottage is constructed in a colonial architectural style and is encompassed by meticulously landscaped gardens and lawns on all sides. If you want to visit Gurney House, you need to schedule an appointment in advance.
Activities at and around Gurney House, Nainital
Immerse yourself in the lifestyle and surroundings of Jim Corbett’s cherished residence.
Explore the private museum housed within the cottage, offering insights into Jim Corbett’s life and accomplishments.
Engage in the study and collection of leaf specimens from the diverse array of trees within the cottage premises.
The Mall Road : Visit Nainital Mall Road, located a mere 3.4 km away, for local shopping and a leisurely stroll along the lake banks. Enjoy a boat ride on Naini Lake, a popular attraction in Nainital.
Naina Devi Temple : Seek blessings at the Naina Devi Temple, situated 2.4 km away, and the Pashan Devi Temple, located 4.3 km away.
Snow view point : Marvel at the breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks from the Snow View Point, just 3 km away. Access the Snow View Point via the Aerial Ropeway of Nainital.
Nainital Zoo : Explore the G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, especially appealing for those traveling with children, situated a convenient 4.4 km away.
Best time to visit
Gurney House extends a warm welcome to visitors throughout the year. Despite potential cold weather, the cottage offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Given the chilly evenings in Nainital, it is recommended to carry warm clothing in every season.
Traveler Tips for Gurney House Nainital
- Refreshments for the Journey: Carry a water bottle and some snacks to stay refreshed during your exploration of Gurney House.
- Heritage Preservation: Take a moment to ensure the preservation of the historical heritage at Gurney House. Show respect and mindfulness to contribute to the conservation of this significant place.
- Immersive Experience: Immerse yourself in the lifestyle and surroundings of Jim Corbett’s cherished summer residence.
- Museum Exploration: Explore the private museum within the cottage, providing insights into Jim Corbett’s life and achievements.
- Botanical Discovery: Engage in the study and collection of leaf specimens from the diverse array of trees within the cottage premises.
- Nainital Mall Road: Visit Nainital Mall Road, just 3.4 km away, for local shopping and a leisurely stroll along the lake banks. Enjoy a boat ride on Naini Lake, a popular attraction.
- Spiritual Visit: Seek blessings at the Naina Devi Temple (2.4 km away) and the Pashan Devi Temple (4.3 km away).
- Scenic Views: Marvel at the breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks from the Snow View Point, accessible via the Aerial Ropeway of Nainital (3 km away).
- Zoo Exploration: Explore the G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, especially appealing for those traveling with children, situated conveniently 4.4 km away.
How to reach Gurney House Nainital
Address – Gurney House, Ayarpatta Hill, Opposite the High Court, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263002, India
Latitude – 29.380304, Longitude – 79.463570
Gurney House is strategically positioned 3.7 km from the heart of Nainital city, offering a serene retreat. Easily accessible by foot, a leisurely walk from Mall Road Nainital provides a charming journey to the cottage. Adventure enthusiasts can embark on a 9 km trek from Nainital Mall Road to Gurney House for an exhilarating experience.
From Nearest Bus Stand: For road travelers, the proximate Tallital Bus Stand in Nainital serves as a convenient point of arrival. Gurney House stands a mere 4 km away from Tallital bus stand, allowing accessible travel on foot or via hired cycle rickshaws.
By Train: Railway commuters can disembark at the Kathgodam railway station, situated 38 km from Gurney House. Luxury buses or taxi cabs offer seamless transportation from the railway station to Gurney House.
By Air: Air travelers can utilize the Pantnagar Airport, the nearest airport located approximately 72 km away. Efficiently bridge the gap by hiring a taxi cab from the airport, traversing through NH 109 for a comfortable journey to Gurney House.
FAQs about Gurney House Nainital
Back in the 1800s, Gurney House served as the summer residence for the renowned British personality, Jim Corbett. It is now owned by the Dalmia family, offering a glimpse into the past.
The name “Gurney” refers to a house constructed from parts of another broken or dismantled house. Gurney House was created from the remains of a house on Alma Hill, destroyed in a landslide.
The House has various possessions of Jim Corbett, including trophies, a fishing rod, an African drum, furniture, and a collection of books.
Gurney House is constructed in a colonial architectural style and is surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens and lawns on all sides.
To visit Gurney House, visitors need to schedule an appointment in advance for an immersive experience into Jim Corbett’s life and surroundings.
Visitors can explore the private museum, engage in botanical studies, and enjoy nearby attractions such as Nainital Mall Road, Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point, and the G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo.
The House welcomes visitors throughout the year. It is advisable to carry warm clothing, especially during the potentially chilly evenings in Nainital.
Carry refreshments for the journey, ensure the preservation of heritage, and immerse yourself in the lifestyle and surroundings of Jim Corbett’s cherished residence.
Gurney House is strategically located 3.7 km from Nainital city. Visitors can reach by foot from Mall Road, take a 9 km trek from Nainital Mall Road, or utilize road, train, or air travel with proximity to Tallital Bus Stand, Kathgodam railway station, and Pantnagar Airport.
