Our Story
Rooted In The Wild
The dream of a jungle retreat.
Magpie Cottage holds a history that is deeply intertwined with India's conservation legacy. It was originally built as a private retreat by the late Mr. Ashok Kumar, a renowned conservationist and one of India's foremost wildlife warriors. Nestled on the edge of the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, the cottage served as his personal sanctuary—a place where the tireless work of protecting tigers and elephants gave way to the quiet observation of the forest.
For years, it remained a closely guarded secret, visited only by family and close friends who shared his profound respect for the wild. After his passing, his daughter Malini took over the stewardship of the estate. Rather than keeping it closed, she decided to open its doors to like-minded souls.
Today, Magpie Cottage exists to share that very legacy. It is an invitation to step away from the noise of city life and experience the forest exactly as it was meant to be—unhurried, authentic, and completely wild. Every decision here—from the solar lighting to the local stone architecture—is guided by a single principle: tread lightly, live deeply.
Built with nature.
Constructed with local stone and wood, the cottage was designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding forest canopy. Every window frames a living painting.
We've kept the footprint small and the impact minimal, ensuring that the wildlife that calls this place home remains undisturbed.
Where the jungle meets the river.
Grounded in the wild heart of Kalagarh.
At Corbett's western fringe lies the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve—more secluded and less frequented, yet abundant in sal forests, winding river valleys, and vital wildlife corridors inhabited by elephants, tigers, and a wide array of species.
In contrast to Corbett's busier, resort-filled zones, Kalagarh has preserved its rugged, untouched character—a landscape where the forest remains authentic and untamed.
Our Philosophy
"We believe true luxury isn't about excess; it's about space, silence, and the freedom to simply be."
We host one group at a time to ensure total privacy. When you're here, the entire estate is yours.
Our Values
Sustainability
We move gently on this land. Constructed using local stone and wood, and maintained with a minimal ecological footprint, we believe that luxury and responsibility can exist in harmony.
Privacy
We host one group at a time. When you're here, the entire estate—three bedrooms, the garden, the river frontage—is exclusively yours.
Community
Every meal is prepared by local cooks using locally sourced ingredients. We work with village artisans and contribute to the community's livelihood.
Nature First
Wildlife corridors remain undisturbed. Our no-loud-music policy respects the animals that share this land—leopards, elephants, and rare birds.
“It is a wonderful house, very comfortable. Neat and clean. The Caretaker and the Cook, both take very good care of the guests”
— Divya Jindal
The legacy of late Mr Ashok Kumar.
Champion for every living thing.
Ashok Kumar, founder of Magpie Cottage, was a visionary conservationist and one of India's foremost warriors against wildlife crime. Remembered by global conservation leaders as a champion for "tigers, elephants, rhinos, Tibetan antelopes—and every living thing."
This was most evident at the 2007 CITES Conference in The Hague, where he powerfully opposed the legalization of trade in farmed tiger parts.
The beginnings.
His journey into conservation began during his tenure at Tata Steel, with frequent visits to Simlipal in Odisha, where he was deeply influenced by the legendary conservationist Saroj Raj Choudhary.
He went on to play a pivotal role in securing protected status for Dalma as a wildlife sanctuary, working with national leaders and the renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali.
Institutionalizing the war against wildlife crime.
While based in Dubai, Ashok Kumar witnessed the open trafficking of wildlife skins, leading him to engage with the CITES Secretariat and collaborate with Indian enforcement authorities.
He founded the Wildlife Protection Society of India and, as Member Secretary of the Supreme Court's Subramanian Committee, played a key role in creating the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau of India.
The lineage.
Ashok Kumar's legacy was shaped by a lineage of courage and conviction. His mother, Urmila Shastri, was a freedom fighter who worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi.
Reflecting on her influence, he once said, "She fought for India's freedom, and I fight for the forests and wild animals that make India… India."
Magpie Cottage stands today as a tribute to his extraordinary life—an enduring symbol of his passion, courage, and unwavering commitment to protecting the wild.
Malini Kumar
“In the Stillness of the Wild, We Find Ourselves.”
Carrying forward the legacy of her father, renowned conservationist Ashok Kumar, Malini Kumar leads Magpie Cottage with a deep commitment to protecting the wild and preserving its natural beauty. Introduced to the wilderness as an infant—taken to her first wildlife sanctuary at just three months old—and mentored closely by her father, her upbringing across forests and national parks shaped a lifelong bond with nature.
These early experiences grew into a deep-rooted passion for conservation and mindful living. Today, Malini nurtures Magpie Cottage as an immersive jungle retreat—one that invites guests to step away from the noise of urban life and rediscover stillness in the wild. She believes that it is in such unhurried, natural settings that meaningful relationships are strengthened—through shared moments like jungle safaris, riverside walks, bonfires, and the quiet joys of simple outdoor living.
As a mother of twin daughters raised in this very environment, she has seen how exposure to the wild fosters resilience, awareness, and a deeper appreciation for life beyond city boundaries.
Professionally, Malini is a showrunner, independent director, and founder of MK Studios, with over 30 years of experience in content creation and storytelling. She has collaborated with leading global broadcasters, corporations, government bodies, and international organisations, producing documentaries, branded content, and pro-social films.
A notable highlight of her work is her role as Co-Director on a 10-part series on Environment and Sustainability for Warner Bros Discovery, with the University of Cambridge as knowledge partner—further reflecting her enduring commitment to environmental awareness and responsible storytelling.
Her philosophy is simple: give your very best to everything you do. At Magpie Cottage, this translates into an experience that is authentic, grounding, and deeply connected to the rhythms of the wild.
Come stay with us.
Experience the magic of the jungle for yourself. Whether you're looking for solitude, adventure, or simply a place to breathe — Magpie Cottage is waiting.