Nature camps & trails - BNHS Jan-Feb 2014

Vol. 2. Issue 1

BHARATPUR NATIONAL PARK

BI-MONTHLY PROGRAMME for January-February, 2014

BI–MONTHLY PROGRAMME January –February, 2014 ONE DAY PROGRAMMES JANUARY 12th Jan 19th Jan

Vasai Fort Natural History Trail Bats and Birds walk at Elephanta Island

FEBRUARY 2nd Feb 9th Feb 16th Feb 16th Feb 22nd Feb 23rd Feb

Winter trail at Shilonda Birding at Talawe Birding at Akshi Beach Bats and Trees walk at Ranibaug Flamingo Watch at Sewri Bats and Birds walk at Elephanta Island

NATIONAL CAMPS January, 2014

Sundarban Kanha National Park Chilika Lake

February

Tal Chhapar Sanctuary Marine Camp at Lakshadweep

March April May

July

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Great Himalayan National Park Corbett National Park & Nainital (Sattal & Pangot) Tadoba National Park Gir National Park–The Last Refuge Bandhavgarh National Park Ladakh–Roof of the World

INTERNATIONAL CAMPS March, 2014 April, 2014 May, 2014

TANZANIA, AFRICAN SAFARI SPRING IN THE HIMALAYA, BHUTAN TANZANIA, AFRICAN SAFARI

June

Chilika Lake

Pic: Asif Khan

Vasai Fort Natural History Trail

19th Jan Sun

Bats and Birds walk at Elephanta Island

Formerly known as the Bassein fort, it is a perfect place to witness a unique blend of natural history and historical significance. Here a combination of wetland and adjacent wooded areas attract a good number of resident as well as migrant birds. You may see Asian Openbill, Black-capped Kingfisher, Baya Weaver, Brahminy Kite, Asian Palm Swift, Wire-tailed Swallow, and several other species. Grade: Easy Group leaders: Ms Prachi Galange & Mr. Vinod Patil Charges: Rs. 700/- for members and Rs. 750/- for others (Charges include transportation and BNHS expertise). Reporting: Bus will leave from Dadar T.T. (near Chandu Halwai) at 6.30 a.m., Chembur (near Diamond Garden) at 6:50 a.m., Thane (Cadbury Jn.) at 7.10 a.m. Registration*: Call Hornbill House at 22871202/ 22821811 or e-mail: bnhs.programmes@gmail.com Note: Kindly carry adequate water and breakfast.

2nd Feb Sun

Birding at Talawe Known only to a few, this patch of wetland located on Palm Beach Road is truly a birders’ delight with scores of migrants flocking during this season. On a good day, birds like Painted Stork, Eurasian Spoonbill, Caspian Tern, Marsh Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Glossy Ibis, Common Redshank, Common Greenshank, Black-winged Stilt, Pied Avocet, Little Cormorant, Marsh Harrier, White-eared Bulbul, Eurasian Curlew, and Osprey can be spotted. Grade: Easy Group Leaders: Mr. Asif Khan & Ms Parveen Shaikh Reporting: Bus will leave from Dadar T.T. (near Chandu Halwai) at 06:30 a.m., Chembur (near Diamond Garden) at 06:50 a.m. and Vashi (Vashi Jn.) at 07:10 a.m. Charges: Rs. 700/- for members and Rs. 750/- for others. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/ 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. Please carry adequate water, hat/cap and packed breakfast.

INTERNATIONAL CAMPS

9th Feb Sun

Winter trail at Shilonda Winter mornings on this trail are always rewarding. The trail offers flora and fauna, butterflies like Baronet, Common Leopard, and Striped Tiger. Also birds like Loten’s Sunbird, Common Iora, Southern Coucal, Grey Junglefowl, and occasionally mammals like Spotted Deer and Sambar Deer. This trail leads through fine mixed forest dominated by bamboo and ends at the first stream. This trail in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) is not accessible without permission. Grade: Easy (Simple walk 1.5 km each way, however the walk from the main gate to the trail is about 15–20 min.) Reporting: Members to meet at SGNP beyond the Ticket Counter under the map at 7.30 a.m. Group Leaders: Ms Prachi Galange & Mr. Vinod Patil. Charges: Rs. 200/- for members and Rs. 250/- for others (Includes Forest Department permission fees and BNHS expertise only). Registration*: On the Spot. Note: Participants have to buy the entry ticket at the main gate. Kindly carry adequate water and packed breakfast. The programme should conclude by 10.30 a.m.

NATIONAL CAMPS

FEBRUARY, 2014

LOCAL CAMPS

Situated off the south-east shore of the city, Elephanta Island is a good birding location. During this season one can see Brown-headed Gull and Common Black-headed Gull flying alongside the boat to the island. Other birds like the Gull-billed Tern, Lesser Sand Plover, Indian Grey Hornbill, Common Iora, Spot-billed Duck, Little Grebe, Osprey, and White-bellied Sea Eagle could be seen. BNHS gives you a chance to learn about the only flying mammal in the world, explore the caves with an expert in search of bat roosts. One can see Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat and Leaf-nosed Bat. Grade: Easy (However, initial 100 steps climb to reach the top could be a bit strenuous) Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri & Mrs. Bandana Arora Charges: Rs. 450/- for Members and Rs. 550/- for others (Charges include boat ticket, entry ticket to Elephanta Island, entry to the caves and BNHS expertise).

Reporting: Hornbill House at 7.30 a.m. Departure from Gateway of India at 8.00 a.m. Please carry adequate water, packed breakfast. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/ 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. The group should be back at Hornbill House by 12.30 p.m.

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

12th Jan Sun

INDEX

One Day Programmes, JANUARY, 2014

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Bats and Trees walk at Ranibaug

22nd Feb Sat

Flamingo Watch at Sewri Mudflats Experience the unique opportunity to view graceful Lesser Flamingos and Greater Flamingos feeding at Sewri mudflats. Learn about these magnificent winter visitors on a trail with BNHS. Sewri is also the place for many migratory birds such as Broad-billed Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew, and Black-capped Kingfisher. Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan & Mr. Vinod Patil Charges: Rs. 100/- for members and Rs. 150/- for others. Reporting: Outside Sewri railway station (east) at the railway crossing junction at 7.00 a.m. How to Reach: Sewri railway station is on the harbour line accessible from CST, Andheri, and Navi Mumbai. By road, reach Sewri (east) from Parel or Dadar up to Sewri and cross over at the railway level crossing or from the bridge at Wadala or Reay Road to the Mumbai Port Trust road to reach Sewri Jetty.

Registration: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. The programme will conclude by 10.30 a.m. Click below for the Google map links Drive to Sewri

NATIONAL CAMPS

Bats and Birds walk at Elephanta Island If you have missed the first Bats and Birds programme, this is your chance to join us again for this one-of-a-kind trail. Situated off the south-east shore of the city, Elephanta Island is a good birding location. During this season one can see Brown-headed Gull and Common Black-headed Gull flying alongside the boat to the island. Other birds like the Gull-billed Tern, Lesser Sand Plover, Indian Grey Hornbill, Common Iora, Spot-billed Duck, Little Grebe, Osprey, and White-bellied Sea Eagle could be seen. BNHS gives you a chance to learn about the only flying mammal in the world, explore the caves with an expert in search of bat roosts. One can see Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat and Leaf-nosed Bat. Grade: Easy (Initial 100 steps climb to reach the top could be a bit strenuous) Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri & Mrs. Bandana Arora Charges: Rs. 450/- for Members and Rs. 550/- for others (Charges include boat ticket, entry ticket to Elephanta Island, entry to the caves and BNHS expertise). Reporting: Hornbill House at 7.30 a.m. Departure from Gateway of India at 8.00 a.m. Please carry adequate water, packed breakfast. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. The group should be back at Hornbill House by 12.30 p.m.

INTERNATIONAL CAMPS

23rd Feb Sun

Spread over 53 acres, Ranibaug is Mumbai’s only heritage botanical garden, and has recently celebrated 150 years of its existence. Ranibaug is home to an astonishing 853 plant species including 286 trees. Many exotic species like Baobab and Tree of Heaven can be seen here. Fruiting and flowering trees such as Flame of the Forest, Indian Laburnum, Indian Coral Tree, and fig trees grow here. The garden is also host to a large colony of India’s largest bat, Indian Flying Fox. Get to know more about these mysterious creatures of the night from a bat expert. Grade: Easy Group Leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri & Mrs. Bandana Arora Reporting: Outside the main gate at 8.45 p.m. Charges: For members Rs. 100/- per head and for non-members Rs. 150/- per head. (Cost includes entry ticket and BNHS expertise) Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/ 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. Please carry adequate water and hat/cap. Note: Carrying plastic bags, disposable water bottles or food is not allowed inside the zoo premises. Such items will be collected and kept outside at the gate. Participants can carry water in non-disposable water bottles.

LOCAL CAMPS

16th Feb Sun

Situated about 110 km from the city, this beach near Alibaug offers splendid sightings of waders, gulls ,and terns. On a good day one can spot Eurasian Oystercatcher, Terek Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Greater Sand Plover, and Sanderling. Five species of gulls namely Heuglin’s, Great Blackheaded, Common Black-headed, Brown-headed and Slender-billed Gull. Also seven species of terns namely Common, Whiskered, Gull-billed, Sandwich, Caspian, Lesser Crested, and Greater Crested Tern. Grade: Easy Group Leaders: Mr. Asif Khan & Ms Parveen Shaikh Reporting: Bus will leave from Dadar T.T. (near Chandu Halwai) at 06:30 a.m., Chembur (near Diamond Garden) at 06:50 a.m. and Vashi (Vashi Jn.) at 07:10 a.m. Charges: Rs. 700/- for members and Rs. 750/- for others. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/ 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. Please carry adequate water, hat/cap, packed breakfast, and packed lunch.

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

Birding at Akshi Beach

INDEX

16th Feb Sun

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JANUARY, 2014

The Sundarbans are located in the delta of Brahmaputra and Ganga rivers in the Bay of Bengal.

One hundred and two islands are situated in this world’s largest river delta.

DATES: Batch I- 5th–8th January 2014 (FULL) Batch II- 9th–12th January 2014 (FULL)

KANHA NATIONAL PARK

LOCAL CAMPS NATIONAL CAMPS

It is believed that the forest of Kanha National Park inspired Rudyard Kipling to write “The Jungle Book”. Explore the famous meadows and tropical moist dry deciduous forests of Kanha with the BNHS. This season offers the sightings of the majestic Tiger, Indian Bison or Gaur – world’s tallest bovid, and Sambar, India’s largest deer. The park is the only place where the threatened Southern Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi) survives. Other animals like Blue Bull, Four-horned Antelope, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, and Mouse Deer, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Honey Badger, and Indian Jackal are seen. January is a good time for birds like Crested Hawk-eagle, Spotted Owlet, Red-collared Dove, Eurasian Thick-knee, Bar-headed Goose, Hoopoe, Brown Fish-owl, and Grey-headed Fish Eagle.

Grade: Easy Date: Batch I: 11th–14th January 2014 Batch II: 16th–19th January 2014 (On demand) Group leader: Ms Prachi Galange Camp Charges: Rs. 17,500/- for Members and Rs. 18,100/- for others (ex Nagpur).

Accommodation: Twin sharing basis, in Bundela Safari Lodge (www.campsofindia.com) Reporting: Nagpur Railway station at 07:30 a.m. on Day One Drop at Nagpur railway station on last day at 02:30 p.m.

How to Reach: Mumbai-Nagpur: Sewagram Exp. (12139) leaves CSTM at 03:00 p.m. and Nagpur Duronto leaves CSTM at 08:15 p.m. Nagpur-Mumbai: Sewagram Exp. (12140) leaves Nagpur at 09:00 p.m.

Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/ 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

SUNDARBANS – Land of the Royal Bengal Tiger

INDEX

NATIONAL CAMPS

INTERNATIONAL CAMPS CEC

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INDEX

CHILIKA LAKE

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

LOCAL CAMPS NATIONAL CAMPS INTERNATIONAL CAMPS

Chilika, India’s largest brackish–water lake is home to a whole array of birds. It is also the largest wintering ground for migratory birds in the Indian subcontinent. Around 216 species of birds have been listed here. Chilika is famous for the only known population in India of the Vulnerable and rare Irrawaddy Dolphin; the Bottlenose Dolphin can also be seen here. During this season one can see birds like Fulvous and Lesser Whistling Duck, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveller, Red-crested Pochard, Comb Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Common Snipe, Streaked Weaver, Greater Flamingo, Great White Pelican, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, and White-bellied Sea-eagle. Four species of Kingfishers namely White-throated, Common, Lesser Pied, and Black-headed kingfisher can also be spotted. Chilika offers refuge to many threatened birds species like Near Threatened Ferruginous Duck, Falcated Teal, Spot-billed Pelican, Oriental Darter, Lesser Flamingo, Black-headed Ibis, Black-bellied Tern, Pallid Harrier, Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew; Vulnerable Dalmatian Pelican and Pallas’s Fish-eagle, and the Critically Endangered White-rumped Vulture.

Grade: Easy Date: 25th–28th January 2014 Group leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Camp Charges: Rs. 17,000/- for members and Rs. 17,600/- for others (ex Bhubaneshwar).

Accommodation: Twin sharing basis.

Reporting: Bhubaneswar Airport at 09:30 a.m. on Day One. Participants can be picked up from Bhubaneswar railway station at 08:30 a.m. Drop at Bhubaneswar railway station on last day at 02:30 p.m.

How to Reach: Bhubaneswar is well connected by air. By rail: One can take the LTT Puri SUP Exp (22865) and Konark Exp (11019) which arrive in Bhubaneswar at 07:15 a.m. and 04:25 a.m. respectively. (Kindly note Konark Exp takes 37 hrs, so plan your journey accordingly) Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811, 022-22871202 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com

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INDEX

February, 2014 TAL CHHAPAR SANCTUARY

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

LOCAL CAMPS

If your idea of paradise is golden grasses with graceful antelopes leaping about and birds of many kinds living in harmony, then Tal Chhapar is the place to be. India has very few grassland habitats and grasslands are high biodiversity areas and as they are specialized habitats they feature some unique wildlife. Tal Chhapar is the perfect place to see raptors and passage migrants. Birds like Greater Spotted Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Merlin, Laggar Falcon, Bimaculated Lark, Greater Short-toed Lark, Rufous-tailed Lark, Sand Lark, White-browed Bushchat, Demoiselle Cranes, and Sociable Lapwing can be seen here. Tal Chhapar is also one of the best places to see the Vulnerable and scarce Yellow-eyed Pigeon. But mammal lovers need not despair, this desert landscape is home to one of the largest populations of Blackbuck, a graceful Near Threatened antelope. You can also feast your eyes on Desert Fox, Desert Cat, Desert Gerbil, Jungle Cat, Hedgehog, and Spiny-tailed Lizard.

Grade: Easy Date: 1st–4th February, 2014 Group leader: Mr. Asif Khan Camp Charges: Rs. 13,000/- for members, and Rs. 13,600/- for others (ex Jaipur).

Accommodation: Twin sharing basis.

Reporting: Jaipur Jn. railway station at 07:40 p.m. on Day One. Drop at Jaipur Jn. railway station on last day at 02:00 p.m.

How to Reach: Train - DEE Garibrath (12216) reaches Jaipur Jn. at 07:05 a.m. Return, Jp Duronto (12240) & YPR G Rath Spl (06512).

Flight - Jaipur is also connected with direct flights one can take Jet Konnect flight S2-3051, which reaches Jaipur at 07:25 a.m.

Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/ 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com

NATIONAL CAMPS INTERNATIONAL CAMPS CEC

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INDEX

February, 2014

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

NATIONAL CAMPS INTERNATIONAL CAMPS

Lakshadweep is a group of islands, 200–440 km off the south–west coast of India. These islands form the smallest union territory of the country. The Lakshadweep region has about 600 species of fish, 78 species of coral, and over 100 species of other marine invertebrates. This is a perfect opportunity to explore the fascinating marine life under the sea.

Participants will get training in snorkeling as part of the camp activity. Need not worry if you do not know swimming, you can still enjoy the deep blue sea and moving among the amazing corals, fishes, shells, shrimps, and crabs. Most of the snorkeling will be in waist-deep coral lagoons.

Scuba diving will be at extra cost.

Grade: Easy (A rope ladder climb during the docking/cast off of the ship at Kavaratti) Dates: 19th-25th February 2014 (participants are advised to book their tickets to reach Mangalore on day prior i.e. on 18th Feb and leave a day later from Kochi i.e. on 26th Feb) Group Leaders: Mr. Isaac Kehimkar & Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Charges: Rs. 29,600/- for members and Rs. 30,200/- for others. Reporting: Mangalore Old Port on 19th February, 2013 at 9.00 a.m. drop at Kochi on 25th February, 2013 Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/ 22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com

LOCAL CAMPS

MARINE CAMP AT LAKSHADWEEP

CEC

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INDEX

March, 2014

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, near the Indo-Nepal border, and comprises Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. The terrain of Dudhwa ranges from grasslands to one of the finest Sal forests in India and marshland which makes Dudhwa a paradise for wild enthusiasts. Dudhwa is famous for the threatened Western Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii) and Tiger; other animals like Sambar Deer, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, and Spotted Deer, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Sloth Bear, Honey Badger, Indian or the Great One-horned Rhinoceros can be seen here. The Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for the Critically Endangered Gharial and Endangered Gangetic Dolphin.

Dudhwa is also a birder’s paradise with over 400 species recorded here. It is one of the last refuges of the Critically Endangered Bengal Florican. It also harbours birds like Swamp Francolin, Pallas’s Fish-eagle, Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant, White-rumped Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, and six species of drongos, namely Hair-crested, Greater Racket-tailed, Lesser Racket-tailed, Crow-bellied, White-bellied and Black Drongo.

Grade: Easy Date: Batch I: 8th–11th March, 2014 Batch II: 13th–16th March, 2014 (On demand) Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Camp Charges: Rs. 20,000/- for members and Rs. 20,600/for others.

Accommodation: Twin sharing basis.

Reporting: On Day one pick up from Lucknow railway station at 07.00 a.m and drop off at Lucknow on last day at 5.30 p.m.

NOTE: Book your tickets to reach Lucknow prior to Day one.

How to Reach: Many trains and flights are available from Mumbai/Delhi to Lucknow.

Mumbai-Lucknow: Gorakhpur Exp. (12542), Pushpak Exp. (12534) Delhi-Lucknow: Avadh Assam Exp (15610), Shramjeevi Exp. (12392) Cost includes: All accommodation, meals (B/L/D) from first day lunch to last day breakfast, transfers from and to Lucknow, permits, and entry to park.

Cost excludes: Flight/rail ticket to Lucknow, all expenses of personal nature like laundry, beverages, camera fees, any cost not specified above. Registration*: Kindly contact us at 22871202/ 22821811 or email bnhs.programmes@gmail.com

LOCAL CAMPS

DUDHWA TIGER RESERVE

NATIONAL CAMPS INTERNATIONAL CAMPS CEC

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INDEX

April, 2014 GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

LOCAL CAMPS

The Great Himalayan National Park is carved out of the splendid mountain terrain of Kullu district, and is the largest protected area in Himachal Pradesh. The secluded Sainj and Tirthan valleys harbour a variety of wildlife common to this area - wild mountain goats like the Bharal, Goral, and Serow, the Himalayan Brown Bear and predators like the Leopard and the very rare Snow Leopard.

Birds like Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, Spotted Forktail, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Parakeet, and Himalayan Monal can be seen during the trek. Trekking through this Park brings the added pleasure of seeing wildlife in this spectacular natural environment.

Date: 5th –11th April 2014 (ex-Delhi) Group leaders: Ms Prachi Galange Camp Charges: Rs. 18,200/- for Members and Rs. 18,800/-for others. (ex- Delhi).

Accommodation: Dormitory, and during the treks will be twin/triple sharing Tents. Sleeping bags and mattress will be provided.

Reporting: Majnu Ka Tila (Petrol Pump), at 4.00 p.m. Drop on last day at 08.00 a.m.; Kindly note that book your train/flights after 1.00 p.m. on the last day.

How to reach (Majnu Ka Tila): Majnu-ka-Tila is about 5 km from Delhi ISBT opposite the Tibetan Village on the main MG Marg.

There is a petrol pump on the main road, most private buses operate from there. The best way is to come via the Airport Metro till New Delhi Metro Station and ask for a cab or an auto-rickshaw to drive you to Majnu ka Tila.

Cost includes: Cost is inclusive of local transport, Delhi-Kullu-Delhi by Volvo, food, accommodation in dormitories and tents (double sharing), permits to the GHNP, all camping equipment, local NGO fees, and BNHS expertise.

Cost Excludes:

Any personal expenses.

Porterage (Porters for carrying personal equipment can be provided at extra cost on per day basis on prior notice)

We can keep the extra luggage at Sairopa base camp and carry only what is needed for the trek.

Registration*: Kindly contact us at 22821811/22871202 or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.

NATIONAL CAMPS INTERNATIONAL CAMPS CEC

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WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

CORBETT NATIONAL PARK & NAINITAL (SATTAL AND PANGOT)

INDEX

May, 2014

LOCAL CAMPS

Nainital

CEC

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INTERNATIONAL CAMPS

This hill station, situated at 1900 msl, is close to Corbett National Park. This picturesque town sits around a lake. We will visit birding hot-spots like Pangot and Sattal. More than 200 species have been reported from the area. We will be looking for specialities like Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Great Barbet, Collared Owlet, Lammergeier, Black Eagle, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Indian Blue Robin, Spotwinged Tit, Black-lored Tit, Black-throated Tit, Striated Prinia, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, White-browed Shrike Babbler, Rufous Sibia, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, and Yellow-breasted Greenfinch. Mammals include Goral and Yellow-throated Marten.

Grade: Easy Date: Batch I: 10th–14th May, 2014 Batch II: 15th–19th May, 2014 (On demand) Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan Camp Charges: Rs. 19,800/- for members and Rs. 20,400/- for others.

Accommodation: Twin sharing basis.

Reporting: Pick-up at New Delhi railway station at 8.45 a.m. on Day one and drop at New Delhi railway station at 7.30 p.m. on the last day. How to Reach: Mumbai Rajdhani (12951) Dep. 04.40 p.m., Arr. New Delhi next day at 08.30 a.m, Swaraj Exp. (12471) Dep. 07.55 a.m., Arr. 04.30 a.m. Other trains include Dehradun Exp. (19019), LTT HW AC SUP (12171), Amritsar Exp. (11057). New Delhi is also well connected by air; New Delhi airport is 20 km from New Delhi railway station.

Cost includes: All accommodation, meals (B/L/D) from first day lunch to last day lunch, transfers from and to New Delhi, permits, and entry to park.

Cost excludes: Flight/rail ticket to New Delhi, all expenses of personal nature like laundry, beverages, and lunch on first and last day, camera fees, any cost not specified above. Registration*: Kindly contact us at 22821811/22871202 or email bnhs.programmes@gmail.com

NATIONAL CAMPS

Corbett National Park was created in 1936, the first wildlife park of India. Besides Tiger and Asian Elephant, the area is known for a large number of sub-Himalayan species and in the summer an equally large number of breeding migrants that come from north Indian plains and peninsular India. We can expect to see Kalij Pheasant, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Great Hornbill, Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, Tawny Fish Owl, both Pallas’s and Lesser Fish-eagles, Hooded Pitta, Grey Treepie, Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike, Bluethroated Flycatcher, and Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler.

INDEX

May, 2014 TADOBA NATIONAL PARK

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

LOCAL CAMPS NATIONAL CAMPS INTERNATIONAL CAMPS

Created in 1955, Tadoba National Park is Maharashtra’s oldest National Park. It is one of India’s 28 Project Tiger reserves. Situated in Chandrapur district, the National Park covers 623 km² of two forested areas of the Tadoba and Andhari range. Along with tigers, Tadoba is home to the Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Wild Dog, Hyena, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Blue Bull, Four-horned Antelope, and Barking Deer. The Tadoba Lake is home to Marsh Crocodile. It is also a birdwatchers’ paradise with a good variety of birds like Indian Pitta, White-eyed Buzzard, Pied Cuckoo, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Painted Sandgrouse, and many more.

Dates: Batch I: 24th–27th May 2014 Batch II: 28th–31st May 2014 (On demand) Group leaders: Ms Prachi Galange Camp Charges: Rs. 14,000/- for Members and Rs. 14,600/-for others (ex- Nagpur).

Accommodation: Twin sharing basis, in MTDC resort, Moharli.

Reporting: Outside Nagpur Railway station, near Comesum food court. Pick-up on the first day would be at 9.00 a.m. and drop on the last day would be 1.00 p.m. Please book your train / air tickets accordingly.

How to get there: Mumbai – Nagpur: Sewagram Exp. (12139) leaves CSTM at 03.00 p.m. Nagpur – Mumbai: Sewagram Exp. (12140) leaves Nagpur at 09.00 p.m.

Cost includes: Accommodation, food (First day lunch to last day breakfast) transfers to/from Nagpur, Safari charges and entry to the park.

Registration*: Kindly contact us at 22821811/22871202 or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com

CEC

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INDEX

June, 2014 GIR NATIONAL PARK – THE LAST REFUGE

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

LOCAL CAMPS NATIONAL CAMPS INTERNATIONAL CAMPS

Gir National Park is one of the oldest National Parks of India and is famed for being last the refuge of the Asiatic Lion. Besides the Asiatic Lion, Gir also supports a large population of Leopards, and boasts of having the largest concentration of big cats. Important prey species comprise Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Bluebull, and Sambar. Other mammals include Four-horned Antelope, Chinkara, Striped Hyena, Golden Jackal, Common Langur, Porcupine, and Black-naped Hare. Gir is also a good place for birding, birds like Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Mottled Wood-owl, Red-rumped Swallow, Spotted Owlet, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, Common Hawk-cuckoo can be seen here.

Date: Batch I: 1st–4th June 2014 Batch II: 5th–8th June 2014 (On Demand) Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Camp Charges: Rs. 17,500/- members and Rs. 18,100/- others Accommodation: Twin sharing basis.

Reporting: Outside Rajkot Railway station at 8.00 a.m. Drop at Rajkot on last day at 02.00 p.m.

How to get there: Train - Sau Janta Exp (19017) leaves from Mumbai at 05.35 p.m. and reaches Rajkot at 07.30 a.m. Sau Janta Exp (19018) can be booked for return which leaves from Rajkot at 03.20 p.m. Flight - Direct flights from Mumbai to Rajkot are available.

Cost includes: Accommodation, food (1st day lunch to last day breakfast) transfers to/from Rajkot, Safari charges and entry to the park.

Registration*: Kindly contact us at 22821811/22871202 or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com

CEC

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BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK

INDEX

June, 2014

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

LOCAL CAMPS NATIONAL CAMPS INTERNATIONAL CAMPS

Once the abode of maharajas, Bandhavgarh is royalty at its best. One of the best national park in the country to see a tiger – few have returned disappointed from this place. Join BNHS as we take you to witness the real ruler of the jungle, the Tiger. Besides Tiger, the park is also home to other mammals like Four-horned Antelope (Chousingha), Sambar, Barking Deer, Leopard, Gaur, Indian Wild Dog (Dhole). A variety of birds like Black-naped Monarch, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Crested Hawk-eagle, Red-headed Vulture, Mottled Wood-owl and Painted Sandgrouse can be seen here.

Date: Batch I: 1st–4th June 2014 Batch II: 5th–8th June 2014 (On demand) Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan Camp Charges: 16,200/- members and 16,800/- non-members Accommodation: Twin sharing basis.

Reporting: Pick up at Katni railway station at 10.40 a.m. on day one. Drop off at Katni railway station at 1.00 p.m. on the last day.

How to get there: Train - Mumbai-Katni: Kamayani EXP (11071) Arrives in Katni at 10.00 a.m. Katni-Mumbai: Many trains are available, HWH Mumbai Mail (12321) arrives in Katni at 04.20 p.m. Flight - Closest Airport to Katni is Jabalpur about 64 km away.

Cost includes: Accommodation, food (1st day lunch to last day breakfast) transfers to/fro Katni, Safari charges and entry to the park.

Registration*: Kindly contact us at 22821811/22871202 or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com

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LOCAL CAMPS NATIONAL CAMPS

Ladakh is bounded by two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram. The amazing landscape is nature’s own sculpture by wind and water over millennia. Embark on this land safari to explore Ladakh’s wilderness; we will journey through this vast landscape exploring the wilderness of the lakes of Ladakh, the world’s highest motorable road, a high altitude desert and one of the highest national parks in the world. We can see the Black-necked Crane, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Fire-fronted Serin, Winter Wren, White-winged Redstart, Horned Lark, Wallcreeper, Alpine Accentor, Brandt’s Mountain-finch, Common Rosefinch, Himalayan Griffon, Common Merganser, Chukar partridge, and Bar-headed Goose. Also mammals like Kiang (Tibetan Wild Ass), Himalayan Blue Sheep, Mountain Stoat, Royle’s Pika, Himalayan Marmot, Long-tailed Marmot. The rare Apollo butterflies can also be seen at this altitude.

Group leader: Mr. Asif Khan Accommodation: Twin sharing in hotels.

Reporting: Leh Airport.

Cost and the dates for this camp will be announced after 10th January 2014 To block your seat: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811/22871202 or email bnhs.programmes@gmail.com Note: Kindly book your flight tickets early to avail of good rates.

A medical certificate from a qualified physician stating that you are fit to travel at 18,000 feet is compulsory.

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

LADAKH– ROOF OF THE WORLD

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July, 2014

INTERNATIONAL CAMPS CEC

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INTERNATIONAL CAMPS March & May, 2014

LOCAL CAMPS NATIONAL CAMPS INTERNATIONAL CAMPS

Come and explore the wildlife of Northern Tanzania, also known as “the prime game viewing country”. Witness the spectacle of African wildlife in Tanzania. Watch the dust rise and feel your heart pound as herds of over a million Wildebeest and Zebra thunder across your path on the great migration. Masai Giraffe, Thomson’s Gazelle, Cheetah, Striped and Spotted Hyena, and many more wild animals roam the savannah. Tanzania provides the best opportunity to see distinctive African animals like African Lion, Cheetah, Eland, and Kudu, and birds such as Secretary Bird, African Fish-eagle, Lilac-breasted Roller, Superb Starling, Vulturine and Crested Guineafowl, Southern Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, and Red-billed Hornbill. Other attractions are Nile Crocodile and the largest land animal, the African Elephant.

Serengeti, Tanzania’s largest and most famous National Park, the Mecca of wildlife lovers, is truly a wildlife paradise. Experience the thrill of exploring the endless plains of Serengeti and witness extensive herds of wildebeest and zebra. The largest bird in the world, Common Ostrich, can also be seen here.

Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places to see the Critically Endangered Black Rhinoceros, Serval, Wildebeest, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and African Lion at close range.

Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest park in Tanzania and is famous for the large number of elephants that can be seen here.

It is also a good place to spot the uncommon Yellow-collared Lovebird. Tarangire is famous for its population of tree climbing lions.

Dates: Batch I: 1st–8th March, 2014 (Last few seats available ) (ex Mumbai) Batch II: 17th-24th May 2014 (ex Mumbai) Reporting: On Day one at at Mumbai International Airport.

Camp fee includes: Camp Fee: Rs.1,78,500/- for members and Rs. 1,79,100/- for others.

Economy Class Airfare on Kenya Airlines Group Leader: Mr. Asif Khan/Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Visa and processing charges Payment schedule: Full board accommodation 1st Installment (non-refundable) Immediate Rs. 45,000/ All game park entrance fees 2nd Installment Immediate Rs. 50,000/ Tavel insurance for participants aged up to 3rd Installment Rs. 50,000/70 years Final Installment Rs. 33,500/ 1.5 liters of mineral water per person per day Professional driver guide Game drives as per itinerary BNHS expertise

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

African Safari - Tanzania

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INDEX WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

LOCAL CAMPS NATIONAL CAMPS

Price does not include: Food and drinks not on the group menu Any sightseeing not mentioned in itinerary Expenses of a personal nature, laundry, telephone calls Tips and gratuities Services other than those specified in “Camp fee includes” Note: The cost has been calculated @ 1 USD = 60 INR, with minimum 15 participants traveling together.

INTERNATIONAL CAMPS

Registration*: Call Hornbill House at 22871202, 22821811 or e-mail bnhs.programmes@gmail.com for more details.

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April, 2014 Spring in the Himalaya, Bhutan

WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

LOCAL CAMPS NATIONAL CAMPS INTERNATIONAL CAMPS

Bhutan, the jewel of the eastern Himalaya and a global biodiversity hotspot is home to a variety of wildlife. Here you can see birds like Beautiful Nuthatch, Redbilled Leiothrix, Red-faced Liocichla, Blue-winged, Black-faced, and Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Grey-throated Babbler, Brown, and Red-headed Bullfinch, Brownthroated Treecreeper, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Black-throated Parrotbill, Great Parrotbill, Brown Parrotbill, Fulvous Parrotbill, Slender-billed Scimitar-babbler, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Long-billed and Bar-winged Wren Babbler, Streaked-breasted Scimitar-babbler, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Shortwings, Whitewinged Grosbeak, Collared Grosbeak, Long-tailed Thrush and several more species.

Bhutan has a good diversity of butterflies too, ranging from Bhutan Glory, Golden Birdwing, Kaisers to Sergeants and Jezebels.

April is the perfect time to enjoy the spring in the Himalaya. Witness the Himalayan floral splendour of Rhododendron, primulas, and orchids. You will be in the middle of the courtship and nesting time of Himalayan birds – and this is the time to hear them sing. Do not miss this spring in the Himalaya.

Group Leader: Mr. Isaac Kehimkar Payment schedule: 1st Installment (non-refundable) Immediate Rs. 20,000/2nd Installment Date- Immediate Rs. 20,000/3rd Installment Date- 15th January, 2014 Rs. 20,000/Final Installment Date- 15th February, 2014 Rs. 17,500/Dates: 18th–26th April 2014

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INDEX WEEKEND PROGRAMMES

LOCAL CAMPS

or

INTERNATIONAL CAMPS

e-mail

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Registration*: Call Hornbill House at 22821811/22871202 bnhs.programmes@gmail.com for more details.

NATIONAL CAMPS

Reporting: 18th April 2014, at 06:00 a.m. at Kolkata International Airport.

Participants are advised to book their arrival in Kolkata prior to Day One. Drop would be on 26th April 2014 at Bagdogra Airport at 12.00 p.m.

Camp Fee: Rs. 77,500/- for members, and Rs. 78,100/- for non-members.

Camp fee includes: 1. Economy Class Airfare from Kolkata to Paro.

2. Full board accommodation.

3. All park entrance fees and permits.

4. All meals (BLD).

5. Professional English speaking local guide.

6. All local transport.

7. BNHS expertise.

Price does not include: 1. Food and drinks not part of group menu.

2. Flight/train tickets to Kolkata and from Bagdogra 3. Any sightseeing not mentioned on the programme.

4. Expenses of a personal nature e.g., laundry, telephone calls.

5. Tips and gratuities.

6. Services other than those specified in “Camp fee includes�.

Note: The cost has been calculated for 16 full paid participants and Airfare as on 1st December 2013.

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