Mishmi Hills, Arunachal Pradesh – The World’s Bio-diversity Hotspot - 20th February to 27th February, 2016

Nature India has meticulously planned and organized bird watching trip to Mishmi Hills & Maguri Bheel, Eastern Arunachal Pradesh, in Feb 2016. Only limited seats (8) are available, hence please register very fast. (See details at the end).....

A remote place like Eastern Arunachal Pradesh (Mishmi Hills) 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 Mishmi Hills visit possible for many with a Great Budget trip without compromising the quality :-)

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Mishmi Hills – The World’s Bio-diversity Hotspot

The Land of Rising Sun is how Arunachal Pradesh is often referred as; however, very few have ever ventured this mystic place to explore it’s un-paralled Bio-diversity. Arunachal Pradesh lies in the extreme North-east of India and is characterized with undulating mountains with the mighty Brahmaputra cutting across and giving birth to such pristine bio-diversity that it is considered as the 3rd most bio-diverse regions in the World.

The Mishmi Hills is a southward extension of the Great Himalayan Mountain Range - its northern and eastern reaches touching China. Much of the Mishmi Hills falls under the Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh. The Dibang Valley district is named after the Dibang River - one of the key tributaries of the Brahmaputra River. The Dibang originates in China and flows through the length of the valley in a north-south direction. The Dibang Valley district is divided into Lower and Upper Dibang Valley. The headquarters of the two districts are Roing and Anini respectively. Mishmi Hills is situated in the Eastern Himalayan province, the richest bio-geographical province of the Himalayan zone and one of the Mega bio-diversity hotspots of the world. The complex hill system of varying elevations receives heavy rainfall, which can be as much as 4,500-5,000mm annually in the foothill areas. The humidity in the rainy season is often over 90%. This diversity of topographical and climatic conditions has favored the growth of luxuriant forests which are home to myriad plant and animal form. Various plants species, species of mammals, birds, orchids, insects and butterflies can be found in this forest. Over 100 species of mammals, 600 species of birds, a large number of butterflies and insects can be found in these forests.

 

The vegetation here can be classified into the following forest types: Tropical Evergreen, Tropical Semi-evergreen, Sub-Tropical Broad Leaved, Sub-Tropical Pine, Temperate Broad Leaved, Temperate Conifer, Sub-Alpine Woody Shrub, Alpine Meadow, Degraded, Bamboo, and Grasslands. The altitude varies from just 150 mts @ Dibang River to around 3000 mts @ Myodia Pass thus offering a wide range of habitats. Such an amazing occurrence of life forms can be attributed to the location which is at the junction of the Paleoarctic, Indo-Chinese, and Indo-Malayan bio-geographic regions, Biotic elements from all these regions occur in this area making it very rich in floral and faunal resources.

The Mishmi Hills is home to some of the rarest endemics and sought after birds of the Indian subcontinent. Mishmi Hills was the place where Julian Donahue and Ben King had ‘re-found’ the enigmatic Rusty-throated Wren Babbler (now re-christened the Mishmi Wren Babbler) in 2004.  This bird was known to the world from only a single skin of a female that landed in the mist-nets of Dr’s Salim Ali and Dillon Ripley during their survey of the area in the late forties. It lay hidden from the ornithologists’ eyes till the venerable duo lured it by playing the tape of similar species and managed to photograph it and also record its song.

Mammals:
There is great mammal diversity in the area. Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Snow Leopard, Golden Cat, Jungle Cat, Marbled Cat and the Leopard Cat represent just the cat family. The endangered Red Panda is found in the northern reaches and the Hoolock Gibbon is abundant. One of the most unusual ungulates found here is the Mishmi Takin. This animal occurs here in small herds at elevations. Other important mammals include Musk Deer, and the Himalayan Black Bear.

 

Mithun:
The Mithun is a bovine of Indian origin. It is considered to be a descendent of wild gaur. This animal has religious significance and is intimately related to the socio-cultural life of the Mishmi people. The Mithun is considered to be a source of personal prestige with an economic value far in excess of the material contribution. Mithuns are unit of wealth and are allowed to move freely in jungle till used for food on festive occasions or for barter. 

Birds: More than 500 species are recorded here that includes birds like Purple and Green Cochoa, Violet and Emerald Cuckoos not to mention Satyr Tragopan and Blood Pheasant. Also Gould’s Shortwing, White-hooded Babbler, Pale-headed Woodpecker and Pale-capped Pigeons, Several species of Laughingthrush, Babblers, Flycatchers, Yuhinas, Minla, Liochichla, Ward’s & Red-headed Trogon, Sunbirds, Sibia, Hornbills, Forktails, Rosefinches, Warblers, Scimmitar Babblers, Parrotbills, Woodpeckers, Tree-creepers, Nuthatch, Drongos, Accentors, Thrushes etc..... you may usually encounter “Bird Waves” and massive “Mixed hunting Parties” in this part of the world, where in hundreds of birds of different species move together scanning the forests.

We will be exploring this region starting from the plains of Assam near Maguri Bheel, then the foothills of Mishmi near Roing, 12 (bara) Kilo, Tiwari Goan and Myodia Pass (@ 2700 mts)..... each of this altitude promises different species composition according to the season.... a brief glimpse of the places that we are going to explore.

  

Maguri Bheel (Dibru Saikhowa National Park)

Our birding trip starts here. Maguri Beel of Tinsukia District is a wetland complex which is a part of the Dibru Saikhowa Important Bird Area but located just outside the Dibru Saikhowa National Park and Biosphere Reserve. ‘Beel’ is the local name for a lake with marshy areas at the edges. Maguri Beel is located in the south bank of the Dibru River, which is a channel of the mighty Brahmaputra River. The Dibru Saikhowa National Park is located in the northern bank of the Dibru River. This area is very rich in biodiversity and is important for conservation of waterfowl and grassland birds....some birds that can be encountered here include Striated Grassbird, Bar-headed Goose, Wagtails, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Wigeon, Garganey, Gadwall, Mallard, Northern Lapwing, Grey-headed Lapwing, Jacanas, Pied Harrier, Several species of waders and such rare species like Jerdon’s & Marsh Babbler, Jerdon’s Bushchat, Spotted Bush Warbler, Baikal Teal and Falcated Duck, Chestnut-capped Babbler, Swamp Francolin etc ......we shall spend just a morning birding session here on our way to Mishmi Hills.

Roing Town & 12 Kilo (approx. 300m to 800m): The Roing area is the 1st stop in a Mishmi Hills bird tour. Roing is located in the foothills and the altitude stretches from 200m to 500m. The Mishmi Hills rise around the Dibang River Basin and the Roing area is a mix of extensive floodplains and outer Himalayan foothills. Birding here is good from the 12th mile or popularly called as “Bara Kilo (on the road to Mayodia) all the way downhill to the Itapani River. The hbitat here is Dense tropical evergreen, tropical semi-evergreen, sub-tropical broad leaved forests and a swath of semi-evergreen forests along the upper Brahmaputra River plains.

This region is home to key species like Rufous-necked and Great Hornbills, Black Eagle, White-browed Piculet, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Red-headed Trogon, Long-tailed Broadbill, White-throated & Ashy Bulbul, Daurian Redstart, Black-backed & Slaty-backed Forktail, Spot-throated Babbler, Long-tailed Sibias, Hill Blue Flycatcher, Sultan Tit, numerous scimitar babblers, Yuhinas, Scarlet Finch, Lesser Racket-tailed & Spangled Drongo, Red-billed Scimmitar Babbler, Hill Prinia, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Maroon Oriole, Rufous-faced & Yellow-bellied Warblers, Scarlet-backed & Yellow-vented Flowerpecker, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Red-headed Trogon, Golden-fronted & Great Barbets, Green Magpie, Pale-headed & Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, White-hooded Babbler, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Emerald Cuckoo, Green Cochoa.... the Bamboo patches also host the very rare an elusive Hodgson’s Frogmouth.  We will spend 5 nights in 12 Kilo

Tiwari Goan (approx.800m to 2000m): This small village is approximately mid-way from Roing to Mayodia pass road and comprises Dense evergreen forest. It is one of the mega diversity region where the Rufous-throated (Mishmi) Wren Babbler was re-discovered in 2004. The surrounding forest is host to many interesting species like Ward’s Trogon, Mishmi Wren Babbler, Wedge-billed & Spotted Wren Babblers, Several species of Laughingthrush, Tesia, Small & Rufous-bellied Niltava, Pygmy Blue Flycatchers, Yellow-throated & Golden-breasted Fulvettas, Black-chinned & Stripe-throated Yuhinas, Black-throated & Rufous-headed Parrotbills, Beautiful Nuthatch, Blue-winged & Red-tailed Minla, Black-eared & Black-headed Shrike Babblers, Himalayan Cutia, Red-billed Leothrix, Coral-billed Scimmitar Babbler, Golden-throated Fulvetta, Golden Babbler, Straited & Mountain Bulbul, Green-tailed & Black-throated Sunbirds, Green-backed & Yellow-browed Tits, Grey-chinned & Scarlet Minivets, Little-pied & Snowy-browed Flycatchers, Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler, Mountain Tailorbird, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Golden & Orange-flanked Bush Robin, Purple Cochoa, Silver-eared Mesia, Voilet Cuckoo, Black-breasted Thrush, Tree-creepers, Fork-tailed Swift etc.

Mayodia Pass: At almost 2700m, Mayodia Pass is often covered in snow even in March. The terrain is rocky and the vegetation is dominated by ringal bamboo habitat. Some fantastic high-altitude birds can be encountered here birds like Himalayan Monal, Sclaters Monal and Blyth’s Tragopan. Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Ward's Trogon,  Grey-sided, Spotted and Black-faced Laughingthrushes, Gould's and  Rusty-bellied Shortwing, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, Maroon Accenter, Plain-backed Thrush, Brown-throated and Manipur Fulvetta etc. There is no other stay facility here except the very basic “Coffee House” that was build by the colonial settlers long back. The climate here can change rapidly due to the presence of other high altitude mountains in the surrounding area that influence the weather. The road further traverses to the town of Hunli, which are the headquarters of the district. 

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TRIP DETAILS:

Date: 20th February 2016 (Saturday) to 27th February 2016 (Saturday) (travel days included)

Mode of Travel :

Mumbai - Dibrugarh - Mumbai (by Air/Rail on personal expenses)

Local travel in jeep (Non AC Sumo or Qualis) from Dibrugarh – Tinsukhia – Roing – Mayodia – Dibrugarh (By Nature India)
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Travel Details: 

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

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

Mumbai - Dibrugarh
Air India Flight No. AI-675, Mumbai (6.10 hours) to Dibrugarh (11.40 hours)
Indigo Flight No. 6E-319, Mumbai (7.40 hours) to Dibrugarh (14.00 hours)
Jet Airways Flight No. 9W-301, Mumbai (7.00 hours) to Dibrugarh (13.25 hours)

Dibrugarh - Mumbai Indigo Flight 6E-206, Dibrugarh (14.30 hours) to Mumbai (23.40 hours) OR Any flights after 14:00 Hrs from Dibrugarh

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

By Rail:
One can reach Dibrugarh by Dibrugarh express, but it runs only on Fridays and takes about 53 hours :-(
* Nature India will not assist in booking for air/train tickets*

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Itinerary: (Dibrugarh to Dibrugarh)

Saturday, 20th February, 2016: Pick-up at Dibrugarh Airport at 14.30 Hrs…..Departure in jeep for Tinsukhia / Maguri Beel..... Stay overnight at Eco camp in Maguri Beel.

Sunday, 21st February, 2016: Morning bird watching at Maguri Beel for water birds and Grassland specialities – Lunch – Proceed to Roing crossing the Bramhaputra river by Boat – Reach Roing / 12 Kilo by evening .......Stay at Mishmi Hill Camp at Roing

Monday, 22nd February 2016: Early morning check-out, full day bird watching from Roing to 12 Kilo – Lunch on the way – continue birding – Stay at Coffee House @ Mayudia Pass

Tuesday, 23rd February, 2016: Start early morning – Birding along the way from Mayodiya to Tiwarigaon – lunch on the way - Stay at Coffee House @ Mayudia Pass

Wednesday, 24th February, 2016: Start early morning – Birding around Mayodiya pass – lunch on the way - Stay at Coffee House @ Mayudia Pass

 
Thursday, 25th February, 2016:  Early morning checkout - Birding around Tiwarigoan & 12 Kilo – Lunch on the way – Stay at Mishmi Hill Camp at Roing

 
Friday, 26th February 2016: Check-out from 12 kilo/ roing – Bird along the way – from Roing to Maguri Beel – Lunch on the way – Stay at Maguri / Tinsukia

Saturday, 27th February, 2016:  Check-out from Hotel – Bird for the Grassland species in Maguri Beel & proceed to Dibrugarh Airport and reach @ 13:00 Hrs

More details on the itinerary will be given to those who register.....
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Trip charges : (Dibrugarh to Dibrugarh only)…. Rs. 39900/- Only
Includes Stay in BASIC rooms on triple sharing basis at Eco camp in Roing, Stay on twin sharing basis at an Eco Resort near Maguri Bheel and triple sharing in Coffee House at Mayudia Pass (Basic stay without electricity and running water), Local transport by Non-AC Jeeps (Sumo or Qualis), Park entry charges, Local Expert charges, vegetarian food, Entry permits for Arunachal Pradesh, Articles on Mishmi Hills & Maguri Beel and bird checklist & snacks ……

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

Please note: Since this is a remote location, the facilities are basic at Mishmi Hills.  However the stay is very clean and food is very good.

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Stay Arrangements

Coffee House @ Mayudia Pass, Mishmi Hill Camp @ Roing town & an Eco Resort, Maguri Bheel

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PS: Unfortunately, if the flight from Mumbai to Dibrugarh & back 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.
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Registration: You can register by sending a confirmatory mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.15000/- immediately after getting a registration mail from us..... (The seats will only be confirmed after receiving the advance amount) …..the remaining amount can be given by 15th Nov, 2015.......Please Register at the earliest as only 8 seats are available.

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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 Nov,2015.

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….

OR

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.
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Please Note:
1)    Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 15000/- (Phase 1) is strictly non-refundable
2)    Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours
3)    This is primarily a Bird-watching / Photography 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 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 KhadilkarNature India
Appreciate, Respect & Conserve

Batch- 2 - Bharatpur & Chambal - Birding in World's Best Birding Area - 03rd to 06th Feb.,2016

With overwhelming response to Batch-1, Nature India now announces Batch-2 for Bharatpur & Chmabal WLS. This year is expected to be fantastic because of good rains

Date: 03rd February, 2016 afternoon 4.00 pm to 06th February, 2016 eve 7.00 pm (Travel days excluded). The bookings for the Meticulously planned Bharatpur / Chambal WLS 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...... Only few seats remaining ...

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 04th to 06th February 2016.... 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. 

The National Chambal Sanctuary was formed to protect this pristine river ecosystem (425 kms in length), complete with its varied flora and avifauna. The Chambal river which is mainstay for the entire wildlife of the sanctuary harbours a variety of aquatic life like the elusive Ganges River Dolphin, Crocodile (Mugger), Gharial ( Gavelia Gangeticus ), Freshwater Turtles, River Otters and a various species of fishes. All of which can be seen by tourists within the sanctuary area, especially in the middle reaches in the downside of Rajghat Bridge on National Highway No. 3.  This river-which is one of the cleanest rivers in the country, boasts of a population of over 200 Crocodiles and 1600 Gharials. Active efforts are now to protect the Ganges River Dolphins, which can sometimes be seen here if one is lucky.

The surrounding environs of the river are a true bird watchers delight. During the season November-March) one can see hundreds of migratory and resident birds flock at the shores of river. Species such as the Bar-headed Geese, Brahminy Duck, Great Thick-knee, Black-billed Terns, Laggar & Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, Lesser Whistling Ducks, River Lapwing, Comb Ducks, Large Cormorants, Small Pratincoles can be easily seen here. This place is particularly famous to sight the Indian Skimmer- the highest population of which in the world is found in Chambal.

Tourists to the sanctuary can enjoy its many sights by motor boats specially provided by the Forest Department. And one can freely enjoy the natural wonders of the sanctuary which during the 50's and 60's was largely hidden due to the presence of dacoits.

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Tour Itinerary & Other Details:

Date: 3rd Feb, 2016 afternoon 4.00 pm to 06th Feb, 2016 eve 07.00 pm (travel days excluded)

Mode of Travel : Cycle Rickshaw (2 person per 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 (and only if possible).

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


Day 1 (Tuesday 2nd Feb, 2016): Departure from Mumbai to Bharatpur by 12903 Golden Temple Mail, leaving Mumbai Central @ 21:30 & Borivali @ 22:05.

Day 2 (Wednesday 3rd Feb, 2016): Arrival in Bharatpur @ 16:00 Hrs.... (Pick-up by local auto) Check-in Hotel in Bharatpur - Evening Snacks @ 18:00 Hrs and Presentation on Birds of Bharatpur and its History - Discussions & Dinner - Early Bed - Overnight Stay @ Hotel in Bharatpur.

Day 3 (Thursday 4th Feb, 2016): Early morning Breakfast - Proceed to Keoladeo Park in Cycle Rickshaw - Explore the Park till the nursery for scrubland birds - Packed Lunch - Continue birding in the park near Sapan Mori and near Keoladeo Temple - return for dinner and Overnight Stay at Hotel in Bharatpur

Day 4 (Friday 5th Feb, 2016): Start early morning for Chambal sanctuary....Breakfast on the way - Boat ride in Chambal river for Indian Skimmers, Ghariyal, Black-bellied Tern etc - Lunch in Dholpur town- Return to Bharatpur - Birding on the way -   Dinner - Discussion - Overnight stay at Hotel in Bharatpur

Day 5 (Saturday 6th Feb,2016):  Early breakfast - Check-out (Luggage to be kept in 2 rooms) - birdwatching inside Bharatpur sanctuary  - Packed Lunch - Proceed to Birdwatch on way back - Return by 5 pm - Evening snacks & (Drop by local auto) Depart by 6 pm to board 12926 Paschim Exp. @ 19:40 from Bharatpur.

Day 6 (Sunday 7th Feb, 2016):  Arrival in Mumbai at 14:45 Hrs

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Trip charges (Bharatpur to Bharatpur only)............. Rs.15600/-

Includes Deluxe non- A/C room stay in Hotel Lakshya Palace in Bharatpur on twin sharing basis, Local travel by Cycle Rickshaw (2 person in each), To & Fro travel to Chambal WLS, Boat Safari in Chambal, 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..... However, please note that only few seats are remaining due to prior booking by many 

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmation mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non-refundable Advance of Rs.9000/- 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 in Bharatpur, near to the Park......a good and clean hotel...... The Stay arrangement is on a twin sharing basis and non-A/c deluxe accommodation. The food is very good.

Resource Person: Mr.Mandar Khadilkar & Bablu Khan (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.9000/- as advance amount to the following address

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. 9000/- 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