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The hornbill is a unique and striking bird known for its large, curved bill and a hollow structure on top called a casque. These birds are mainly found in tropical Africa and Asia, especially in forests and woodlands. There are about 60 species of hornbills, ranging in size from small (30 cm) to large (over 1 meter).

Hornbills are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, small animals, and reptiles. They play an important role in seed dispersal, helping to maintain forest ecosystems. One of their most fascinating behaviors is their nesting method. The female seals herself inside a tree cavity using mud and droppings, leaving only a small slit. The male feeds her and the chicks through this slit until they are ready to leave the nest.

Hornbills are also culturally important. In India, the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland celebrates the bird as a symbol of tradition and nature. Some hornbills, like the helmeted hornbill, are endangered due to habitat loss and illegal hunting for their casques.

About Us

Your Gateway to Seamless Travel Experiences

The Hornbill View Cottages, nestled in the emerald embrace of Latpanchar, within the lush embrace of the MAHANANDA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, where mist-laden forests sing with the calls of hornbills, butterflies glimmer like jewels, and the rhythm of nature writes poetry in every leaf.

Run and designed by Prof.Riddhi Manna—an accomplished Design Educator graphic and communication designer, a keen wildlife and birder, nature enthusiast, and storyteller—The Hornbill View Cottages are more than a retreat; they are a personal mission to conserve, protect, and celebrate the fragile ecosystems of this East Himalayan paradise. Drawing upon her deep experience in design, sustainability, and community-based projects, Riddhi has meticulously crafted these cottages using locally sourced, sustainable materials and the skilled hands of indigenous artisans, blending comfort with ecological responsibility.

Our ethos flows through every facet of your stay: from cottages shaped in harmony with the landscape, to organically grown produce harvested from our own farm, offering guests the authentic taste of the mountains. The warmth of our hospitality is matched only by the genuine smiles of our dedicated team—members of the indigenous Gurkha Lama community—who share their knowledge, culture, and heartfelt care with every visitor.

At The Hornbill View Cottages, we are committed to ethical wildlife tourism, fostering awareness of the region’s vibrant avian life, and the vital roles of insects, reptiles, and forest flora in natural regeneration. Guests are invited to explore these wonders with the guidance of expert birding companions, or to seek quiet reflection in our cozy library, where stories of nature, conservation, and culture await.

Here, sustainability is not merely a practice—it is a way of life. Join us, and become part of a living narrative where each stay helps preserve the forests, creatures, and cultures that make Latpanchar a place of true wild beauty.

Latpanchar: A Biodiverse Birding Paradise in Mahananda Sanctuary

Latpanchar, perched at an altitude of around 4,500 ft (≈1,400 m) in the Kurseong hills of Darjeeling, forms the highest portion of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary The Wire Science

Surrounded by lush sal‑teak forests, cinchona plantations, and Himalayan broadleaf woodlands, it is a hidden gem for nature lovers and birders alike.

Natural Beauty & Wildlife:

Latpanchar’s scenic charm includes winding forest roads lined with cinchona, pine, sal, teak and vibrant understory foliage. From viewpoints like Ahaldara and Sarsari Dara, visitors can behold majestic views of Mt Kangchenjunga, the Teesta River valley, and panoramic hill vistas

The region supports diverse wildlife, including barking deer, wild boar, Malayan giant squirrels, elephants, and occasional leopard sightings near the sanctuary’s fringe Wild Voyager

Birdlife:

The Feathered Treasures of Mahananda

Home to over 240–300 bird species, Latpanchar is a premier destination for birdwatching in the Eastern Himalayas 

Its position at the intersection of multiple forest biomes enables sightings of biome-restricted and migratory birds alike.

Notable Species:

Rufous‑necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis): The iconic resident and resident breeding species, around which local conservation efforts radiate 

 

Red‑headed Trogon, Hodgson’s Frogmouth, Sultan Tit, Long-tailed Broadbill, Black-baza, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, and various barbets, minivets, bulbuls, and laughing thrushes enrich the avifauna 

 

Other rarities include Boobook, Rusty-bellied Shortwing, Black-breasted Parrotbill, and occasional Himalayan Griffon Vultures and Ibis bill 

Sustainable Living: The Hornbill View Cottages

For those seeking a mindful, nature-first stay, The Hornbill View Cottages—established and run by Prof. Riddhi Manna—offer an immersive yet conservation-focused experience:

Location: At the 6th mile, adjacent to the Trogon Trail in the Forest Busti area—providing premier access to forest birding zones.

Conservation Ethos: Built with minimal environmental impact, the cottages emphasize native flora and sustainable design.

Local Expertise: Guided walks by resident naturalists lead to sightings of hornbills, trogons, and other canopy birds.

Key Attractions:

Birding Excellence:

Particularly for specialties like hornbills, broadbills, trogons, frogmouths.

Landscape Beauty:

Himalayan views at sunrise from hill vantage points.

Wildlife Encounters:

Frequent sightings of deer, boar, squirrels; elephants and leopards occasionally.

Eco-Friendly Lodge:

Hornbill View Cottages stand out as an ethical lodging option championing local biodiversity.