CORBETT - Wildlifer's Paradise :22nd to 28th Feb'09

Dates: 22^nd February, 2009 to 28^th February, 2009 The bookings for Corbett National Park Wildlife trip is on…..book your seats now (see the details at the end).....

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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 Corbett National Park and you will get a hint of its popularity :-)

The park spans across some 920.9 square km 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.

Nature India has organized a meticulously planned and exciting wildlife trip to this paradise from 22nd -28thFebruary 2009 (excluding travel from Mumbai to Delhi & Back). We shall cover the prime spots in Corbett including 3 full Days in Dhikala (the place of action), Sarpduli, Gairal, Garjia, Kanda, Dhikuli, Sambar Road, Kumeria, Kosy Barrage, Mohan (the famous “Mohan Man-eater” fame), Champion Road…… 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.

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

Target Bird Species : Ibisbill, Green Magpie, Rosy & Long-tailed Minivets, Red Jungle-fowl, Khaleej Pheasant, Collared Falconet, Hodgson’s Bushchat, Wallcreeper, Great thick-knee, Common Merganser, 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

I estimate a total of about 166 to 175 species of birds in 5 days or maybe more :-)

Target 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

http://www.corbettpark.com/

You can also view Mr.Sumit Sen and Bikram Grewal’s excellent photoblog on their Corbet trip.

http://www.kolkatabirds.com/corbett/corbetttripreport.htm

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Tour Iterinary & Other Details:

22nd Feb'09: Board 5013 Jim Corbett Park Link Exp from old delhi station leaving 2240 hrs.

23rd Feb'09: Reach Katgodham at 5.45 am (There is a Mega-block on Ramnagar sector till the 26^th Feb’09 for some major work) drive for 1 Hrs to the camp, Full day birding at Kosi barrage, Garjia, Mohan - Kumeria.

24th Feb'09: Drive to Dhikala via Gairal, Crocodile Pool, Sarpdouli, Champion Road, High Bank, full day game-drive at Dhikala.

25th Feb'09: Full day game-drive at Dhikala, Sambar Road, Dhikuli, Chaurs

26th Feb'09: Full day game-drive at Dhikala, Sarpdauli, checkout from park late evening, check in to camp.

27th Feb'09: Full day birding at Kosi barrage, Garjia, Mohan, Kumeria, Board 5014 Jim Corbett Park Link Exp at 2140 hrs from Ramnagar for old Delhi.

28th Feb'09: Reach old Delhi at 0430 hrs.

Trip charges : Rs._______(Includes Non- A/C room stay on Triple Sharing Basis in Dhikala FRH and Corbett Nature Camp, Ramnagar, Train travel from Delhi to Ramnagar and Back, Local travel by 4x4 jeeps, Veg. meals, Breakfast, Fruits, Park Permits, Park entry charges, Guide charges, Information articles & on board snacks and mineral water)…….

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

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.______…..The remaining amount will be collected on the day of travel.

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

Group Size: Max 12 Pax only

Stay Arrangement: Dhikala Forest Camp (It is actually a resort) inside Corbett N.P.and Corbett Nature Camp, Ramnagar on a triple sharing basis. Both the stays are amazing……. (see below image)

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

Mode of Payment: You can either
1) Transfer the advance money directly to my HDFC A/c (Please send a mail for details).. please mention your name, date and other details….
2) Courier a cheque of Rs._______ 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. _______ is strictly non-refundable

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 I am available on 9321463362 or 9820455713

Thanks for your patience.

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

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar

Nature India

Appreciate, Respect and Conserve

Birding In Western Ghats (Dandeli & Anshi WLS, Karnataka - 12th to 15th Nov'08)

Date: 12^th November, 2008 morning 9.30 am to 15^th November, 2008 eve 8.00 pm The bookings for Dandeli / Anshi bird-watching trip are still on…..book your seats now (see the details at the end).....

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"BIRDING IN WESTERN GHATS" - Dandeli and Anshi WLS
(12th Nov'08 to 15th Nov'08)

Early in the morning, if you are awaken by the “Chakoo Chakoo” calls of the Grey nightjar just a few feet away and you come out to stretch your legs, you see Malabar parakeets creating a raucous, a racquet tailed drongo whizzing past as if followed by a pair of bumble bees, an Indian lorikeet saluting you in its typical upside down “Bat” like posture, a pair of Fairy Blue bird greeting you with its melodious call or a party of Brown-cheeked fulvettas passes over your head…..then you are actually in Kulgi Nature Camp situated in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka…..

An inveritable paradise for forest birds, this sanctuary is respected for its variety and abundance of birdlife. The Dandeli Wildlife sanctuary is spread over 834.16 sq.km and is the second largest in Karnataka, contiguous with the Bhagwan Mahaveer sanctuary in Goa. This Sanctuary abounds with a richness of Flora and Fauna. Its richness and diversity offers ample opportunities to nature lovers to enjoy the captivating landscape. The sanctuary is generally undulating with steep slopes, picturesque deep river valleys and rich hilly forest terrain. The breathtaking valleys, regal looking meandering rivers and the splendid scenic beauty of the syntheri rock make it an awe inspiring experience. The forest in Dandeli is typical moist deciduous and semi evergreen types, with pockets of evergreen trees.

The myriad streams that flow through this sanctuary empty in the mighty Kali river and its tributaries, Kaneri and Nagajhari that offers one of the most breathtaking white water rapids in south India. The forest is home to numerous plants, mammals, reptiles, insects, butterflies and is especially rich in birds with plenty of western ghat endemics……

The town has got a curious history behind its name. There is a strong belief that the city is named as "Dandeli" after Dandelappa, a loyal servant of the Mirashi landlords who lost his life because of his loyalty. Even today we can find people worshipping him in the temples, which memorises his existence.

The Anshi National Park located in the North Kannada district of Karnataka was given a status of National Park in 1987 and has an area of 340 sq km, considered as India's most endangered wildlife park. Anshi lies on the Karwar- Londa highway and is part of the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary. The area has semi-evergreen and evergreen forests. Anshi National Park has been granted the status of Project Tiger sanctuaries in January 2007. Anshi National Park is located in an eco-sensitive part of the Western Ghats, at a height between 200 m to 925 m above sea level.

Anshi National Park is a lush semi-evergreen forest just 50 kms. from Dandeli, famous for its astounding population of Black Panthers. This forest is the home of the world’s largest poisonous snake ‘The King Cobra’.

Some of the bird star attractions to be found in Dandeli sanctuary include Indian Lorikeet & Malabar Parakeets ; Malabar Pied, Malabar grey and Indian Pied Hornbills ; Hill Myna ; Blue-bearded & Chestnut headed bee-eaters ; Ruby-throated & Yellow-browed Bulbul ; Fairy Blue Bird ; Velvet-fronted & Chestnut-bellied Nuthatches ; Little Spiderhunter ; Black-throated and White-backed Munias ; Darkfronted Babblers ; Heartspotted , White-bellied and Brown-capped Pigmy woodpeckers ; Malabar Trogon ; Ceylon Frogmouth ; Brown Fish, Mottled wood, Spot-bellied and Brown Wood Owl; Crested Gowshawk ; Speckeld Piculet ; Gold-fronted & Blue-winged Leafbirds etc etc…..

Nature India announces an exclusive birdwatching trip to this birding paradise - Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park from 12^th to 16^th Nov’08……

Some of the areas that will be covered during this trip are as follows:

1) Kulgi Nature Camp environs: The area surrounding this beautiful camp abounds in bird activity early in the morning. The campus itself provide Brown-cheeked fulvettas, Malabar Parakeets, Grey and Indian Nightjars, Vernal hanging parakeets, Racquet-tailed Drongos, White-cheeked and coppersmith barbets, leaf warblers, White-rumped Shama and many more……

The Camp site consists of about 10 fully furnished tents, a small museum, a large dormitory, a dinning hall surrounded on all sides by wilderness. A newly constructed Nature information center has added value to this wonderful place. The food prepared by the local cook is mouth-watering and is particularly favorite amongst the visitors.

2) Ganeshgudi: This small village on the outskirts of Supa Dam about 24 kms from Kulgi boosts of huge congregations of Malabar Pied Hornbills and it is an experience to watch these magnificent birds when they come here to roost in the evening on the huge trees along the banks of Kali river.

This area also has an abundant birdlife and offers sure sightings of Malabar Pied and Malabar grey hornbills, Fairy Blue Birds, White-bellied Blue-flycatchers, White-bellied woodpeckers, Chestnut-headed bee-eaters etc.

3) Dandeli Timber Depot: If you want to see the Malabar Gaint Squirells and Hill Mynas, then this is the place. The depot is situated close to the Dandeli forest office and easily accessible by road. The birds come here for evening roost and is particularly favorite amongst the bird photographers for the opportunity it gives. The Kali river that passes by also adds Grey headed fishing eagle if you are lucky.

4) Shirali Village: There is an abandoned mine just adjacent to the road that passes this village. On the other side of this mine are many tall trees that form the edge of the forest. It is here that I may have seen more than 120 species of birds in the 5-6 times that I visited. You have to just sit and relax on the road side and keep your eyes open. You may come across Chestnut-headed & Blue-bearded bee-eaters, Ruby-throated & Black Bulbuls, Pompodour green pigeons, White-rumped and Brown-backed Needletails, Malabar & Plum-headed Parakeets, Speckled piculet and a vast variety…….It is amazing how a forest clearing produces a myriad of species.

5) Bomanahalli Intke: “Intke” means dam and we go for birding along the periphery of the back waters of this dam. It is a nice place to see some water birds including Grey-headed Fish Eagle and Osprey sometimes. This area is also surrounded by good forest and if you come across any “mixed hunting party” then it’s a huge lottery (Usually it’s a win-win situation) …… a good place to see Blue-tailed and Small Green bee-eaters, Rufous and Flameback woodpeckers, Common Ioras, Shamas, Orange and Small minivets, Booted and Blyth’s reed warblers, Pied flycatcher shrike, various species of Drongos etc….. On the way you can also stop and watch birds along the road for sure sightings of Ashy-wood Swallow and maybe a Red-breasted flycatcher & Forest Wagtail amongst the Bamboo clumps.

6) Sanctuary Safari: There are permissions required to enter the core area of the sanctuary, which can be obtained from Kulgi along with a guide. Private vehicles are allowed by paying some charges. An excellent way to watch Indian Guar, Spotted, Sambar and Barking Deers, Jackals and if you are lucky then you might as well bump into a Leopard or a Sloth Bear or even have a Malabar Trogon passing your road.

The early morning ride is especially productive and it is a thrill to travel the winding roads, keeping your senses alert expecting surprises at every turn. The safari ride lasts for almost a couple of hours.

7) Syntheri Rocks: About 20 kms from Kulgi and on the way to Anshi National Park this place is famous for its monolithic rock formation. The river "Kaneri" passes through the terrain. A good place to watch Black-capped Kingfisher, Large wood-shrike, White-bellied Flycatcher, Blue-bearded bee-eaters, Woodpeckers etc. The flying lizard or “Draco” is found a plenty here and one looks in awe as they float from one stem to another like a leaf gliding away.

8) Anshi National Park: This evergreen forest is about 70 kms from Kulgi and is contigious with the Dandeli WLS. The atmosphere here is a total in contrast. It is dense, green and cool. The Anshi camp is situated at an ideal location surrounded with cool streams that can fetch you a Blue-eared Kingfisher. The trail that starts behind the camp offers sure sightings of Malabar Trogons and White-bellied Treepie whose northernmost distribution ends here. The Bamboo patches could yield the Ceylon Frogmouth and if you bump in any mixed hunting party then, you can easily come across more than 20 species of birds frantically feeding and jostling around.

Anshi NP is particularly rich in butterflies, and the star attractions here are the Southern Bird-wing (largest butterfly of India) and Malabar tree Nymph butterflies that flutter and glide effortlessly over the canopy. The flying lizards are in good numbers even inside the campus and you should not be shocked to expect a lizard or two gliding over your head or crossing your path, while having your lunch.

Have a look at these links to see some trip reports

http://addithebirdie.blogspot.com/2005/11/great-birding-party-dandeli-karnataka.html

http://www.travel-library.com/asia/india/in_20061108144814.html

http://mumbaihiking.blogspot.com/2008/02/multi-sport-adventure-dandeli-wildlife.html

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Date: 12^th November, 2008 morning 9.30 am to 15th November, 2008 eve 8.00 pm

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

Rough Tour Iterinary:

1) Wednesday 12^th Nov, 2008 : Pick-up from Belgaum at 9.30 am by Jeep – Reach Kulgi Nature Camp and Lunch – Rest and Proceed for Ganeshgudi & Supa Dam area while birding along the way – Return back to Kulgi – Dinner – Night Trail to see the Flying Squirrels

2) Thrusday 13^th Nov, 2008 : Early morning Safari in Sanctuary – visit “Shirval” village (an abandoned mine area) to see the profusion of forest birds – Return to Kulgi Nature Camp for lunch – Rest and proceed to Bomanhalli intke for birding – Visit Dandeli Timber depot to see Great Hornbill, Hill Mynas and Gaint Squirrels – Return to KNC for Dinner and Roost

3) Friday 14^th Nov, 2008 : Early morning pack-up and birding around Kulgi village – Breakfast – Visit Syntheri Rocks – Reach Anshi Nature Camp – Lunch and birding in Anshi – Dinner – Night trail

4) Saturday 15^th Nov, 2008 : Early morning Birdwatching behind Anshi nature Camp – Breakfast and proceed to Kulgi for Lunch – Rest and proceed to Belgaum to reach by 7 pm

Trip charges : Rs.6200/- for ordinary tents or Rs. 6700/- for deluxe tents (Includes Stay in tents in Kulgi and Anshi Nature Campt, on twin sharing basis, Local travel by Trax cruiser, Park entry charges, food , Information articles & on board snacks and mineral water)…….

Group Size : 13 persons only

These charges are Belgaum to Belgaum and participant has to make their own travel arrangement upto Belgaum and Back. This does not include any charges other than the above. The photography charges if any should be borne by the participants.

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmation mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a full advance of Rs.6200/- …...

Stay Arrangement: Kulgi and Anshi Nature Camps. These are well furnished tents with fans & lights & electricity points for charging The Stay arrangement is on a twin sharing basis. The Camp Premises and toilets are clean and the food is lip smacking……The camps are situated right inside the forests and offers plenty of Birdwatching inside the campus.

Resource Person: Mr.Adesh Shivkar

Mode of Payment: You can either
1) Transfer the money directly to my HDFC A/c (Please send a mail for details).. please mention your name, date and other details….
2) Courier a cheque of Rs.6200/- 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 amount of Rs. 6200/- is strictly non-refunadable

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

3) There is no mobile coverage in Dandeli, but an STD booth nearby is available if you need to contact

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

For any other queries I am available on 9321463362 or 9820455713

Thanks for your patience.

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

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar

Nature India

Appreciate, Respect and Conserve

Bhimashankar - The Sacred Forest (12th to 14th Dec'08)

Date: 12^th December , 2008 morning 6.30 am to 14^th December, 2008 eve 8.00 pm

The bookings for Bhimashankar bird-watching trip have started…..book your seats now (see the details at the end).....

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THE SACRED FOREST - BHIMASHANKAR

The beauty of the Western Ghats, the majesty of Sahayadri mountains, and the blessings of lord “Shiva” make this place a real treat for the nature lovers. The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in India rich in birds and insects, butterflies and wildflowers, reptiles and medicinal plants.

Bhimashankar Sanctuary has always been my favorite forest and on more than 30 occasions that I visited this place, I always had magnificent experiences of nature’s wonders. The tranquility that this place offers, far from the maddening human world, is something that will make you visit this place again and again and again……such is the magic of Bhimashankar – the Sacred Forest.

This forest was declared by the govt. of Maharashtra on 10th Oct 1985 as a reserve forest for the Malabar Giant Squirrel also called as “Shekru” in Marathi, the state animal of Maharashtra and a huge number of other animals and birds. It covers a forest area of 130.78 sq. km.

The Sanctuary is positioned at an altitude of 2,100 feet to 3,800 feet. It is located in the Ambegaon taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra, in fact it spreads over Pune, Raigad and Thane districts of the north-western part of Maharashtra. The Bhimashankar temple situated here is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva and is visited by hundreds of devotees. However, due to the long distance and poor facilities, this is also one of the less visited “Jyotirlingas” ……. which is good for the forest :-)

The valley found beyond this temple is a wonderful combination of shrubs, medicinal herbs and plant life and serves as the catchment area for the Bhima, Ghod and Arala rivers, which empty into the Krishna. It receives heavy monsoon rainfall of approx. 6000 mm annually.

This is one of the best habitats in the Western Ghats for the Malabar giant squirrel and there are confirmed sightings of tigers too. However, tourism projects which seek to build in the heart of the forest threaten the arboreal ecology of these creatures. Proposed roads also threaten the forest, as do development projects designed to cater to the needs of pilgrims who visit the nearby temple complex.

Flora: It contains relic forest with a high diversity of endangered evergreen tree species many of which are endemic to the Western Ghats. The main forest type of this sanctuary is the southern tropical semi evergreen forest. A wide range of plant life, medicinal herbs, and shrubs can be found here. The major flora found in Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary includes Bamboo, Palash, Babul, Bija, Salaia, Tendu, Dhawda, Zizyphus Helicteris, Khair, Sal, Terminenalia sps, Casia auriculata, Bel, Hiwar, Teak, Hirda, Behada, Jamun, Fig, Anjan etc. The commonly found shrubs include varieties of Ixora, Vitex Nigundo, Lantana etc. and many species of herbs, climbers, grass and ferns.

In the monsoon season, one can spot bioluminous fungi growing on some trees. The fungus gives out a faint glow that makes the tree trunks shimmer gently in the darkness of the night.

Fauna: The area is rich in fauna since there are various forest types found in the sanctuary. The wild life found here includes Malabar Giant Squirrel (of the ssp. Ratufa indica elphinstonii), Leopards, Barking Deer, Sambar, Wild Boar, Langur, Hares, Pangolin, Civet cats, and occasionally Hyena. More than 150 species of birds are found in Bhimashankar WLS and the surrounding areas. Among the birds that one encounters here include White-Bellied Blue flycatcher, Puff-throated babbler, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Brown cheeked Fulvetta, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Black Bulbul, Indian Black Bird, Black Eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Emerald Doves, Oriental turtle dove, Grey Jungle Fowl and many, many more. One might get to see the great butterfly and moth brigade including several species. The Insect life is tremendous here and the reptiles are in plenty.

There are several well defined trails in the sanctuary to experience the amazing birdlife of this forest …some of them include the Gupt-Bhimashankar trail, Machan trail, Nagphani point, Forest quarters trail, Koli village, Ahupe forest trail etc….

For Details of these trails and much more….please click on my blogs below

http://addithebirde.blogspot.com/2008/05/bhimashankar-wls-fact-file.html

http://addithebirde.blogspot.com/2008/05/bhimashankar-sacred-forest.html

I am very happy to organize a Birdwatching trip to Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary from 12^th December, 2008 to 14^th December 2008……for details, please see below.

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Trip Details:

Date: 12^th December, 2008 morning 6.30 am to 14^th December, 2008 eve 8.00 pm

Mode of Travel : Minibus (a journey of about 6 hrs…..approx.250 kms)

Meeting point: Mumbai, from Bandra station east near the foot over bridge, near the rickshaw stand on 12^th Dec.mor. 6.30 am departure.

Route: Bandra– Sion -- Thane (Eastern express Highway) – Kalyan (Near Bhiwandi Junction)- Murbad – Malshej Ghat – Junnar - Ghodegaon – reach Hotel Blue Mormon (Bhimashankar) by 1.30 pm.

Rough Tour Iterinary:

1) Friday 12^th Dec, 2008 : Travel to Bhimashankar – Check-in Blue Mormon resorts– Lunch and proceed for Birdwatching on Machan Trail – return back to Hotel – Evening activities and Dinner – a Short night walk

2) Saturday 13^th Dec, 2008 : Early morning Birdwatching in Gupt Bhimashankar trail – Return to resort for lunch – Rest and Proceed to Nagphani point (the highest point in Bhimashankar) – Return back to hotel – Evening activities and dinner – a short night trail…

3) Sunday 14^th Dec, 2008 : Early morning Birdwatching on Ahupe forest trail till Kondhval village and surrounding area - afternoon return back – Pack-up – Lunch and proceed to Mumbai.

A more detailed iterinary will be given to those who register.....

Trip charges : Rs.3850/- (Includes Stay in Hotel Blue-Mormon Resort, Bhimashankar on sharing basis, Travel by 27 seater minibus, Park entry charges, food , Information articles & 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.2500/- …..the remaining amount will be collected in the bus on the day of travel.

Stay Arrangement: Hotel Blue-Mormon resorts, approx. 9 kms from Bhimashankar. The Stay arrangement is on a sharing basis (each room has 3 beds or 5 beds each). The Hotel Premises and toilets are clean and the food is lip smacking……The resort is situated in a picturesque hill top plateau, overlooking a forested valley and visited by plenty of birds.

Resource Person: Mr.Adesh Shivkar

Mode of Payment: You can either
1) Transfer the advance money directly to my HDFC A/c (Please send a mail for details).. please mention your name, date and other details….
2) Courier a cheque of Rs.2500/- 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. 2500/- 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 I am available on 9321463362 or 9820455713

Thanks for your patience.

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

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar

Nature India

Appreciate, Respect and Conserve