Nature India Tours

Bhigwan - For Ducks & Waterfowl - 4th to 5th Feb'2012

2012-01-22T07:58:00.000-08:00

Dates: 04th Feb, 2012 (Saturday) to 05th Feb, 2012 (Sunday) - Mumbai to Bhigwan & back. The bookings for Bhigwan trip is on…..register NOW to get your seats, before it gets Houseful as usual ....... Please See complete details (Iterinary, Logistics, Charges etc) at the end of this Blog.....

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BHIGWAN - The Big One for Waterbirds

Imagine a water body full of ducks, waders, storks & other waterbirds, and not just one but many such water bodies!! This amazing place is called "Bhigwan". Bhigwan is known among bird-watchers with many nick-names like, "Mini-Bharatpur of Maharashtra", "Big-one for waterfowls", "Waterfall of waterfowls" (indicating abundance of water birds) etc..

North Indian wetlands like, Bharatpur, Sultanpur etc. are known for huge influx of waterfowls, especially ducks, as compared to South India. But Bhigwan is an exception. This place is "One of the largest wetlands in South Central India" that offers immensely satisfying birding with absolutely huge congregations of waterfowl..... It has become a ritual of sorts now for birdwatchers to visit this amazing place every year.

Bhigwan is a small town approx. 110 kms from Pune on the Pune – Solapur road (NH-9) and is surrounded by the backwaters of the mighty Ujjani Dam on the river Bhima. It is a proposed sanctuary for migratory birds, an area of about 18000 hectares. The backwater area is spread across and around the town of Bhigwan……..This is probably the best spot in South Central India to see ducks in enormous numbers.

Bhigwan is a heaven for wintering waterfowl like the Spoonbills, Gulls, Ducks, Storks, Herons, Egrets, Coots, Pochards, Harriers, Osprey and a huge variety of waders and birds like Pratincoles, Pipits, Larks, Chats etc that abound in the surrounding dry countryside…..a small population of Greater flamingos, also winter here regularly and can be presently seen.....there is also a huge colony of Painted storks (believed to be in few thousands) roosting and nesting near "Badalwadi"…… Being an open habitat, it is also very easy to spot the birds and for photography.

With most of the waterbodies drying up elsewhere, Bhigwan remains as a stronghold for wintering migrants till the end of March. It is one of the best places in Maharashtra to see Comb Ducks, Painted Storks, Brahminy Ducks, Cotton Pigmy Goose, Eurasian Spoonbills, Small Pratincoles, Eurasian Wigeons, Common Teals, Northern Shovellers, Northern Pintails, Common Pochards etc. A weekend trip to this "now famous" wetland is highly recommended to view and learn about birds.

For more information on this site and for some delightful trip reports of last year, please click the links below;

http://natureindia-tours.blogspot.com/2009/07/final-trip-reports.html#bhigwan

http://green-indians.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html

http://addithebirdie.blogspot.com/2005/12/bhigwan-big-one-for-ducks-and_21.html

http://www.rakeshdhareshwar.com/coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=42

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/birdsofbombay/message/9179

http://alokbhave.blogspot.com/2008/01/bhigwan-jan-2007.html

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/birdsofbombay/message/9177

Nature India has meticulously planned a weekend trip to this amazing place – Bhigwan, from 04 to 05th February, 2012 the details are given below.
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Tour Iterinary & Other Details:

Dates:04th Feb 2012 (Saturday) Morning 6.30 AM to 05th Feb 2012 (Sunday) 10.00 PM.

Mode of Travel: Non AC Minibus

Stay on 04th Feb' Night: Hotel Amardeep: 22 kms from Bhigwan on the Baramati MIDC road.: it's the only decent hotel around. for staying on twin sharing basis……

Route & Iterinary:

04th Feb'12: Mor. 6.30 AM departure from Mumbai (from Dadar Chandu Halwai - Dadar East) – Sion - Chembur -- Vashi (Breakfast @Hotel Navratna) – Belapur -- Pune – Solapur Road – Lunch at Bhigwan @ 2.30 pm - Birdwatching in evening at Diksal, Bhigwan – Eve. proceed to Hotel Amardeep– Revision and discussion on Birds – Delicious dinner- Overnight Stay

05th Feb'12: Early morning (6.00 AM) checkout from Hotel Amardeep and departure to Bhigwan – Birdwatching at Kumbhargaon & Dhalaaj , Bhigwan – "Mouth watering" Lunch at Hotel Sagar, Bhigwan at 2.00 pm (a-la-carte) – Start at 3.00 pm to return back to Mumbai – reach Mumbai at approx. 10.00 PM.

Important Note: This trip involves long bus travel, so be prepared

Trip charges: Rs. 3500 /- only (Includes non- A/C room stay in Hotel Amardeep, on twin/triple sharing basis, Travel charges from Mumbai to Bhigwan & back in a non-AC minibus, Veg / non-veg meals & Breakfast, Information articles, Entry charges, Guide fees & on board snacks and mineral water)

This does not include any charges other than the above.

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmation mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.2000/-after our registration mail confirmation …..The remaining amount will be collected on the day of travel.

Resource Persons: Mr. Adesh Shivkar / Mr. Mandar Khadilkar

Mode of Payment: You can either

1) Transfer the advance money directly to HDFC A/c (Please call Mandar @ 9930318665 or 9967518665 for A/c No.).. please mention your name, date and other details….

2) Courier a cheque of Rs.2000/- as advance amount to the following address

Name: Mr. Mandar Khadilkar

Address: B/702, Neha Apartments, Ashish Complex, CS Cross Road No.4, Dahisar (East), Mumbai-400068

Please Note:
1) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 2000/- is strictly non-refunadable
2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours

3) Nesting photography is prohibited.

Please revert on natureindiatours@gmail.com ID, in case you need any clarification ......

For any other queries we are available on 9869071091 or 9820455713 (Adesh) and 9930318665 or 9967518665 (Mandar)

Thanks for your patience.

Looking forward for a very rewarding trip with you all !!

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect & Conserve

Batch-2 CORBETT / SATTAL / PANGOT - Birder's Dream Destinations :25th Mar to 29th March,2012

2011-12-28T07:46:00.000-08:00

Once again .....after an overwhelming response to our first batch to Corbett / Sattal / Pangot ..... Nature India announces a 2nd batch to this most popular Nature India destination.....

Dates: 25th Mar, 2012 to 29th Mar, 2012 (Mumbai - Delhi - Ramnagar & Back travel days excluded)The bookings for Corbett National Park and Sattal / Pangot / Nainital Wildlife trip is on…..book your seats NOW before it gets HOUSEFULL as only few seats are remaining (see the details at the end).... The Corbett National Park trip is defined as a complete Wildlife Package trip.

See Last few years trip reports here...
http://natureindia-tours.blogspot.com/2009/07/final-trip-reports.html#corbett

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CORBETT NATIONAL PARK

Imagine a Park with over 550 species of Birds (That’s an astounding 1/3^rd of the total species of birds found in India), more than 50 mammal species including Tiger, Leopard, Bears and Elephants and more than 40 species of reptiles including the rare Gharial …… Where the terai grasslands are surrounded by the tall Sal trees nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas in the rugged “Shivalik hills’ …… It’s a sheer wild poetry in front of you. One of the finest Wildlife reserves in India, Corbett has a distinction of been the country's first National park. Formerly called as “Hailey national Park” it was established in 1936 in consultation with the legendary Hunter / Naturalist Jim Corbett…… it was aptly renamed “Jim Corbett National Park” in 1972.

In 1972, PROJECT TIGER the most prestigious and biggest total environmental conservation project ever was launched in India. The Jim Corbett National Park has another distinction of having been chosen the venue for the inauguration of this project.

With its impressive list of wildlife species and very well managed wildlife tourism, Corbett is renowned as one of the best National Parks in the world. It boosts of a very healthy populations of Tigers, Elephants, Gharials, Otters, Swamp Deers, King Cobras, Birds and variety of vegetation. Just Google the word CorbettNational Park and you will get a hint of its popularity :-)

The park spans across some 920.9 square kms with a core area of about 520 Sq.kms at an altitude of 600 to 1100 metres about the foothills of the western Himalayas in the districts of Nainital and Pauri Garhwal in the state of Uttaranchal (formerly part of Uttar Pradesh). In its eventful 64-year life, it has grown considerably in size and now includes the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary as a part of its 1,319 sq km of reserved forest area. The terrain includes picturesque hilly ridges covered by Sal trees. Lower down are the grasslands and bamboo growth.

Mammal Species to look for: Tiger, Elephants, Leopards, Hog Deer, Sambar, Barking deer, Wild Boar, Yellow throated Martin, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, Dhole, Spotted Deers,Otters etc.

Bird Species to look for : Green Magpie, Rosy & Long-tailed Minivets, Red Jungle-fowl, Khaleej Pheasant, Collared Falconet, Hodgson’s Bushchat, Wallcreeper, Great thick-knee, Brown Fish Owl, Tawny fish Owl, Brown Hawk Owl, Great slaty woodpecker, Green-tailed Sunbird, Himalayan Barbet, Woodpeckers (Great Slaty, Himalayan, Grey-headed, Lesser Yellownape, Greater Yellownape, Grey-capped Pigmy) , River Lapwing, Sand Martins, Russet Sparrows, Orange-breasted Green Pigeons, Eagles (Palla’s Fish, Lesser Fish, Rufous-bellied, Mountain Hawk) ,Vultures (Himalayan Griffon, Cinereous, Egyptian, Red-headed Vulture) , Himalayan Griffon Vultures, Bright-headed Cisticola, Siberian & White-tailed Rubythroat, Black francolin,Speckled Piculet, Mallard duck, Red-crested Pochard, Barbets (Himalayan, Lineated, Blue-throated), Oriental Pied & Great Hornbill, Dollar Bird, Crested or Himalayan Kingfisher,Blue-bearded bee-eater, Long-tailed Broadbill, Lesser Coucal, Red-breasted Parakeet,Himalayan Swiftlet, Small Pratincoles, Hen Harrier, Northern Goshawk, Besra, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Great Crested Grebe, Black Stork, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Eurasian Jay, Grey Tree pie, Maroon Oriole, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Drongos (Lesser Racket-tailed, Spangled), Brown Dipper, Thrush (Scaly, Dark-throated, Long-billed, Tickel’s, Blue Whistling), Grey-winged Blackbird, Flycatchers (Dark-sided, Rufous-gorgeted, Ultramarine), Small & Rufous-bellied Niltava, Whiskered Yuhina, White-capped Water Redstart, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Forktails, Tree Creepers, Himalayan Bulbuls,Various species of Tits, Nuthaches …….. and an Incredibly Looooonggggg List

We had an approx. sightings of 200 + species on average in our last 7 visits each in 5 days:-)

Reptile Species: Gharial and Marsh Crocodile, Indian Monitor Lizard, Rock Agama, King Cobra etc….

Flora: Corbett National Park is rich in vegetation. The lower reaches of the Park, where the land is flat compared to the upper reaches, consists of tall and slender Sal (Shorea robusta) trees. Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) and Khair (Acacia katechu) trees are found in the middle reaches, while the upper reaches of the mountains are full of bakli (Anogeissus latifolia), chir (Pinus roxburghii), gurail (Bauhinia racemosa) and bamboo trees. The Park is dotted with lantana shrubs, a species that is a great cause for concern. In Park also boosts of over 33 species of bamboo and grass that are mostly found in chours, or meadows.

Click here to get a detailed information of Corbett National Park…..

http://www.corbettnationalpark.com/about-corbett-park.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Corbett_National_Park

You can also view Some of the wonderful trip reports by our participants who came last year to Corbett.

http://www.math.iitb.ac.in/~krishnan/corbett-pics/

http://abhayastravelogue.blogspot.com/2011/04/trip-to-jim-corbett.html

http://birdingdiary.blogspot.com/2011/03/corbett-national-park-batch-1-07th-to.html

Some wonderful experiences by Nature India trip participants

http://natureindia-tours.blogspot.com/2009/07/trip-experiences-by-nature-india-tours.html

SATTAL/NAINITAL/PANGOT

About 70 kms northeast of Ramnagar in the Kumaon Himalayas lies the Nainital Lake Valley (29° 22' 60N and 79° 27' 0E) and adjacent hill resorts. The Pangot area (1900m) lies 15 kilometers past Nainital and is on the road to Vinayak past Kilbury. While the Sattal area (800m) lies 20 kms to the south east of Nainital. This area and its surrounding hills has a record of 200+ Himalayan bird species, with a great altitudnal variation.

Mixed forests dominated by thick ban-oak, pine and rhododendron cover most of the area and surrounding hills. A large part of the landscape is characterized by dense vegetation. Numerous perennial creeks and streams crisscross the area along with various lakes (Sattal, Nainital, Bhimtal, Nakuchiatal) that dot this region.

District Nainital (Kumaon) covers the tropical, subtropical, temperate, sub alpine and alpine zones. The terai & bhabhar belt presents the climate of the plains while the deep valleys with elevation upto 1000 Mts. play host to flora and fauna typical of hills as well as plains. The middle Himalayan ranges to 2000 Mts and the sub alpine region upto 2500 Mts complete the eco-zones. (Source: www.kolkatabirds.com)

Pangot, a beautiful hamlet in the Kumaon hills, surrounded by thick forests. It offers bird watchers and nature lovers a truly rewarding experience. Pangot is just 15 km away from Nainital and population a mere hundred.

The peace and solitude one experiences in this clean and fresh place is unmatched. Birding in Sattal/Pangot is an amazing experience….this place is so rich in birds that once visited you will yearn to go there again and again. Most of the birding can be done one the way and you can expect loads of mixed hunting parties of Nuthatches, Flycatchers, Minla’s, Laughing Thrushes, Shrike-babblers, Yuhina’s, Sibia’s, green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker’s, a variety of woodpeckers or even a Lammergier soaring overhead. Some of the birds that are easily seen here are Eurasian & Black-headed Jay, Whiskered Yuhina, Hill Prinia, Slaty-headed Parakeets, Forktail’s, Crimson Sunbird, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Blue-winged Minla, White-tailed Nuthatch, Rufous Sibia, Verditer & Ultramarine flycatchers, Red-billed Blue Magpie and so many others….

Nature India has organized a meticulously planned and exciting wildlife trip to this paradise from 25th March - 29 March 2012 (excluding travel from Mumbai - Delhi - Ramnagar & Back). We shall cover the prime spots in Corbett including 2 full Days in Dhikala (the place of action), Sarpduli, Gairal, Garjia, Sambar Road, Champion Road, Sattal, Pangot, Nainital… That completes most of the prime locations here. What more, the renowned birder of the region Mr.Manoj Sharma has agreed to take time from his busy schedule to join us.

Please note, that the places selected are the hot spots and there is a high rush to get permits to these places, but we have managed to get this for your maximum gains.

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Tour Itinerary & Other Details: (Ramnagar to Ramnagar) participants need to make their own travel arrangements from Delhi to Ramnagar & Back.

Day 1 (24th Mar'12-Saturday) : Board 5013 Jim Corbett Park Link Exp from old Delhi station leaving 22.40 hrs.

Day 2 (25th Mar'12-Sunday) : Reach Ramnagar railway station at 5.30 am, freshnup on the way – Breakfast and proceed to Dhikala camp via Gairal & Crocodile pool in open gypsies– Lunch and Evening safari through the chaurs (Terai grasslands)– Night stay in Dhikala forest camp.

Day 3 (26th Mar’12-Monday) : Full day game drive in open gypsies & birding in Dhikala region covering Sarpdauli, Champion Road, Thandi Sadak & High Bank, full day game-drive at Dhikala-Night stay in Dhikala forest camp

Day 4 (27th Mar’12-Tuesday) : Morning Game drive / Birding in Dhikala and inside Corbett N.P in open gypsies - Lunch - proceed to Nainital while birding along the way- Night Stay at Sattal

Day 5 (28th Mar’12-Wednesday) : Full day birding in Nainital / Pangot / Bhimtal / Sattal - Night stay at Sattal.

Day 6 (29th Mar’12-Thursday) : Full day birding & Wildlifing in Nainital / Pangot / Bhimtal / Sat Tal & Proceed to Ramnagar station to board 25014 Corbet Prk link train for Delhi (at 09.40 pm)

Day 7 (30th Mar’12-Friday) : Arrive in Old Delhi station at 5.00 am

Trip charges : Rs.18400/- (Includes Non- A/C room stay on Triple Sharing Basis in Dhikala FRH and on Twin Sharing basis in comfortable hotel in Sattal, Local travel by 4x4 jeeps in Corbett and Tavera's in Sattal, Veg. meals, Breakfast, Fruits, Park Permits, Park entry charges, Photography charges, Guide charges, Information articles & on board snacks and mineral water)…….

This does not include Travel charges from Mumbai - Delhi - Ramnagar and Back or any charges other than the above. Participants will have to make their own travel arrangements till Ramnagar & Back.

Add Rs.2000/- if twin sharing is required for Dhikala FRH also

Note:

Nature India can assist you for your train travel bookings from Delhi to Ramnagar if required (train travel charges extra).

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmatory mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non-refundable advance of Rs.7000/- after getting registration mail by us (The seats will only be confirmed after receiving the advance amount) …..the remaining amount will be collected during the trip....... Kindly register soon to avoid the rush for train bookings...

Group Size: Max 13 Pax only

Stay Arrangement: Dhikala Forest Camp (It is actually a resort) inside Corbett N.P. on Triple sharing basis and a comfortable Hotel in Sattal on twin sharing basis. …….
(see below image)

Resource Persons: Mr.Manoj Sharma, Mr.Adesh Shivkar

Mode of Payment: You can either

1) Transfer the advance money directly to my HDFC A/c (Please send a mail/call for details).. please mention your name, date and other details….OR
2) Courier a cheque of Rs.7000/- as advance amount to the following address

Name: Mr.Adesh Shivkar

Address: D/8, The Adi Janata Society, Behind HP Petrolpump, Opp. Hotel Shangrila, Sion(East), Mumbai-400022

Please Note:
1) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 7000/- is strictly non-refundable
2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on all Nature India Tours

3) Nest photography or any collection of specimens is prohibited

Please revert on natureindiatours@gmail.com ID, in case you need any clarification ….

For any other queries we are available on 9869071091 (Adesh) and 9930318665 or 9967518665 (Mandar)

Thanks for your patience.

Looking forward for a very rewarding trip with you all !!

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect and Conserve

CORBETT / SATTAL / PANGOT - Birder's Dream Destinations :19th Mar to 23rd March,2012

2011-12-19T05:48:00.000-08:00

This is one of the most popular Nature India trips :-)

Dates: 19th Mar, 2012 to 23rd Mar, 2012 (Mumbai - Delhi - Ramnagar & Back travel days excluded)The bookings for Corbett National Park and Sattal / Pangot / Nainital Wildlife trip is on…..book your seats NOW before it gets HOUSEFULL (see the details at the end).... The Corbett National Park trip is defined as a complete Wildlife Package trip.

See Last few years trip reports here...
http://natureindia-tours.blogspot.com/2009/07/final-trip-reports.html#corbett

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CORBETT NATIONAL PARK

Mammal Species to look for: Tiger, Elephants, Leopards, Hog Deer, Sambar, Barking deer, Wild Boar, Yellow throated Martin, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, Dhole, Spotted Deers,Otters etc.

We had an approx. sightings of 200 + species on average in our last 7 visits each in 5 days:-)

Reptile Species: Gharial and Marsh Crocodile, Indian Monitor Lizard, Rock Agama, King Cobra etc….

Click here to get a detailed information of Corbett National Park…..

http://www.corbettnationalpark.com/about-corbett-park.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Corbett_National_Park

You can also view Some of the wonderful trip reports by our participants who came last year to Corbett.

Some wonderful experiences by Nature India trip participants

http://natureindia-tours.blogspot.com/2009/07/trip-experiences-by-nature-india-tours.html

SATTAL/NAINITAL/PANGOT

Nature India has organized a meticulously planned and exciting wildlife trip to this paradise from 19th March - 23rd March 2012 (excluding travel from Mumbai - Delhi - Ramnagar & Back). We shall cover the prime spots in Corbett including 2 full Days in Dhikala (the place of action), Sarpduli, Gairal, Garjia, Sambar Road, Champion Road, Sattal, Pangot, Nainital… That completes most of the prime locations here. What more, the renowned birder of the region Mr.Manoj Sharma has agreed to take time from his busy schedule to join us.

Please note, that the places selected are the hot spots and there is a high rush to get permits to these places, but we have managed to get this for your maximum gains.

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Tour Itinerary & Other Details: (Ramnagar to Ramnagar) participants need to make their own travel arrangements from Delhi to Ramnagar & Back.

Day 1 (18th Mar'12) : Board 5013 Jim Corbett Park Link Exp from old Delhi station leaving 22.40 hrs.

Day 2 (19th Mar'12) : Reach Ramnagar railway station at 5.30 am, freshnup on the way – Breakfast and proceed to Dhikala camp via Gairal & Crocodile pool in open gypsies– Lunch and Evening safari through the chaurs (Terai grasslands)– Night stay in Dhikala forest camp.

Day 3 (20th Mar’12) : Full day game drive in open gypsies & birding in Dhikala region covering Sarpdauli, Champion Road, Thandi Sadak & High Bank, full day game-drive at Dhikala-Night stay in Dhikala forest camp

Day 4 (21st Mar’12) : Morning Game drive / Birding in Dhikala and inside Corbett N.P in open gypsies - Lunch - proceed to Nainital while birding along the way- Night Stay at Sattal

Day 5 (22nd Mar’12) : Full day birding in Nainital / Pangot / Bhimtal / Sattal - Night stay at Sattal.

Day 6 (23rd Mar’12) : Full day birding & Wildlifing in Nainital / Pangot / Bhimtal / Sat Tal & Proceed to Kathgodam station to board train for Delhi (at 10.00 pm)

Day 7 (24th Mar’12) : Arrive in Delhi at 5.00 am

Note:

Nature India can assist you for your train travel bookings from Delhi to Ramnagar if required (train travel charges extra).

Resource Persons: Mr.Manoj Sharma, Mr.Adesh Shivkar

Mode of Payment: You can either

Name: Mr.Adesh Shivkar

Address: D/8, The Adi Janata Society, Behind HP Petrolpump, Opp. Hotel Shangrila, Sion(East), Mumbai-400022

Please Note:
1) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 7000/- is strictly non-refundable
2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on all Nature India Tours

3) Nest photography or any collection of specimens is prohibited

Please revert on natureindiatours@gmail.com ID, in case you need any clarification ….

For any other queries we are available on 9869071091 (Adesh) and 9930318665 or 9967518665 (Mandar)

Thanks for your patience.

Looking forward for a very rewarding trip with you all !!

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect and Conserve

Batch-2 JAMNAGAR - Effortless Birding Experience (03rd to 08th March 2012)

2011-12-09T02:17:00.000-08:00

Once again ....After an overwhelming response to our 1st batch to one of our most popular Nature India trips - "Effortless Birding" in Jamnagar, here comes batch-2. Only few seats remaining as the 1st batch wait listers have already confirmed their participation :-)

Date: 03rd to 08th March 2012 (travel days included). The bookings for Jamnagar / Khijadia / Narara bird-watching trip are on…..book your seats now (see the details at the end).....Birdwatch in one of the most Bird-rich areas with Nature India...where thousands of birds can be seen at ease...... This trip is also Strongly recommended to those who are New to Birding :-) ........... Please See complete details (Itinerary, Charges etc) at the end of this Blog.

Read Last year's report..

http://natureindia-tours.blogspot.com/2009/07/final-trip-reports.html#jamnagar

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JAMNAGAR - Effortless Birding Experience

Jamnagar the Jewel of Kathiawar, is on the coast of "Gulf of Kutch" in the state of Gujarat, India. It has unspoilt Islands & Beaches, Hills, Temples, Palaces, Forest, Fantastic Bird life in the Bird & Marine Sanctuaries and Fascinating Corals along the coast…..

Jamnagar is the oldest city in Saurashtra. This city was also known as "Halar" in olden days, later it came to known as "Nawanagar". Modern Jamnagar city was built in 1920 AD by Maharaja Shri Ranjitsinhji. The city has army, navy and air force installation as it has strategic geographical location. In last few years Jamnagar has emerged as a Petro Giant. India's largest private company Reliance has established the world's largest grass root level refinery near Jamnagar, Essar Oil too has a refinery in Jamnagar district.

Dotted by numerous water bodies and the hospitable people around, Jamnagar is well-known for its incredible birdlife that is so easy to spot and observe that it wont be an exaggeration if the birding in Jamnagar area is termed as "Effortless Birding"....And hence this region is also a favorite haunt of Bird photographers. As this bird heaven is strategically located on the flyway of the migratory route, in winter it turns into a prime area for the birds and the bird-watchers as well.

Several migratory birds make Jamnagar their home during the winter months. Bird watchers flock to different places like the Sanctuaries, Coastal regions, Salt pans, rivers & water reservoirs of Jamnagar. The checklist shows more than 400 species.... Thanks to the varied habitat…....

Places like Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Lakota Lake right in the heart of the city, Narara beach, Bedi Bunder and the water reservoirs surrounding the town offer excellent place to view & photograph birds. Almost every water body in and around the town is dotted by remarkable species of birds which are now accustomed to the friendly neighborhood.

If you are arriving in Jamnagar by train, especially in winter, you are sure to see wonderful birds right near the station, as you step down from the train.

Please go through some of these links to know more about birding in Jamnagar.

http://green-indians.blogspot.com/2009/12/jamnagar-birds-on-platter.html

http://vijaycavale.blogspot.com/2008/01/jamanagar-must-for-any-bird-lover.html

http://www.indiatravelite.com/gujarat/jamnagarthebirdwatchersparadise.htm

https://picasaweb.google.com/108359053909554531885/Jamnagar#

Nature India announces Batch-2 for an exclusive and effortless bird-watching trip to this wonderland from 03rd March to 08th March 2012…. The details are given at the end. Amongst the places that we intend to cover are Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Narara beach, Lakhota Lake & Bedi Bunder Area.

KHIJADIA BIRD SANCTUARY

Just less than an hour’s drive from the town (12 kms) is a renowned Khijadia Bird Sanctuary which many city dwellers are unaware of.

This protected area packs in an incredible diversity of ecosystems into the relatively small area of 6 sq.km. The sanctuary, created over the 1920s and '30s, is formed from two man-made dykes that separate fresh water from sea water, creating the opportunity to simultaneously observe species that belong to each ecosystem, and some that share both.

Along with the marine and fresh water habitats, there are also marshy lands, mangroves, Prosopis areas, mudflats, salt pans, creeks, forest scrub, sandy beaches, and even farmlands bordering the area. This provides a haven for more than 220 species of resident and migratory birds, including globally threatened species such as Dalmatian pelican, Asian open bill stork, Black-necked stork, Darter, Black-headed ibis, Eurasian spoonbill, and Indian skimmer, and provides birdwatchers with a delightful chance to sight rare birds in large numbers.

Watching the arrival of the Cranes during sunset for roosting is a fantastic experience. You can spot thousands of wintering Common and Demoiselle cranes, and other water birds including Flamingos, Pelicans, Gulls, Ducks, Storks, Waders, Geese and theendangered Indian Skimmers. The Black-necked stork nesting can also be seen here. Method of Birdwatching is to walk along the dam. It is a refreshing change from riding in jeeps.

LAKOTA LAKE

Lakhota Lake is a smallish waterbody in the middle of Jamnagar with the Lakhota Palace as its center. Next to Lakhota lake there are smaller lakes. This area is quite a revelation for any birdwatcher. You may have never seen so many birds inside a busy city before!

Walking in the early mornings especially in the winter months & sitting under the beautiful domes allows you to experience nature with the birds... Just sit along the periphery wall of the lake and you can easily watch several species of ducks, Pelicans, Gulls, Terns etc at close quarters. More than 75 species of birds (both migratory and resident) have been recorded from this smallish lake making it one of the most productive “Lake” in the heart of a busy city anywhere in India…..

NARARA BEACH

This beach is a part of Marine National Park which is easily accessible by road. One just has to drive down to Narara Edge about 60 kms from Jamnagar. Here one should reach just before the tide starts, when the tide comes in, it brings the birds closer to land, making it easier for the bird watchers to watch from quite close.

Narara beach is acclaimed as one of the only place in India where one can watch the rare Crab Plovers in large numbers and a variety of waders at close range.

It is one of the cleanest beach where live corals still exist and easy to explore on foot. As you walk in shallow waters during the low tide, you are often surrounded by Star fish, Sea cucumbers, Brain corals, Crabs, Sponges, Sea anemones etc…..walking along and exploring the corals along with birding is a unique experience indeed.

DHICHDA / BEDI BUNDER

Dhichda is also an excellent birding area, with lots of water bodies. Dhichda can be reached by taking a derour after the village of Bedi from the road turning left before the entry road of Bedi Port.
The entire stretch offers excellent birding from roadside....another effortless experience. Here the Lesser and Greater flamingos can be seen at close qaurters.

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TRIP DETAILS

Date: 03rd March 2012 eve. 18:20 pm to 08th March 2012 mor. 05.40 am (travel days included)

Mode of Travel: Train uptil Jamnagar and local travel by Jeeps.

Overnight train travel can be booked from Mumbai..... however since it is a busy sector, the train bookings should be done soon to get the desired train and class .... there are just a couple of trains available for Jamnagar from Mumbai....Nature India can ASSIST in train bookings if required.

By Air: There is a daily flight from Mumbai to Jamnagar, which reaches Jamnagar at 11AM.

Tour Itinerary:

1) Saturday 03rd March 2012: Departure from Mumbai by 19017, Saurashtra Janata Express at 17:35 pm

2) Sunday 04th March, 2012: Arrive at Jamnagar at 09:35 - Breakfast on the way - Checkin hotel President & Refresh – Lunch – Visit INS Valsura & Dhichda Area – Return - Revision & Discussion of day's sightings – Dinner and stay at Jamnagar.

3) Monday 05th March 2012: Early morning Birdwatching in Khijadia Bird Sanctuary – Visit Ranjitsagar Dam – return for Lunch – Visit Bedi Bunder area – Return - Revision & Discussion of day's sightings – Dinner and stay at Jamnagar.

4) Tuesday 06th March 2012: Morn. Birding at Balachhadi (sea shore) - lunch - Visit Narara beach for Corals and sighting Crab Plovers, Oysterctachers and Other waders - Revision & Discussion of day's sightings – Dinner and stay at Jamnagar.

5) Wednesday 07th March 2012: Morn. Birding at Lakhota lake for Ducks, Gulls, Terns & other birds - Lunch - checkout and board 19018, Saurashtra Janata Exp. for Mumbai at 13:40

6) Thursday 08th March 2012: Reach Mumbai early morn. by 5.30

More details on the iterinary will be given to those who register.....

Trip charges: Rs.7900/- (Jamnagar to Jamnagar only)....

Includes Stay in Hotel at Jamnagar on a twin sharing basis in non-A/C rooms, Local transport by Jeeps or Tempo traveller, Park entry charges, Local guide charges, Delicious Vegetarian food, Articles on Khijadia and Jamnagar Birding, Bird checklist, on board unlimited mineral water and snacks……

This does not include train travel from Mumbai to Jamnagar & Back or any other charges and also any individual camera charges ....Individuals will have to pay additional charges if any to the forest dept. as per the rules.

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmatory mail to natureindiatours@gmail.comand by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.3000/-

(The seats will only be confirmed after receiving the advance amount & our registration confirmation by email) …..the remaining amount will be collected in train on the day of travel.......Please Register soon to get the confirmed train bookings and the desired class of travel. We can assist you for train bookings.

Resource Persons: Mr.Kunal Joshi (Local expert) Mr.Adesh Shivkar & Mr.Mandar Khadilkar

Mode of Payment: You can either

1) Transfer the advance money directly to my HDFC A/c : (please call 9930318665 for A/c no.) .... please mention your name, date and other details….
2) Courier a cheque of Rs.3000/- to the following address
Name: Mr. Mandar Khadilkar
Address: B/702, Neha Apartments, Ashish Complex, Dahisar-East, Mumbai - 400 068.

Please Note:
1) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 3000/- is strictly non-refunadable
2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours

Please contact us, in case you need any clarification …..

For any other queries we are available on 9869071091 / 9820455713 (Adesh) or 9930318665 / 9967518665 (Mandar) or natureindiatours@gmail.com

Hope to see you for this wonderful trip !!

Thanks for your patience.

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect & Conserve

Tal Chappar - A Grassland Oasis (24th to 28th Feb, 2012)

2011-12-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

Date: 24th Feb 12.55 pm to 28th Feb,2012 eve 2.00 pm (travel days excluded). The bookings for our New Destination Tal Chappar Wild Life Sanctuary & Sambar Lake - Bird- watching trip are on…..book your seats now (see the details at the end)..... This is an exciting New Destination with a unique Grassland habitat surrounded by Desert that has recently come to limelight because of its Rarities. .... One has to make that extra effort just to go there and cannot add this place in the itinerary , just because it happens to be on the way.

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TAAL CHAAPAR - A Grassland Oasis, Rajasthan

"Kesariya Baalam Aavo Ni, Padharo Mhare Des" this sign can be seen throughout the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, to signify that THIS is the gateway to India. Perhaps this sign is best applied for the Migratory birds that enter the mainland India through this corridor..............

There are several incredible Bird-watching destinations in India.... some are frequently visited for their abundance and variety, while some are visited for the endemic species that they offer. However, there are very few destinations which can be termed as "Hidden treasures" and which have been seldom visited due to either ignorance or poor logistics..... Amongst them Tal Chappar WLS is on Top of the list.... It is truely an Oasis for Birds surrounded by Desert.

It is only in recent times that Tal Chappar has come to limelight, due to some credible work by Rajasthan's forest Dept. especially by the current DFO Mr.Surat Singh Poonia. He has transformed this place from a dry featureless scrubland to a bird rich habitat where amazing varieties and Rare species of birds can now be encountered.

The Tal Chappar sanctuary is located on the fringe of the Great Indian Desert and is Located at a distance of 220 km from Jaipur. It is a small but rich wildlife sanctuary in Churu district of Rajasthan between Ratangarh & Sujjangarh. The word "Tal" means plane land which is actually a flat saline depression with open grassland scattered with acacia and prosopis trees which give it an appearance of a typical Savanna. Tal Chappar Sanctuary is known for its enchanting natural beauty and a unique fragile ecosystem spread across 719 Ha. And is more famous for the amazing population of Black Bucks, having highest density in India harboring more than 2000 of these elegant antelopes.

The location of the sanctuary makes it suitable as a passage stop for many migratory birds travelling to India. Thousands of birds of various species either stop-over here on their passage to mainland India or spend most of the winter months in this bio-diversity rich grassland habitat.

Rarities Galore: Tal Chappar WLS has especially shot up in prominence due to some of the rare birds recorded here that include Yellow-eyed Pigeons, Stolickza’s Bushchat, Spotted Creeper, Laggar Falcon, Spanish Sparrow, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Flocks of Demoiselle Cranes, European Turtle Dove, Lesser Kestrel, Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin, Spotted Flycatcher, Singing Bushlark, Eurasian Skylark, Water Pipit, Sociable Lapwings, Black-crowned Sparrow Lark, Raven etc.

The bounty of bird, spiny-tailed Lizards and rodent population also ensures incredible variety of Raptors including Greater & Indian Spotted Eagles, Tawny, Imperial & Steepe Eagles, Short-toed, Booted and Bonelli’s Eagle, Harriers, Falcons, Sparrowhawks, White-eyed Buzzard , Indian Eagle-owl and several species of Vultures.

The park also harbours several other migratory and resident birds in good numbers including collard Doves, Greater Short-toed, Rufous-tailed, Crested, Indian Bush, Bimaculated and Oriental Sky Larks, Peafowls, Wheatears, Pipits, Francolins, Quails, Wyrnecks, woodpeckers, Bee-eaters, coursers, Cuckoos, Warblers, Wagtails, Shrikes, Rollers and owls.

The Saltpans near the North-western corner of the Park attracts a number of waders and other waterbirds including Sandpipers, Godwits, Avocets, Ibis, Storks, Stints, Egrets, Herons etc. which adds significantly to the list of this unique landscape.

Apart from the rich avifauna, Tal Chappar also hosts several other fauna that can be encountered easily including huge nos. of Blackbucks, Neelgai, Desert Jerbils, Desert Fox and Desert Cat, Indian Fox, Hedgehogs, Mongoose, Spiny-tailed Lizard.

It is just amazing to see the plethora of fauna in a land otherwise known as impoverished desert….. The best time to visit the Tal Chappar Wildlife Sanctuary in Churu is from September to March.

(Some of the images in this blog are courtesy: Mr.Nirav Bhatt)

SAMBHAR LAKE

The Sambhar Salt Lake is India's largest inland salt lake around 70 kms from Jaipur along National Highway 8 in Rajasthan. The lake is actually an extensive saline wetland, with water depths fluctuating from as few as 60 cms (24 in) during the dry season to about 3 meters (10 ft) after the monsoon season. It occupies an area of 190 to 230 sq kms, based on the season. It is an elliptically shaped lake 35.5 km long with a breadth varying between 3 km and 11 km.

Sambhar has been designated as a Ramsar site (recognized wetland of international importance) because the wetland is a key wintering area for tens of thousands of flamingos and other birds that migrate from northern Asia & Europe. The specialized algae and bacteria growing in the lake support the lake ecology that, in turn, sustains the migrating waterfowl, attracting thousands of local migrants like the Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Pelicans and Painted storks. The birds can be found in most of the saline ponds that are scattered across the bed of the lake and along the adjoining wetlands. One can easily spot migratory & resident birds like Common teals, Northern shovelers, Common pochards, Northern Pintails, Tufted Ducks, Gadwalls, Bar-headed & Greylag geese, Jacana’s, Sandpipers, Curlews, Godwits, Stints, Black-winged Stilts, Ruffs, Storks etc.

A Glimpse of Sambhar Lake is a must for any birder who visits Jaipur.

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Nature India has organized an exclusive Birdwatching trip to this paradise from 25th February to 27th February 2012 (travel days excluded). We shall cover The Grasslands of Tal Chappar, The surrounding Scrubland and saltpans and the Wetlands around Sambar Lake

Have a look at some of the Trip reports & photoblogs on Taal Chappar WLS, Rajasthan

http://wildventures.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=9187

http://birdingindia.blogspot.com/2006/09/tal-chhapar-wildlife-sanctuary-2nd-3rd.html

http://birdsofchandigarh.blogspot.com/2009/08/trip-report-of-tal-chhapar-rajasthan-8.html

http://www.gits4u.com/wldlife/wlfraj2.htm

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Tour Itinerary & Other Details:

Date: 25th Feb'12 morning 07.00 am to 28th Feb'12 eve 02.00 pm (travel days excluded)

Mode of Travel : Tavera Jeeps (From Jaipur to Tal Chappar and local travel)

Overnight train travel can be booked from Mumbai..... however since it is a busy sector, the train bookings should be done soon to get the desired train and class .... there are several trains available for Jaipur from Mumbai....Nature India can ASSIST in bookings if required.

Rough Tour Itinerary:( Ex.Mumbai)

24th Feb'12 (Friday): Departure from Mumbai to Jaipur 12216 +DEE Garibrath Express. at 12:55 Hrs (from Bandra) or any other train according to your convenience.

25th Feb'12 (Saturday): Arrival in Jaipur (7.10am) - Proceed to Mega Highway - Breakfast on the Way - Visit Sambar Lake and Naliasar wetland - Lunch - Proceed to Tal Chappar WLS - Check-in and Night stay at Hotel in Sujjangad (5 kms from Park)

26th Feb'12 (Sunday): Early morning bird watching @ Tal Chappar for Grassland species - Lunch @ Forest rest House - Proceed to the Scrubland and Saltpans towards North of Park - Return to Hotel in Sujjangad - Dinner and Night Stay.

27th Feb'12 (Monday): Early morning Birding @ Tal Chappar for grassland species and Blackbucks - Lunch @ forest rest house - Proceed to "Cow-shed" area towards the east of park to see Spiny-tailed Lizard, Desert Jerbils and birds like Vultures, Spotted Creeper and other scrub-land birds - Return to Hotel in Sujjangad - Dinner and Night Stay.

28th Feb'12 (Tuesday): Early morning Checkout from Hotel and proceed to board 12215 +DEE BDTS G Rath Express @ 14:25 from Jaipur (lunch on the way)

29th Feb'11 (Wednesday): Arrive in Mumbai on 29th early morning by 07:30 Hrs.

Trip charges : Jaipur to Jaipur only

Charges: Rs.8300/- only (Includes A/C stay in a hotel in Sujjangad on twin sharing basis withattached toilet, Local travel by Tavera Jeeps, Jaipur to Jaipur travel, Park entry charges, vegetarian food , Guide charges, Information articles & on board snacks and mineral water)…….

This does not include travel charges from Mumbai to Jaipur and Back, Photography fees or any charges other than the above.

Group Size: Max.14 persons only

How to Registration: You can register by sending a confirmation mail to natureindiatours@gmail.comand by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.3500/- after our registration confirmation on e-mail…..The remaining amount will be collected on the day of travel.

Kindly register soon as the train bookings are not easily available in this sector.

Stay Arrangement:

At BDS International, Near Sujjangad, Churu District in AC

rooms on at win sharing basis. Note: This is a remote place in Rajasthan, where the facilities are very basic.... and this hotel is the only option for staying near the sanctuary.....however, the Hotel is clean and food is hygenic. the hotel is situated approx. 8 kms from Tal Chappar Sanctuary.

Resource Person: Mr.Adesh Shivkar, Mr.Mandar Khadilkar & (local expert)

Mode of Payment: You can either

1) Transfer the advance money directly to the HDFC A/c (Please send a mail for details).. please mention your name, date and other details….
2) Courier a cheque of Rs.3500/- as advance amount to the following address

Name: Mr. Mandar Khadilkar

Address: B/702, Neha Apartments, Ashish Complex, Dahisar (East), Mumbai-400068

Please Note:

1) Once registered, the amount of Rs. 3500/- is strictly non-refunadable

2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours

3) Nest photography or any collection of specimens is prohibited

Please revert on natureindiatours@gmail.com ID, in case you need any clarification …..

For any other queries we are available on 9869071091 or 9820455713 (Adesh) or 9930318665 or 967518665 (Mandar).

Thanks for your patience.

Looking forward for a very rewarding trip with you all !!

Warm Regards,
Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect and Conserve

Bandhavgarh National Park - The Tiger Heaven (07th to 11th February 2012)

2011-12-08T00:25:00.000-08:00

Another most popular Nature India trip

Dates: 07th to 11th February 2012 (Mumbai to Jabalpur & Back travel days included) The bookings for Bandhavgarh National Park Wildlife trip is on…..book your seats NOW to get the desired train bookings (see the details at the end) ..... If you want the thrill of exploring the Tiger country, it is here…100%

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BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK - The TIGER Heaven

About Bandhavgarh they say, that you have got be really unlucky not to see a Tiger in Bandavgarh. One park which is on top of the charts as far as Tiger sightings are concerned is Bandhavgarh. One park which is a hot favorite today with Wildlife Photographers is Bandhavgarh.

Bandhavgarh National Park manages to satiate both the wildlife and general tourists. It is not only the Tiger sightings here, but the natural and archaeological splendor that awaits a visitor which is totally unexpected, and beyond imagination. Bandhavgarh National Park lies in the heart of Madhya Pradesh and once the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Rewa. BNP in over a period of 10 years has become the real hot spot of seeing wild tigers in close quarters.This is probably only place where tiger sighting is much easier than any other national park in the World.

At the centre of the park is Bandhavgarh hill, rising 811 mt above sea level. There are a large number of smaller hills separated by gently sloping valleys surrounding the hill. These valleys end in small, swampy meadows, locally known as 'Bohera'. The lowest point in the park is at Tala (440 mt above MSL).

Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968 with an area of 105 km². The buffer is spread over the forest divisions of Umaria and Katni and totals 437 km². The park derives its name from the most prominent hillock of the area, which is said to be given by Hindu Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana to keep a watch on Lanka (Ceylon). Hence the name Bandhavgarh(Sanskrit: Brother's Fort).

The vegetation is chiefly of Sal forest in the valleys and on the lower slopes, gradually changing to mixed deciduous forest on the hills and in the hotter, drier areas of the park in the south and west. Bamboo is found throughout. The terrain is of great rocky hills rising sharply from the swampy and densely- forested valley bottoms. The finest of these hills is Bandhavgarh, sided with great cliffs and eroded rocks, and on its highest point.

Wildlife:
The mammals frequently sighted are Wild Pigs, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chausingha, Nilgai, Barking Deer and Sloth Bear. Mammals such as Leopards, the small Indian Civet, Palm Squirrel and Lesser Bandicoot Rat are seen occasionally.

There are various species of birds in BNP, which makes it a bird watchers' paradise. The vegetation along streams and marshes is rich in bird life. The common ones are Little Grebe, Egret, lesser Adjutant,Indian Pitta, Paradise Flycatcher, Brown-fish Owl, Leafbirds, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Black Ibis, Lesser Whistling Teal, White-eyed Buzzard, Orange-headed Ground Thrush, Crested Serpent Eagle, Long-billed, Egyptian & Himalayan Griffon Vultures, Indian Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Doves, Parakeets, Yellow-footed Green Pigeons, Rufous Treepie, Malabar Pied Hornbills, Kingfishers and Indian Rollers.

Reptilian Fauna include Cobra, Krait, Viper, Rat-snake, Python, Turtle and a number of lizard varieties, including Varanus. Within the bounds of the Bandhavgarh National Park, vehicles may be hired at the entrance to drive around, however private vehicles are not allowed inside the park. Also, in the middle of Tala range, stands the majestic Bandhavgarh fort, thought to be some 2,000 years old.

Nature India trip reports by participants click here....

http://natureindia-tours.blogspot.com/2009/07/final-trip-reports.html#bandhavgarh

http://natureindia-tours.blogspot.com/2009/07/trip-experiences-by-nature-india-tours.html

Nature India has organized an exclusive trip to this Tiger heaven – Bandhavgarh, from 07th to 11th February, 2012 the details are given below.
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Tour Iterinary & Other Details: (Jabalpur to Jabalpur)

Day 1 (07th Feb'2012 - Tuesday) : Departure from Mumbai by 12188 Garibrath Express at 13.30 hours

Day 2 (08th Feb'2012 - Wednesday) : Arrival at Jabalpur at 06.00 hours. Proceed to village Tala (Bandhavgarh), Apprx. Time 4 hours - Check-in the palatial Mogli Resorts at the edge of the Park - Evening Park Safari in Open Gypsies - return to Hotel - Discussion of Days sightings - Dinner and Night stay at Mogli resorts

Day 3 (09th Feb'2012 - Thrusday) : Early Morning Park Safari @ 5.30 am - Return to the resort - a small bird walk in the wonderful campus of Mogli resorts - Lunch - Proceed for the Evening Park Safari - Return back - Presentation of the Mammals of India - Dinner - Night stay at Mogli Resorts

Day 4 (10th Feb'2012 - Friday) : Early Morning Park Safari @ 5.30 am - return - Lunch - packup - Concluding discussion - Check-out @ 14.00 hours leave Bandhavgarh for Jablapur to Board 12187 Garibrath Express at 19.30 hours

Day 5 (11th Feb'2012 - Saturday) : Arrive at Mumbai by 12.15 hours

Trip charges (Jabalpur to Jabalpur): Rs. 11200/- only (Includes Non A/C room stay in the wonderful, palatial & comfortable Mogli Resort, on twin sharing basis, Travel charges from Jabalpur to Bandhavgarh & Back, Local travel by 4x4 gypsies, Park entry charges, veg/non-veg food , Still photography charges, Guide charges, Information articles & on board snacks and mineral water)

This does not include travel charges from Mumbai to Jabalpur Station and Back or any charges other than the above.

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmation mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.4000/-after our registration confirmation …..The remaining amount will be collected on the day of travel.

Kindly register soon as the train bookings are not easily available.

Stay Arrangement: Stay arrangement is on twin sharing basis in the famous Mogli resort which is renowned for its ambiance and service. visit their web site

http://mogliresorts.com/?f=main.htm

Resource Person: Mr. Adesh Shivkar / Mr. Mandar Khadilkar / Mr.Salim (Bandhavgarh)

Mode of Payment: You can either
1) Transfer the advance money directly to my HDFC A/c (Please call Mandar @ 9930318665 / 9967518665 for A/c No.).. please mention your name, date and other details….
2) Courier a cheque of Rs.4000/- as advance amount to the following address
Name: Mr. Mandar Khadilkar
Address: B-702, Neha Apts., Ashish Complex, Dahisar (East), Mumbai - 400068.

Please Note:
1) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 4000/- is strictly non-refunadable
2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours

Please revert on natureindiatours@gmail.com ID, in case you need any clarification …...also sign up on http://natureindia.ning.com/ to know more about Nature India & to get regular updates.

For any other queries we are available on 9869071091 (Adesh) and 9930318665 or 9967518665 (Mandar)

Thanks for your patience.

Looking forward for a very rewarding trip with you all !!

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect & Conserve

Birding In North-East India (Eaglenest WLS and Nameri Tiger Reserve) Date: 07th Apr to 14th Apr, 2012

2011-12-07T05:12:00.001-08:00

Eaglenest……bass naam hi kaafi hai…. Yes, Nature India has meticulously planned and organized bird watching trip to Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh and Nameri Tiger Reserve, Assam, in April 2012. Only limited seats (12) are available, hence please register very fast. (See details at the end).....

A remote place like Eaglenest has been mainly visited by foreigners, and is organized by only few tour operators, basically due to the excessive cost and extreme planning involved ...... however, Nature India has now made Eaglenest WLS visit possible for many with a Great Budget trip without compromising the quality :-)

Please go through this trip report by one of our participants last year.
http://natureindia.ning.com/profiles/blogs/eaglenest-a-wonder-04th-april
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Birding in Nameri Tiger Reserve, Eastern Assam

Covering an area of apprx. 200 Sq. Kms., situated in Eastern Himalayan foothills and on the banks of Nameri river, Nameri Tiger Reserve, is one of the most scenic wildlife parks in India. It is in the eastern border of Assam in the valley and mountains of Arunachal Pradesh.

Nameri is probably only known place in India for endangered, White-winged Wood Duck, essentially a resident of the dense tropical evergreen forest. It prefers to live in inaccessible swampy areas formed by rivers, streams, creeks, etc. It has very distinctive and ghostly voice, which gives him 'Deo Huns', name in Assamese, meaning Spirit Duck. Not easy to spot, as these are extremely rare and elusive.

Nameri is home to many other bird species like Sultan Tit, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Common Merganser, Ibis Bill, Silver-breasted Broadbill, Oriental Hobby, Crow-billed Drongo, Maroon Oriole and many more wonderful birds.. Nameri is also famous for high density of Elephants. If lucky, one can see large congregations of Whreath & Great Pied Hornbills.

The only way to go inside the park is by boat as you need to cross the river to enter the park and you know what….you can walk inside the jungle (A forest guard with gun accompanies you due to wild elephants around), a good opportunity to explore other fauna including orchid laden trees and butterflies …Moreover, the Nameri-Eco Camp that we are going to stay is renowned as an excellent place to see Oriental Hobby, Brown-Hawk Owl, Blue-bearded Bee-eaters, Forest Eagle Owl and even Capped-Langurs !!

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Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh

The name "Eaglenest" was derived from Indian Army's 'Red Eagle Division' which was posted in this area in 1950. The Indian 4th Infantry Division also known as 'Red Eagle Division' was an infantry division of British Indian Army. It was formed in Egypt in 1939 and was the first Indian Army division to go overseas during second world war.

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh, the place where Sun rises as early as 4.00am!! The Sanctuary covering an area 218 sq. kms. is neighbored by Sessa Orchid Sanctuary to the North-East and Pakke Tiger Reserve to the East. The altitude ranges extremely from 500mtrs to 3200mtrs. The forest types here varies from Temperate forests to high-altitude Bamboo plains to Tropical Rain forest. Although, all the birds seen here are special, there are few super specialties of Eaglenest, most prominent of them is recently discovered Bugun Liochichla.

One can see this bird around Lama camp accompanying Rusty-fronted Barwings and Bhutan Laughingthrushes….. yes, now start getting used to such bird names as we often read & see them only in books!! Other specialties are Ward’s Trogon, Beautiful Nuthatch, Cutia, Wren-babblers, Fulvettas, Rufous-necked Hornbill and Scimitar Babblers to name few. Eaglenest is famous for mix-hunting parties, in which 25-30 species of the birds can easily seen together. The bird checklist of this area is around 500 species.

We will be visiting 2 base camps at Eaglenest situated at different altitudes to get the most our of the trip.

Lama Camp(2400mtrs)
First camp site developed in Eaglenest WLS. Situated at picturesque location, this is the site around which Bugun Liochichla was discovered. The bird can be seen even on the backside of camp. Other birds seen in the area are;Beautiful Sibia, Bhutan, Chestnut-crowned, Spotted Laughingthrushes, Blue-fronted Redstart, Olive-backed Pipit, Green-tailed Sunbird, Yellow-browed and Black-spotted Yellow Tit, Rufous-winged Fulvetta etc...

Sunderview Camp(2460mtrs)
“Sunderview”, as the name suggests is one of the most scenic place in Eaglenest WLS. This is the place where the first ever camp in Eaglenest was set up. Since it is close from Eaglenest pass (place always full of high altitude birds), we all will surely enjoy our stay here.

Birds seen here are: Ward's Trogon, Red-tailed Minla, Yellow-throated and Brown-throated Fulvetta, Stripe-throated and Rufous-vented Yuhina, Stripe-breasted Barwing, Golden-breasted Fulvettas and many more.....

We will be also visiting Bompu & Sessni area for low elevation birds.. being at lower altitude large variety of birds are seen here. Rufous-necked and Wreathed Hornbill, Red-faced Liochichla, Rufous-backed Sibia, Beautiful Nuthatch, Scarlet and Gold-naped Finch, Slender & Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill, White-bellied Erpornis, Black-eared Shrike Babbler, Lemon-rumped, Yellow-vented and Whistler's Warbler, Mountain Bulbul, Gray-chinned, Long-tailed and Short-billed Minivet, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler and many more....

Along with birds, one may also see (though rarely) Arunachal Macaque, Malayan Giant Squirrel, Mithun (Gaur) and if very lucky, the Red Panda :-)

To know more check these links...
http://www.clsp.jhu.edu/people/zak/ramana/wapImagesBird.htm

http://north-eastfeast.blogspot.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eaglenest_Wildlife_Sanctuary

Eaglenest WLS certainly is on top of the list for any birdwatcher. Here is a chance for you to see the birds in wild, which you have so far seen only in books. An ultimate place a bird watcher can visit. Normally we count number of birds seen in a trip, here in Eaglenest, if its your 1st visit, then you count number of Lifers seen as more than 80% of the birds seen here will be Lifers for you!! Bag lifers in hundreds in single trip! Register fast.....

Cricket lover ne Tendulkar nahi dekha to kya dekha?
Bird watcher ne Eaglenest nahi dekha to kya dekha??

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TRIP DETAILS:

Date: 07th April 2012 (Saturday) to 14th April 2012 (Saturday) (travel days included)

Mode of Travel :
Mumbai - Guwahati - Mumbai (by Air/Rail on personal expenses)

Local travel in jeep from Guwahati – Nameri – Eaglenest – Nameri – Guwahati (By Nature India)

Travel Details:

From Mumbai to Guwahati & Back (To be taken care by participants themselves)

By Air: We suggest you to book tickets for following flight;

Mumbai - Guwahati, Indigo Flight No. 6E-321, on 07/04/2012 at 09.25Hours reaching Guwahati at 14.20Hours.

Guwahati - Mumbai, Indigo Flight No. 6E-322, on 14/04/2012 at 15.15 Hours reaching Mumbai at 20.05Hours.

There are other flights also available.... Please check the arrival & departure timing at Guwahati for to & fro flights. Book fast to get concessional rates.

By Rail:
One can reach Guwahati by 5647 Guwahati express, but it runs only on Fridays and takes about 53 hours :-(

*Nature India will not assist in booking for air/train tickets*

Tour Itinerary:

Saturday, 07th April, 2012: Pick-up at Guwahati Airport at 14.30 Hrs…..Departure in jeep for Nameri. On the way stop over to see first lifer of the trip @Guwahati dumping ground..... Stay overnight at Nameri Eco Camp.
Sunday, 08th April, 2012: Morning bird watching at Nameri Tiger Reserve with packed Breakfast.....Post lunch leave for Eaglenest....Stay at Lama Camp.
Monday, 09th April 2012: Full day bird watching around Lama Camp. Stay at Lama Camp
Tuesday, 10th April, 2012: Start early morning from Lama Camp…..bird watching on the way through-out the day….reach Sunderview camp by evening…..Stay at Sunderview
Wednesday, 11th April, 2012: Sunderview- Bompu - Sessni - Sunderview.....Bird-watching all the way....Stay at Sunderview
Thursday, 12th April, 2012: Sunderview- Bompu - Sessni - Sunderview.....Bird-watching all the way....Stay at Sunderview
Friday, 13th April 2012: Start early morning birding along the way... reach Nameri by evening …bird watching on the way….stay at Nameri Eco camp
Saturday, 14th April, 2012: Morning bird watching at Nameri Tiger Reserve….Leave for Guwahati after breakfast…. Reach Guwahati Airport by 14:00 Hrs

More details on the itinerary will be given to those who register.....
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Trip charges : (Guwahati to Guwahati only)….

Rs. 36,000/- Only
Includes Stay in tents on twin sharing basis at Nameri Eco camps and Eaglenest (beds with sleeping bags), Local transport by Jeeps, Park entry charges, Local Expert charges, vegetarian food, Entry permits for Arunachal Pradesh, Articles on Nameri & Eaglenest and bird checklist, on board mineral water and snacks, Camera Charges if any………

Individuals will have to pay additional entry charges IF there is any increase in charges by forest dept. as per the rules.

Please note: Since this is a remote location, the facilities are basic at Eaglenest WLS with tent accommodation and common toilets. However the stay is very clean and food is very good.

Stay Arrangements

Nameri Eco-camp, Nameri

Lama Camp, Eaglenest WLS

PS: Unfortunately, if the flight from Guwahati to Mumbai is cancelled due to bad weather or for any other reasons, Nature India will not to be responsible for making stay arrangements. Although, Nature India will assist for hotel bookings.

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmatory mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.12000/- after getting a registration mail from us..... (The seats will only be confirmed after receiving the advance amount) …..the remaining amount will be collected later in 3 phases as mentioned below.......Please Register at the earliest as only 12 seats are available.

Payment terms:
Phase 1 - Rs. 12000/- as non-refundable Advance to be paid immediately, to confirm the participation. We need to forward this as an advance for logistics & to block our seats.

Phase 2 - Rs. 12000/- by 01st Feb' 2012

Phase 3 - Balance amount to be paid before 01st March 2012.

Resource Persons:Mr.Adesh Shivkar & Mr.Mandar Khadilkar & Local Expert

Mode of Payment: You can either

Transfer non-refundable advance amount of Rs. 12000/- directly to the HDFC A/c : (please call Mandar @ 9930318665 for A/c no.) .... please mention your name, date and other details….
Courier a cheque of Rs.12000/- to the following address and forward the details.

Name: Mr. Mandar Khadilkar
Address: B/702, Neha Apartments, Ashish Complex, Dahisar-East, Mumbai-400068.

Please Note:

Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 12000/- (Phase 1) is strictly non-refunadable
Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours
This is primarily a Bird-watching trip
Weather conditions: Weather in North-East is unpredictable and Nature India
will not be responsible for any days lost due to bad weather.

Please revert on naturindiatours@gmail.com ID, in case you need any clarification.

For any other queries we are available on 9869071091 / 9820455713(Adesh) or 9930318665 / 9967518665 (Mandar)

Hope to see you for this wonderful trip

Thanks for your patience.

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect & Conserve

Thattekkad & Munnar - Twitching for the Endemic Birds (29th Jan - 1st Feb,2012)

2011-10-29T04:23:00.000-07:00

Date: 29th January, 2012 to 1st February, 2012 (travels days excluded). The bookings for Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary / Munnar bird-watching trip are open…..book your seats now (for complete details about charges, itinerary etc. see at the end).....Birdwatch in one of the India's richest birding hot-spots within the place revered as "God's Own Country" with Nature India...

See Last Year's report.....

http://natureindia-tours.blogspot.com/2009/07/final-trip-reports.html#thatte

http://envirotekindia.blogspot.com/2011/02/blog-post.html

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Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekkad

“Thattekkad is the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only with the eastern Himalayas” this is how Dr.Salim Ali described the place when he visited Thattekkad in 1930’s.

If you desire to see Western Ghat endemic bird species at one place, then Thattekkad & Munnar "Is" the place. This lesser known place untill now is fast becoming a favorite destination of birders not just across India but also the world as it offers the variety, quality and ambience that can be rivaled by few places.

Thattekkad bird sanctuary located at an approximate distance of 20 kilometers from Kothamangalam on the Kochi Munnar route situated in Idukki district. The serene sanctuary came into being in the year 1983 and was discovered by Dr. Salim Ali the famous ornithologist. This 25 sq.kms sanctuary is home to 250 plus species of birds and other birds that migrate to this place during the migratory seasons. This sanctuary has since being named as "Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary" in honour of the great man.

Nestled among evergreen forests this sanctuary is home to endemic birds like the Malabar grey & Pied Hornbill , Malabar black woodpecker, Blue winged parakeet, Flame-throated Bulbul, Dark-fronted & Rufous Babbler, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Malabar Trogon, Crimson-throated Barbet, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, White-bellied Treepie,.................

Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Grey Jungle Fowl, Grey-headed and Yellow-browed Bulbul, Crimson-backed Sunbird, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Black throated Munia, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Jerdon’s Nightjar, Southern Hill Myna etc…… But the most celebrated species here would be the Sri Lanka Frogmouth, perhaps due to the ease at which it is seen here and most of the photographs taken in India of this species are from this place.

The other uncommon species that can also be encountered regular here are Black Baza, Black Eagle, Great-eared Nightjar, Dollar Bird, Red Spurfowl, Lesser Yellow-nape Woodpecker, Speckled Piculet, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Drongo Cuckoo, Vernal Hanging Parrot, Mottled Wood Owl, Green Imperial Pigeon, Crested Goshawk, Malayan Night Heron, Indian Blue Robin…… This list will lure any birder to come running here :-)

Apart from the birdlife there are various mammals that are recorded from here including leopard, porcupine, bear, deer and various other animals and the majestic elephants. Cobras and pythons are common among the reptiles. The place is also noted for the majestic king cobra which is revered through out India.

The sanctuary also is abounding in plant life with mahogany, teak and rosewood vying for places. There are also a variety of plants which are endogenous to the region .These huge trees provide the lush canopy. The thick forest coverer apart from being a safe haven for birds is also a treat for wildlife lovers and bird enthusiasts alike.

Munnar & Eravikulam National Park

Not very far, Munnar compliments the Thattekkad Sanctuary well due to its altitude. It is a hill station 125 kms from Kochi to the West. The altitude above 1600 m above MSL means an agreeable climate throughout the year, though in December-January the temperatures can fall to the single digits. The rain fall of over 300 cm is recorded mainly during June to September. The shola-grassland eco- system so typical of Munnar is home to large numbers of birds, many of them endemic. Sightings of endemics like the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Nilgiri Pipit, Greyheaded Bulbul, Black & Orange Flycatcher, Broadtailed Grassbird, Crimsonbacked Sunbird, Greybreasted Laughing Thrush, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Indian Rufous Babbler, Whitebellied Blue Flycatcher, Whitebellied Shortwing, Whitebellied Treepie & the Wyanad Laughing Thrush can be the highlights of a birding trip to Munnar & surroundings.

Eravikulam National Park is 97 sq. km. in extent, situated along the crest of the Western Ghats in the High Ranges of Idukki district of Kerala state, India. The Park holds the largest viable population of the endangered (IUCN) Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius).

About 120 species of birds have been recorded which include endemics like black and ornage flycatcher, Nilgiri pipit, Nilgiri wood pegeon, white bellied shortwing, Nilgiri verditer flycatcher and Kerala laughing thrush. Endemics confined to the shola-grass land ecosystem like the red disk bushbrown and Palni fourwing are among the 100 odd butterflies listed inside the park.

Have a look at some of these wonderful trip experiences...

http://dreamsandimaginations.blogspot.com/2009/01/thattekkad-diaries-part-1.html
(click for part 1 to 6)

http://www.blonnet.com/life/2002/11/25/stories/2002112500170300.htm

http://www.ecoindia.com/parks/thattekkad-bird-sanctuary.html

Click below to get the Bird Checklist of Thattekkad
http://www.birdskerala.com/uploadedfiles/bird_list/bird_list_1.pdf

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Complete Trip Details

Tour Itinerary: Ernakulam to Ernakulam

1. Sunday, 29th January, 2012:Pick-up at Ernakulam Station / Airport at 03.00pm ….. Departure in jeep for Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary......Check-in at Jungle Bird Homestay- Quick eve. birding trail - Light Snacks and Birdwatching for Nightjars and Owls - Dinner and Early Bed.

2. Monday, 30th January, 2012: Whole Day Birding in Thattekkad Sanctuary and surrounding areas for the Western Ghat Endemics on foot.....Luch - visit the Bhoothathankettu forests (The place is famous for its natural rocky topography, which according to the myth is believed to have been built by bhootams (spirits/demons)....a wonderful birding place not very far from TBS - Stay at Jungle Bird Homestay.

3. Tuesday, 31st January 2012: Start early morning for Munnar and Eravikulam National Park to watch Nilgiri Pipit, Black & Orange Flycatchers, White-bellied Shortwings, Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Whistling Thrus, Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, Mountain Imperial Pigeons, Nilgiri Flycatcher and other endemics of the shola forests...... Lunch at Munnar ---- continue watching birds and return back to Thattekkad for night stay.

4. Wednesday, 1st February, 2012: Early morning birding in Thattekkad - Lunch - Continue birding in Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and adjoining areas to see the elusive Ceylon frogmouth, Malbar Trogon, Black baza & other endemics- Dinner - drop at Ernakulam Railway Station by 9 pm to Board 12224 ERS LTT Duronto Express
at 23:30

Travel Options: (to be done by participants, however we can provide assistance if required)....

Preferred trains...
1) 28th Jan, 2012: Train No. 16345 Netravati Express from Mumbai (Departure 11:40) to Ernakulam (Arrival 14:45) on 29th Jan'12.

2) 1st Feb, 2012: Train No.12224 ERS LTT Duronto Express from Ernakulam (Dep.23:30) to Mumbai LTT @ 00:20 on 2nd Feb'12.

3) Air Travel: Regular flights from Mumbai - Cochin & Bangalore - Cochin

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Trip charges : (Ernakulam to Ernakulam only)…. Rs. 9200 /-

Includes Twin / Triple sharing in Gireesh's Jungle Bird Homestay, Local transport , all Park entry charges, local guide charges, All meals (veg/non-veg food), Entry permits , Articles on Thattekkad & Munnar and bird checklist, on board mineral water and snacks………

This does not include Mumbai - Cochin - Mumbai travel charges or any other charges and also any individual camera charges ....Individuals will have to pay additional charges if any to the forest dept. as per the rules.

Please note: Since the accomodation is limited (Only 4 rooms on twin sharing), preferance will be given for twin sharing on first come basis or to couples (same charges).. However the stay is very clean and food is to be experienced to really appreciate.

Stay Arrangements

(images below) Jungle Bird Homestay; Birdwatching ; Giresh's mother and Grandmother ; Gireesh Chandran

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmatory mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.3500/- after getting registration mail by us (The seats will only be confirmed after receiving the advance amount) …..the remaining amount will be collected during the trip.......

Please Register at the earliest as only 12 seats are available.

Resource Persons: Mr.Gireesh Chandran and his Mother Sudha (Both are excellent guides), Mr.Adesh Shivkar & Mr.Mandar Khadilkar.

Mode of Payment: You can either

1. Transfer non-refundable advance amount of Rs. 3500/- directly to Adesh's HDFC A/c : (please call Adesh @ 09869071091 for A/c no.) .... please mention your name, date and other details….OR

2. Courier a cheque of Rs.3500/- to the following address

Name: Mr.Adesh Shivkar
Address: D-8, The Adi Janata Society, Behind HP Petrolpump, Sion (East), Mumbai-400022.

Please Note:
1. Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 3500/- is strictly non-refunadable
2. Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours

3. Nest photography or any collection of specimens is prohibited

Please revert on natureindiatours@gmail.com ID, in case you need any clarification.

For any queries we are also available on 9930318665 / 9967518665 (Mandar) or 9869071091 (Adesh) .....

Hope to see you for this wonderful trip

Thanks for your patience.

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect & Conserve

Birding in the Great Rann of Kutch, Bhuj - 17th to 22nd Jan, 2012

2011-10-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

Finally ......

Date: 18th January, 2012 morning 10.00 am to 21st January, 2012 eve 10.00 pm (Travel days excluded). The bookings for the much awaited Great Rann of Kutch / Bhuj bird-watching trip are on…..book your seats now (see the complete details at the end of this blog).....Birdwatch in one of the India's greatest birding hot-spots with Nature India

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KUTCH - THE BIRDING PARADISE

One of the best hotspot to watch birds in India is undoubtedly Gujarat. Particularly, the Great Rann provides great opportunity to birdwatch to your hearts content. This rugged landscape has such a variety and sheer abundance of birdlife that it wont be an exaggeration to call this place the "Mecca" of Birdwatchers. Once visited, it becomes an addiction of sorts to pay a visit to this amazing place every year…..ask anyone who has been here :-)

Kutch is an erstwhile princely state of India. It is the largest district of the state of Gujarat and the second largest district in India covering an area of 45,612 sq kms. The land is virtually 'an island' resembling a tortoise "Katchua or Kachbo", surrounded by seawater. Kutch was also known as the kutchdweep or Kutchbet." The Great Rann of Kutch" which dominates a major portion of the district. The Great Rann of Kutch and the Little Rann of Kutch respectively-uninhabitable deserts which during the monsoon season (June to October) is often completely submerged by floods.

The Rann of Kutch is a seasonally marshy region located in the Thar Desert biogeographic province in Gujarat state of northwestern India and the Sind province of Pakistan. The name "Rann" comes from the Hindi word ran meaning "salt marsh".

Not just the variety but the sheer numbers of birds seen is amazing. This is due to the varied habitat types that include deserts and wetlands, vast grasslands, scrub lands, and mangrove swamps. .For many bird species Gujarat is a gateway to India coming in from Europe, Siberia and the Middle East. During the months of Dec-March this whole region becomes a birding Paradise of sorts with hundreds of Common and Demoiselle cranes, Waders, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Falcons, Warblers, Buntings, Ducks, and other passerine birds. Not to mention the Great Indian Bustard and Macqueen's Bustard. It has now become a norm for any birdwatcher to visit the Great Rann every year.

Nature India has organized an exclusive Birdwatching pilgrimage to this paradise from 18th-21st January 2012 (travel days excluded). We shall cover Naliya Grasslands, Kunathia & Banni Grasslands, Mandvi Coast, Pot Mahadeo thorn forest, Chari Dhand, Fulay Chari & Other places around Nakhatrana district.....virtually almost all the hotspots.

Some of the places that we will cover during our trip are as follows:

1) Naliya Grasslands

A significant grassland habitat of Kutch wellknown for the Great Indian Bustard in Abdasa taluka. Though covering only about 20 sq km of area, this grassland is very important for birdwatchers as perhaps the only sanctuary in India where three species of bustard are found – the endangered Great Indian Bustard is resident here, the endangered Lesser Florican breeds here during the monsoon months, and the near-threatened Macqueen’s Bustard is a winter visitor.

There is a good drivable track through the sanctuary that offers a chance of seeing the endangered Great Indian Bustard and a variety of other birds like the Black and Grey Francolin, Spotted and Indian sandgrouse, quails, larks, shrikes, coursers and plovers. This sanctuary is also interesting for birdwatchers as vulnerable species like the Stoliczka’s Bushchat and White-naped Tit could also be seen. The sanctuary offers mind-blogging numbers and variety of Raptors including Aquila Eagles, harriers, Buzzards & Falcons that feast on Spiny-tailed Lizards here.

2) Chari Dhand & Fulay Village

The flats of Banni conceal many depressions where rainwater gets collected during a good monsoon. These shallow water bodies are locally known as dhand, jheel or talav.

Chhari Dhand is the largest of these, with an area of almost 10 sq km. More than 50,000 waterfowls and 55 distinct animal species have been recorded here, while more than 30,000 birds have been reported during winter. Endangered species like Dalmatian Pelican(Pelicanus crispus), Oriental Darter (Anhingia rufa), Blacknecked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) and Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) migrate through these wetlands every year. Waterfowl are not the only migratory birds attracted to this region. In fact, 32 species of Raptors have been recorded here, together with a large number of Common Cranes. Due to this rich biodiversity, the Chhari Dhand and some of its adjoining wetlands are under serious consideration for inclusion in the Ramsar Convention.

The "Fulay" village on the way to Chari Dhand is a well-known spot to see the rare Grey Hypocolious that is only reported in India from here.

3) Banni Grasslands

Banni covers an area of 3847 sq km. This area is absolutely flat; the altitude only ranges between 3 metres to 5 metres above sea level. More than two thirds of the area of Banni is high in salinity.

During the fifties, Banni was predominantly grassland, with a very low density of trees and bushes. It was considered one of the largest and finest Asian grasslands. At that time there were more than 40 species of grasses, but nowadays there are just around 15 species, due to the planting of a non indigenous thorny shrub (prosopis juliflora) by the FD in the Sixties to control the soil salinity. This thorny shrub known locally as gando baawal, literally crazy thorn-bush, grew very fast, destroying several native species and eroding huge tracks of the grassland. Locals have learned to extract gum and to make charcoal from this plant as a source of livelihood.

This area is widely recognised as important for birds because of its location on the flyway for many migratory species and migration studies have been conducted here by well-known organisations like the Bnhs. The mix of grasslands, scrub and wetland also make this a heaven for raptors with the Tawny Eagle and Bonnelli’s Eagle breeding here and Greater Spotted Eagle, Imperial Eagle and Steppe Eagle wintering in the Banni area. Endangered species like the White-backed and Long-billed Vulture are seen in the Banni area. White-naped Tit is a vulnerable species of the Banni region.(some images: courtesy. Mr.Vivek kale)

4) Kunathia Grassland & Scrubland / Mandavi Coast

This grassland 74-km north of Mandvi is a superbly maintained wilderness area. Abode of the endangered Indian bustard and the monsoon breeding area of the rare lesser florican & Stolickza's Bushchat, this grassland is also good for seeing Indian gazelle, Indian and desert foxes, jackal, the endangered Indian wolf and birds like the black francolin. The coastal marshes between the sanctuary and the coast of Mandavi attract large flocks of migratory birds and waders including Plovers, Phalaropes, Godwits, Sandpipers, Gulls, flamingo, Pelicans, Shanks etc.

Target Bird Species : Common Crane, Demoiselle Crane, Macqueen's Bustard, Sociable Lapwing, White-naped Tit, Stolicksa's Bushchat, White-bellied Minivet, Marshall's Iora, Montagu's & Hen Harriers, Crab Plovers, Oyestercatchers, Red-necked Phalarope,Isabelline & Variable Wheatear, Hoopoe Lark, Rosy & Dalmatian Pelicans, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Short-eared Owl, Black Francolin, Steppe Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Twany Eagle, Laggar Falcon, Eurasian Hobby, Long-legged Buzzard, Desert Warbler, Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin,Flamingos, Collared Pratincole, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, Great-crested Grebe, Quails, Rufous-fronted Prinia, Orphean warbler, Grey-necked, Red-headed and Black-headed Buntings, Chestnut-bellied and Spotted Sandgrouse, Indian Courser,Grey Hypocolius, European Roller, Eurasian White Stork, several species of waders ……. And about 200 + other species.(Some images: Courtesy. Dr.P.V.Subramanium)

Target Mammal Species: Desert Fox, Desert Cat, Jungle Cat, Indian Gazzelle or Chinkara, Hedgehog, Indian Wolf, Hyena.

Click here to see a report of the trip we had made to Kutch a few years back…..

http://kutchparadisefound.blogspot.com/

Mr.Vivek Kale's amazing photoblog with stunning images

http://natgrk.rediffblogs.com/

You can also view Dr.P.V.Subramanium's amazing trip report with nature India Last year.
http://green-indians.blogspot.com/2009/02/this-rann-is-for-birds.html

You can also see a magnificient photoblog by Mr.Vijay Cavale here
http://vijaycavale.blogspot.com/2008/03/kutch-magic.html

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Tour Iterinary:

Date: 18^th Jan, 2012 morning 9.00 am to 21st Jan, 2012 eve 10.00 pm (travel days excluded)

Mode of Travel : Trax Cruiser Jeep (The only best travel option to move around the places quickly)

Overnight train travel can be booked from Mumbai (by participants)..... however since it is a busy sector, the train bookings should be done soon to get the desired train and class .... there are 2 trains available for Bhuj from Mumbai....Nature India can ASSIST in bookings if required.

Rough Tour Iterinary:(ex.Mumbai)

17th Jan'12 (Tuesday) : Departure from Mumbai to Bhuj by 19115 BDTS-Bhuj Exp. leaving Bandra Terminus at 14:50 Hrs.

18th Jan'12 (Wednesday): Arrival in Bhuj (9am) – breakfast - Drive to Hotel JP Palace, Nakhatrana-lunch, Eve. Bird-watching at Pot-Mahadev to see the rare White-naped Tit and Marshal’s Iora – return for dinner and Stay at JP Palace, Nakhatrana

19th Jan'12 (Thursday): early morning Birdwatching in Fullay Village, Chari Dhand, Moti Virani with packed breakfast - Lunch at Hodka village. Eve. - Banni Grassland & Nearby areas for Short eared Owls, Houbara Bustards and Desert cat- Dinner & Folk Music - Overnight stay at Hotel JP Palace, Nakhatrana

20th Jan'12 (Friday): Early morning proceed to Naliya grassland & Kunathia Grasslands with packed Breakfast- Lunch at KERC, A’noon – Pingleshwar Coast area - Return - Dinner & Folk music - Stay at JP Palace, Nakhatrana

21st Jan'12 (Saturday): Early morning Birdwatching in Banni Grasslands – Lunch - Birding in nearby scrubland - Checkout at 5 pm & Departure for Mumbai by 9116 Bhuj-BDTS Exp. at 22:15 Hrs

22nd Jan'12 (Sunday): Arrival in Mumbai at 13:55 Hrs

Trip charges : Rs.9400/- only (Includes non- A/C room stay in Hotel JP Palace, Nakhatrana, on twin sharing basis, Local travel by Trax cruiser jeeps, Park entry charges, vegetarian food , Guide charges, Information articles & on board snacks and mineral water)…….

This does not include travel charges from Mumbai to Bhuj and Back or any charges other than the above.

Group Size: Max.14 persons only

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmation mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non-refundable Advance of Rs.3500/- after our email comfirmation…..The remaining amount will be collected on the day of travel. Please note that the seats will be confirmed only after the advance payment.

Kindly register soon as the train bookings are not easily available in Gujarat.

Stay Arrangement: Hotel JP Palace, Nakhatrana is a good and clean hotel. The Stay arrangement is on a twin sharing basis and non-A/c accomodation. The food is mouth watering and we have kept a special arrangement for non-oily Kutchee food. The AC accommodation can be arranged at an extra cost if requested during the registration.

Resource Person: Mr.Adesh Shivkar, Mr.Mandar Khadilkar & Mr.Mangal (local expert)

Mode of Payment: You can either

1) Transfer the advance money directly to my HDFC A/c (Please call Mandar @ 9930318665).. please mention your name, date and other details….
2) Courier a cheque of Rs.3500/- as advance amount to the following address

Name: Mr.Mandar Khadilkar

Address: B/702, Neha Apartments, Ashish Complex,
Dahisar-East, Mumbai-400068

Please Note:

1) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 3500/- is strictly non-refundable
2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on all Nature India Tours

Please revert on natureindiatours@gmail.com ID, in case you need any clarification …..

For any other queries I am available on 9869071091 or 9820455713 (Adesh) or 9930318665 / 9967518665 (Mandar)....

Thanks for your patience.

Looking forward for a very rewarding trip with you all !!

Warm Regards,
Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect and Conserve

Little Rann of Kutch - Birding in both the worlds (6th to 8th Jan, 2012)

2011-10-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

Date: 6th Jan morning 05.00 am to 8th Jan,2012 eve 7.00 pm (travel days excluded). The bookings for Little Rann of Kutch (LRK) - Wild Ass Sanctuary bird-watching trip are on…..book your seats now (see the details at the end).....Get the birds from both worlds... Desert as well as Wetland. Bird-watch in one of the highly recommended birding hot-spots in India with Nature India.

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LRK - Birding Unlimited in the Little Rann of Kutch

Ask someone who has been here......and you wont have to think twice to decide where you want to head next. This Wild Ass Sanctuary is located in the Little Rann of Kutch of the Gujarat State in India. It covers an area of 4954 km². The Sanctuary is named after a sub species of wild ass (Equus hemionus khur), the last population of which it harbours. The Rann is one of the most remarkable and unique landscape of its kind in the entire world. It is a vast expanse of desiccated, unbroken bare surface of dark silt, encrusted with salts which transforms into a spectacular coastal wetland after the rains. And in these wetlands occur one of the most breathtaking variety of avi-fauna that is rivalled by few other spots in India.

A geographically unique landform, the Little Rann of Kutch is a saline desert wilderness offering exciting cross-desert safaris, superb wildlife viewing opportunities and colourful villages along the edge of the desert. The Little Rann of Kutch or LRK, as it is often called, is a charismatic birding paradise and has been declared a Ramsar Site. The marshes in the Rann, and nearby lakes like Nawa Talao and Vanod Saran, attract huge flocks of water birds. Flamingos, pelicans, cranes, storks, ducks etc can be seen in large numbers. LRK is home to some very rare species like Macqueen's Bustard, Sociable Lapwing, Pallied Scops Owl, Merlin, Short-eared Owl etc...

The Little Rann of Kutch is also a Wild-life photographers paradise as it offers innumerable opportunities to capture birds and wildlife at close quarters. Last year the photographers literally had a feast photographing the falcons, buzzards, eagles, bustards, wolfs, desert foxes, Wild Ass etc. (Most of the images in this blog are courtesy: Mr.Nirav Bhatt)

Kachchh (also spelled as Kutch) is a district of Gujarat state in western India. Covering an area of 45,612 km², it is the largest district in the state of Gujarat and the second largest district of India after Leh. Kachchh literally means something which intermittently becomes wet and dry; large part of this district known as Rann of Kachchh is shallow wet-land which submerges in water during the rainy season and becomes dry during other seasons. The same word "Kuchchh" is also used in Sanskrit for a tortoise and garments to be worn while having a bath.

Kachchh District is surrounded by the Gulf of Kachchh and the Arabian Sea in south and west, while northern and eastern parts are surrounded by the Great and Little Rann (seasonal wetlands) of Kachchh. When there were not many dams built on its rivers, the Rann of Kachchh remained wetlands for a large part of the year. Even today, the region remains wet for a significant part of year.

Nature India has organized an exclusive Birdwatching trip to this paradise from 6th January to 8th January 2011 (travel days excluded). We shall cover The Little Rann of Kutch including the Indian wild Ass sanctuary, Savada wetland, Bajana wetland, Nava talav, Handiwala wetland ....virtually almost all the hotspots.

Some of the places that we will cover during our trip are as follows:

Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch

Little Rann of Kutch of which most of the part constitutes Asiatic Wild Ass Sanctuary. It is theonly place in the world, to see Asiatic Wild Ass in wild. Other mammals to look out for areWolf, Blue Bull, Desert Fox, Desert Cat, Hedge Hog, Chinkara etc.

The sanctuary known for not only Wild Ass but also for numerous wetlands it has around and no. of Waterfowls. ALso the dry unending desert is known for species like Macqueen's Bustard, Short-eared Owl, Sociable Lapwing, Greater Short-toed Larks, Desert Wheatear, Red-tailed Wheatear, Variable Wheatear, Aquilla Eagles, Pallid Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Merlin, Bimaculated Lark, Laggar Falcon, Imeprial Eagle etc...

Have a look at some of the Trip reports & photoblogs on LRK

http://natureindia-tours.blogspot.com/2009/07/final-trip-reports.html#lrk

http://picasaweb.google.com/shaileshkar/TholeSanctuaryAndLittleRannOfKutch#

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lraleigh/youarehere./1173972660/tpod.html

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Tour Itinerary & Other Details:

Date: 6th Jan'12 morning 6.00 am to 8th Jan'12 eve 7.00 pm (travel days excluded)

Mode of Travel : Safari Jeeps (LRK)

Overnight train travel can be booked from Mumbai..... however since it is a busy sector, the train bookings should be done soon to get the desired train and class .... there are several trains available for Ahmedabad from Mumbai....Nature India can ASSIST in bookings if required.

Rough Tour Itinerary:( Ex.Mumbai)

05th Jan'12 (Thursday): Departure from Mumbai to Viramgam 9017 Saurashtra Janata Express. at 18:20 Hrs (from Bandra) or any other train according to your convenience.

06th Jan'12 (Friday): Arrival in Viramgam (4.30am) - Proceed to Royal Safari Resorts - Rest - Breakfast - Birdwatching safari in Rann - Return for Lunch - Rest - Birdwatching at Bajana Wetland - Return for dinner and night stay at Royal Safari Resorts

07th Jan'12 (Saturday): Early morning bird watching @ Savada Wetland and the Wild-Ass Sanctuary Safari - return to hotel for lunch - Rest - Birdwatching at Handiwala Wetlands - Return - Presentation on "Birds of LRK" - Dinner and night stay at Royal Safari Resorts

08th Jan'12 (Sunday): Early morning Birding at "Nava Talav" and Safari in Rann - Return for Lunch - Rest - Birding in Bajana Wetlands - Eve. Tea - Proceed to Viramgam Station to Board 9018 Saurashtra Janata Exp. at 18:45

09th Jan'11 (Monday): Arrive in Mumbai on 12th early morning by 05:40 Hrs.

Trip charges : Viramgam to Viramgam only

Charges: Rs.8300/- only (Includes A/C stay in Royal Safari Camp on twin sharing basis with attached toilet, Local travel by Safari Jeeps, Viramgam to Viramgam travel, Park entry charges, vegetarian food , Guide charges, Information articles & on board snacks and mineral water)…….

This does not include travel charges from Mumbai to Viramgam and Back, Photography fees or any charges other than the above.

Group Size: Max.14 persons only

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmation mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.3500/- after our registration confirmation on e-mail…..The remaining amount will be collected on the day of travel.

Kindly register soon as the train bookings are not easily available in Gujarat.

Stay Arrangement:

At Royal Safari Camp, Near Bajana wetlands, Surendranagar District in AC rooms on a twin sharing basis. Beautifully constructed by the skilful local artisans, with local red stone, each cottage at the thoughtfully landscaped camp exhibits the magnificent craftsmanship, while offering you all the amenitie, including air-conditioners and luxury bathrooms to make your stay comfortable. A specially created lake along the camp simply adds to the serenity of the whole area.

Have a look at their website http://www.theroyalsafaricamp.com/facilities.html

Resource Person: Mr.Adesh Shivkar, Mr.Mandar Khadilkar & (local expert)

Mode of Payment: You can either

Name: Mr. Mandar Khadilkar

Address: B/702, Neha Apartments, Ashish Complex, Dahisar (East), Mumbai-400068

Please Note:
1) Once registered, the amount of Rs. 3500/- is strictly non-refunadable
2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours

Please revert on natureindiatours@gmail.com ID, in case you need any clarification …..

For any other queries we are available on 9869071091 or 9820455713 (Adesh) or 9930318665 or 967518665 (Mandar).

Thanks for your patience.

Looking forward for a very rewarding trip with you all !!

Warm Regards,
Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect and Conserve