NATURE CAMPS
October
PARAMBIKULAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
One of Kerala’s premier wildlife reserves is situated in the Annamalai Hills, south of the Palghat Gap in the Western Ghats. The 285 sq km stretch of thick forest has several rivers, including the Parambikulam, the Sholayar and the Thekkedy. Thickly forested with stands of bamboo, sandalwood, rosewood and teak. Here you can see the famous Kannimari teak tree, the largest in Asia. Fauna includes tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, elephants, wild boar, barking deer, spotted deer, langurs and macaques. Parambikulam is also home to Kerala’s largest population of gaur. Besides these, civet, chevrotain (mouse deer), pangolin, crocodile, jungle cat, porcupine and some 140 species of birds are found in the sanctuary.
Dates: 1st Batch: 6th-9th October (Few seats left). 2nd Batch: 11th-14th October (on demand)
Accommodation: Dormitory (basic amenities)
Charges: Rs. 6,500/- (Includes pick and drop-off to Coimbatore JN STN)
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
Group Leaders: Mr. Isaac Kehimkar and Mr. Nikhil Bhopale.
How to Reach: Coimbatore Express (1013) Starts from Kalyan Jn at 23.18 hrs and reaches (on the 3rd day) Coimbatore Jn at 6.30 hrs Return: Kanyakumari Mumbai Express (6382) reaches Coimbatore Jn at 18.00 hrs (5 mins halt) and arrives (on the 3rd day) in Mumbai at 4.50 hrs
Meeting Point: Coimbatore Jn railway station at 7.30 hrs, drop back to Coimbatore Jn Railway station at 16.30 hrs. Note: Room sharing will be separate for male and female participants.
DODITAL - AN AUTUMN TREK IN THE HIMALAYA
Dodital is a high altitude lake in Uttarakhand at 3,024 m. This crystral clear lake is in the midst of thick forest of Oak, Rhododendron, Fir and Deodar. Another name for this lake is Dhundital meaning Lake of Ganesha. One side of the lake is guarded by a high ridge called the Darwa Top, which gives a panoramic view of high peaks of Garhwal. Good opportunity to see the region’s rich Himalayan flora and fauna. Perfect time to see Himalayan Monal, Koklas Pheasant, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, Bearded Vulture and butterflies like Queen of Spain, Blue Apollo, Painted Lady, Indian Red Admiral and lot more.
Dates: 16th -23rd October 2010
Trek Grade: Difficult. Physical fitness is necessary for the trekking during the camp, ponies might not be available. Luggage will be carried by the porters.
Meeting Point: Birla Temple, Cannaught place, Delhi at 9.30 pm on Saturday, 16th October 2010. Though we will return on 23rd October kindly book your overnight stay at Delhi and return ticket for 24th October.
Cost: Rs. 17,000/-
Group Leaders: Mr. Nikhil Bhopale & Mr. Asif Khan
Accommodation: twin/ triple sharing
Note: Room sharing will be separate for male and female participants.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
Camp Programme
Day 1 : Leave Delhi by 9.30 pm by A/C coach
Day 2 : Reach Uttarkashi by 1 pm and check in at Leisure Camps, -a riverside swiss tents camping site, evening birdwatching
Day 3 : Leave early to Sangam Chatti and start trek to Agoda 6 km easy, stay overnight there in lodge with basic facility
Day 4 : Start trek to Dodital 15 km easy to moderate through the forest experiencing Himalayan flora and birding enroute and stay overnight in Forest Rest House
Day 5 : Excursion to Darva top - alpine meadows - and back by the evening to Dodital
Day 6 : Leave Dodital early to stay at Agoda Lodge
Day 7 : Leave early to board the bus from Sangam Chatti to reach Mussoorie by 6 pm and check in hotel
Day 8 : Early morning excursion to Benog Bird Sanctuary and back by 11 am, have lunch and leave for Delhi to reach by late evening.
November
BUTTERFLY WATCH CAMP IN DUARS OF WEST BENGAL
Eastern India is home to more than 800 species of butterflies which makes it a hot spot for butterflies, not only in our country but in the entire oriental region. Learn the fine art of photographing and identifying these elusive flying gems from experts.
CHILAPATA WILDLIFE SANTUARY: Chilapata Forest is a dense forest near Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary in Dooars, Jalpaiguri District. It is about 20 km from Alipur Duar. The forest forms an elephant corridor between Jaldapara and the Buxa Tiger Reserve.
BUXA TIGER RESERVE: The park is located at the north eastern corner of Duars plains of North Bengal bordering Bhutan and Assam. Situated at an altitude of 2600 ft above sea level the forest mainly comprises of deciduous forests, which are densely wooded and is home to some of West Bengal's most varied flora and fauna. Here we go Butterflying in the Jayanti and Moorti River beds.
Dates: 3rd -7th November 2010 (Few seats available). 8th-12th November 2010 (2nd batch on demand)
Meeting Point: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station.
Travel information: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is near to Bagdogra Airport, or alternatively NJP has good number of trains from Kolkata. From NJP one can visit Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim, and Guwahati.
Cost: Rs. 13,500/- (15 limited seats available per batch)
Group leaders: - Mr. Isaac Kehimkar and Mr. Nikhil Bhopale
Accommodation: 3 sharing.
Note: Room sharing will be separate for male and female participants. Cost Includes: Pickup and Drop to NJP, Accommodations, all meals, local butterfly guide, and BNHS expertise.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
NATURE CAMP AT AGUMBE RAINFOREST RESEARCH STATION (ARRS)
Agumbe situated 560 meters above sea level on the Sahyadri ranges (Western Ghats), a World bio-diversity hotspot is aptly called the Cherapunji of South India as it receives an average rainfall of 7000-8000 mm annually. The Agumbe Rainforest Research Station is set up by Romulus Whitaker, where he caught his first King Cobra 35 years ago. The main objective of ARRS is to study and conserve the rainforests of south India using the King Cobra as the flagship. Learn how to identify forest birds and their calls from an expert.
Dates: 1st Batch 20 to 23 November (few seats available). 2nd Batch 24 to 27 November (few seats available)
Accommodation: Dormitory (very basic facilities)
Please check the website: www.agumberainforest.com
Charges: Rs. 4700/- (includes accommodation in dormitory, all meals, and pick-up and drop-off from Udipi Railway Station on the Konkan railway). Matsyagandha Express (2619) 0640 hrs. Pick up at 7.00 a.m. Drop-off at Udipi Railway Station at 1330 hrs. Matsyagandha Express (2620) at 1420 hrs, to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Mumbai.
Group Leaders: Mr. Isaac Kehimkar and Mr. Nikhil Bhopale.
Note: Room sharing will be separate for male and female participants.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
December
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES OF GOA - BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS OF THE WESTERN GHATS
With requests from members, we once take you to this enchanting place.
During this camp, we will be exploring Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. The region has been acknowledged as a Mega Biodiversity Hotspot of the Western Ghats Range and has also been recognized as an Important Bird Area.
Dates: 6th – 9th December 2010
Accommodation: Wildernest Resort (4 star category)
Please check the website: www.wildernest-goa.com
Charges : Rs. 9000/- (includes twin-sharing accommodation in eco cottages, all meals, slide-show on wildlife and bio-diversity, swimming pool facility and pick-up and drop-off from Thivim Railway Station on the Kokan railway).
Group Leaders: Mr. Asif Khan & Mr. Vandan Jhaveri
How to Reach: Konkan Kanya Express (0111) Starts from Mumbai CST at 23.05 hrs, and reaches Thivim at 10.40 hrs.
Return: Konkan Kanya Express (0112) Reaches Thivim at 17.34 hrs (2 min halt), reaches Mumbai at 05.50 hrs.
Meeting Point: Thivim railway station at 10.45 hrs, drop back to Thivim Railway station at 16.00 hrs. Note: - Room sharing will be separate for male and female participants.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
SUNDARBANS - LAND OF THE ROYAL BENGAL TIGER
The Sundarbans are located in the river delta of Brahmaputra and Ganges in the Bay of Bengal. 102 islands are situated in this world’s largest river delta. Approximately, 40 per cent of the Sundarbans is in India’s state of West Bengal.
The Sundarbans are the largest mangrove forest worldwide; they cover 60 per cent of India’s total mangrove area. Almost 90 per cent of all Indian mangrove species are found here.
Of course, the Tiger is the flagship species of Sundarbans, where it roams in the marshy areas and is often seen swimming across the channels. Moreover, Sundarbans is the best place to see the Saltwater Crocodile and Water Monitor Lizard. With more than 180 bird species found here in winter, January is the perfect time to see the migratory birds.
Dates: Batch I- 24th to 27th of December (few seat remaining). Batch II- 28th to 31st of December (On demand)
Camp fee: Rs. 9000 [Includes accommodation (3/4 sharing), all meals, pick up and drop at Howrah railway station.
Group Leader: Mr. Asif Khan.
Meeting point: Pick up near Howrah railway station (Kolkata) near Yatri Niwas morning 08.00 hrs.
Note: Room sharing will be separate for male and female participants.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
GREAT RANN OF KUTCH – THE BIRDING PARADISE OF INDIA
Explore the areas bordering the Great Rann of Kutch and other interesting places like, Banni, Chari-Dhand for birdwatching and finding fossils. Winter is the perfect time to watch a variety of migratory birds that come to these places in thousands.
Good time to see Common Crane, Short-eared Owl, Greater Spotted Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Laggar Falcon, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Sykes’s Lark, Indian Courser, Indian Bustard, Crab Plover, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Oystercatcher, Great Thick-knee, White-naped Tit, White-bellied Minivets, Painted Sandgrouse, Sirkeer Malkoha, Rufous-fronted Prinia, Buntings, Grey Hypocolius, Graceful Prinia, Red-tail Wheatear, warblers and lot more. Some of the mammals seen here are Jackal, Indian Fox, Hyena, Nilgai, Chinkara, Jungle Cat, Hedgehog and Mongoose.
Batches: 1st Batch 28th- 1st December/ January (few Seats Remaining), 2nd Batch 2nd- 6th January 2011 (on demand)
Charges: Rs. 9000/- (Charges include transport from Bhuj railway station and back, local travel, entry fee, all meals and accommodation twin-sharing basis).
Note: - Room sharing will be separate for male and female participants.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
Meeting Point: Bhuj Station at 8.00 hrs on day one, drop-off at Bhuj Station at 18.00 hrs on the last day.
Travel: Participants are advised to book Bandra – Bhuj Sayaji Express (Train No. 9115) which leaves Bandra daily at 14.50 hrs and reaches Bhuj at 07.40 hrs next morning. The Camp concludes on the 5th day and both above-mentioned trains leave Bhuj by 22.15 hrs.
Group Leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri and Mr. J K Tewari.
January, 2011
ANDAMAN ISLANDS
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India lies in the Bay of Bengal. It consists of about 527 islands both small and large. The coastline of the Islands stretches for about 100 km. The area of the Islands is about 8,293 square kilometers. Of the total land area 92% of the land is covered with rain forests. Of the 527 islands, only 38 islands are inhabited by humans. These Islands have good numbers of endemic flora and fauna. This trip covers North, Middle and South Andaman.
Dates: 17th-27th January 2011 (Few seat available). 20th-30th January 2011 (Second batch on demand).
Reporting: Port Blair airport. Kindly book your flight at the earliest to avail tickets
at cheaper rate.
Group Leaders: Mr. Isaac Kehimkar and Mr. Nikhil Bhopale.
Camp Fee: Rs. 26000/- {Includes visits to Anthropology Museum, Central Jail from inside with sound & light show, Mount Harriet, Wandoor National park (Jollybuoy / Redskin Island for snorkeling), two nature trails at the base of Saddle Peak, evening visit to Ramnagar beach, Ross & Smith Island, Mud volcano, Lime Stone cave, Chidiyatapu, night stay at Havlok Island, Elephanta and Radhanageri beach}
Cost includes: Port Blair to Port Blair. Airport pick up and drop. Twin sharing ‘A’ class hotel in Port Blair and triple sharing elsewhere, Hygienic veg. / non-veg. food (non-veg. as per availability). Permits for prohibited areas.
Cost excludes: Air travel, Personal expenses like mineral water, Cold drinks, Laundry and Medical expenses. Optional activity charges like Scuba Diving, Snorkeling. Cost of extended stays or change in itinerary on account factors beyond our control (for instance bad weather, civil disturbances etc.), Camera fees in wild life sanctuaries.
Note: Room sharing will be separate for male and female participants.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
March
GARO HILLS- MEGHALAYA
The north-eastern state of Meghalaya is situated in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The word Meghalaya literally means “The Abode of Clouds” in Sanskrit. With about 45% of the state being forested.
Garo Hills is one of the most biodiversity rich sites in Meghalaya. The forest is mostly Sal and Teak. One can also see the endangered insectivorous pitcher plant and the rare Lady’s slipper orchids. Garo hills is home for several species of mammals like Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langur, Assamese Macaque, Hoary-bellied and Orange- bellied Squirrel, Leopard Cat, Elephants. Birds like Red-headed Trogon, White-winged Duck, Olive Bulbul, Flavescent Bulbul, Mountain Bamboo Partridge, and also Chestnut-fronted Shrike-babbler (only record from India is a specimen collected from the Garo hills).
A weeks visit in the right season will reveal between 150 to 200 butterfly species, like Four Bar Swordtail, Orange Awlet, Silver Royal, Marbled Map and lot more of these flying jewels could be seen.
Dates: Batch I- 12th- 17th March’ 2011. Batch II- 19th-24th March’ 2011 (On- Demand)
Cost: Rs. 18,150/-
Group Leaders: Mr. Isaac Kehimkar & Mr. Nikhil Bhopale
Reporting time: 6.00 am on day one at Mayur Hotel, Paltan Bazzar, Guwahati. Drop off at Mayur hotel on the last day at night by 9 p.m.
Travel information: Guwahati has got good air and train connections. Participants can plan to extend their stay in Meghalaya to explore other tourist destinations and may also consider visiting Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Please ask for advice on traveling further.
Participants are advised to book their return journey on the next day after their return to Guwahati.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
INTERNATIONAL CAMP
February 2011
SRI LANKA – EXPLORING THE EMERALD ISLAND
Bird watching in Sri Lanka is a delight for any committed birding enthusiast. More than 450 species of birds, with nearly half of them migrants and more than 30 endemics to the island. The island has some of the most fascinating locations including coastal wetlands, rainforests, and the soaring peaks of the hill country where one can find an array of wildlife.
The Muthurajawela Marshes are situated between Negombo Lagoon and Kelani River, the Marsh together with the Negombo Lagoon form an integrated coastal wetland eco-system that is biologically diverse and teeming with life. A breeding population of the endangered Estuarine Crocodile is found here. Globally threatened Grey Slender Loris is extremely rare in Muthurajawela. The Fishing Cat is often seen.
SINHARAJA RAIN FOREST which can be described as a Tropical Lowland Rainforest. Singharaja is a rich treasure trove of nature with a great diversity of habitats and a vast repository of Sri Lanka’s endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Birdwatching in this ecosystem is particularly interesting because it is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka, including the elusive Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie .
Yala National Park comprises of several major habitat types including dunes, scrub forest, riverine forests, rocky out-crops, secondary forests and coastal lagoons with mangrove forests. This diverse collection of vegetation provides home to many species of animals including sloth bear, herds of elephants, buffalo, Sambar and the endangered leopard sub-species, which found only in Sri Lanka. Other carnivores found in the park include Ring-tailed Civet, and the endemic Golden Palm Civet. Brown-capped Babbler, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Wood Shrike, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Sri Lankan Junglefowl can be spotted in Yala’s riverine forests.
BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK is a mix of scrub jungle and sand dunes bordering the sea. Bundala & Tissa wetlands are home to winter migratory birds and large flocks of flamingos. All five endangered species of marine turtles visit these shore for laying their eggs. This one of the best place to see the migratory birds.
Kitulgala forest reserve. Oscar-winning classic `The Bridge over the River Kwai’ by David Lean was filmed in this fascinating place. Birds like Chestnut-backed Owlet, Sri Lanka Spot-winged Thrush, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot can be easily spotted here. Smaller mammals includes the endemic & endangered Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Layard’s Striped Squirrel can be spotted here.
PRICE INCLUDES FOLLOWING SERVICES:
· Welcome assistance on arrival.
· Transport in an A/C Coach.
· Service of English speaking National Guide / Naturalist.
· Accommodation on Twin Sharing on Full board basis.
Entrance Tickets to the following:
· Ticket for the Muthurajawela Boat Ride
· Ticket for the Boat Ride in Waikali
· 3 Entrances to Yala National Park + Jeep Safaris
· 1 Entrance to Bundala National Park + Tracker + Jeep Safari
· 2 Entrances to Sinharaja Forest
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
· Expenses of a personal nature laundry, telephone calls, etc.
· Alcoholic and other beverages.
· Tips and gratuities.
· Photo and video permit (Charges) and porterage.
· Services other than those specified above.
· Airfair
· Insurance
· Visa (Free of cost on arrival. The passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of return – Visa regulations subject to change.)
Dates: 12th – 20th February 2011
Cost: Rs. 62,400/- + airfare
Group Leaders: Mr. Isaac Kehimkar & Mr. Nikhil Bhopale
Registration: Call at Hornbill House 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com
FORTHCOMING INTERNATIONAL CAMPS
1. 16 days in Bhutan (April 2011): We are planning to hold a Nature Camp in Bhutan, where we will explore this Himalayan kingdom from east to west. Approximately the camp will cost Rs. 97000/- .
2. Wild Malaysia – Sabah and Sarawak. (May 2011): Tell us if you would like see the world’s oldest tropical forests and enjoy the Malaysian hospitality. Approximately the camp will cost Rs. 87000/- . 8 days Mumbai to Mumbai.
Members interested in any of the above camps, please call at Hornbill House or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
Note:
- If you are registering for any of the programmes, it is assumed that you have read and agreed to all the Rules and Guidelines.
- Guidelines and Rules for the BNHS programmes are available on the website: www.bnhs.org
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