GOA - Romance with Birds
It is now well-known that more foreign birdwatchers visit Goa than Indians….. The fact is, what others are already experiencing, we as Indians have failed to realize the potential of Goa as a bird-watching destination. While we looked upon Goa only as a general tourist destination, the British Birdwatchers have been enjoying over 450 species of birds found here.... Infact, it is a great surprise for many that Goa's growing romance with Foreign birdwatchers is what is building birding awareness in this area.
The low-lying coastal plain with its mangroves-lined estuaries and marshes, the central dry, rocky plateau of scrub and savannah grassland, and the undulating forested interior along with the close proximity to the Sahyadri Range of the Western Ghats which run the length of its eastern boundary less than 70km away, has resulted in a rapid variation in habitat across Goa’s breadth that is reflected in the significant diversity of species found within its borders.
Bird Watching In Goa is a great way to unwind and forget the worries of the world. Goa teems with bird life of all kinds, from nesting to aquatic and migratory. Whether you tour the lakes of Goa, or enjoy a trek through the Western Ghats, Goa promises to make your trip a memorable one.
Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary – Tambdi Surla & Mollem
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are a wildlife enthusiast looking for a wonderful sanctuary experience, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is for you! It is Goa’s smallest wildlife reserve, nestled at a height of 3000 feet (900 meters) on the lush foothills of the Western Ghats. Bondla Sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers. Though, the birdlife is largely similar to that of the BMS, a few additional species, such as White-browed Bulbul and Blue-faced Malkoha, can be found here while species such as White-rumped Shama, Forest Wagtail, Rufous Woodpecker, Grey Jungle-fowl and Crested Hawk-eagle can appear more regularly here. There is a great possibility of spotting brown fish owl, Ruby throated yellow bulbul (State bird of Goa), Indian scimitar babbler and Oriental dwarf kingfisher among other birds. The Rangado river flows on its east while the Madhel river on its north. Bondla is also home to a diversity of wildlife such as Sambar deer, Sloth bear, Gaur, the black-faced Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Jackals, toddy cats, panthers, porcupines, peacocks, wild boar and an array of reptiles like Indian Chameleon. Bondla is covered with moist deciduous forest with the state tree Terminalia Crenulata (Matti) and Rosewood being the most common trees around. Evergreens and a variety of canes can also be found.
Tambdi Surla Temple
The Tambdi Surla temple situated at Tambdi village is historically important as the same has been built by the Kadamba kings during the 13th Century. . It is notable as the oldest temple inGoa, located just 13 kms from Mollem. The surrounding forest is dense and harbours quite a variety of Western Ghat endemics.
Zuari River Boat Trip
A motorized boat takes you for the safari in the backwaters of the river Zuari going further in the mangrove-lined Cumbharjua Canal. The safari takes a total of 3 hours. You will be also served a packed breakfast on board.
This lesser known lake is one of the largest and most productive wetlands in Goa. It is a large, marshy, lotus-covered lake, filled with an abundance and variety of waterbirds. Although the amount of water in the lake varies greatly with the seasons and agricultural use, regular species here include Purple Swamphen, White-breasted Waterhen, Bronze-winged and Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Garganey, Northern Pintail, Lesser Whistling-duck, Cotton pygmy Goose, Spot-billed and Comb Ducks, Asian Openbill, and Oriental Darter. The lake is surrounded by scrub, paddy fields, and woodland good for Warblers, Munias and various woodpeckers, bee-eaters, and parakeets. Raptors including Western Marsh Harrier, Indian Spotted and Booted Eagles, and Osprey are regularly seen.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Nature India is conducting a well planned and budgeted trip to Goa that will cover most of the birding sites and habitats ...... see below for complete details.
TRIP DETAILS &
Date: 1st December, 2011 morning 9.00 am to 4th December, 2011 eve 7.00 pm
Mode of Local Travel : Tempo traveller (The best option to move around the places quickly in a group)
Overnight Volvo buses ply regularly between Mumbai & Goa and bookings are easilyavailable....Nature India can assist in bookings if required.
(Please note: Since it is a festive season, the bus ticket rates might be higher than normal)
Rough Tour Iterinary : Ex Goa
Day 1: 1st Dec, 2011 (Thursday) : Pick-up from Madgaon at 9:00 am – Breakfast at Madgaon– Proceed to Nature’s Nest campsite near Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary (BMS), birding along the way – Check-in and Lunch – Birding trail in BMS – Return to Camp – Dinner – Night trail to see Frogmouths, Owls & Nightjar’s - Overnight stay at Nature Nest Camp.
Day 2: 2nd Dec, 2011 (Friday) : Early morning birding trail to Castle Rock and Anmod Ghat area with packed Breakfast – return and lunch – Visit “Tambdi Surla” temple area for the Western Ghat endemic bird species – Return – Presentation on “Birds of Goa” – Dinner - Night trail to see Frogmouths, Owls & Nightjar’s - Overnight stay at Nature Nest Camp.
Day 3: 3rd Dec, 2011 (Saturday) : Early morning visit to Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary with packed breakfast – Lunch @ Bondla WLS – Continue bird-watching in Bondla Sanctuary – return – Dinner - Overnight stay at Nature Nest Camp.
Day 4: 4th Dec, 2011 (Sunday) : Pack-up and leave early morning for Zuari river safari to see Mangrove and marine bird specialties including 6 species of Kingfishers, Orange-breasted Green Pigeons, Waders, Terns and Gulls – Breakfast – Proceed to visit Mayna Lake to see the migratory waterfowls – Lunch – Shopping around Margoa – Drop at Margoa and proceed to catch Bus back home at 5 pm.
Trip charges (Goa to Goa only) : Rs.7500/- (Includes Stay in Camp “Nature’s Nest”, near Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary on twin sharing basis, Local travel by Tempo traveller, All Park entry charges, All meals including lunch, dinner and breakfast , Expert charges, Zuari river Safari, Information articles & on board snacks and mineral water)…….
Group Size : 12 persons only
These charges are Goa to Goa only....... participant has to make their own travel arrangement upto Goa and Back . 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 non-refunadable advance of Rs.2500/- (and only after our confirmation mail) as per the payment guidelines given below…...
Stay Arrangement: Camp “Nature's Nest” cottages….. a basic camp with simple touch, located at the base of Western Ghats in Goa, on the border of Bhagwan Mahavir National Park.
The Stay arrangement is on a twin sharing basis. The cottages arevery simple but spacious & clean and suit the best to local climate and culture. .……The camp is situated around the forests and offers plenty of Birdwatching inside the campus. Please visit their home page @http://www.birdingingoa.com/index.html
Mode of Payment: You can either
1) Transfer the money directly to my HDFC A/c (Please call Mandar @ 9930318665).. please mention your name, date and other details….
2) Courier a cheque in favour of "Mandar Khadilkar" of Rs.2500/- to the following address:
Name: Mr. Mandar Khadilkar
Address: B/702, Neha Apartments, Ashish Complex,
Dahisar-East, Mumbai-400068
Please Note:
Please revert on natureindiatours@gmail.com ID, in case you need any clarification …..
For any other queries we are available on 9869071091 / 9321463362 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
No comments:
Post a Comment