Birding In North-East India (Eaglenest WLS and Nameri Tiger Reserve) Date: 08th March to 15th March, 2014

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 March 2014. 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 :-)

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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...


Bompu Camp(1950mtrs)
Most happening place in Eaglenest WLS for bird watching. The camp site is situated among one of the most dense forest in India. 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.....


Being at lower altitude large variety of birds are seen from Bompu to Sessni area. 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: 08th March 2014 (Saturday) to 15th March 2014 (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 (only non-stop flight) No. 6E-434, on 08/03/2014 at 07.25 Hours reaching Guwahati at 10.35Hours.
• Jet Airways Flight No. 9W-619, on 08/03/2014 from Mumbai at 06.05 Hours reaching Guwahati at  10.30 hours. 

Guwahati - Mumbai 

• Indigo Flight (only non-stop flight) No. 6E-433, on 15/03/2014 at 17.55 Hours reaching Mumbai at 21.35Hours.
• Jet Airways Flight No. 9W-7014, on 15/03/2014 at 18.55 Hours reaching Mumbai at 00.10Hours.

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*

1. Saturday, 08th March, 2014: Pick-up at Guwahati Airport at 11.30 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.
    
2. Sunday, 09th March, 2014: Morning bird watching at Nameri Tiger Reserve with packed Breakfast.....Post lunch leave for Eaglenest....Stay at Lama Camp
    
3. Monday, 10th March 2014: Full day bird watching around Lama Camp. Stay at Lama Camp
    
4. Tuesday, 11th April, 2014: Start early morning from Lama Camp…..bird watching on the way through-out the day….reach Bompu camp by evening…..Stay at Bompu
    
5. Wednesday, 12th March, 2014: Bompu - Sessni - Bompu.....Bird-watching all the way....Stay at Bompu
    
6. Thursday, 13th March, 2014: Bompu - Sessni - Bompu.....Bird-watching all the way....Stay at Bompu
    
7. Friday, 14th March 2014: Start early morning birding along the way... reach Nameri by evening …bird watching on the way….stay at Nameri Eco camp
    
8. Saturday, 15th March, 2014: Morning bird watching at Nameri Tiger Reserve….Leave for Guwahati after breakfast…. Reach Guwahati Airport by 17:00 Hrs

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

Rs. 42200/- 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.15000/- 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. 15000/- 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 - Balance amount to be paid before 15th Jan'2014.

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

Mode of Payment: You can either

1. Transfer non-refundable advance amount of Rs. 15000/- directly to the HDFC A/c : (please call Mandar @ 9930318665 for A/c no.) .... please mention your name, date and other details….
2. Courier a cheque of Rs.15000/- to the following address and forward the details.

Name: Mr. Mandar Khadilkar
Address: Flat No.2, Blossom Apartments, Below Shantighan Hospital, LM Road, Kandarpada, Dahisar-West, Mumbai-400068.

Please Note:

1. Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 15000/- (Phase 1) is strictly non-refunadable
2. Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours
3. This is primarily a Bird-watching trip
4. Weather conditions: Weather in North-East is unpredictable and
   Nature India will not be responsible for any days lost due to bad weather.
5. Kindly register on this trip only if you agree with  Nature India's rules and policies
   http://natureindiapolicies.blogspot.in/2012/08/nature-india-policies.html
   
   

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

Bharatpur - Birding in World's Best Birding Area - 13th to 15th Feb.14

The 1st trip of Nature India to Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur:- )

Date: 13th February, 2014 morning 7.00 am to 15th February, 2014 eve 7.00 pm (Travel days excluded). The bookings for the Meticulously planned Bharatpur 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.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur

 

A non-birder may often ask you “Are you are a bird-watcher? Then you must visit the Bharatpur bird Sanctuary, there are many birds including those that come from Siberia”.....even a lay person knowing this place is not surprising, since, Bharatpur was the only known / recognized Bird-watching site before 1990’s, the most famous and talked about. No wonder Sir Peter Scott, founder of WWF (World Wildlife Fund) and famous ornithologist from UK once said that “Bharatpur is World’s best bird area”. Indeed, this was one of the favourite places of late Dr.Salim Ali too, who carried out extensive studies on migratory birds here.

Nature India announces Bird-watching trip to "best birding area in the world", Bharatpur, from 13th to 15th February 2014.... Bookings are open....only limited seats, so book fassstttt...

UNESCO included this Ramsar site as a World Heritage Site, in 2002, and the description by UNESCO says,  “Habitat of rare and endangered species. The park is a wetland of international importance for migratory waterfowl. It is the wintering ground and habitat for large numbers of resident nesting birds.”
(Thanks to Ansar Khan & Chotu Khan for allowing us to use some of their excellent images of Bharatpur)

Initially this land was just a natural depression, where Maharaja Suraj Mal, then ruler Bharatpur constructed Ajan Bund (the bund was created at the confluence of Gambhir & Banganga river). It became famous hunting ground for Maharajas & the British viceroys. There are records of killing 4000+ birds in one shoot!! Later on some common sense prevailed and park was established as National Park on 10th March 1982. In 1982, grazing was banned in the park, leading to violent clashes between local farmers and the government.

The name Keoladeo is derived from the Lord Shiva temple present inside sanctuary, the area is locally called as Ghana (simply means dense or thicket) & hence the name, Keoladeo Ghana National Park. The park is 2 kilometers (km) south-east of Bharatpur town and 50 km west of Agra. The Park is spread over approx 29 sq. km. area. One third of the Keoladeo National Park habitat is wetland systems with varying types of microhabitats having trees, mounds, dykes and open water with or without submerged or emergent plants. The habitats include Grassland, Woodland & Arid land in varying density.

Birding in Bharatpur

Half of the bird-watching population that visit Bharatpur are foreigners, not just because of the strategic position (close to Agra), but also for the amazing diversity of more than 400 species that have been recorded in such a small area. Ornithologically, the park assumes significance in two respects: One because of its strategic location as a staging ground for migratory waterfowl arriving in the Indian subcontinent before dispersing to various regions and secondly, the wetland is a wintering area for massive congregations of waterfowl. Till 2002, the critically endangered Siberian Cranes also used to come here. Bharatpur is also known for some breeding residents like Sarus Crane. It is also home to a healthy population of mammal species.....However, since 2002 the water crises (because it is an artificial wetland that received water from "Ajan Bund" and for which the farmers around the region declined to give water) lead to the deterioration of the park. However, after the completion of the ambitious "Govardhan Canal" project, the Park is receiving water since last year, and the glorious days are back :-)

 

The Birding can be done along the various paths that criss-cross the park and in various habitats – Nursery, Sapan Mori, Keoladeo Temple, Koladhar (arid zone), Forest tract.... each of these spots can give you a different experience and we have meticulously planned the trip accordingly.

Birds to look out for: Herons, Storks, Cormorants, Waders, Migratory ducks (including Gadwall, Shoveller, Common Teal, Cotton Pygmy goose, Tufted Ducks, Comb Duck, Mallard, Ferruginous, Common Pochard, Indian Spotbilled Duck, Grey-lag & Bar-headed Goose), Darters, Ibises, Pelicans etc. Also, Warblers, Babblers, Bee-eaters, Buntings, Chats, Francolins, Hornbills, Quails and a very good variety of Raptors (Including Pallas’s, Spotted, Imperial, Tawny, Bonell’s, Booted, Steppe, Serpent Eagles). The Olws are easy to see and are in good nos. (including Dusky & Eurasian Eagle Owl, Collard & Oriental Scops Owls). The Park also has Marshall’s Iora, Thrushes, Rubythroat and various Nightjars (roosting).

Mammals & Other Fauna: Nilgai, Jackal, Spotted & Sambar Deer, Blackbuck, Fishing & Jungle Cat, Mongoose, Smooth Indian Otter, Civets, Wild Boar, Monitor Lizard, Indian Python, Reshus Macaques, Langurs etc.

 

National Chambal Sanctuary

National Chambal Sanctuary is a 5400sq. km park, protected by three staes, namely, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh. We will be covering the Dholpur, Rajasthan are of the sanctuary for the boat safari. The river sanctuary not only provides beautiful landscapes but also a wonderful place for bird/wildlife-watchers & photographers. It is well known for sightings of Indian Skimmer, Black-bellied Tern, Ghariyal and Gangetic Dolphins.

 

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Tour Itinerary & Other Details:

Date: 13th Feb, 2014 morning 6.30 am to 15th Feb, 2014 eve 07.00 pm (travel days excluded)

Mode of Travel : Cycle Rickshaw and on foot (The only best travel option to move around the places quickly)

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

Rough Tour Itinerary - Ex. Bharatpur: (Participants to book their own travel from Bharatpur to Bharatpur)


Day 1 (Wednesday 12th Feb, 2014): Departure from Mumbai to Bharatpur by 12925 Paschim Exp. leaving Bandra Terminus at 11:35 Hrs.

Day 2 (Thursday 13th Feb, 2014): Arrival in Bharatpur (6.15 am) – Drive to Hotel Raj Palace - Breakfast - Explore the Park on Foot till the nursery for scrubland birds - Packed Lunch - Explore the park near Nursery and Forest area for forest birds - return for dinner and Overnight Stay at Hotel Raj Palace, Bharatpur

Day 3 (Friday 14th Feb, 2014): Start early morning for Chambal sanctuary....Breakfast on the way - Boat ride in Chambal river for Indian Skimmers, Ghariyal, Black-bellied Tern etc - Lunch - Return to Bharatpur - Birding on the way -   Dinner - Discussion - Overnight stay at Hotel Raj Palace, Bharatpur

Day 4 (Saturday 15th Feb,2014):  Early breakfast - birdwatching inside Bharatpur sanctuary  - Packed Lunch - Proceed to Birdwatch on way back - Return by 4 pm - Checkout and Depart by 6 pm to board 12926 Paschim Exp. @ 19:42 from Bharatpur.

Day 5 (Sunday 16th Feb, 2014):  Arrival in Mumbai at 14:45 Hrs
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Trip charges (Bharatpur to Bharatpur only)............. Rs.13400/-

Includes Deluxe non- A/C room stay in Hotel Raj Palace, Bharatpur on twin sharing basis, Local travel by Cycle Rickshaw, Park entry charges, veg / non-veg food , Guide charges, Information articles & on board snacks and mineral water…….

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

Group Size: Max.12 persons only

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmation mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non-refundable Advance of Rs.7000/- after our email confirmation…..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 the North Sector.

Stay Arrangement: Hotel Raj Palace, Bharatpur is a good and clean hotel..... very close to the park. The Stay arrangement is on a twin sharing basis and non-A/c deluxe accommodation. The food is mouth watering.

Resource Person: Mr.Adesh Shivkar, Mr.Mandar Khadilkar & 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.7000/- as advance amount to the following address

Name: Mr.Mandar Khadilkar
Address: Flat No.2, Blossom Apartments, LM Road, Below Shantighan Hospital, Kandarpada,
Dahisar-West, Mumbai-400068

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
4) Kindly register on this trip only if you agree with  Nature India's rules and policies
http://natureindiapolicies.blogspot.in/2012/08/nature-india-policies.html


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 / 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

Desert National Park, Rajasthan - Living on the Edge (5th to 8th Feb, 2014)

Date: 5th Feb'14 to 8th Feb'14 (travel days excluded). The bookings for Desert National Park / Khichan bird-watching trip are on…..book your seats now (see the details at the end).....Birdwatch in one and only one Desert of the South-east Asia with Nature India...where Living is truly on the Edge...... Please See complete details (Itinerary, Charges etc) at the end of this Blog.

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DESERT NATIONAL PARK -  Living on the Edge

The Thar Desert, often called an 'ocean of sand', covers a large area of western Rajasthan. The fragile ecosystem of the Thar supports a unique and varied wildlife. In this vast ocean of sands lies the famous Desert National Park. More than 60 per cent of it is simply semi-arid desert. The seemingly barren lands gradually dissolve at the horizon touching Pakistan. But the warm sands of the Desert National Park beyond Jaisalmer form a fertile micro broth hiding an astounding variety of animals and birds. DNP, a World Heritage Site, falls in the extreme hot and arid region of very low rainfall zone (<100mm).

Though one of the smallest deserts in the world, it harbors a wide array of flora and fauna species. It is only place where Rajasthan State Bird (Great Indian Bustard), State animal (Chinkara) and State tree (Khejri) and State flower (Rohida) are found naturally. Thar desert has representatives of Palaearctic, Oriental and Saharan elements and is an outstanding example of geological history representing the different stages of evolution. It also has fossil evidences dating back to the Jurassic Period (180 mya) indicating hot and humid climate characterized by dense forests. 

  We always think that wildlife is in good nos. only when, there are lot of trees… Come to Desert National Park (DNP) & you will be amazed to see the eco system here and bio-diversity. A National Park with huge area of 3162 sq. km is second largest National Park of India after Hemis National Park (4400 sq. km) in Ladakh. The major landform consists of craggy rocks and compact salt lake bottoms, inters medial areas and fixed dunes. Sand dunes form around 20% of the Park.

Despite a fragile ecosystem there exists birdlife in good nos. The region is a haven for migratory and resident birds of the desert. The greatest attraction of the park is Great Indian Bustard, an endangered species. Desert National Park is one of the few sites in which these species can be found in good numbers. Undoubtedly, the best site to see Great Indian Bustard. 

Apart from GIB, the park host a large variety of migratory & resident birds, including Macqueen’s (houbara) Bustard, Black-crowned Sparrow Lark, Short-eared Owl, Chestnut-bellied; Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Desert; Variable & Isabelline Wheatears, Stoliczka's Bushchat, Imperial; Steppe; Tawny; Short-toed Snake Eagles, Laggar; Red-necked & Peregrine Falcons, Cream-colored & Indian Coursers, Red-headed, Cinereous & Egyptian Vultures, Bimaculated; Greater Short-toed & Desert Larks, Desert Warbler and many moré…  

 The area is also well represented by various species of mammals, rodents & reptiles like Indian Gazelle (Chinkara), Blue bull (Neelgay), Desert & Indian Fox, Wolf, Desert & Jungle Cat,

Spiny-tailed lizard, Hedgehog, Spectacled Cobra  etc…

KHICHAN - Rendezvous with Demoiselle Cranes

 

Khichan is a small, simple village in the Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, with extraordinary people. The entire village is known for establishing a tradition of feeding wild birds. Up to 5000kg of bird seed (Jwar) is consumed by birds every day! The small village is known to bird-watchers all over the world, mainly because of large nos. of Demoiselle Cranes, which come here every winter.

Some years ago, a section of local people of Khichan (Mainly: Late Prithvirajji Malu, Late Kishan Lalji Malu, Late Ganeshmalji Malu and Late Ratan Lalji Malu) started offering grains to birds every morning. This attracted a large number of Demoiselle Cranes, locally called as ‘kurjas'. What started initially as a few dozen visiting birds has now become a major migration with over 15000 cranes visiting the village every winter. Khichan today is a World Heritage Site, attracting tourists from around the world who come to see the Demoiselle cranes feeding right in the middle of a human settlement. Every morning Cranes gather in speacially created rectangular enclosure, called as "chugga ghars", where the grains are poured by Jain community. There is a simple ecological significance of this act. Because the cranes get the food they need, in the Chugga Ghar, they don’t ravage the farmlands of Khichan and surrounding villages, thereby averting a potential conflict with humans.

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TRIP DETAILS

Date: 5th Feb 2014 09:00 hrs to 8th Feb 2014  18.00 hrs (travel days excluded)

Mode of Travel: Train uptil Jodhpur and local non A/C 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 Jodhpur from Mumbai....Nature India can ASSIST in bookings if required.

Tour Itinerary:

1) Tuesday 4th Feb, 2014, 2014: Departure from Mumbai to Jodhpur by 12480 BDTS-JU Suryanagari Exp @ 13:30 Hrs.

1) Wednesday 5th Feb, 2014: Arrive @ Jodhpur Station @ 6:30 Hrs - Proceed to Khichan / Phalodi (136 kms) to witness the magnificent congregation of Demoiselle Cranes - Breakfast with Cranes - Continue birding around Khichan - Lunch @ Pokharan - Reach Barna, Jaisalmer (total 300 kms from Jodhpur) - Check-in Pal Rajah Resort - Dinner and Stay

2) Thursday 6th Feb, 2014: Early morning leave for Sudasari Forest Checkpost with packed breakfast and there-on to explore the vast Desert National Park - Lunch @ Khuri Village - Continue Bird-watching in DNP - Return to Jaisalmer - Dinner - Night stay in Pal Rajah Resort.

3) Friday 7th Feb, 2014: Early morning leave for Sudasari Forest Checkpost with packed breakfast and there-on to explore the vast Desert National Park - Lunch @ Khuri Village - Continue Bird-watching in DNP - Return to Jaisalmer - Dinner - Night stay in Pal Rajah Resort

4) Saturday 8th Feb, 2014: Check-out and Start early morning with packed Breakfast to Jaisalmer - Birding on the way - Lunch - Proceed to Jodhpur to board 12479 Surya Nagari Express @ 18: 40 Hrs or by +BGKT BDTS Exp. @ 19:20 Hrs. 

5) Sunday 9th Feb, 2014: Reach Mumbai by 11:35 Hrs or 12: 45 Hrs.

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

Trip charges: Rs.19800/- (Jodhpur to Jodhpur only)....

Total seats: 8 Pax only

Includes Stay in Pal Rajah Resort, Barna on a twin sharing basis in non-A/C mud house, Local transport by non-AC Jeeps, Park entry charges, Local guide charges, Delicious Vegetarian food, Articles on Desert National Park / Khichan, Bird checklist, on board mineral water and snacks……

This does not include train travel from Mumbai to Jodhpur & 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.com and by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.7000/-

(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.Adesh Shivkar & Mr.Mandar Khadilkar

Mode of Payment: You can either

1) Transfer non-refundable advance amount of Rs. 7000/- directly to Mandar's HDFC A/c : (please call Mandar @ 9930318665 for A/c no.) .... 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.Mandar Khadilkar

Address: Flat No.2, Blossom Apartments, LM Road, Below Shantighan Hospital, Kandarpada, Dahisar-West, Mumbai-400068

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

      3) Nest photography or any collection of specimens is prohibited

4) Kindly register on this trip only if you agree with  Nature India's rules and  policies
 http://natureindiapolicies.blogspot.in/2012/08/nature-india-policies.html 

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