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If you are looking for a rustic and authentic experience of living close to nature and wildlife, Camp Hornbill is the place for you. This eco-friendly camp is set up and run by the local community of Kyari village, which lies within the Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve, part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand. Here, you can enjoy comfortable accommodation in mud houses or tents, delicious local cuisine, and a range of activities that will immerse you in the rich biodiversity and culture of the region.
Unique or special aspects
What makes Camp Hornbill stand out is its commitment to conservation and community development. The camp is not just a place to stay, but also a learning centre that offers experiential courses on wildlife, ecology, and rural livelihoods. You can join their wildlife conservation certification course, which covers topics such as animal behaviour, camera trapping, habitat management, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation. You can also participate in their wildlife and community projects, such as bird surveys, tree planting, organic farming, and village empowerment. By staying at Camp Hornbill, you are supporting the local community and their efforts to protect their natural heritage.
Setting
Camp Hornbill is located in the charming village of Kyari, on the bank of Khichdi River, on the eastern periphery of Corbett National Park. The camp is surrounded by lush reserve forests that are home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, monkeys, and over 300 species of birds. The camp offers a serene and scenic setting for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You can enjoy the views of the Himalayan foothills from your room or tent, listen to the sounds of the jungle at night, and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Style
Camp Hornbill has a simple and rustic style that blends with the natural environment. The camp consists of 10 mud houses and 10 tents that are spacious and comfortable. The mud houses are made of locally sourced materials such as bamboo, mud, and thatch, and have attached bathrooms with hot water. The tents are pitched on wooden platforms and have shared bathrooms with running water. Both the mud houses and tents have electricity and fans. The camp also has a dining hut where buffet meals are served, a library where you can read books on wildlife and nature, and several sit-outs where you can relax and socialise.
Sustainability
Camp Hornbill is an eco-friendly camp that follows sustainable practices to minimise its impact on the environment. The camp uses solar power for lighting and water heating, rainwater harvesting for irrigation, composting for waste management, and organic farming for food production. The camp also uses biodegradable products such as bamboo straws, earthen pots, and cloth bags. The camp educates its guests on environmental issues and encourages them to adopt eco-friendly habits such as avoiding plastic bottles, saving water and electricity, and respecting wildlife.
Camp Hornbill is a community-led enterprise that empowers the local villagers of Kyari by providing them with employment opportunities, skill development training, and income generation avenues. The camp is solely owned and managed by members and youth of the local community who have been trained in hospitality, guiding, cooking, housekeeping, and other aspects of running a nature camp. The camp also sources its food ingredients from local farmers who practice organic farming and supports local artisans who make handicrafts such as baskets, mats, and pottery. The camp also collaborates with the forest department, local NGOs, and civil society groups to promote nature conservation and rural development in the region.
Rooms
Camp Hornbill offers two types of accommodation: mud houses and tents. Both options are comfortable and spacious, and have basic amenities such as beds, linen, pillows, blankets, towels, and toiletries. The mud houses are more suitable for families and couples who prefer more privacy and comfort. They have attached bathrooms with hot water showers, electricity, and fans. The tents are more suitable for solo travellers and groups who don’t mind sharing bathrooms and living closer to nature. They have running water taps, electricity, and fans. Both options have beautiful views of the forest and mountains.
Food and drink
Camp Hornbill serves buffet meals in its dining hut, which is made of mud and thatch. The meals are delicious and nutritious, and feature a variety of local Kumaoni dishes such as bhatt ki churkani (black bean soup), gahat ki dal (horse gram lentil), bhang ki chutney (hemp seed paste), and mandua ki roti (finger millet bread). The camp also serves continental and Indian dishes such as pasta, sandwiches, curries, and rice. The camp uses organic ingredients sourced from local farms and its own kitchen garden. The camp also provides tea, coffee, juice, and water throughout the day.
Things to do
Wildlife conservation course: A 10-day certification course that covers topics such as animal behaviour, camera trapping, habitat management, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation. You will learn from experts and participate in field work and projects.
Forest walks: Guided walks through the reserve forests that will introduce you to the flora and fauna of the region. You will learn about the medicinal plants, insects, reptiles, mammals, and birds that inhabit the forest.
Birdwatching: A guided tour to spot some of the 300 species of birds that are found in the region. You will see hornbills, kingfishers, woodpeckers, eagles, and many more.
Cycling: A fun and adventurous way to explore the countryside. You can rent a bicycle from the camp and ride along the trails that pass through fields, forests, rivers, and villages.
Hikes: A more challenging way to experience the natural beauty of the region. You can hike to nearby hills and viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the Himalayas and the valleys.
Village walks: A cultural immersion that will take you to Kyari village and other nearby hamlets. You will visit the village temple, school, market, and farms, and interact with the locals. You will also enjoy a meal at a village home.
Farming: A hands-on activity that will teach you about organic farming and gardening. You can help in sowing, weeding, harvesting, and composting at the camp’s kitchen garden or at a local farm.
Pottery: A creative activity that will let you make your own earthenware. You can learn from a local artisan how to shape clay into pots, plates, cups, and other items. You can also paint your pottery with natural colours.
Wider region
Camp Hornbill is located in the Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve, which is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand. The reserve is a biodiversity hotspot that harbours a range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, monkeys, and over 300 species of birds. The reserve also has a rich cultural heritage that reflects the history and traditions of the local communities. Some of the attractions in the region include:
Corbett National Park: The oldest and one of the most famous national parks in India, Corbett is known for its tiger population and diverse landscapes. You can take a jeep safari or an elephant ride to explore the park and spot wildlife.
Pawalgarh Bird Sanctuary: A birdwatcher’s paradise, this sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, including hornbills, kingfishers, woodpeckers, and eagles. You can take a guided walk or a cycle tour to observe the avian diversity.
Kyari Village: The village where Camp Hornbill is located, Kyari is a quaint and charming hamlet that offers a glimpse into the rural life and culture of the region. You can visit the village temple, school, market, and farms, and interact with the friendly locals.
Getting there
Camp Hornbill is located in Kyari village near Ramnagar town in Uttarakhand. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport which is about 75 km away from the camp. The nearest railway station is Ramnagar Railway Station which is about 12 km away from the camp. The camp can arrange for pick-up and drop-off services from both the airport and railway station on request
- Actively reduces consumption
- Sustainable build
- Carbon neutral
- Solar powered or renewable energy
- Employs local people
- Local or organic food
- Empowerment
- Community conservation
- Nature
- Culture
- Rural
- Wifi
- Up to 2
- Up to 4
- Tented camp
- Cabin
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Cultural visit
- Art
- Wildlife watching
- Birdwatching
