Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Batch- 3 - TADOBA - ANDHARI TIGER RESERVE, Maharashtra (6th June to 8th June'15)

Dates : 6th June, 2015 to 8th June, 2015 (excluding travel days)
The bookings for one of the best known bio-diverse Tiger park in Maharashtra, The Tadoba - Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) trip is on…..book your seats fast, because this is something which you should not miss... (For all the detail including charges, itinerary etc see at the end).....

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The ABODE OF TIGER - TADOBA

There was this small waterhole called “Katezhari”, where our jeep was stationed one early morning, when we suddenly heard the alarm calls of atleast 2 Barking deers coming from the north-west valley…..as minutes passed, the calls seemed closer and were with more intensity, surely the Big cat was coming towards the waterhole....Meanwhile another contrasting drama was unfolding in front of us .....a Brown fish-Owl was coolly hunting the myriad frogs from the pool; a superb male Paradise flycatcher was bathing leisurely wetting his dangling long ribbon-like tail streamers. An Indian Pitta was rummaging amongst the forest litter near-by, unmindful of the approaching alarm calls …..The atmosphere was both thrilling, chilling and happening.....our anticipation was at its peak……. We were experiencing this right inside the heart of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)……..















Tadoba National Park is situated in the district of Chandrapur in the north-eastern part of Maharashtra, often referred to as “The Jewel of Vidarbha”. It is the oldest national park of the State of Maharahtra and since 1995, a Project Tiger Reserve. It derives its name from the local God, "Taru". The legend goes that the village chief "Taru" was killed in an epic fight with the tiger. He is worshipped by all the local villagers as the deity of "Tadoba".















Tadoba-andhari Tiger reserve was established in 1995. The area of the Reserve is 625.40 sq. km. This includes Tadoba National Park, created in 1955 with an area of 116.55 sq. km. and andhari Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1986 with an area of 508.85 sq. km. Thickly clad hills form the northern and western boundary of the Tiger Reserve. To the southwest is a huge lake which acts as a buffer between the park's forest and the extensive farmland which extends up toIrai Lake.

A marvelous site for the wild life enthusiasts, Tadoba has rich collections of flora and fauna. Tiger, Panther and Wild dogs are the major carnivores in this area which feed on the herbivores. Sambar is the most preferred food of the Tiger and Chital comes second in preference. Wild boars and Gaurs are also hunted by the Tiger. Panther hunts common langur, female chital, Sambar fawns, Wild boar etc. Wild dogs hunt in packs feed on Wild boar, Chital, Sambar. Sloth bear is an omnivorous animal that feeds on fruits of mango, jamun, bel, tendu, mahuwa flowers, honey and termites. The common herbivores like Chital, Sambar, Gaur, Chausinga feed on Grasses, young shoots and leaves of Bamboo and other species like Ghoti, Apta, Ber, Khair and fruits of many species. There are 29 natural saltlicks in the Tiger Reserve. The mesmerizing trails of Tadoba could be a treasured experience of a lifetime.












Flora : The land vegetation according to Champion and Seth's classification belongs to the sub group Southern tropical Dry Deciduous Forest with teak as dominant species. The main associates of teak are Ain, Bija, Dhauda, Haldu, Salai, Semal, Tendu and Bamboo. Almost 40% area is covered with bamboo. Trees of Jamun, Mango, Arjun are found in the moist area.
Fauna : Mammals - Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur or Indian Bison, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Wild Boar, Four-Horned Antelope, Wild Dog , Langoor, Nilgai, Marsh Crocodile are commonly sighted in the Tiger Reserve by the tourists.Ratel, Flying Squirrel, Palm Civet, Indian Civet, Leopard Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Pangolin and Jackal are also reported.


Fauna : Birds - Oriental Honey & White-eyed Buzzard, Indian Pitta, Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Roller, Orange-headed Ground Thrush, Common Hawk Cuckoo, Changeable Hawk eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Savana Nightjar, Painted Sandgrouse, Black-hooded Oriole, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Monarch Flycatcher, racket-tailed and White-bellied Drongo, Large Cuckooshrike, Oriental White eye, grey Hornbill, Grey Jungle-fowl, Golden Oriole, Large green barbet.





Click here to see some old reports & a photo blog of Vivek Kale (our previous participant)














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Travel Itinerary

Day 1 (Friday 5th June'15) :
Board the 12289 Nagpur Duranto Exp at 20:15 Hrs from Mumbai CST to Nagpur

Day 2 (Saturday 6th June'15) : Reach Nagpur at 07:15 Hrs....Breakfast..... Proceed to resort, Moharli gate, Tadoba at 11:00 hrs – Lunch - Evening Safari (3 pm to 7 pm) - dinner - Discussion about day's sightings - Night halt in resort 

Day 3 (Sunday 7th June'15) : Morning Safari (6am to 10 am) – Return for Lunch – Rest / Birdwatching at the lake - Evening safari (3 pm to 7 pm) – Before dinner, discussion and revision of the day's sightings -Dinner - Night Stay in Resort

Day 4 (Monday 8th June'15) : Morning Safari in Buffer zone (6 am to 10 am) – Return for Lunch –  Proceed to Nagpur station to board the 12290 Nagpur-CSTM Duranto Express to Mumbai at 20:50

Day 5 (Tuesday 9th June'15): Reach Mumbai CSTM by 07:50 am 

Trip Charges: Rs.14400/--only (Includes AC rooms on Twin Sharing Basis in Hornbill Resort, 1 kms from Moharli Gate, Pick-up & drop at Nagpur in A/C vehicle, Local travel by 4x4 open jeeps, Total 3 Safaris inside the park in main zones & 1 Safari in buffer zone, Veg. meals, Breakfast, Park Permits, Park entry charges, Guide charges, Information articles & on board snacks and mineral water.......(excluding your Lens surcharge as per the latest guidelines)…….

This does not include Travel charges from Mumbai-Nagpur-Mumbai, individual Lens surcharge or any charges other than the above. However, Assistance for train booking will be given ....

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmation mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com with contact details and by paying a non refundable Advance of  Rs.9000/- after our confirmation mail…..The remaining amount will be collected on the day of travel in cash only.

Kindly register soon to avoid the rush for train bookings……….

Group Size: Max 12 Pax only

Stay Arrangement: Hornbill Resort, 1 kms from Moharli Gate, Tadoba on a twin sharing basis in A/C rooms. .
Resource Persons: Mr.Adesh Shivkar, Mr.Mandar Khadilkar & Mr.Manish Verma

Mode of Payment: You can either
1) Transfer the advance money directly to our HDFC A/c (Please send a mail for details).. please mention your name, date and other details…. OR
2) Courier a cheque of Rs.9000/- 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. 9000/- is strictly non-refundable
2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India tours
3) Nesting photography 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 / 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



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Monday, March 2, 2015

2nd Batch - Birding in SIKKIM - A dream destination - 10th to 16th May, 2015

The long wait is over... Get ready for a birding feast in one of the "Best & Beautiful birding hotspots in the World". With over 550 species of birds, this has to be a dream destinations for any bird-watcher.

Nature India is immensely happy to announce, meticulously planned & carefully organised, Bird-watching trip to Sikkim (North-East India) from 10th May to 16th May 2015 (Travel Days excluded). Only few seats are available, so you know what to do!! Book fast...
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Bird-watching in Sikkim - A Dream Destination


With around 650,000 inhabitants, Sikkim is the least populous state in India and the second-smallest state after Goa in total area, covering approximately 7,096 sq. km. Sikkim is nonetheless geographically diverse due to its location in the Himalayas.

Over the years Sikkim has become the most favored location for birders all over world. Sikkim is like a small piece of land surrounded on all sides by mountain walls. Within an area of 80kms, the elevation rises from 225 mtrs in Tista river valley to 8600 mtrs at Kanchendzonga, India highest & World's third highest mountain peak. Separated by Singhalila Range from Nepal in the west & Dongkya Range from Tibet to the east, Sikkim, is like a "bird catchment area." Nowhere in the world in such a small area can one find flora and fauna of all varieties - Tropical to the Alpines.

Nature India announces, for the second time, an exclusive bird-watching trip to this dream destination from 10th May to 16th May 2015…. The details are given at the end. Amongst the places that we intend to cover are Meanam WLS, Ravangla / Damthang area, Yuksam, Kanchendzonga National Park, Pelling (Pemayanste monastery) etc...
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Meanam Wildlife Sanctuary
The Maenam wildlife sanctuary is famous for Satyr Tragopan (Tragopan Satyra) which is one of the rare species of Pheasants found in Eastern Himalayas, the other star bird species to look for is Fire-tailed Myzornis. Also Rufous vented Tit, Grey Crested Tit, Rufous- fronted Tit, Green Shrike Babbler, Tibetan Siskin, Dark breasted Rosefinch, White browed Rosefinch, Spotted Laughingthrush, White collared Black Bird, Darjeeling woodpecker, Crimson breasted Woodpecker, Himalayan Cutia etc... can be seen. In The lower valleys of Tashiding the birds that habitat are the great Sultan Tit, Puff-throated Babbler and Streaked Spiderhunter. Some common birds in the surrounding are the Great Himalayan Barbet, Grey Treepie, Green Magpie, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Black Bulbul and many more. Maenam wildlife sanctuary is also home to the rare beautiful state animal of Sikkim the Red Panda or Firefox.






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Damthang / Ravangla Area
Damthang is located at an altitude of 1650 meters above sea level and Ravangla at 2100 mtrs. This area is very famous among the bird-watchers visiting Sikkim. Ravangla is on the state highway connecting Gangtok and Pelling/Pemayangtse and rests at the foot of snow capped Mt. Narsing (19600 ft). This silent valley is favoured stop for birding the nearby Damtang forest (2 kms). Ravangla itself has scrub forest which attracts a rich variety of Himalayan birds. Verditer Flycatchers, Blue-fronted Redstarts, Grey Bushchats, Dark-throated Thrush, Blue-whistling Thrush, Green-backed Tit and White- browed Fantails are very common and cannot be missed. The forests around Ravangla resound with the unmistakable calls of Laughingthrushes, Babblers, Cuckoos and Hill Partridge. The rare Satyr Tragopan makes Maenam a home and the lucky can hear its breeding call from the higher reaches of Ravangla.


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Kanchendzonga National Park

The term Kanchendzonga means 'the Abode of Gods consisting of Five Treasure Houses'. The Kanchendzonga National Park is situated in the North District of Sikkim (Yuksom), spreading over an area of 850 square kilometers. The elevation range from 1800 meters to 8600 meters approximately, one of the highest park in the country. The area of the park of spectacular wilderness with one of the highest mountain peaks towering above virtually undisturbed forest cover. The variation of altitude and vegetation has enriched the park area with rich variety of flora.

The birds that you might encounter are as following Streak breasted Scimitar Babbler, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Striated Bubul, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Himalyan Cutia, Black-eared Shrike Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler,Hill Prinia ,Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler and so on.
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Pelling and Pemayangtse Monastery
Pelling is on the state highway connecting Gangtok and Yoksum and rests at the foot of snow capped Mt. Kanchenjunga. The important Pemayangtse monastery is a few kilometers from Pelling and is situated on a hilltop (2133 mtrs) which is covered by moist temperate Oak forests decorated with moss and lichens.
Pelling and Pemayangtse are well wooded and the moist forests hold Maroon-backed and Rufous-breasted Accentors, Green-tailed Sunbirds, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatchers, Blue-fronted Redstarts, Brownish-flanked Bush Warblers, Scarlet and Long-tailed Minivets, White-tailed Robin, Coal, Green-backed and Black-throated Tits, various Yuhinas, Fulvettas, Shrike Babblers, Scimitar Babblers, Laughingthrushes and Babblers.

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Trip Details & Itinerary :

Date: 10th May 2015 (Sunday) to 16th May 2015 (Saturday)

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

Local travel in jeep from Bagdogra – Sikkim – Bagdogra (By Nature India)

Travel Details:

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

 Mumbai - Kolkata (on 9th May'15):
Option 1: Indigo flight no. 6E403 reaching Kolkata @ 19:20 or Indigo flight no. 6E327 reaching Kolkata @ 19:45 ....OR any other flight that reaches Kolkata Airport max. by 20:00 Hrs
Kolkata - Mumbai (on 17th May'15):
Option 1: Jet Airways flight no. 9W626 Starting Kolkata @ 09:25 or Indigo flight no. 6E324 Starting Kolkata @ 11:10 ....OR any other flight that Starts from Kolkata Airport After 10:00 Hrs
AlternativelyMumbai - Bagdogra (on 10th May'15):
Option 1: Indigo flight no. 6E434, 07.25 (Mumbai) to 10.25 (Kolkata) & 11.10 (Kolkata) to 12.10 (Bagdogra)
Bagdogra - Mumbai (On 16th May'15):
Option 1: Indigo flight no.6E433, 16.15 (Bagdogra) to 17.15 (Kolkata) & 17.45 (Kolkata) to 21.20 (Mumbai)

 Several other options available, however, Please check the arrival & departure timing at Bagdogra for to & fro flights as per the itinerary. Book fast to get concessional rates.

Alternate Travel Option: 
Alternately (to save costing), you may travel to Kolkata by flight on 2nd May'15 and then take an overnight train to Siliguri (Just 10 kms from Bagdogra) and we shall pick you up from here.....similarly you can take train from Siliguri/New Jalpaiguri to Kolkata on 9th May'15 and then fly from Kolkata on 10th May'15......however, Nature India would not be able to assist in travel bookings as we are on tours. 
Rough Tour Itinerary (Complete details of stay etc will be provided after registration)


Day 1: Saturday, 9th May, 2015 - Kolkata - New Jalpaiguri

Board 12343 Darjeeling Mail @22:05  OR 12377 Padatik Express @ 22:55 from Sealdah Station (Kolkata) ....... Overnight travel ...... Reach New Jalpaiguri Station by 08:00 Hrs or 09:05 Hrs respectively on 10th May, 2015 (Please note, that there are a couple of more options by train in case you do not get tickets in these trains)

 Day 2: Sunday, 10th May, 2015 - Bagdogra- Ravangla
South Sikkim
Pick up from New Jalpaiguri Station @ 8:00 or 9:00 Hrs and drive towards Sikkim - 05 hours straight but we will drive birding all the way as we come across the Tendong RF, part of Maenam WLS.
The species you will encounter in this forest are as follows.... Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Streak- breasted Scimitar Babbler, Red headed Bullfinch, Lesser Shortwing, White-browed Shortwing, Indian Blue Robin, Red flanked Blue Tail, Large Niltava, Yellow billed Megpie ,Fire tailed Sunbird, Fire Tailed Myzornis, Nepal House Martin and Fork-tailed Swift nesting on the rock slope after Damthang and many more birds.
Overnight Stay @ a Good resort in Ravangla

Day 3: Monday, 11th May, 2015 - Maenam WLS
Early morning after breakfast head via vehicle crossing Ravangla town and towards Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary entry gate 10 Km – 25 minutes drive [Maenam WLS has an altitudinal gradient ranging from 2300 m – 3263 m. The sanctuary is most famous for Satyr Tragopan ( on the top of the hill) a rear Pheasant found in Eastern Himalayas, Fire tailed Myzornis, Rufous vented Tit, Grey Crested Tit, Rufous- fronted Tit, Green Shrike Babbler, Tibetan Siskin, Dark breasted Rosefinch, White browed Rosefinch, Scaly Laughingthrush, White collared Black Bird, Darjeeling woodpecker, Crimson breasted Woodpecker, Himalayan Cutia and many more. We will scan for the state animal of Sikkim Red Panda.
Time taken to reach the top –four to six hours - Pack -lunch will be served during the trek.
Overnight stay @ a Good resort in Ravangla.

Day 4: Tuesday, 12th May, 2015 - Ravangla-Damthang road + Ralong
West Sikkim
Full day biding in Damthang and Ralong Road
Lunch in Ravangla ..... Overnight stay @ a very good resort in Ravangla.

Day 5: Wednesday, 13th May, 2015 - Tashiding- Yuksam
West Sikkim
After Breakfast head via vehicle towards lower valley of Kewzing and Tashiding (02 hours straight drive) and full Day birding to look out for low altitude species like Sultan Tit, Streaked Spiderhunter, White bellied Yuhina, Black-chinned Yuhina, Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike, White-browed Piculet, Ashy Bulbul, Puff-throated Babbler, Long-tailed Broadbill, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Velvet fronted Nuthatch, Crested Kingfisher, Brown Dipper and Ibisbill ,little forktail in Ranjit River and many more
Overnight stay @ Hotel Tashigang in Yuksam

Day 6: Thursday, 14th May, 2015 - Yuksam - Pelling
Early morning before Breakfast Head towards Dzongri trail (part of Kanchendzonga National Park) through the trekking trail birding all the way.... The birds that you might encounter are as following Streak breasted Scimitar Babbler, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Striated Bubul, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Himalyan Cutia, Black-eared Shrike Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler,Hill Prinia ,Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler and so on.....return by Lunch and proceed towards Pelling .....Birding on the way.
Overnight stay @ a Good hotel in Pelling 

Day 7: Friday, 15th May, 2015 - Pelling- Pemayangtse
The entire day will be done around pelling, Kecheopalri Lake and pemayantse monastery. This monastery is renowed for the abundance in birdlife. A very small area surrounding the monastery environs may produce gems like White-tailed Robin, Snowy-browed, Little Pied, Verditer, Blue-throated Flycatchers, Scarlet-backed Flowerpeckers, Red-tailed Minla, Small & Large Niltava, Green Shrike Babbler, Grey-sided Laughing Thrush and a variety of birds that will mesmerize you. ......overnight stay in Pelling.

Day 8 : Saturday, 16th May, 2015 - Pelling to New Jalpaiguri
Early morning birding along with packed Breakfast - After breakfast continue birding in Sikkim - Lunch and head towards New Jalpaiguri / Bagdogra to Board the 12344 Darjeeling Mail @20:00  OR 12378 Padatik Express @ 21:00 OR 13150 Kanchankanya Express @20:30 Hrs from New Jalpaiguri Station to Kolkata (Sealdah Station)
Day 9 : Sunday, 17th May, 2015 - Kolkata
Reach Kolkata (Sealdah Station) by 09:00 am on 17th May, 2015


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Trip Charges: (New Jalpaiguri to New Jaipaiguri)...

Rs.38900 /-only
Includes Stay on twin sharing basis at Ravangla, Kewzing, Yuksam & Pelling resort, Local transport by Jeeps, Park entry charges, Local Expert charges, vegetarian food, Entry permits for Sikkim, Articles on Sikkim and bird checklist, on board mineral water and snacks, Camera Charges if any………

Please Note: That this is the most affordable, yet luxurious trip planned with very good resorts and arrangements.
PS: Unfortunately, if any flights / trains are 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.

Stay Arrangements:
Hotel Maenamla, Ravangla




Tashigang Resort, Yuksom

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmatory mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.20000/- after getting a registration mail from us.......the remaining amount will be collected later as mentioned below.......Please Register at the earliest as only 12 seats are available.

Payment terms:
Phase 1 - Rs. 20000/- 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 3 - Balance amount (Rs.18500/-) to be paid before 30th March 2015.

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

Mode of Payment: You can either
Transfer non-refundable advance amount of Rs.20000 /- directly to the HDFC A/c : (please call Adesh @ 9820455713 for A/c no.) .... please mention your name, date and other details….

Courier a cheque of Rs.20000/- to the following address and forward the details.
Name: Mr. Adesh Shivkar
Address: D/8, The Adi Janata Society, Behind HP Petrolpump, Near Sion Signal, Sion-East, Mumbai-400022.

Please Note:

1) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 20000/- (Phase 1) is strictly non-refundable
2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours
3) Nesting photography is prohibited.
4) Kindly register on this trip only if you agree with  Nature India's rules and policies

Please revert on naturindiatours@gmail.com ID, in case you need any clarification.
For any other queries we are available on 9930318665 / 9967518665 (Mandar) or 9869071091 / 9820455713 (Adesh)

Hope to see you for this wonderful trip

Thanks for your patience.

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar & Mandar KhadilkarNature India
Appreciate, Respect & Conserve
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Appreciate, Respect & Care for Nature