Bombay Natural History Society
January
12th-14th January Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary
20th & 21st January Bird Identification Workshop
29th January Karnala Bird Sanctuary
February
4th February Flamingo Watch at Sewri
11th February Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
18th February Nature Trail to Nagla Block
National Camps
2018
March Wild Assam - Gibbon Sanctuary, Kaziranga & Nameri NP
Mishmi Hills & Maguri Beel
April Great Himalayan National Park
Kanha National Park
May Corbett NP & Nainital (Sattal, Bhimtal & Pangot)
Tadoba NP - Batch I (FULL)
June Tadoba NP - Batch II
Upcoming Camps
Feb/March
Marine camp to Lakshadweep Islands
July
Lahaul - Spiti & Pin Valley National Park
Valley of Flowers
January, 2018
12th –14th January
Fri-Sun
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.
For registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail us at
20th & 21st January
Sat-Sun
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 (9969798447)
Workshop Charges: Rs.1,500/- for Members and Rs. 1,800/- for others.
Reporting:
Saturday, 20th Jan: 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, 21st Jan: 8:00 a.m. at Seawood Estates, Nerul main gate.
For registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail us at [email protected].
29th January, 2018
Sun
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 06:30 a.m., Chembur (near Diamond Garden) at 06:50 a.m., and Vashi (Vashi Jn) at 07:10 a.m.
For registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail us at [email protected]
Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan (9969798447)
The programme will conclude by 12:30 p.m. Please carry packed breakfast, hat/cap and adequate water.
February
4th February
Sun
Flamingo Watch at Sewri Mudflats
A 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, Curlew Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, and Eurasian Curlew.
Charges: Rs. 200/- for members and Rs. 300/- for others.
Reporting: Outside Sewri railway station (east) at the railway crossing junction at 8:30 a.m.
How to Reach: Sewri railway station is on the harbour line which is accessible from CST, Andheri, and Navi Mumbai.
By road: You can cross the level crossing from the West of Sewri which is close to the station; or you can use the bridge at Wadala or Reay Road to the MbPT road to reach Sewri railway crossing. (Google Map Link: www.goo.gl/l4hvPI)
For registration*: Prior registration required, call at Hornbill House 022-22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail us at [email protected]
Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan (9969798447).
The programme will conclude by 10:30 a.m. Please carry hat/cap and adequate water.
11th February
Sun
Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated to the 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.
For registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail us at [email protected]
Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri (9167472698)
The programme will conclude by 12:30 p.m. Please carry packed breakfast, hat/cap and adequate water.
18th February
Sun
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 spotted 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.
For registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811 or e-mail us at [email protected]. The group should be back at Dadar by 12:30 p.m.
Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri (9167472698)
The programme will conclude by 12:30 p.m. Please carry packed breakfast, hat/cap and adequate water.
March, 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 Serpent-eagle, Pallas’s Fish-eagle, and Grey-headed Fish-eagle, 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, Red-headed 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 seen here. Other birds like Pale-chinned and Little Pied Flycatcher, Green-billed Malkoha, Great Thick-knee, 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.
For registration*: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811 or email [email protected]
MARCH
Mishmi Hills & Maguri Beel
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, and laughingthrushes make this lesser known place a haven for birders.
Maguri Beel: 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.
Grade: Easy-Moderate (Walks for bird watching)
Date: 4th - 9th March, 2018 (ex Dibrugarh)
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.
For registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811, Mon–Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail us at bnhs.progra[email protected]
April 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.
For registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811, Mon–Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail us at bnhs.progra[email protected]
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, Four-horned 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 to spot 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.
For registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811 or e-mail us at [email protected]
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, Red-headed 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.
For registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811 or e-mail us at [email protected]
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:
Batch I: 26th - 29th May, 2018 (FULL)
Batch II: 31st May to 3rd June, 2018 (Registrations open)
Batch Limit: 14
Note: Since the safari bookings open 120 days in advance, kindly register for this camp before 30th 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.
For registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811 or e-mail us at [email protected]
UPCOMING CAMPS
FEBRUARY/MARCH
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 or email us at [email protected]
JULY
Lahaul – Spiti & Pin Valley National Park
Lahaul - Spiti is the northern district of Himachal Pradesh, less frequented by tourists. Pin Valley National Park is situated in the cold desert region of Spiti valley, with its snow-laden slopes, and is a refuge for one of the world’s most threatened animals, the Snow Leopard. The park is also home to Siberian Ibex and Tibetan Wolf.
For details: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811 or email us at [email protected]
Valley of Flowers
Nestled high in Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya is renowned for its meadows of diverse alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty. The beauty of Valley of Flowers has been acknowledged by renowned mountaineers and botanists. Its gentle landscapes, breathtaking beautiful meadows of alpine flowers and remoteness make the journey to this valley an enchanting experience. One can behold gorgeous flowers like the Brahma Kamal, Blue Poppy, Brook Anemone, and Forget-me-not. Also birds like White-capped River-Chat, Plumbeous Water-redstart, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, and Blue Whistling-thrush can be seen along the way.
For details: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811 or email us at [email protected]
* 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.
- Rules and Guidelines for BNHS programmes are available on our website: www.bnhs.org.
- If you are booking a flight for any camp, it is highly recommended to book refundable tickets.
- All the surplus generated through the activities of the programme department are utilized for conservation of wildlife.
- It is also recommended to take travel insurance when travelling for any camp.
- The camp is subject to cancellation if the minimum number of participation is not reached.
With best regards,
Ms. Bilwada Kale
Public Relations Officer, BNHS
022-22821811