Vol. 3. Issue 1 BHARATPUR NATIONAL PARK BI-MONTHLY PROGRAMME for JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2015 BI–MONTHLY PROGRAMME JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2015 EXPLORE ONE DAY PROGRAMMES JANUARY 4th Jan Bat and Bird Trail at Elephanta Island 11th Jan Flamingo Watch at Sewri Mudflats 18th Jan Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary FEBRUARY 8th Feb Flamingo Watch at Sewri Mudflats 15th Feb Birding at Yeoor Hills 22nd Feb Birding at Bhandup Pumping Station Wild Amazon – Ecuador WEEKEND CAMPS March Phansad Wildlife Sactuary NATIONAL CAMPS Wild Odisha – Chilika 2015 January Andaman Island Sundarbans – Land of the Royal Bengal Tiger February Marine Camp at Lakshadweep Bhitarkanika, Chilika and Mangalajodi March Neora Valley National Park & Lava Kanha & Satpura National Park (Explore the Central Indian Highlands and Plains) April Great Himalayan National Park North Sikkim May Kanha & Satpura Corbett National Park & Nainital (Sattal & Pangot) Gir National Park – The Last Refuge INTERNATIONAL CAMPS June, 2015 Wild Borneo–Malaysia November, 2015 Wild Amazon and Cloud Forest – Ecuador Upcoming International Camp: February, 2016 Corbett & Pangot Emerald Island–Sri Lanka Neora & Lava Wild Borneo – Malaysia Ref. 2132/2014 Date: 19th December, 2014 Dear Member First of all, my very good wishes for the New Year. Like every year, we will make some personal resolutions to bring about change in 2015, but let us all make a collective resolution that we will all do more to keep our Mother Earth green and make our country clean. Recently, in Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh I was happy to hear that BNHS camps are excellent and BNHS members are well-behaved. Considering the type of tourists most parks receive these days, I think it is a great compliment to our members and to team leaders. Mr. Isaac Kehimkar, Head, BNHS Programmes, a true naturalist of BNHS standards, writer, photographer, and speaker, who had a near-fatal accident over two years ago while returning from a BNHS camp, has to again undergo a major surgery as the metal rod that was inserted in his leg has become bent. This apparently happened when he went to a BNHS camp at Namdapha. Despite his doctor’s warning not to exert himself too much, he insisted on going to that camp where he walked around, happily talking about birds, butterflies, and insects, forgetting about his pain. Our members will miss him for a few months, but I am sure he will be back soon and will do what he enjoys most – natural history study and nature education. Isaac has built up a team of talented staff – Asif, Vandan, and Prachi, so we will see that BNHS camps go on as usual. One of the continents that we have not yet explored is South America. We are planning to take our members to Ecuador, a country famous for its biodiversity. In this Newsletter you will find the details. Although the cost will be a bit higher than most of our camps, I am sure our members will enroll for this camp. The new Governing Council (GC) is in place. I am happy that now we have representatives from each zone of our country. We are all looking forward to working with the new GC for their guidance and policy directions. Best wishes Asad R. Rahmani Director JANUARY BAT AND BIRD TRAIL AT ELEPHANTA ISLAND Sun 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 Black-headed Gull flying along the boat to the island. Other birds like the Gull-billed Tern, Lesser and Greater Sand Plover, Indian Grey Hornbill, Common Iora, Spotbilled Duck, Little Grebe, Osprey and White-bellied Sea Eagle can be spotted here. BNHS gives you a chance to learn about the only flying mammal, explore the caves with an expert in search of bat roosts. One can see Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat and Leaf-nose Bat. Grade: Easy Group leaders: Ms Prachi Galange (9867563300) & Dr. Bandana Arora Charges: Rs. 500/- for members and Rs. 600/- for others. Reporting: Hornbill House, opp. Lion Gate, Colaba at 7:30 a.m. Departure from Gateway of India at 8:00 a.m. Please carry adequate water, packed breakfast. Registration*: On the Spot. For details call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. WEEKEND PROGRAMMES 4th Jan INDEX ONE DAY PROGRAMMES, JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at [email protected]. The group should be back by 12:30 p.m. 11th Jan FLAMINGO WATCH AT SEWRI MUDFLATS Sun 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, and Eurasian Curlew. Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan (9969798447), Ms Parveen Shaikh & Mr. LOCAL CAMPS Please carry packed breakfast, hat/cap and adequate water. Vithoba Hegde Charges: Rs. 100/- for members and Rs. 150/- for others. Reporting*: Outside Sewri railway station 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*: On the spot. For details call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at [email protected]. The programme will conclude by 9:30 a.m. Please carry hat/cap and adequate water. Click below for the Google map links www.bit.ly/drivetosewri TUNGARESHWAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Sun Spread over 85 sq. km, Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary forms a corridor between Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary. Three different types of forest: Dry Deciduous, Moist Deciduous and Semi Evergreen, are seen here. Learn about the importance of forest corridors and more from BNHS during this trail. Birds like Rufous Treepie, Verditer Flycatcher, Shikra, Black-hooded Oriole, Brown-headed Barbet, Red-whiskered and Red-vented Bulbul, and many more can be seen. Grade: Easy Group leaders: Ms Prachi Galange (9867563300) & Mr. Vithoba Hegde Charges: Rs. 700/- for members and Rs. 800/- for others. Reporting: Bus will leave from Dadar T.T. (near Chandu Halwai) at 6.30 a.m., Andheri (near Bisleri factory) at 6:50 a.m., Borivali, Opp. National park (Near Omkareshwar temple.) 7:10 a.m. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or INTERNATIONAL CAMPS 18th Jan NATIONAL CAMPS (east) at the railway crossing junction at 7:30 a.m. How to Reach: Sewri railway station is on the harbour E-mail at [email protected]. The group should be back at Dadar by 12:30 p.m. Please carry packed breakfast, hat/cap and adequate water. CEC 1 INDEX FEBRUARY, 2015 FEBRUARY FLAMINGO WATCH AT SEWRI MUDFLATS Sun 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, and Eurasian Curlew. Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan (9969798447), Ms Parveen Shaikh & Mr. Vithoba Hegde Charges: Rs. 100/- for members and Rs. 150/- for others. Reporting*: Outside Sewri railway station (east) at the railway crossing junction at 8:00 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. WEEKEND PROGRAMMES 8th Feb Registration*: On the spot. For details call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to carry hat/cap and adequate water. Click below for the Google map links www.bit.ly/drivetosewri 15th Feb BIRDING AT YEOOR HILLS Sun Yeoor Hills is a part of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park approachable from Thane; not known to many, LOCAL CAMPS 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at [email protected]. The programme will conclude by 9:30 a.m. Please this forest has been preserved in pristine condition. The mixed deciduous forest harbours birds like Whitebrowed Bulbul, Indian Grey Hornbill, Greater Coucal, Indian Blackbird, Gold-fronted Leafbird, and Crested (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 at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at [email protected]. The programme will conclude by 11:00 a.m. Kindly carry adequate water and packed food. 22nd Feb BIRDING AT BHANDUP PUMPING STATION Sun It is very difficult for people to imagine that beautiful, tall, statuesque birds like Flamingos, cryptically our teeming metropolitan city. But yes, like an oasis in the desert, such a place exists on the fringes of the Eastern Express Highway, where the last of the salt pans and mangroves remain. A place of stark beauty, and grassy plains interspersed with marshy pools, filled with bird life. Join BNHS on a trail to explore the few remaining open patches in our city. Grade: Easy Group leaders: Ms Prachi Galange (9867563300) & Mr. Siddhesh Surve Charges: Rs. 700/- for members and Rs. 750/- for others (Charges include transportation, entry, 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. Registration*: Call Hornbill House at 22871202/ 22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail: [email protected] Note: Kindly carry adequate water and breakfast. INTERNATIONAL CAMPS patterned sandpipers, graceful terns, hungry gulls, and handsome harriers can be seen in the middle of NATIONAL CAMPS Serpent Eagle. Group leaders: Ms Prachi Galange (9867563300) & Mr. Siddhesh Surve Charges: Rs. 700/- for members and Rs. 750/- for others. Reporting: Bus will leave from Dadar T.T. CEC 2 INDEX MARCH, 2015 Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary endemics of the Western Ghats like Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Trogon, Crimson-backed Sunbird, Grey-fronted Green-pigeon, Ceylon Frogmouth, and White-cheeked Barbet; besides the endemics other birds like Greater Flameback, White-bellied Woodpecker, Asian Fairy-bluebird, Black Eagle, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, Malabar Pied Hornbill, and Grey Junglefowl could also be seen here. Grade: Medium Dates: 6th – 8th March, 2015 Accommodation: Tented Dormitory Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan & Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Camp Charges: Rs. 4,000/- for members, and Rs. 4,600/- for others (ex-Mumbai). Cost Includes: Accommodations, all meals (first day lunch to last day lunch) WEEKEND PROGRAMMES Formerly a hunting reserve of Murud’s Nawab, Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary has rich biodiversity, and harbours many of the Reporting: On day one, bus will leave at 06:30 a.m. from Dadar (near Chandu Halwai), 06:50 a.m. from Chembur (near Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at [email protected]. LOCAL CAMPS Diamond Garden), and Vashi Junction at 07:10 a.m. The group will return in the evening to Dadar late evening last day. NATIONAL CAMPS Asif Khan INTERNATIONAL CAMPS Prachi Gfalange CEC Sijit Narawade Sijit Narawade Prachi Gfalange 3 INDEX NATIONAL CAMPS, JANUARY, 2015 WEEKEND PROGRAMMES Isaac Kehimkar Floating in splendid isolation, east of mainland India in the Bay of Bengal is the archipelago of emerald islands, the Andaman LOCAL CAMPS ANDAMAN ISLAND Islands. The Andaman group is famous for endemic flora and fauna, which is the reason it is called the island of endemism. The islands also have a very high forest cover of over 85% of the area. Andaman Island is a treat for nature lovers and beside other birds like Black Baza, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Collared Kingfisher and Blue-eared Kingfisher. Grade: Easy Dates: 18th – 25th January, 2015 (ex-Port Blair) Charges: Rs. 31,500/- for members, and Rs. 32,700/- for others (ex-Port Blair) Group Leader: Mr. Asif Khan Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or E-mail at [email protected]. INTERNATIONAL CAMPS Vishal Bhave NATIONAL CAMPS enthusiasts. One can see endemics like Andaman Teal, Andaman Serpent Eagle, Andaman Crake, and Andaman Coucal, Vishal Bhave CEC Vishal Bhave 4 Isaac Kehimkar INDEX JANUARY, 2015 SUNDARBANS — Vandan Jhaveri The Sundarbans are located in the delta of the Brahmaputra and LOCAL CAMPS Isaac Kehimkar Isaac Kehimkar WEEKEND PROGRAMMES Land of the Royal Bengal Tiger Ganga rivers in the Bay of Bengal. One hundred and two islands are situated in this world’s largest river delta. Approximately 40 per cent Bangladesh. The Sundarbans are the largest mangrove forest in the world, covering 60 per cent of India’s total mangrove area. Almost 90 per cent of Vandan Jhaveri all Indian mangrove species are found here. Of course, the Royal Bengal Tiger is the flagship species of Sundarbans, where it roams in the marshy areas and if you are lucky you can see it swimming across the channel. Moreover, Sundarbans are the best place to see NATIONAL CAMPS of the Sundarbans is in the state of West Bengal, the rest in the Saltwater Crocodile and Water Monitor Lizard. With more than 250 bird species found here in winter, this is the perfect time to see ing the threatened Brown-winged Kingfisher. Vandan Jhaveri DATES: 17th – 20th January 2015 Camp fee: Rs. 13,700/- for members, and Rs. 14,900/- for non-members (ex Kolkata) Cost Includes: Accommodation (3/4 sharing), all meals, pick up and drop at Howrah railway station. Group Leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Reporting: Pick up near Howrah railway station (Kolkata) in front of Yatri Niwas at 08:00 a.m. Drop at Howrah railway station at 07:00 p.m. Participants are advised to reach Howrah one day prior to the INTERNATIONAL CAMPS migratory birds. One could spot seven species of Kingfishers, includ- first day of camp, and also book the return accordingly to avoid last Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri Vandan Jhaveri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at [email protected]. 5 CEC minute rush. INDEX FEBRUARY, 2015 MARINE CAMP AT LAKSHADWEEP 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 snorkelling as part of the camp activity. You 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 snorkelling will be in waist-deep coral lagoons. Grade: Easy Date: 7th – 13th February, 2015 (ex-Calicut) Camp fee: Rs. 32,900/- for members, and Rs. 34,100/- for non-members (ex Calicut) Cost Includes: Accommodation (3/4 sharing), all meals, transport by ship ex Calicut, Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat. WEEKEND PROGRAMMES Lakshadweep is a group of islands, 200–440 km off the south west coast of India. These islands form the smallest union Group Leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri & Ms Prachi Galange Reporting: On day one Beypore port (Calicut) at 09:00 a.m. Drop on last day at 12:00 p.m. It is advisable to book your ticket LOCAL CAMPS to reach Calicut a day before and return ticket to depart from Calicut on the next day. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. o r e-mail at [email protected]. INTERNATIONAL CAMPS Vandan Jhaveri NATIONAL CAMPS Photo Courtesy: Isaac Kehimkar CEC Isaac Kehimkar 6 Vandan Jhaveri INDEX FEBRUARY, 2015 BHITARKANIKA, CHILIKA and MANGALAJODI Estuarine Crocodile basking languidly along the banks as your boat steers lazily across the water. Known to be home to more than 200 species of birds, one can spot seven species of kingfishers here, namely Common, Pied, Black-capped, Brown-winged, Stork-billed, White-throated and Collared. Mangalajodi Bird Sanctuary: The marshy waters of the Northern Banks of the Chilika Lake are home to a whole array of birds. Mangalajodi which has been declared as an Important Bird Area (IBA) is a treat for birders and photographers alike. Boat rides through the marshes can get you up-close to birds like Baillon’s Crake, Wood Sandpiper, Common Snipe, Streaked Weaver, Grey-headed Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruddy Shelduck, Comb Duck, and Plaintive Cuckoo. Chilika Lake: Chilika, India’s largest brackish-water lake is home to a whole array of birds. During this season one can see huge flocks of waterfowl; birds like Fulvous Whistling Duck, Lesser Whistling Duck, Spot-billed Pelican, Northern Shoveller, Ferruginous Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Tufted Duck, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Great White Pelican, Osprey, WEEKEND PROGRAMMES Bhitarkanika National Park: Bhitarkanika is a rich, green and luxuriant ecosystem, it is one of the best places to see the and White-bellied Sea-eagle. Group Leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri; Charges: Rs. 19,800/- Members and 21,000/- Non-members (ex-Bhubaneshwar) Reporting: Bhubaneswar Railway Station at 7:00 a.m., on day one. Drop off at Bhubaneswar railway station on last day at 12:30 p.m. How to get there: Bhubaneswar is well connected by air. By rail: one can take the Konark Exp. (11019) which arrive in Bhubaneswar at 04.25 hrs. (Kindly note Konark Exp. takes 37 hrs, thus plan your journey accordingly). Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at LOCAL CAMPS Grade: Easy; Dates: 18th – 22nd February, 2015 (ex-Bhubaneshwar) [email protected]. NATIONAL CAMPS Asif Khan Prachi Gfalange Prachi Gfalange Prachi Gfalange INTERNATIONAL CAMPS Prachi Gfalange Prachi Gfalange CEC Prachi Gfalange INDEX MARCH, 2015 WEEKEND PROGRAMMES Soumyajit Nandi Soumyajit Nandi Situated in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, the Neora Valley National Park is one of the richest biological zones in the Northeast. Though famous as the land of the Red Panda, it is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. Some of India’s most sought after birds are found here. During the camp one can LOCAL CAMPS NEORA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK & LAVA see birds like Black Baza, Sapphire Flycatcher, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Black-eared Shrike-babbler, Himalayan Cutia, NATIONAL CAMPS Red-tailed Minla, Greater Yellownape, Green-billed Malkoha, and five species of sunbirds, namely Crimson, Ruby-cheeked, Green-tailed, Black- Soumyajit Nandi throated, Mrs. Gould’s and Fire-tailed. Grade: Easy Batch Limit: 16 Dates: 14th – 18th March, 2015 (ex-New Jalpaiguri) Group Leader: Mr. Asif Khan Charges: Rs. 23,200/- for members, and Rs. 24,500/- for others (ex-New Jalpaiguri) Accommodation: Two nights in Lava on twin sharing in hotel. Two nights Charges Include: Transport from railway station, local travel, entry fee, all Soumyajit Nandi Soumyajit Nandi meals and accommodation, entry to park and permits (as required). Reporting: Pick up from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station at 7:00 a.m. and drop to NJP at 3:00 p.m. on the last day. You are advised to book your tickets to arrive in NJP one day prior and leave one day later. How to get there: NJP is well connected by air; the nearest airport, Bagdogra, is only 19 km from NJP railway station. By rail: One can take direct trains to NJP like Guwahati Exp. (15645), and Karmabhumi Exp. (15611), which run on selected days only, or reach Kolkata and then board INTERNATIONAL CAMPS inside Neora Valley National Park on triple/quad sharing in attic cottages. any one of many trains to NJP. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 CEC a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at [email protected]. Soumyajit Nandi 7 INDEX APRIL, 2015 KANHA & SATPURA NATIONAL PARK WEEKEND PROGRAMMES (Explore the Central Indian Highlands and Plains) Kanha National Park 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 Vandan Jhaveri LOCAL CAMPS branderi) survives. Other animals like Blue Bull, Four-horned Antelope, Barking, Spotted and Mouse Deer, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Honey Badger and Indian Jackal are seen. This is a good time for birds like Crested Hawkeagle, Spotted Owlet, Red-collared Dove, Eurasian Thick-knee, Hoopoe, Brown Fish-owl, and Grey-headed Fish Eagle. Prachi Gfalange Vandan Jhaveri Explore the highlands of central India, rugged landscape of sandstone peaks and forest of Teak, Sal and Jamun offers a variety of birds and Mammals. Most of the reserve forest is still in virgin state, away from human access. The Park boosts of good sightings of Sloth Bear and Leopard one can also see Tigers, Gaur, Four-horned Antelope, and Wild Dog (Dhole), that are found here. Satpura NP is also known for its birds one can see birds like Dusky Eagle-owl, Streak-throated Asif Khan Woodpecker, White-naped Flameback, Pied Flycatcher-shrike, White- NATIONAL CAMPS Satpura National Park bellied Minivet, Jerdon’s Leafbird and Sand Lark. Grade: Easy Batch I: 3rd – 8th April, 2015 BatchII: 9th – 14th April, 2015 (On demand) Group leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Camp Charges: Rs. 27,300/- for Members and Rs. 28,500/-for others. (ex-Nagpur). Accommodation: Twin sharing basis. Asif Khan Asif Khan Reporting: Outside Nagpur Railway Station at 8:00 a.m. Drop off at Nagpur on last day at 6:00 p.m. How to Reach: Nagpur is well connected by flights. By rail one can INTERNATIONAL CAMPS Date: take the Nagpur Duronto (12289) or Sewagram Exp (12139) both of which reaches Nagpur before 7:30 a.m. Similarly for return Nagpur Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811, 022-22871202 or e-mail at [email protected] 8 Asif Khan CEC Duronto (12290) or Sewagram Exp (12140) can be taken. INDEX APRIL, 2015 GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK splendid mountain terrain of Kullu district, and is the largest opposite the Tibetan Village on the main MG Marg. There is protected area in Himachal Pradesh. The secluded Sainj and a petrol pump on the main road, most private buses operate Tirthan valleys harbour a variety of wildlife common to this from there. The best way is to come via the Airport Metro till area - wild mountain goats like the Bharal, Goral, and Serow, New Delhi Metro Station and ask for a cab or an auto-rickshaw the Himalayan Brown Bear and predators like the Leopard to drive you to Majnu-ka-Tila. and the very rare Snow Leopard. Birds like Himalayan Pied Cost includes: Cost is inclusive of local transport, Delhi- Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, Bearded Vulture, and Himalayan Kullu-Delhi by Volvo, food, accommodation in dormitories Parakeet can be seen during the trek. and tents, permits to the GHNP, all camping equipment, and Date: 25th April–1st May, 2015 BNHS expertise. Grade: Moderate Cost Excludes: Any personal expenses. Porterage (Porters Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri for carrying personal equipment can be provided at extra Camp Charges: Rs. 20,800/- for Members and Rs. 22,000/ cost on per day basis on prior notice). We can keep the extra -for others. (ex-Delhi). luggage at Sairopa base camp and carry only what is needed Accommodation: Dormitory, and during the treks will be for the trek. twin/triple sharing Tents. Sleeping bags and mattress will be Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, provided. Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at Reporting: Majnu-ka-Tila (Petrol Pump), at 4:00 p.m. Drop [email protected]. on last day at 08:00 a.m.; Kindly book your train/flights after LOCAL CAMPS How to reach: Majnu-ka-Tila is about 5 km from Delhi ISBT WEEKEND PROGRAMMES The Great Himalayan National Park is carved out of the 1:00 p.m. on the last day. NATIONAL CAMPS Vandan Jhaveri Prachi Galange INTERNATIONAL CAMPS Vandan Jhaveri CEC Isaac Kehimkar Vandan Jhaveri 9 INDEX APRIL, 2015 NORTH SIKKIM Sanctuary is a striking place to view flora and fauna in their full glory. Yumthang Valley is renowned for its alpine meadows and breathtaking landscape with the picturesque Yumthang River flowing through it. On the banks of the river, one can see an abundance of Rhododendron trees and shrubs. Apart from Rhododendron, the Sanctuary is rich in bird diversity, such as Ibisbill, White-collared Blackbird, Green-backed Tit; Black-chinned, Whiskered and Rufous-vented Yuhina; Silver-eared Mesia, and Hoarythroated Barwing. WEEKEND PROGRAMMES Located in the Yumthang Valley, Shingba Rhododendron Grade: Easy Group Leader: Ms Prachi Galange Charges: Rs. 22,500/- for members, and Rs. 23,700/- for Isaac Kehimkar Isaac Kehimkar others (ex-New Jalpaiguri) Accommodation: Twin Sharing Basis Cost includes: All accommodation, meals (B/L/D) from first day dinner to last day breakfast, Transfers to and from NJP, permits, and LOCAL CAMPS Dates: 18th – 22nd April, 2015 entry to the park. Cost excludes: Flight/rail ticket to NJP, all expenses of mentioned in the itinerary, camera fees, anything extra cost not specified in “Cost includes”. Reporting: Pick up from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station at 6:00 a.m. and drop to NJP in the evening of the last day. You are advised to book your tickets to arrive in NJP one day prior and leave one day later. How to get there: NJP is well connected by air; the nearest NATIONAL CAMPS personal nature like laundry, beverages and food not airport, Bagdogra, is only 19 km from NJP railway station. By rail: One can take direct trains to NJP like Guwahati on selected days only, or reach Kolkata and then board any one of many trains to NJP. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at [email protected]. INTERNATIONAL CAMPS Exp. (15645), and Karmabhumi Exp. (15611), which run CEC Vandan Jhaveri 10 INDEX MAY, 2015 CORBETT NATIONAL PARK & NAINITAL (SATTAL & PANGOT) 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 see Great Hornbill, Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, Tawny Fish Owl, Collared Falconet, both Pallas’s and Lesser Fish-eagles, Hooded Pitta, Grey Treepie, White-crested Laughingthush, Dollarbird, and Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler. Pangot, Sattal, and Bhimtal area is known as a bird watcher’s paradise, and the “Nainital Hills” live up to their name with more than 200 species seen here. Sattal is also a photographers paradise, one can see three types of pheasants namely Cheer, Koklas and Kalij Pheasant, Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Long-billed Ground-thrush, Red-headed Laughingthrush, Spotted Laughingthush, Great Barbet, Chestnut-bellied Rock-thrush, Lammergeier, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Spot-winged Tit, Black-lored Tit, Striated Prinia, Red-billed Leothrix, Blue-winged Minal, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Lesser Yellownape, Spotted Forktail, Rufous Sibia, and Yellow-breasted Greenfinch. WEEKEND PROGRAMMES Corbett National Park was created in 1936, the first wildlife park of India. Besides Tiger and Asian Elephant, the area is Grade: Easy LOCAL CAMPS Batch Limit: 16 Dates: Batch I: 6th – 10th May, 2015 Batch II: 11th – 15th May, 2015 (On demand) Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan Charges: Rs. 22,500/- for members, and Rs. 23,700/- for others (ex-New Delhi) Accommodation: Twin Sharing Basis in Dhikala in Corbett and Twin sharing in hotel in Pangot. Cost includes: All accommodation, meals (B/L/D) from first day lunch to last day breakfast. Transfers to and from New Cost excludes: Flight/rail ticket to New Delhi, all expenses of personal nature like laundry, beverages and food not mentioned in the itinerary, camera fees, anything extra cost not specified in in “Cost includes”. Reporting: Pick up from New Delhi Railway Station at 6:00 a.m. and drop to New Delhi Railway Station at 7.30 p.m. on the last day. You are advised to book your tickets to arrive in New Delhi one day prior. There are several options to stay in Pahar Ganj near the New Delhi Railway Station. How to get there: New Delhi is well connected by air and train. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at [email protected]. INTERNATIONAL CAMPS Asif Khan Divya Warrier NATIONAL CAMPS Delhi, permits, and entry to park. CEC Vandan Jhaveri Asif Khan 11 Asif Khan INDEX MAY-JUNE, 2015 GIR NATIONAL PARK – THE LAST REFUGE WEEKEND PROGRAMMES Asif Khan Asif Khan Camp Charges: Rs. 18,100/- members and Rs. 19,300/- The arid landscape of Gir has a lot to offer besides the famous others. Asiatic Lion. Gir also supports a large population of the Accommodation: Twin sharing basis. leopards and is famed for having the largest concentration Reporting: Outside Rajkot Railway station at 8:00 a.m. Drop of carnivores. Important prey species are Spotted Deer, Wild at Rajkot on last day at 02:00 p.m. Boar, Nilgai, and Sambar. Gir is also excellent for birds, many How to get there: Train - Sau Janta Exp (19017) leaves species like Mottled Wood-owl, Indian Scops-owl, Indian from Mumbai at 05:35 p.m. and reaches Rajkot at 07:30 Little Nightjar, Crested Treeswift, Indian Peafowl, Asian a.m. Sau Janta Exp (19018) can be booked for return which Paradise and Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Tawny-bellied and leaves from Rajkot at 03:20 p.m. Flight - Direct flights from Yellow-eyed Babbler, Indian Stone-curlew and many more Mumbai to Rajkot are available. can be seen here. Other fauna like Four-horned Antelope, Cost includes: Accommodation, food (1st day lunch to last Chinkara, Striped Hyena, Golden Jackal, Black-naped Hare, day breakfast) transfers to/from Rajkot, Safari charges and and Bengal Monitor, as well as Marsh Crocodile can be seen. entry to the park. Grade: Easy Registration*: Kindly contact us at 22871202/22821811, Dates: Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail us at Batch I: 30th May – 2nd June, 2015 [email protected] Batch II: 3rd – 6th June, 2015 (On Demand) 12 CEC Group leaders: Ms Prachi Galange and is famous for being the last refuge of the Asiatic Lion. INTERNATIONAL CAMPS Gir National Park is one of the oldest national parks of India NATIONAL CAMPS Asif Khan Asif Khan LOCAL CAMPS Asif Khan place in the world to see the endangered Borneo Orangutan. Malaysia is a “Megadiversity Country”, harbouring an estimated 20% of the world’s animal species. Malaysia is also well known for its endemism. During our camp we will visit Bako National Park, Gunung Gading National Park, and Mulu National Park. BAKO NATIONAL PARK One of the oldest in Malaysia, this national park is home to the Endangered Proboscis Monkey, Near Threatened Silvered Leaf-Monkey and the Crab-eating Macaque. It is also home to several species of carnivorous Pitcher Plants. GUNUNG GADING NATIONAL PARK The Gunung Gading National Park features a complex of mountains rising into several peaks, with numerous waterfalls WEEKEND PROGRAMMES WILD BORNEO, MALAYSIA Borneo Island is also known as the Land of the Hornbills; the Borneo rainforest is the oldest in the world and is the only INDEX INTERNATIONAL CAMPS JUNE, 2015 tumbling down in series in the upper reaches of Lundu river, creating an idyllic jungle setting in the cool shade of the Southeast Asia. MULU NATIONAL PARK Mulu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses cave formations and is flanked by limestone outcrops with virgin tropical forest on the lower slopes giving way to montane vegetation in the upper region. In the mountainous equatorial rainforest of Borneo, eight species of hornbills are found, including Near Threatened Rhinoceros Hornbill, as well as White-crowned and Helmeted. The Deer Caves are home to an enormous colony of Wrinkle-lipped LOCAL CAMPS rainforest. This national park is famous for the world’s largest single flower, Rafflesia, a parasitic plant only found in Bat, which almost every evening exit the cave in search of food in spectacular waves. NATIONAL CAMPS INTERNATIONAL CAMPS 13 CEC Sudheer Sapre INDEX Grade: Easy Group Leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Dates: 10th–18th June, 2015 (ex Mumbai) Reporting: 10th June, 2015 at 9:30 p.m. at Mumbai International Airport. WEEKEND PROGRAMMES Camp Fee: Rs. 1,60,000/- for members and Rs. 1,61,200/- for others. Payment schedule: 1st Installment (non-refundable) Immediate Rs. 45,000/2nd Installment 10th March 2014 Rs. 45,000/- 3rd Installment 10th April 2014 Rs. 35,000/- Final Installment 10th May 2014 Rs. 35,000/(Rs. 36,200/- for non members) Price does not include: Economy Class Air tickets Food and drinks not on the group menu Visa and processing charges Any sightseeing not mentioned in itinerary Full board accommodation Expenses of a personal nature, laundry, telephone calls All game park entrance fees Tips and gratuities Travel insurance for participants aged upto 70 years Services other than those specified in “Camp fee includes” Game drives/trails as per itinerary Note: The cost has been calculated @ 1 RM = 19 INR, with BNHS expertise minimum 16 participants travelling together. LOCAL CAMPS Camp fee includes: Registration*: [email protected] for more details. INTERNATIONAL CAMPS Sudheer Sapre NATIONAL CAMPS Call Hornbill House at 22871202/22821811 or e-mail Sudheer Sapre CEC Photo Courtesy: Isaac Kehimkar Sudheer Sapre 14 Isaac Kehimkar With 15% of the world’s birds found in a country about one twelfth the size of India, we can see the scale of the diversity of the country. The Ecuadorian Amazon constitute a small but mostly untouched part of the largest rainforest in the world which contains over one tenth of all the earth’s living species. Ecuador also holds more species of mammals and amphibians per square meter than any other country. You can see Smooth-fronted Caiman (a relative of the crocodile), Southern Twotoed Sloth, Red Howler Monkey, and White-fronted Capuchin. One can also see birds like four species of parrot namely Mealy Amazon, Yellow-crowned, Orange-winged and Blue-headed, and Toucan species like White-throated Toucan, Goldencollared Toucanet, and Ivory-billed Aracari, Plum-throated Cotinga, and Chestnut-fronted Macaw. Cloud Forest of Mindo is an Importan Bird Area (IBA) situated in the western slopes of the Andes, and is famous for its large variety of hummingbirds, especially the Sword-billed Hummingbird. You can see birds like Speckled Hummingbird, WEEKEND PROGRAMMES Wild Amazon and Cloud Forest of Ecuador INDEX INTERNATIONAL CAMPS NOVEMBER, 2015 Wedge-billed Hummingbird, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Velvet-purple Coronet, White-billed Woodstar, Green-fronted Lancebill, Golden-headed Quetzal, Golden Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, and Orange-bellied Euphonia can be seen One can also extend their stay and visit the Galapagos Island. Grade: Easy Dates: 13th–21st November, 2015 Camp Fee: Rs. 3,95,000/- for members and Rs. 3,96,200/- for others. Payment schedule: 1st Installment (non-refundable) Immediate Rs. 45,000/Rs. 50,000/- 3rd Installment 15th May 2015 Rs. 50,000/- 4th Installment 15th June 2015 Rs. 1,00,000/- 5th Installment 15th August 2015 Rs. 1,00,000/- Final Installment 15th September 2015 Rs. 50,000/- (Rs. 51,600/- for non members) NATIONAL CAMPS 2nd Installment 15th April 2015 LOCAL CAMPS here. INTERNATIONAL CAMPS CEC INDEX WEEKEND PROGRAMMES Photo Courtesy: Indian Journeys Photo Courtesy: Indian Journeys Photo Courtesy: Indian Journeys LOCAL CAMPS Camp fee includes: Economy Class Air tickets Visa and processing charges Full board accommodation as per itinerary. All park entrance fees etc. Travel insurance for participants aged upto 70 years Game drives/trails as per itinerary BNHS expertise Food and drinks not on the group menu Any sightseeing not mentioned in itinerary Expenses of a personal nature, laundry, telephone calls. Camera Charges if applicable. Tips and gratuities Services other than those specified in “Camp fee includes” Photo Courtesy: Indian Journeys NATIONAL CAMPS Price does not include: Note: The cost has been calculated @ 1 USD = 62 INR, with minimum 16 participants travelling together. Call Hornbill House at 22871202/22821811 or e-mail [email protected] for more details. INTERNATIONAL CAMPS Registration*: CEC Photo Courtesy: Indian Journeys Photo Courtesy: Indian Journeys Sri Lanka is a must for birders and wildlife enthusiast alike, with more than 450 species of birds out of which over 30 species are endemic birds Sri Lanka is a must for birders. Yala National Park is one of the best places to spot the elusive Leopard, which boast of having the largest density of Leopard in the world, making Sri Lanka an ideal wildlife destination. The island has some of the most fascinating locations including coastal wetlands, rainforests, and the soaring peaks of the hill country where one can find an array of wildlife. SINHARAJA FOREST RESERVE which can be described as a Tropical Lowland Rainforest. Singharaja is a rich treasure trove of nature with a great diversity of habitats and a vast repository of Sri Lanka’s endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Birdwatching in this ecosystem is particularly interesting because it is home to 95% of the WEEKEND PROGRAMMES EMERALD ISLAND – SRI LANKA INDEX UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL CAMPS FEBRUARY, 2015 endemic birds of Sri Lanka, including the elusive Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal, and Sri Lanka Blue Magpie. rocky outcrops, secondary forests, and coastal lagoons with mangrove forests. This diverse collection of vegetation provides home to many species of animals including sloth bear, herds of elephants, buffalo, Sambar and the endangered leopard sub-species, which found only in Sri Lanka. Other carnivores found in the Park include Ring-tailed Civet, and the endemic Golden Palm Civet. Brown-capped Babbler, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Wood Shrike, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon,and Sri Lankan Junglefowl LOCAL CAMPS YALA NATIONAL PARK comprises of several major habitat types, including dunes, scrub forest, riverine forests, can be spotted in Yala’s riverine forests. birds. Grade: Easy Dates: February, 2016 For details: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at [email protected]. NATIONAL CAMPS BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK Is a mix of scrub jungle and sand dunes bordering the sea. Bundala and Tissa wetlands are home to winter migratory birds and large flocks of flamingos. This one of the best place to see the migratory * Note: Guidelines. Rules and Guidelines for BNHS programmes are available on our website: www.bnhs.org. INTERNATIONAL CAMPS If you are registering for any of the programmes, it is assumed that you have read and agreed to all the Rules and CEC
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