Incredible Diwali Trip (Phansad, Alibaug, Murud, Akshi- 27th to 29th Oct'08)

Bookings for the 'Incredible Diwali" trip from 27th to 29th Oct 2008 are on...for details see at the end.

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INCREDIBLE DIWALI TRIP

The Diwali holidays are approaching and we all will be subjected to the modern celebrations in the form of loud fire-crackers and the intoxicating air. Celebrate this Diwali with a difference…….Explore the wonders of Birdwatching and amazing beaches of Alibaug and Akshi.

Nature India organizes an Incredible Diwali trip to Phansad / Akshi and Murud from 27^th Oct, 2008 to 29^th Oct, 2008.

Some of the places that will be covered in this trip are as follows.

PHANSAD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Phansad is a semi-evergreen / mixed deciduous forest that is located approximately 143 Kms from Mumbai (Sion) and about 42 kms from the town of Alibaug. The Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is an amazing revelation. Primarily a bird sanctuary, it is also home to a whole array of insects, amphibians and mammals. Spread across 52.71 sq. km., Phansad is located in the Murud and Roha talukas of Raigad District in Maharashtra.

The gentle hills of this protected area are located between the northern Sahyadri range and the western coast of India. Though these hills are not directly connected to the main Western Ghats range, the species found here are quite similar. The forest is mainly moist teak, southern moist mixed deciduous forest and west coast semi-evergreen. Ain, teak, kinjal, dhavada, jamba, hirda are some of the main species found here. Mango and ficus are found along the stream. There is also a patch of mangrove vegetation to the southwest. A number of endemic flora and fauna species are found here including the Malabar Giant Squirrel, Malabar Grey Hornbill, White-bellied Blue flycatcher etc. It is also a heaven for reptiles and insects.

http://forester15.blogspot.com/2006/10/wanderings-in-coastal-woodland.html

http://addithebirde.blogspot.com/2005/01/phansad-sanctuary-jan05.html

FORT “JANJIRA”

The Fort of Janjira located off the sea is the only one of its kind. Janjira Jal-durg (sea fort) was constructed by Malik Ambar, an Abssinian minister in the service of the Sultan of Ahmednagar, who belonged to the famous Nizamshahi dynasty. The fort, built at the end of the 17th Century, is almost entirely intact even today, despite the ravages of wind and tide, a testimony to the marvels of ancient engineering.

According to all accounts, the sea fort of Janjira could not be conquered by any of the kings ruling the neighbouring territories. Surprisingly, not even Shivaji could acquire it despite 13 expeditions to conquer the fort. His son, Sambhaji, tried a unique approach to capture the fort: digging an underwater tunnel to enter. But he too failed in his attempt.

http://www.boloji.com/places/02416.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murud-Janjira

http://www.murudjanjira.com/

AKSHI BEACH

The Akshi Beach is a beautiful white sand beach. Belt of suru trees can be seen along the coast. The water is very clean and it renders safety for swimming. The beach is also a favorite among the birdwatchers and nature lovers.

The hamlet of Akshi is just 5 km away from Alibag. The inhabitant of this village are fishermen and is not crowded at all. The beach at Akshi is a favorite tourist spot. One could slug around the clear beaches and step inside the warm and unruffled Arabian Sea. It is a perfect getaway for a weekend.

KORLAI FORT

As we cross the Rev-danda bridge, to the right is Korlai fort within the sea and attached to the mainland by a narrow land strip through the Korlai Village. It is said that the fort was built by the Portuguese in 1521. The main gate has an inscription which means 'no entry without a fight'. The fort has seven gates, a fresh water well, a church in disuse, a Hindu temple and a Lighthouse. This village is also credited with its unique ‘Kristi” language and only a few hundred of them remain to speak.

http://dgllnoida.gov.in/history/korlai.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristi_language

SRI DATTA TEMPLE, BHOVALEl (CHAUL)

Chaul is a former city of Portuguese India, now in ruins.18 kms from Alibag on Alibag-Revdanda road, this is another very famous hill shrine.Hamam Khana and a temple. It is famous for its Portuguese ruins, an old church, a synagogue, Buddhist caves, Formerly known as Chaul Fort, it is now popularly called as Revdandakot because the Revdanda village lies within the fort walls. One has to climb around 700 stairs to reach this shrine which surrounded by vegetation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaul

http://www.hikesandtreks.com/mahseaforts1.html#chaulfort

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TRAVEL & STAY ITERINARY.

Trip Details

Though the trip will be focused on Bird-watching and to learn more about them, we have also planned some historical site-seeing like Janjira and Korlai fort along with Chaul village which is a famous shrine ….

Date: 27^th Oct, 2008 morning 6.30 am to 29^th Oct, 2008 eve 6.00 pm

Resource person: Mr. Adesh Shivkar.

Mode of Travel : By Minibus (considering the extensive travel to cover the area)

TRIP ITERINARY

1) Monday 27^th Oct, 2008 : Depart from Bandra (E) at 6.30 am…..a brief birdwatch in Karnala Bird Sanctuary …… have breakfast at Hotel Karnala….. Reach Ramdhaneshwar near Alibaug for a Raptor watch…. Lunch in Alibaug and proceed to Akshi for stay in a bungalow….. proceed to Chaul near Revdanda…..Come back by 4.30 pm to spend the evening at the wonderful Akshi beach which is just a 4 mins walk from the Bungalow…..Enjoy the home cooked dinner…….

2) Tuesday 28^th Oct, 2008: Start early morning at 6.30 am for bird-watching at Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary……. Visit the Grassland patches and Waterholes (Gunyacha Maal, Chikhalgaan & Phansadgaan) …… Lunch at Murud…… Visit Fort “Janjira” …… Visit Korlai Fort and Beach for a lovely evening……Return to Akshi to celebrate Diwali by lighting “Diyas” (No fire crackers please) …….

3) Wednesday 29^th Oct, 2008: Start early morning at 6.30 am for bird-watching at Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary (visit the Sacred Groves)…….visit the Periphery of forests and the “Sacred Groves” for Birdwatching ……visit “Therunda Village” to have a glimpse of a skeleton of “Whale”…….Lunch …..pack up and proceed to Mumbai….. Reach Bandra (E) / Thane by 6 pm.

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

Trip Charges : Rs.3100/- (10 % discount for children below 12 years and Students)

Includes Stay at a Bungalow in Akshi Village on a dormitory basis , Travel by 27 seater minibus, entry charges for Phansad WLS, veg / non-veg food, Articles on the places to be visited & on board snacks and water…….

This does not include any charges other than the above.

Stay Arrangement: In a Bungalow (of Mr.Atul Bankar) in Akshi Village (5 kms from Alibaug) on a dormitory basis (2 separate dormitories)…..The Bungalow is situated in a serene location surrounded with coconut plantations. The premises and the toilets are clean and the beach is just a few mins walk from here. .

Food : Home cooked vegetarian food will be served in the bungalow.

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmatory mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non refundable full advance of Rs.3100/-…..

Resource Persons: Mr.Adesh Shivkar

Mode of Payment: You can either
1) Transfer the advance money directly to my HDFC A/c : (please call me for my A/c no.) .... please mention your name, date and other details….
2) Courier a cheque of Rs.3100/- to the following address

Please Note:

1) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 3100/- is strictly non-refundable

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

Name: Mr.Adesh Shivkar
Address: D/8, The Adi Janata Society, Behind HP Petrolpump, Opp. Hotel Shangrila, Sion(East), Mumbai-400022

Please contact me, in case you need any clarification …..

For any other queries I am available on 9321463362 or 9820455713 or natureindiatours@gmail.com

Hope to see you for this wonderful trip

Thanks for your patience.

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect & Care for Nature