Marchula Estate Village Sarud · Jim Corbett

Village Sarud · Marchula · Uttarakhand · 1800 ft

A home
in the wild.

On the banks of a happy stream, flanked by the verdant jungles where Jim Corbett once roamed. This is where you come to breathe.

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Marchula Estate
A Love Story with the Land

Where traffic noise
becomes a stream.

Marchula Estate is a family home and a homestay, built on a patch of land by a rivulet, surrounded by jungle reserve in the small village of Sarud, near Jim Corbett National Park.

Photographers Mansi and Mustafa, their daughter Amna, four dogs, and a dozen hens call this paradise home. They opened it to guests who, like them, are searching for something real.

"In our pursuit for a life beyond the city, we fell in love with Jim Corbett's lush jungles. Our home, Marchula Estate is our magical escape, where traffic noises are replaced by the gurgle of a stream; city lights by stars and fireflies, and where one can actually b-r-e-a-t-h-e…"

Mansi
150+
Bird Species
6
Rooms & Cottages
1800
Feet Altitude

"Where the only noise you'll hear are the barking deer at night, the call of the birds during the day, and the constant background score of the stream…"

Amna, Mansi & Mustafa

See our story unfold, one frame at a time @marchulaestate
Where You'll Sleep

Rooms & Cottages

Each named after the trees of the estate. Each with its own character, view, and way of letting the forest in.

Semal Room
Room · River View

Semal

The Silk Cotton Tree

Massive windows that let the forest in. The most spacious of the rooms, with a river view, working desk, and its own en suite.

King Bed Day Bed River View En Suite Desk Mini Bar Toiletries by Kama Ayurveda
Khair Room
Room · River View

Khair

The Acacia

A river-facing room with views of the water and the lush mountainside beyond. Wake up to the sound of the river every morning.

King Bed Day Bed River View En Suite Desk Mini Bar Toiletries by Kama Ayurveda
Moringa Room
Room · Forest View

Moringa

The Drumstick Tree

A secluded space with views of the lush forest and mountains. Its own sit-out makes it feel like a private corner of the estate.

King Bed Day Bed Forest View En Suite Desk Mini Bar Toiletries by Kama Ayurveda
Amaltas Cottage
Cottage · River & Mountain View

Amaltas

The Golden Shower Tree

A cottage with a generous living room, private sit-out, and room enough to truly settle in for a longer stay.

King Bed Day Bed Living Room Sit Out En Suite Mini Bar Toiletries by Kama Ayurveda
Gulmohar Cottage
Cottage · Family

Gulmohar

The Flame of the Forest

Perched on a rocky promontory with a private sit-out, two en suite bathrooms, and enough space for a family to spread out and breathe.

King Bed Sofa Bed 2 En Suites Sit Out Desk Mini Bar Toiletries by Kama Ayurveda
Deodar Cottage
Cottage · Deck with River & Mountain View

Deodar

The Cedar

A cottage with a sweeping deck overlooking the valley, forested slopes and the river below. Built for writers, long-stayers, and those who never want to leave.

King Bed Large Deck En Suite Desk Mini Bar Toiletries by Kama Ayurveda
While You're Here

Things to Do,
or Not Do

Marchula Estate is a paradise for those who like to walk, sunbathe, picnic and tiptoe through the jungle, leaving the barest of footprints.

Birdwatching
Naturalist Trails

Birdwatching

Over 150 species identified on and around the estate. Bespoke birding hikes with experienced naturalists available on request.

Safari
Wildlife

Jim Corbett Safari

The Durga Devi gate is 9 km away. We'll help you navigate the government portal and plan your jungle drive.

River
Riverside

The River

The stream is perfect to paddle, swim, or simply sit by with a book.

Village Life
Culture

Sarud Village

Half a kilometre up the hill, a typical Kumaoni village with mango orchards, friendly faces, and tea with a local family.

Hiking
On Foot

Hiking

Trails through the lower Himalayan jungle, up to forest ridges and village paths. Slow, quiet, and deeply restorative.

Angling
On the Water

Angling

The river is renowned for mahseer and trout. Cast a line in some of the most pristine waters in the Kumaon foothills.

The Way We Live

Light footprint.
Deep experience.

"The word 'sustainable' is used very loosely today, but it is very important to us to be mindful and conscious of our footprint…" Construction uses locally sourced stone and recycled glass bottles. Furniture is pre-owned. Almost everything is upcycled, repaired, or grown.

☀️
Solar Energy

Partly solar powered, with mindful energy use

🌿
Composting

All organic waste composted and returned to the land

🥬
Kitchen Garden

Growing our own vegetables, fruits, and herbs on-estate

🌳
Reforestation

Hundreds of trees planted on the estate and surrounds

Sustainable estate
Plan Your Journey

Getting
to Marchula

Marchula sits at 3,500 ft in Village Sarud, deep in the Lower Himalayan jungle. Getting here is part of the adventure. The moment you ford the stream, the world behind you stays behind.

🚗 From Delhi
~270 km
Approx. 6 hours by road
🏔️ From Nainital
~100 km
Approx. 2.5 hours
✈️ Nearest Airport
Pantnagar
115 km away
🚂 Nearest Station
Ramnagar
38 km away

The last stretch: Two pick-up points sit 5-10 minutes from the property. Either hike half a kilometre down from Marchula village, or take a jeep across the stream.

Before You Arrive

House Rules

Our home is your home. Marchula Estate has been created with care over many years. Please treat it as you would your own.

01
Drinking Water

We provide mineral-rich natural spring water, filtered and safe for drinking. We do not stock bottled water to minimise plastic waste.

02
Visitors

Non-guests are not permitted to enter or stay at the estate without prior consent from the hosts.

03
Quiet Hours

Loud music and high-decibel conversations in outdoor areas are not permitted after 10 PM. Please be mindful of other guests, and the wildlife around you.

04
Power Supply

Power cuts do occur. Our backup is 100% solar and can run lights and fans for 4 to 6 hours. We do not operate generators.

05
Insects & Wildlife

Despite regular pest control, some insects may enter. Please keep doors and windows closed at all times for your own comfort and protection.

06
Low Light Zone

The estate is a low-light zone to minimise disturbance to local wildlife. Please respect this after dark.

07
Waste Segregation

We provide separate bins in every room. We encourage all guests to segregate their waste before disposal.

08
Alcohol

Permitted within designated areas of the estate. We do not sell alcohol or cigarettes. Consumption is prohibited at the riverside outside the property boundary.

09
No Smoking Indoors

Smoking is prohibited in all rooms. A fine of INR 5,000 will be levied. Guests may smoke outdoors but must dispose of waste responsibly. Shared areas are non-smoking.

10
No Cooking in Rooms

Cooking using induction or any other method is not permitted inside the rooms.

11
Damages

Any damage to property, furniture, or linen is the liability of the guest and will be charged at full cost of repair or replacement.

12
CCTV & Safety

Cameras are installed in common areas of the property for the safety of all guests. Illegal activities are strictly prohibited.

In Their Own Words

What Guests Say

From writers to families, birdwatchers to birthday revellers.

"

A brief break at this wonderful and thoughtfully run homestay beside a stream abutting Jim Corbett National Park is just what one needed for some quiet time reading, snoozing and dipping one's feet in cool, gurgling water. Mansi and Mustafa, take a bow. The cottage is beautiful and supremely comfortable, the food is great, the staff welcoming, and little Amna is delightful. So glad we could visit. Much love from us!

Saman, Amit & Nishant
"

It was a perfect getaway, only 6 hours from Delhi and in the thick of the forest! Mansi and Mustafa are the perfect hosts and went above and beyond to make it comfortable and unforgettable. The rooms and common areas seamlessly blend in with the natural surroundings. We would wake up to the sounds of birds every morning, and every evening take a refreshing dip in the natural pool in the shallow river. The highlight was my birthday, celebrated under the stars in the lap of nature.

Shalini & Preetam
"

What an amazing place set up by Mansi and Mustafa. My seven year old was engaged throughout the day: feeding the chickens, unsuccessfully trying to pet the loner duck, and splashing around in the stream. Not once did I hear "I'm bored, mama." The rooms were fab and the food a wonderful mix of local and continental. Highly recommend the pahadi dal. Can't wait to return!

Nirmala Ganapathy
"

An earthy abode, Marchula Estate overlooks a flowing water body and a lush green forest. The homestay is aesthetic and thoughtfully designed using solar power, eco-friendly and sustainable materials. Each room is minimalistic, comfortable, well appointed and has lovely views. Just what one would want to wake up to. Locally grown or sourced fruits, vegetables and meats add to the charm of the delectable pahadi meals. We would go back in a heartbeat.

Malati Vasudeva
"

The sprawling property surrounded by hills and forest, complete with a gurgling stream, gives you the experience of being in the heart of the jungle. Rooms and bathrooms are huge and beautifully done up. 5-star standards. What makes the place special is that both Mansi and Mustafa are very passionate about what they have created and want each guest to enjoy the experience. Marchula Estate is meant for people who love the jungles, want the real thing and yet don't want to give up on high standards of creature comfort.

Amrita Sen
"

We set out on a short respite from mundane mayhem. What we got was a perfect match, more than we could imagine. A homestay that felt like home. An isolated island offering solitude, silence and serene surroundings. Waking up to gurgling stream, chirping birds, rustling leaves, morning breeze. This is what dreamscapes are made of. The place exudes warmth, just like those who bring so much of themselves into everything Marchula Estate is.

Pragya Vats
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