Camp Hornbill Corbett

Why Choose Our Place?

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Kyari is a small farming village where families tend mango orchards, paddy fields, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Life here follows the rhythm of the land, and being at the edge of Corbett Tiger Reserve means wildlife is part of our daily story — deer wandering the fields, elephants along the river, wild boar rustling in the forest, and countless birds calling at dawn.

For a wildlife enthusiast, it’s a rare chance to live in such an active forest ecosystem. And since we are local residents, volunteers get to experience the village from the inside out — joining everyday routines, festivals, meals, and conversations that don’t usually reach visitors.

Additional benefits
When the day’s work is done, life slows beautifully. Volunteers often unwind on a swing or hammock, share recipes in the kitchen, read from our small nature library, or watch the sunset from a rock by the river.

On weekends or free days, there are plenty of ways to explore — from safaris in Corbett, to treks in the Himalayan foothills, or day trips to hill stations like Nainital, Ranikhet, and Almora. Some volunteers also enjoy spending time with the village school, helping with activities or just playing with the kids.

Public transport runs less frequently here, but that’s part of the charm — slow travel becomes part of the rhythm.

Help Required
This project has space for creativity in many directions. You might help with painting, art, interior design, cooking, photography, content writing, or website design. Volunteers sometimes teach English to our staff or village children, or share other skills they bring along.

We also host outdoor learning and conservation programs for children, families, and groups, which usually run for 2–5 days. These include nature walks, cycling, forest hikes, birdwatching, village tours, team-building games, and community service activities. Volunteers join as co-facilitators alongside our camp guides — helping with energy, storytelling, and support — never expected to run activities alone.

Beyond the camp, we also run a foundation called Kumaon Maati, which focuses on women’s empowerment and child education in the rural Kumaon region. Volunteers interested in social impact often find it rewarding to contribute here as well.

About Me and the Team Hi Volunteers, I’m Shekhar, born and raised in Kyari village in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district. Our village sits on the edge of Corbett Tiger Reserve, surrounded by forest, fields, and a river that keeps the air fresh year-round. In 2010, along with one other friend/brother, I started Camp Hornbill on our family land. The idea was simple: create a low-impact space that supports conservation, involves the local community, and gives village youth meaningful work so they don’t have to migrate to the cities. More than a decade later, the camp has grown into a well-rooted initiative, with nearly 30% of our village connected to it in some way. We see Camp Hornbill as more than a place to stay — it’s a way of living close to nature and culture. Our staff are like family to us, and we welcome volunteers in the same spirit. When you’re here, you’re not just a helper, but part of our community.