BNHS Nature Camps 2017-18 Vol.5, Issue 6

Vol. 5, Issue 6

BI-MONTHLY PROGRAMMES November-December, 2017 November 12th November

Karnala Bird Sanctuary

19th November

Shilonda Trail: SGNP

26th November

Kanheri Upper Trail: SGNP

December 3rd December

Nagla Block Trail: SGNP

9th & 10th December

Bird Identification Workshop

17th December

Karnala Bird Sanctuary

24th December

Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

2018 January 12th – 14th January

Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary

National Camps November

Golden Triangle – (FULL)

December

Wild Rajasthan

Little Rann of Kutch

2018 January

Leopard Country–Bera and Mount Abu

March

Wild Assam–Gibbon Sanctuary, Kaziranga & Nameri NP

Mishmi Hills & Maguri Bheel

April

Great Himalayan National Park

Kanha National Park

May

Corbett NP & Nainital (Sattal, Bhimtal & Pangot)

Upcoming Camps February Lakshadweep Islands

Tadoba NP

Karnala Bird Sanctuary Take an enjoyable walk through the moist deciduous base forest of Karnala Bird Sanctuary. It is the perfect time to see both resident and migrant birds like Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Black-naped Monarch, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Small Sunbird, Nilgiri Flowerpecker, Rufous and Heart-spotted Woodpecker, White-bellied, Greater Racket-tailed and Bronzed Drongo, Crested Hawk-eagle, Crested Serpent-eagle, and Gold-fronted Leafbird.

Camp Charges: Rs. 900/- for BNHS members and Rs. 1,000/- for others.

Grade: Easy (2–3 km undulating walk) Reporting: Bus will leave from Dadar T.T. (near Chandu Halwai) at 06:00 a.m., Chembur (near Diamond Garden) at 06:20 a.m., and Vashi (Vashi Jn) at 06:40 a.m. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan (9969798447) www.bnhs.org

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Local Programmes, November, 2017

Shilonda Trail at Sanjay Gandhi National Park Join BNHS for a morning at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). One can also see myriad small life forms during this time, and large mammals like Spotted Deer and Sambar. The trail leads through fine forest dominated by bamboo. One can see birds like White-browed Bulbul, Purple-rumped Sunbird, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, and Black-rumped Flameback.

Grade: Easy (Simple walk for 1.3 km each way, however, the walk from the main gate to the trail is about 2 km.)

Charges: Rs. 300/- for members and Rs. 400/- for others. (Cost includes forest department charges and BNHS expertise) Reporting: Members to meet inside SGNP, beyond the Ticket Counter under the large map of SGNP at 07:30 a.m.

Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811 Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs. programmes@gmail.com. Please carry adequate water and hat/cap.

Group Leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri (9167472698) Note: SGNP gate opens at 7:30 a.m., participants will have to buy the entry ticket at the main gate. SGNP is usually crowded on Sunday, hence a long queue is unavoidable. However, entry tickets to SGNP can be purchased online from www. bit.ly/sgnponline; avoid bringing your own vehicle. Please carry packed breakfast, hat/cap, and adequate water. The trail will end at the first stream and the programme should conclude by 10:30 a.m. www.bnhs.org

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Sunday, 19th November, 2017

Kanheri Upper Trail at Sanjay Gandhi National Park

A gradual climb through the wooded forest of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). It is the perfect time to see Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Shikra, Grey Junglefowl, and Indian Peafowl. The trail leads to the rocky, grass and Euphorbia strewn plateau near Kanheri Caves, which is excellent for viewing raptors like Crested Serpent Eagle, soaring on thermals, and spectacular views of the National Park. At the end of the trail, one can visit the ancient Kanheri caves, which date back to around 2,100 years. Carved out of volcanic rocks, there are around 109 caves. The caves and surrounding structures also harbour good biodiversity.

Grade: Easy to Moderate Charges: Rs. 900/- for members and Rs. 1,000/- for others. (Cost includes: Bus from SGNP main gate, Forest Dept. permission charges, entry to SGNP, and BNHS expertise) Reporting: SGNP main gate at 07:15 a.m.

How to Reach: Sanjay Gandhi National Park is situated on the Western Express Highway about a kilometer away from Borivali Station (East). Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811, Mon–Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. The programme will conclude by 12:00 p.m. Please carry packed breakfast, hat/ cap, and adequate water.

Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri (9167472698) www.bnhs.org

Larry Shethia

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Sunday, CAMPS, 26th November, July, 2017 2017 LOCAL

Nature Trail to Nagla Block

Explore the lesser known forest in the Nagla Block of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Situated to the north of Bassein creek, Nagla Block is considered to be a highly rewarding walk in the Park. It is a treat for nature lovers, as birds like Grey Junglefowl, Indian Grey Hornbill, Rufous Woodpecker, and many more may be seen on the trail. Grade: Easy (3-4 km undulating walk) Charges: Rs. 900/- for members and Rs. 1000/- 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. Nation park (Near Omkareshwar temple.) 7:10 a.m. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail. com. The group should be back at Dadar by 12:30 p.m. Please carry packed breakfast, hat/cap and adequate water.

Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri (9167472698) and Mr. Vinod Patil. www.bnhs.org

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Sunday, 3rd December, 2017

Bird Identification Workshop Level: Basic This two-day workshop is for beginners to bird watching. The workshop will include an audio-visual talk by an expert on how to identify birds, followed by a demonstration of preserved bird specimens from the BNHS Collections. The workshop will also include a field trip where participants will be introduced to field techniques for bird identification.

Highlights: The highlight of the workshop is study of preserved bird specimen that will be demonstrated during the workshop. The participants get an opportunity to learn field techniques also, like bird calls for identification of birds.

Expert: Asif Khan Workshop Charges: Rs.1,500/- for Members and Rs. 1,800/- for others.

Reporting: Saturday, 9th Dec: At 3:30 p.m. at Hornbill House, Dr. Sálim Ali Chowk, Opp. Lion Gate, near Kalaghoda, Mumbai 400001.

The programme will conclude by 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, 10th Dec: Sewri Jetty at 7:30 a.m.

Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs. programmes@gmail.com. www.bnhs.org

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Saturday & Sunday, 9th & 10th December, 2017

Karnala Bird Sanctuary Take an enjoyable walk through the moist deciduous base forest of Karnala Bird Sanctuary. It is the perfect time to see both resident and migrant birds like Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Black-naped Monarch, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Small Sunbird, Nilgiri Flowerpecker, Rufous and Heart-spotted Woodpecker, White-bellied, Greater Rackettailed and Bronzed Drongo, Crested Hawk-eagle, Crested Serpent-eagle, and Gold-fronted Leafbird.

Camp Charges: Rs. 900/- for BNHS members and Rs. 1,000/- for others.

Grade: Easy (2–3 km undulating walk) Reporting: Bus will leave from Dadar T.T. (near Chandu Halwai) at 06:00 a.m., Chembur (near Diamond Garden) at 06:20 a.m., and Vashi (Vashi Jn) at 06:40 a.m. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan (9969798447) www.bnhs.org

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Sunday, 17th December, 2017

Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated north of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), and forms a corridor for animals moving between SGNP and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary. This trail is lined with dense mixed deciduous forest. During this season one can see birds like Rufous Treepie, White Wagtail, Ashy Drongo, Yellow-eyed Babbler, Crested Serpent Eagle, Brown-headed Barbet, Shikra, and Verditer Flycatcher.

Camp Charges: Rs. 900/- for BNHS members and Rs. 1,000/- for others.

Grade: Easy (1–2 km undulating walk) 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 (022)22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri (9167472698) www.bnhs.org

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Sunday, 24th December, 2017

Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary Formerly a hunting reserve of the Nawab of Murud, Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary has rich biodiversity and harbours a number of 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 there are other birds like Greater Flameback, White-bellied Woodpecker, Asian Fairy-bluebird, Black Eagle, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, Malabar Pied Hornbill, and Grey Junglefowl.

Accommodation: 4–6 sharing basis in Dormitory Tents inside the Sanctuary (Bedding will be provided).

Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri (9167472698) & Mr. Asif Khan Camp Charges: Rs. 6,500/- for members, and Rs. 7,200/- for others (ex Mumbai).

Cost includes: Accommodation and bedding, all meals (first day lunch to last day lunch).

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. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811, Mon- Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com www.bnhs.org

Rajdeo Singh Nandkishor Dudhe

Sujit N.

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Friday-Sunday, 12th –14th January, 2018

November, 2017 GOLDEN TRIANGLE – Ranthambore, Keoladeo and Chambal Dates: 18th – 23rd November, 2017 (FULL)

December, 2017 WILD RAJASTHAN Tal Chhapar, Jorbeed, Kheechan and Desert National Park Join BNHS on an expedition through Rajasthan exploring some of the most spectacular sites for desert life.

Kheechan: Witness one of the most amazing spectacles of bird congregation, over 9,000 Demoiselle Cranes in the small village of Kheechan. Every winter the village plays host to these cranes, which make Kheechan one of the best places to see and photograph these normally shy birds.

Jorbeed: An ideal place to see endangered vultures is the carcass dump at Jorbeed. It is also famous for the rare and Vulnerable Yellow-eyed Pigeon which are seen in flocks around the dump, and birds like Griffon Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Punjab Raven, and Imperial Eagle.

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NATIONAL CAMPS, NOVEMBER, 2017

Desert National Park: This is the best place to see the Critically Endangered Great Indian Bustard. During winter, the Park comes alive with an array of birds like four species of wheatears namely Isabelline, Desert, Variable, and Red-tailed, Common Kestrel, White-rumped Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Houbara Bustard, White-browed Bushchat, Desert Warbler, Desert Lark, Bimaculated Lark, Black-crowned Finch-Lark, Short-toed Eagle, and Long-legged Buzzard. Mammals like Desert Fox, Chinkara, Desert Cat, Indian Wolf, and Indian Gerbil can be seen here.

Tal Chhapar Sanctuary: If your idea of paradise is golden grasses with graceful antelopes leaping about and a variety of birds living in harmony, then Tal Chhapar is the place to visit. It is the perfect place to see raptors like Greater Spotted Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Merlin, Laggar Falcon, Greater Short-toed Lark, Rufous-tailed Lark, Sand Lark, and Sociable Lapwing. It is also one of the few places where to see the rare Spotted Creeper. Grade: Easy

Dates: 23rd – 28th December, 2017 Group Leader: Mr. Asif Khan Charges: Rs. 29,900/- for members, and Rs. 31,400/- for others (ex-Jaipur/Jodhpur) Charges Include: Pickup and drop as per itinerary, local travel, entry fee, all meals and accommodation on twinsharing basis. Reporting: Day One at Jaipur Jn. railway station at 07:30 a.m. Drop on last day at Jodhpur railway station at 06:00 p.m. Kindly book your ticket accordingly. Note: Kindly book your ticket as early as possible (Vacation rush).

How to Reach: Jaipur – DEE Garibrath (12216) reaches Jaipur Jn at 07:05 a.m. Return: Jodhpur–Surya Nagri Exp (12479). Flight – Jaipur and Jodhpur are also well connected with direct flights.

Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811, Mon–Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail atbnhs. programmes@gmail.com www.bnhs.org

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December, 2017

LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH Known for being the last refuge for the Indian Wild Ass, Little Rann of Kutch is a large salt marsh situated in Gujarat.

The Little Rann of Kutch is a birding paradise and a Ramsar Site. Birding at the lakes and marshes is very rewarding.

In winter, Demoiselle and Common Crane are seen in large numbers. Flamingos, pelicans, storks, ibises, spoonbills, a variety of ducks and other waterfowl are also seen. The Rann is also the hunting ground of raptors like Short-toed Eagle, buzzards, Aquila eagles, six species of falcon, and three species of harrier. It is one of the few places where hundreds of harriers can be seen roosting on open ground at night. And of course, it is the perfect place to see the Indian Wild Ass. The main carnivores of the Little Rann are the Indian Wolf, Desert Fox, Indian Fox, Jackal, Desert and Jungle Cat, and Striped Hyena. The elegant Blackbuck, Nilgai or Blue Bull, and Chinkara are the other mammals seen.

Grade: Easy Dates: 9th–12th December, 2017 Group Leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Camp Charges: Rs. 19,900/- for members, and Rs. 21,400/- for others (ex Ahmedabad) Accommodation: Twin sharing at Rann Riders Reporting: Ahmedabad railway station at 08:00 a.m. on Day One. Drop off at Ahmedabad at 06:00 p.m. on the last day How to Reach: Ahmedabad is well connected by air, rail, and road with major cities. Rail: You can take BCT Duronto Exp (12268) which leaves Mumbai late at night and arrives in Ahmedabad early next morning; there are many other trains which arrive in Ahmedabad early morning Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs. programmes@gmail.com. www.bnhs.org

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DECEMBER, 2017

LEOPARD COUNTRY – BERA AND MOUNT ABU Bera: Bera is a small town situated in Rajasthan, with a considerable leopard population. Bera has in recent years developed a reputation for being one of the best places to see and photograph leopards, and it is aptly known as “Leopard Country”.

Situated in the Aravalli Hills near the River Jawai, Bera offers great landscapes as well. Besides the “Prince of the Jungle” the leopard, Bera also offers sightings of Sloth Bear, Hyena, and Marsh Crocodile.

Rajat Bhargava

Mount Abu: Famous as a hill station in Rajasthan, the forest surrounding Mount Abu is rich with an array of endemic birds. The most famous perhaps is the Green Avadavat, a vulnerable and endemic munia, and Abu is one of the best places to spot it. Mount Abu is also home to birds like Indian Pygmy Woodpecker, Indian Blackbird, Indian Yellow Tit, Tawny-bellied Babbler, and White-bellied Drongo.

Grade: Easy Dates: 24th – 28th January, 2018 Charges: Rs. 32,000/- for members, and Rs. 33,500/- for others Group Leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Reporting: Ahmedabad railway station at 06:30 a.m. on Day One. Drop off at Ahmedabad at 05:00 p.m. on the last day How to Reach: Ahmedabad is well connected by air, rail, and road with major cities. Rail: You can take BCT Duronto Exp (12268) which leaves Mumbai late at night and arrives in Ahmedabad early next morning; there are many other trains which arrive in Ahmedabad early morning Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@ gmail.com. www.bnhs.org

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JANUARY, 2018

WILD ASSAM –Gibbon Sanctuary, Kaziranga & Nameri National Park Kaziranga National Park – a World Heritage Site and home to 65% of the world population of the One-horned Rhinoceros. Herds of Barasingha, Hog Deer and Wild Buffalo are seen in the marshes.

Rhinos browse unconcernedly as visitors pass by and occasionally a herd of elephants or wild boar is also sighted. One of the best places in India to see Pied Harrier and other raptors like Crested Serpenteagle, Pallas’s Fish-eagle, and Grey-headed Fisheagle, which can be seen circling overhead.

Gibbon Sanctuary – now known as the Hoolongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is one of the best places to see India’s only primate the Endangered Western Hoolock Gibbon, the Sanctuary is also a good place to see other threatened primates like Near Threatened Assamese Macaque, Vulnerable Capped Langur, Stump-tailed Macaque and Northern Pig-tailed Macaque. It is also good for birdwatching with over 200 species (e.g. Purple Woodpigeon, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Redheaded Trogon, and Long-tailed Sibia) recorded from the sanctuary.

Nameri National Park is a birder’s paradise and more than 300 species of birds have been recorded here – four species of Hornbills like Great, Wreathed, Oriental Pied, and Rufous-necked Hornbill can be sen here.

Other birds like Pale-chinned and Little Pied Flycatcher, Green-billed Malkoha, Great Thickknee, Blue-throated, Lineated and Blue-eared Barbet, Red-breasted Parakeet, Orange-bellied and Gold-fronted Leafbird, Ibisbill, Long-tailed and Silver-breasted Broadbill, Small Niltava, Black Baza and the elusive White-winged Duck are also seen.

Grade: Easy (Short walks for bird watching) Date: 13th – 18th March, 2018 (ex Guwahati).

Group leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Charges: Rs.35,700/- for members, and Rs. 37,200/- for others Accommodation: Twin sharing basis.

Reporting: Members to meet on day one at Guwahati at 7:00 a.m. at Hotel Mayur in the lobby (Tel: 0361-2734855 to 61), Paltan Bazar, opposite Guwahati railway station. Return on last day after breakfast to reach Guwahati at lunch time. You are advised to arrive at Guwahati one day prior to the first day of the camp and leave Guwahati one day later.

Cost includes: Accommodation, meals (B/L/D) from first day lunch to last day lunch, transfers from and to Guwahati, permits, and entry to park.

Cost excludes: Flight/rail tickets, all expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips beverages, camera fees, stay in Guwahati, any cost not specified above.

Registration*: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811/22871202 or email bnhs.programmes@gmail.com

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MARCH, 2018

Mishmi Hills & Maguri Bheel Mishmi Hills: Situated at the North-eastern tip of India, Mishmi Hills is mostly part of the Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh. Complex hill system of varying elevations and varying forest types makes Mishmi Hills a birders paradise. With more than 600 species of birds like Satyr Tragopan, Blyth’s Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Mishmi Wren Babbler, Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill, Green Cochoa, Purple Cochoa, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Fire-tailed Sunbird, grosbeaks, rosefinches, bullfinches, laughingthrushes and many more.

Maguri Bheel: Part of the Dibru Saikhowa National Park and an Important Bird Area, it is located on the Dibru river, which is a channel of the Brahmaputra. Maguri Bheel is famous for rarities like Jerdon’s Babbler, Jerdon’s Bushchat, Baikal Teal, Falcated Duck, and Swamp Francolin. Birds like Striated Grassbird, Northern Shoveller, Bar-headed Goose, Pied Harrier, Northern lapwing, and Mallard can also be seen here.

Girish Jathar

Monsoon Jyoti

Monsoon Jyoti

Grade: Easy-Moderate (Walks for bird watching); Date: 4th – 9th March, 2018 (ex Dibrugarh).

Group will be led by Mr. Girish Jathar’s Team; Charges: Rs. 30,700/- for members, and Rs. 32,200/- for others Accommodation: Twin/Triple sharing basis. Due to the remoteness of the camp, accommodations will be basic.

Reporting: Members to meet on day one at Tinsukia Bus Stand (Assam State Transport Corporation Bus Station) at 7:00 a.m. Drop on last day to Dibrughar Airport at 11.00 a.m.

The participants are requested to arrive in Tinsukia one day prior.

How to get there: The best way to reach is to take flights to Dibrughar Airport, Tinsukia is about 40 km from the airport, one can take a private cab to reach Tinsukia.

Cost includes: All accommodation, meals (B/L/D) from first day lunch to last day breakfast, transfers from Tinsukia and drop to Dibrughar Airport, permits, and entry to park.

Cost excludes: Flight tickets, all expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips beverages, stay in Tinsukia, and any cost not specified above.

Registration*: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811/22871202 or email bnhs.programmes@gmail.com

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MARCH, 2018

GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK 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 Tirthan valley harbours 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, Bearded Vulture, and Himalayan Parakeet can be seen during the trek.

Grade: Moderate, three day hike from Ecozone into Park, daily 8–10 km gradual gradient walk among the hill forests taking about 5 –7 hrs.

Date: 21st – 27th April, 2018 (ex Delhi).

Group leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Charges: Rs. 26,900/- for members, and Rs. 28,100/- for others Accommodation: Dormitory at Sai Ropa/Homestays and twin sharing tents during the treks. sleeping bag and mat will be provided.

Reporting: Majnu-ka-Tila (Petrol Pump), at 5:00 p.m. on Day One. Drop on last day at 08:00 a.m.; Kindly book your train/ flights after 1:00 p.m. on the last day.

How to reach: 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. We recommend traveling via the Airport Metro till New Delhi Metro Station and asking for a cab or an auto-rickshaw to drive you to Majnu-ka-Tila.

Cost includes: Delhi-Kullu-Delhi transport by Volvo, local transport in Kullu, food (except during the Volvo journey), accommodation in dormitories and tents, permits to the GHNP, and BNHS expertise.

Cost Excludes: Any personal expenses, porterage (porters can be made available at extra cost on prior notice).

Note: Home stay, and Tented accommodation during trek with basic facility and trench toilets, participants will have to rough it out. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811, Mon–Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. www.bnhs.org

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APRIL, 2018

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 branderi) survives. Other animals like Blue Bull, Fourhorned Antelope, three types of deer: Barking, Spotted and Mouse; Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Honey Badger and Indian Jackal are seen. This is a good time for birds like Crested Hawk-eagle, Spotted Owlet, Red-collared Dove, Eurasian Thick-knee, Hoopoe, Brown Fish-owl, and Grey-headed Fish Eagle.

Grade: Easy Date: 28th April – 1st May, 2018 (Ex-Nagpur) Batch Limit: 14 Group leader: Mr. Asif Khan Camp Charges: Rs. 33,900/- for Members and Rs. 35,100/-for others (ex-Nagpur).

Accommodation: Twin sharing basis.

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 take the Nagpur Duronto (12289) or Sewagram Exp (12139) both of which reach Nagpur before 7:30 a.m. Similarly for return Nagpur Duronto (12290) or Sewagram Exp (12140) can be taken. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811 or e-mail at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com

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APRIL-MAY, 2018

CORBETT NATIONAL PARK & NAINITAL (SATTAL, BHIMTAL & PANGOT) 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 see Great Hornbill, Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, Tawny Fish Owl, Collared Falconet, both Pallas’s and Lesser Fish-eagles, Hooded Pitta, Grey Treepie, White-crested Laughingthrush, 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 photographer’s paradise. One can see three types of pheasants namely Cheer, Koklas and Kalij Pheasant, as well as Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Long-billed Ground-thrush, Redheaded Laughingthrush, Spotted Laughingthrush, Great Barbet, Chestnut-bellied Rock-thrush, Lammergeier, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Spot-winged Tit, Black-lored Tit, Striated Prinia, Red-billed Leiothrix, Blue-winged Minla, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Lesser Yellownape, Spotted Forktail, Rufous Sibia, and Yellow-breasted Greenfinch.

Dates: 12th – 16th May, 2018 Batch Limit: 18 Group Leader: Asif Khan Camp Charges: Rs. 31,400/- for Members and Rs. 32,600/-for others (ex-Delhi).

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

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 bnhs.programmes@ gmail.com. www.bnhs.org

Divya Warrier

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MAY, 2018

TADOBA NATIONAL PARK 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 sq. km of two forested areas, 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. Tadoba Lake is home to Marsh Crocodile. It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise; one can see a good variety of birds like Indian Pitta, White-eyed Buzzard, Pied Cuckoo, Stork-billed Kingfisher, and Painted Sandgrouse.

Dates: 26th – 29th May, 2018 (ex Nagpur).

Batch Limit: 14 Note: Since the safari bookings opens 120 days in advance, kindly register for this camp before 22nd January, 2018, to avoid disappointment.

Group leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri Camp fees: Rs. 18,200/- for members and Rs. 19,700/- for others (ex Nagpur).

Accommodation: Twin sharing basis.

Reporting: Outside Nagpur railway station, near Comesum food court at 9:00 a.m. and drop on the last day at 2:00 p.m. Please book your train / air tickets accordingly.

How to get there: Sewagram Exp (12139) and Nagpur Duronto (12289) both arrive in Nagpur well before 9:00 a.m.

Cost includes: Accommodation, meals (B/L/D) first day lunch to last day breakfast, transfers to/from Nagpur, Safari charges and entry to the Park.

Cost excludes: Flight/rail tickets, all expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips beverages, camera fees, any cost not specified above.

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

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MAY, 2018 INTERNATIONAL CAMPS, August, 2017

FEBRUARY Lakshadweep Islands Lakshadweep is a group of islands, 200–440 km off the southwest 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 the perfect opportunity to explore the fascinating life under water.

For details: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811/22871202 or email bnhs.programmes@gmail.com

* Note: ●

If you are registering for any of the programmes, it is assumed that you have read and agreed to all the Rules and Guidelines.

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Rules and Guidelines for BNHS programmes are available on our website: www.bnhs.org.

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If you are booking a flight for any camp, it is highly recommended to book refundable tickets.

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All the surplus generated through the activities of the programme department are utilized for conservation of wildlife.

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It is also recommended to take travel insurance when travelling for any camp.

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The camp is subject to cancellation if the minimum number of participation is not reached.

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INDEX WEEKEND PROGRAMMES LOCAL CAMPS NATIONAL CAMPS INTERNATIONAL CAMPS CEC

UPCOMING CAMPS