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KUMAON 'MAATI'

Responsible Nature Travel and Experiential Learning

ABOUT US

Kumaon 'Maati' translates as the 'Earth' of Kumaon, a region in North India, known for its unique cultural and biological diversity. We started this initiative to give back to this 'maati', through our responsible and ethical programmes that protect its uniqueness and contributes to the local communities.

We are a community of like-minded individuals with many years of experience in the sectors of conservation, ecotourism, and business development. With this initiative, we are taking a step to revolutionise nature travel through the medium of conservation and rural development in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India

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CAMP SUNKIYA

A tented campsite located in the hills of Uttarakhand near Mukteshwar, 'Camp Sunkiya' is perfect for an adventure filled getaway for travelers of all ages. If you are looking for rejuvenation, experience nature with the spirit of adventure, a peaceful ambiance, this is the place to be. The array of activities you can do here are sure to get your adrenaline rushing.

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Located at the edge of 'Khichdi' river in the buffer zone of the famous Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, Camp Hornbill is the base station for all our activities at Kumaon 'Maati'. At this camp, we are serious about the 'eco' in 'ecotourism'.

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PEHRA: THE MACHAN

This unique concept gives the opportunity for guests to experience night guarding of crops by farmers. Here, guests themselves help guard crops at night while at the same time observe and watch wildlife. The 'Machans' are a part of farmland inside the village Kyari and is situated in the Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve, Uttarakhand, India. When you stay here you are also contributing to wildlife conservation and human wildlife conflict mitigation.

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KYARI HOMESTAY

The Kyari homestay is hosted in typical 'Kumaoni' settings. Guests can experience a very different way of life and participate in the daily lives of the residents of the village kyari. Come learn a new language and the customs or enjoy unique kumaoni cuisine whilst taking part in daily chores such as ploughing and harvesting. We also host PhD students and researchers who have their projects based in the landscape

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Experiential Learning Camps

Learning can be fun especially when you do it while observing, experiencing and doing it yourself and the locations just make it an unforgettable travel experience for all those who participate. In the last 15 years, we have conducted the most immersive and educational experiences for schools, colleges, universities and other large groups. We have different options available that are designed to educate, reflect, and even thrill.

CORBETT WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION CAMP

Become Mowgli

MAIN HOON PAHADI

Experience the Kumaon Lifestyle

PAHADI BIKER

Bike through the Kumaon Region

LEADERSHIP & TEAM BUILDING CAMP

Learn essential life skills

Course in Wildlife Conservation

This unique certificate course on conservation science and field biology is an on site field course conducted at our base station in 'Camp Hornbill' in the vicinity of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The Course is aimed at multiple segments of people- from students of Environmental Sciences to Wildlife Enthusiasts.

The course is a mix of classroom and field sessions to learn the principles of conservation, ecological census techniques and explore conservation issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students watch conservation films, collect field data and present it, interview local residents and work in teams to attempt and find solutions to prevailing conservation issues.

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Responsible Family Holidays

We love to host families that are looking for a leisure holiday far away from the urban chaos to experience nature. Our holiday packages, will help recharge those lungs, refresh your mind and at the same time have a completely low impact on the environment.

All our campsites are a great place to bond and enjoy a great holiday and we make custom itineraries as per the requirement of each group. You can go for nature walks, village visits, engage in some adventure activities or just relax in the many lounging spots around the campsites.

Our Team

A co-founder of Kumaon 'Maati', Naveen also set-up Camp Hornbill in Kyari. He is an exceptional naturalist and an even better birder. A walk with him in the forest is an unforgettable experience. Born and brought up in the little village of Kyari, he is instrumental in leading conservation and community development activities in the village.
Naveen Upadhyay
An entrepreneur by nature, shekhar has successfully run small scale tourism businesses in the past and has also conducted parasailing in the Corbett region. A mountaineering enthusiat, he holds a basic course certificate from the prestigious Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. At Kumaon Maati he looks after generating business, managing communications and heads marketing and public relations.
Shekhar Upadhyay
Lata spends most of her mornings in the forest cutting grass as fodder for stall feeding household livestock. She navigates through the jungle paths as easily as the local wildlife. Lata loves to interact with guests and narrate her many stories over tea. She will soon become a full fledged camp instructor at Camp Hornbill.
Kamla
Geeta is a storehouse of knowledge on indigenous tree species and their uses. A walk with her into the forest will make you forget the birds and other wildlife, as the focus will be on them stationary lifeforms.
Geeta Khati
Bhanu as he is fondly known is a great birder and will go to any lengths to increase your bird count! He enjoys nature walks and is a lucky charm for our clients since he has a knack of attracting large wildlife! His stories on chasing elephants from village farms are a must hear!
Bhaskar Sati
Raju Da as he is fondly known is one of the co-founders of Camp Hornbill and a founder member of Kumaon 'Maati'. He is the backbone of all things on the ground- from supplies to infrastructure. He is a storehouse of knowledge on conservation and social issues plaguing the Kumaon region.
Rajendra Sati
Jeevan Guru as he is fondly known is a true star! He is the co-founder of Camp 'vanvaas' and a founder member of Kumaon 'Maati'. He was one of the youngest and most accomplished rock climbers from Uttarakhand. He has many years of experience in mountaineering and knowns the Kumaon Himalayas like the back of his hand. He is also well known for his progressive grassroots work in his hometown of mukteshwar.
Jeevan Dangwal
Fondly called as Tai ji, a smile is omnipresent on her face. She is well informed about rural development issues and belongs to the village self help group. Tai Ji wants to start a unit involving other village women that makes biodegradable plates as an alternative to 'thermocol',which can be then marketed in nearby cities. Being around Tai ji, you cant but help absorb all the wisdom that pours out when she speaks.
Maya Devi
Trishant Simlai is one of the founder members of Kumaon 'Maati' and is academically trained in conservation science and practice. He has a masters degree in conservation and rural development from the United Kingdom. He leads and convenes our certificate course on Conservation. Through Kumaon 'Maati', Trishant aims to practice inclusive community based conservation in the landscape. Trishant is currently doing his PhD at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom
Trishant Simlai
Ballu as he is fondly known is an all rounder- a great birdwatcher and an equally passionate adventure enthusiast. He is currently pursuing a distance learning course on tourism studies from IGNOU.
Balwant Bisht
Pankaj is an adventure expert and has many years of experience in practicing adventure activities in the Kumaon region. He is great fun to be with on hikes, walks and is definite to indulge you in one or two adrenaline rushing activities!
Pankaj Pandey