Birding in the Land of GIB, Nannaj - 15th to 16th Aug, 2009

Bookings for Nannaj trip from 15th to 16th Aug 2009 are now open...for details see at the end.....Confirm your registration fast

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BIRDING IN THE LAND OF GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD

India is blessed with a variety of habitats that hold varied birdlife. However, most of these habitats are under threat from something or the other. From these, the Grassland habitats in particular are the first to be encroached upon, on the pretext that these are wastelands. However, they are one of the most bio-diversity rich habitats that hold an amazing variety of birdlife. Once, there were far stretching areas which had grasslands throughout India, but sadly very few remain now (apart from the Terai Grasslands)……notably amongst them are Banni grasslands, Naliya, Velavadar and LRK in Gujarat, Rollapadu in Andhra Pradesh, Ghatigoan & Karera Bustard sanctuary in M.P., Sorson and Sonkhaliya in Rajasthan, Rannebennur in Karnataka, Rehekuri, Ozhar, Mayureshwar & Nannaj in Maharashtra.(GIB & Grey Francolin Image: Courtesy: Mr.Nayan Khanolkar)

(Participants of the 1st trip- 15th to 17th Aug, 2008)

Here's a link to the report of the 2nd trip (6th-7th Sep, 2008)

http://green-indians.blogspot.com/2008/09/nannaj-getting-high-on-grass.html

And Here's a link to the report of the 3rd trip (Nov'08)

http://nikhil-bbc.blogspot.com/2008/12/land-of-gib.html

With the exploitation of grasslands, the flagship species namely the Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, Indian Wolf, Blackbuck are also threatened. In fact, it is believed that there are less than 400 GIBs in the world and they are critically endangered.Not many know that this majestic bird was once a strong contender for the position of our national bird……but the tricky name got him out of the race.

Nannaj GIB Sanctuary : One such amazing grassland / scrub land is the famous Nannaj GIB sanctuary, approx. 22 kms from Solapur.

Nannaj is a small village approx. 22 Kms away from the main city Solapur, Maharashtra.The total area covered under sanctuary is approx. 600 hectares. However, it is not a continuous stretch, but a discontinuous area which is divided into various plots, some of which are owned by Govt. and some are Private lands.

The area called "100 hectare" is a plot of 100 hectares, and it is a core area of the sanctuary where the breeding pairs have been observed. Recent census estimates over 20 Great Indian Bustards.... However, the GIBs are spread over vast areas in the sanctuary and nearby cultivated fields depending on the availability of food.

Nannaj GIB Sanctuary also holds a very good population of Blackbucks that stroll over leisurely but cautiously around the park and the surrounding area. The main predators of these Blackbucks and the Black-naped hares which abound here are Indian Wolf and Indian Fox. There is a resident pack of 8 wolves in the core area of the sanctuary, that are regularly seen scanning their area with a dominant "Alpha pair".....

Apart from the above flagship species, Nannaj is a great place to see a number of other grassland and scrub land species like Larks, Pipits, Quails, Francolins, Sandgrouse, Lapwings, Raptors, Coursers, Munias, Doves etc…..

Click some of these links to know more about Nannaj

http://addithebirdie.blogspot.com/2005/10/birding-in-land-of-great-indian.html

http://addithebirde.blogspot.com/2008/07/tiger-in-nannaj-solapur.html

http://krishphoto.com/trip-reports/nannaj-wildlife-sanctuary-aug-06.html

http://nannajthegrassland.blogspot.com/

http://nannaj-wls-our-own-indian-savanna.blogspot.com/

http://bnhsornitho.blogspot.com/2006/09/photo-essay-of-nannaj-trip.html

Though the GIBs are nomads and move about in a large area. The month of August is the best time to see the bustards in Nannaj when they seek a safe abode to display and breed in the core area.

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TRIP DETAILS

Date: 14^th Aug 2009 eve. 10.30 pm to 17^th Aug 2009 mor. 6.30 am (travel days included)

Mode of Travel : Train uptil Solapur and local travel by Jeeps.

Tour Iterinary:

1) Friday 14th Aug, 2009 : Departure from Mumbai by train at 10.30 pm

2) Saturday 15th Aug, 2009 : Arrive at Solapur early morning - Checkin hotel & Refresh / Breakfast (really fast) - Birdwatching in Nannaj - Lunch at Hotel Nisarg for the mouth watering "Zhunka Bhakar, Shenga Poli & Thecha" - Visit to Eurasian Eagle Owl area - Evening Birding - Return to Hotel - Revision & Discussion of day's sightings - Dinner and early bed.

3) Sunday 16th Aug, 2009 : Early morning Birdwatching in Nannaj - Sumptuous lunch consisting of the typical Solapur delicacies -Evening visit to Hipparga Lake near Solapur city for watching water birds (or again near Nannaj) with Mr.B.S.Kulkarni (well known veteran ornithologist instrumental in declaring Nannaj sanctuary) - return to the hotel - Dinner and proceed to board the train at 10.45 pm

4) Monday 17th Aug, 2009 : Reach Mumbai (Dadar) in mor. by 6.30 am

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

Trip charges : Rs.3750/- (Ex.Mumbai-includes train fare) or Rs.3275/- (Ex.Solapur-excludes train fare)....

Includes Stay in Hotel at Solapur on a twin sharing basis, Mumbai-Solapur-Mumbai train travel (Sleeper Class) for Ex.Mumbai Charges (subject to availability), Local transport by Jeeps, Park entry charges, vegetarian food, Articles on Nannaj and Nannaj bird checklist, on board mineral water and snacks……

This does not include any other charges and also any individual camera charges ....Individuals will have to pay additional charges if any to the forest dept. as per the rules.

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmatory mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.2500/- (The seats will only be confirmed after recieving the advance amount) …..the remaining amount will be collected in train on the day of travel.......Please Register before 10th July, 2009 to get the confirmed train bookings (subject to availability) and the desired class of travel.

Resource Persons: Mr.Adesh Shivkar & Mr.Mandar Khadilkar

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.2500/- 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 contact us, in case you need any clarification …..

For any other queries we are available on 9321463362 (Adesh) or 9967518665 (Mandar) or natureindiatours@gmail.com

Hope to see you for this wonderful trip

Thanks for your patience.

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect & Care for Nature

Amboli Ghat - Biodiversity Hotspot (31st July to 2nd Aug'09)

Bookings for Amboli Ghat trip from 31st July to 2nd Aug 2009 are open...for details see at the end..... Hurry up and register fast as this trip is eagerly awaited by many...
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Ever heard of " Maharashtra's Cheerapunji”...the wettest place in our state? The hottest biodiversity region in Maharashtra? The cleanest and the quietest hill station near us?..... Come with Nature India & explore this amazing place called Amboli Ghat…… the dream destination of all the naturalists and which is at its Best in Monsoon.....Great walks, beautiful scenery, loads of biodiversity to look for, waterfalls, balmy climate and local delectable Konkani food…perfect menu set for a short holiday. (Above image: Copyright. Mr.Ajay Bijoor)

Amboli Ghat......Nestled comfortably in the midst of luxuriant foliage on the Sahyadri Mountains in southern tip of Maharashtra and perched at a height of 710m above sea level it is relatively tranquil and uncluttered by commercialization and unfolds a charisma that appeals to the heart and the soul. This hill station in Sindhudurg district is said to be the wettest in Maharashtra, receiving the highest rainfall (approx.7446 mm) during the rainy season.

Colonel Westrop, who was a British political agent, developed Amboli as a hill station after the opening of the Ghat Road from the coastal town of Vengurla, now in southern Maharashtra, to Belgaum. Amboli is situated on Vengurla-Belgum state highway no 112 in Sindhudurg district. The population is @ 3000. The main road is lined with shops and small restaurants of all shapes and sizes that form the main bazaar.

Home to innumerable species of animals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and medicinal plants, it has contributed generously to our country’s bio-diversity. The valley, hemmed in at all sides, looks protected, sheltered, unexplored, and holding in its secrets. Dense brown green foliage, roots above and below, intertwined branches, creepers, and moss hanging like an afro-braid from branch after branch. Layers of fog surround us, weaving a shroud of mystery as to what lay ahead. At times the strong winds clear the path before us, unfolding a panoramic view of the scenic valley. The walks to Mahadevgarh, Shirgaonkar & Parikshit Points offer fantastic opportunities to explore these rich forests and also offer spectacular views of valleys below and the Konkan area.

Though Amboli is emerging and is famous as a hill station, not many know that this place is extremely rich in Herpatofauna, wildflowers and birds. Home to myriad species of Amphibians, Amboli is a must visit place in monsoon for all the nature enthusiasts.The star attraction here are the wonderful array of reptiles that includes Malabar Pit Viper, Green Keel Back, Banded Racer, Olive Forest Snake, Beddome's Keelback Snake, Green vine Snakes, Shield tail snakes, Deccan-banded Gecko etc. While in Ambhibians, the Malabar Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus malabaricus), Amboli tree frog (Philautus amboli), Wrinkled frog (Nyctibatrachus humayuni), Koyna Toad (Bufo koynayensis), Beddome's burrowing frog, Criket frog, Fungoid frog and the Caecilians will take your breath away.

Amboli is also a hot spot for the variety of wildflowers that bloom in monsoon on sadas (the local name for lateritic plateau). It is also a heaven for wildflower enthusiasts with some rare plants recorded here.

The Birds, though difficult to see in monsoon is well represented with Scarlet Minivets, Puff-throated Babblers, Brown-cheeked Fulvettas, Red-whiskered & Yellow-browed Bulbuls, Crimson & Crimson-backed Sunbirds, Leafbirds and many of the Western Ghat endemics.

Beautiful insect life dominate the surroundings with all sorts of bettles, bugs, lantern flies, butterflies, moths, spiders and what not. Surely, this is one place which you wont like to miss.

Four kilometers away, the river Hiranyakeshi originates from a cave adjacent to a temple of Goddess Parvati at the foot of a mountain. Water rushes out with tremendous force to fall into a squarish tank or ‘Kund’, from where it flows out. Opposite, an old tree offers ample space around its roots to urge devotees to meditate without disturbance

To know more about Amboli Click here…….

http://www.amboliww.com/aboutamboli.html

http://www.sahyaadri.com/info/articles.php?art_id=81&start=1

http://www.blonnet.com/2005/07/07/stories/2005070700391800.htm

There is one excellent blog on a typical amboli herpatofauna trip here…

http://prachigalange.blogspot.com/2008/11/visit-to-amboli-ghat-and-malvan.html

Some interesting places around Amboli :

There are several trails and points to be explored in Amboli …some of them are

1) Mahadevgad (3 kms)

2) Manohargad- Manasantoshgad point

3) Shirgaonkar point (5 kms)

4) Kalvesad Point (10 kms)

5) Parikshit Point (3 kms)

6) Hiranyakeshi (4 kms)

7) Nagartas Waterfall

8) Sunset Point (2 kms)

(Above images: the Beautiful wooden craft and "Ganjifa" art of Sawantwadi)
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Nature India tours has meticulously organized a Herpatofauna trip to this bio-diversity hotspot from 31^st July to 2^nd Aug'09 (travel days excluded) with eminent experts in the field.

TRAVEL & STAY ITINERARY. (Ex.Sawantwadi )

Though the Camp will be focused on Herpatofauna and to learn more about them, we will also try to look for and learn about everything that we come across including Wildflowers, Birds, Mammals ….

Date: 31st July 2009, morning 10.30 am to 2nd Aug 2009 eve 6.30 pm

Resource person: Mr.Shashank Dalvi / Mr. Hemant Ogale (The local expert & Founder member of Malabar Conservation Club)
Assistant resource persons: Mr.Mandar Khadilkar & Mr. Adesh Shivkar

TRIP ITINERARY (iterinary is Ex.Mumbai)

Day 1: Thursday 30^th July, 2009

Departure from Mumbai by 0111 Konkan Kanya Exp. - 11.05PM from CSTM

Day 2: Friday 31^st July, 2009

Arrival at Sawantwadi Station at 10.00 am .… Drive to Hotel Whistling Woods in autos…. Check-in….. lunch…….Mini nature trail in Amboli Ghat…return to hotel by evening ...rest… dinner… night trail to Shirgaonkar point

Day 3: Saturday 01^st August, 2009

Morning visit to Parikshit point…lunch….Talk by Mr.Hemant Ogale on the Conservation activities of Malabar Conservation Club…..late evening trail to Mahadevgad…dinner.... night trail near the campus

Day 4: Sunday, 02^nd August, 2009

Morning visit to Shirgaonkar Point…..proceed to see Hiranyakeshi temple before Lunch…..visit to famous Sawantwadi wooden toy factory…..catch 0112 Konkan Kanya exp. At 06.22pm from Sawantwadi

Day 5: Monday 03^rd August, 2009

Early morning arrive in Mumbai by 5.30 am

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

Trip Charges : Rs./- Ex. Sawantwadi (This includes stay in Hotel Whistling Woods on triple sharing basis, Veg / non-veg food in nearby restaurant, breakfast, tea, local transport by autos, wherever needed, entry fees, guide charges, Articles on the places to be visited & on board snacks ……)

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

Kindly note that there are several travel options available (given below) to reach Sawantwadi, but the best one is Konkan-Kanya express that leaves Mumbai on thrusday 11.05 pm and arrives Sawantwadi at 10.30 am friday.

If registered early, then Nature India can assist with your Travel bookings (subject to the availability of tickets)..... so register fast.

Travel options to reach Amboli:
By Road:
Mumbai (549 km/ 10 hrs), Pune (390 km/ 8 hrs) Kolhapur (110 km/ 3 hrs). and Belgaum (64 km/ 2 hrs)....State Transport buses ply from here
There are also regular AC buses (some Volvos) from Mumbai to Sawantwadi

By Rail:
Sawantwadi at 28 km away is the closest railhead on Konkan Railway.

By Air :
Nearest airport is Belgaum, 64 kms. And Goa at 80 kms.

Stay Arrangement: In Whistling Woods on triple sharing basis.The Hotel campus is wonderful and the rooms are spacious with clean bathrooms.

to see the interiors click http://www.amboliww.com/

Food : Since meals are not served in the Hotel, we will relish the delicious food (including the famous "Sol Kadi" :-) in a good restaurant just a few meters from our hotel.

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmatory mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non refundable advance of Rs.2500/-…..

Mode of Payment: You can either...

1) Transfer the advance money directly to ICICI A/c : (please call Mr. Mandar Khadilkar for the A/c no.) .... please mention your name, date and other details….

2) Courier a cheque of Rs.2500/- to the following address
Name: Mr. Mandar Khadilkar
Address: B/702, Neha Apartments, Ashish Complex, Chh. Shivaji Cross Road, No.4, Dahisar - East, Mumbai - 400068
Ph.: 9967518665

Please Note:
1) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 2500/- is strictly non-refundable
2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours
3) We expect heavy rain throughout, hence will need to brave the rains during the trails.....please bring all the rain wears
4) Hot water facility will be available all day
5) A torch and water bottle is compulsory

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

For any other queries, please contact:-
Adesh Shivkar – 9820455713 / 9321463362
Mandar Khadilkar - 9967518665
Or Email: natureindiatours@gmail.com

Hope to see you for this wonderful trip !!

Thanks for your patience.

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar

Nature India

Appreciate, Respect & Care for Nature