BNHS Nature camps and trails May-June 2014

BHARATPUR NATIONAL PARK
Vol. 2. Issue 3
BI-MONTHLY PROGRAMME for May-June, 2014

BI–MONTHLY PROGRAMME
MAY–JUNE, 2014
ONE DAY PROGRAMMES
MAY
11th May Nature Trail at Nagla Block
18th May Flamingo Watch at Sewri Mudflats
25th May Bats and Trees walk at Ranibaug
JUNE
1st June Nature Trail to Sálim Ali Point, BNHS reserve
8th June Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
15th June Kanheri Upper Trail
22nd June Shilonda Trail - Sanjay Gandhi National Park
29th June Monsoon Trek to Matheran from Dhodani
NATIONAL CAMPS
June Gir National Park – The Last Refuge
Bandhavgarh National Park
July Amboli – Land of the Flying Frog
Valley of Flowers
August Ladakh – Roof of the World
September Wildlife Sanctuary of Goa
October Namdapha National Park
Coorg and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
INTERNATIONAL CAMPS
August, 2014 KENYA, AFRICAN SAFARI
November, 2014 NEPAL

(contd....)
Ref. 0134/2014 Date: 1st May 2014
Dear Member
In this electronic world where many old books and journals are accessible by internet through numerous
search engines, keeping old journals in libraries is becoming a burden. This is particularly true if the
book/journal is not directly related to your subject. As BNHS has a natural history library, we keep books
on any subject related to natural history. We have some old journals on agriculture which have never
been used by our members or scientists. In order to make some space for more relevant journals/books,
we want to dispose of them. Considering the importance of journals, any journal for that matter, we are
reluctant to give them to araddi-wallah. We contacted agriculture universities but therewas no response.
If any member knows of any institution that is willing to take these journals, we shall be happy to donate
them. Similarly, we have some non-English books that are also never used by any member. To get this
list, please contact the BNHS Librarian, Mrs Nirmala (library@bnhs.org)
Environmental Information System (ENVIS) of BNHS, funded by the Ministry of Environment and
Forests, Government of India, is considered among the top ten such centres. As you perhaps know, our
ENVIS Centre is on birds. We encourage members to visit the website of ENVIS, and also to write to us if
you have any query on birds. We publish a quarterly newsletter Buceros, which has news and articles on
birds. It is uploaded on our ENVIS website (www.bnhsenvis.nic.in). I encourage our members to write to
Mrs Divya Warrier, Scientist In-charge of BNHS ENVIS Centre for more information.
Assam is one of my favourite states of India. Its people, its scenery, and its fabulous network of
protected areas never fail to impress me. During the last 30 years, I must have visited Assam as many
times, but every visit reveals new beauty of the state. Recently, the young and dynamic District Forest
Officer of Nagaon, Mr. P. Sivakumar contacted me regarding the breeding of a large number of Blue-
tailed Bee-eaters in Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, which is under his charge. I had visited
this Sanctuary in the 1980s during our earlier project on the Bengal Florican. The Sanctuary gained
notoriety in the early 1980s when it lost all 70 odd rhinos to poachers, due to civil disturbance. Another
unfortunate tag attached to the sanctuary is that it is completely encroached by villagers. While the
rhino killing is true, the encroachment part is highly exaggerated. Nearly 7% is encroached by villagers:
the rest of the sanctuary is free. Although cattle camps, locally called khutis, have been totally removed
from the sanctuary, village cattle still come in to graze. Mr. Sivakumar is working on this issue with local
people, elders, panchayat, and politicians to curb this menace. Coming back to bee-eaters: Siva and his
dedicated team took us to show us the bee-eaters on 26 April. It was wonderful to see hundreds of these
chirpy active birds all around us. Fortunately, Mr. K.K. Dwivedi of Government of Assam, whom I had
met earlier in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts when he was Deputy Commissioner there, and Mr. A.K.
Johri, Chief Conservator of Forests, Biodiversity, and Climate Change, and Member-Secretary, Assam
Biodiversity Board, had also come to see the bee-eaters. Siva told us that these birds arrive by March
and soon spread out in the open short-grass plains, made suitable by grazing, and start pairing. By the
end of April they make nest holes in the flat ground and lay eggs deep inside the tunnel. Before the

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monsoon sets in, the chicks are out. Siva estimates that nearly 3,000 bee-eaters breed in the main
colony and many more in smaller colonies. I also met members of Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife
Conservation Society who are working with the Forest Department to revive this formerly wonderful
Sanctuary. The Assam government, under its 2020 Rhino Programme, will soon reintroduce some
rhinos, once the sanctuary is totally secured. Some rhinos occasionally appear as Kaziranga is not very
far, but do not remain permanently. I am sure that under the leadership of people like Mr. P. Sivakumar,
and Mr. Rajendra Agarwallah, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, rhino reintroduction programme
will be successful. My worry is that if cattle grazing it totally stopped, the bee-eaters will desert the
place as they need neatly grazed area. I think, with hundreds of Blue-tailed Bee-eaters nesting and
rearing chicks, it will be an interesting PhD topic to study how so many insectivorous birds survive in
such a small area, how much food is available, what type of insects they mainly bring to their chicks,
and what is the role of cattle grazing in keep their habitat suitable. Will they disappear when grass
becomes tall (when cattle grazing is totally stopped) or adjust and shift to the sandy cliffs of the
Brahmaputra which flows close by. All this needs to be studied. Any takers?
Best wishes
Asad R. Rahmani

INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCEC
1
ONE DAY PROGRAMMES, MAY, 2014
11th May Nature Trail at Nagla Block
Sunday Explore the lesser known forest in Nagla Block of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Situated to the north
of Bassein Creek, Nagla Block is considered to be one of the most highly rewarding walks for birding
near Mumbai, covering a good range of woodland species and a few wetland species along the creek
side. It is really a treat for the nature lover, as birds like Grey Junglefowl, Indian Grey Hornbill, Rufous
Woodpecker, and White-browed Fantail can be seen on the trail.
Group leaders: Mr. Vinod Patil & Mr. Siddhesh Surve
Charges: Rs. 700/- for members and Rs. 750/- 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. Sanjay Gandhi National Park (near Omkareshwar temple) 7.10 a.m.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 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. Be prepared for a hot day.
18th May Flamingo Watch at Sewri Mudflats
Sunday See graceful Lesser Flamingos and Greater Flamingos feeding at Sewri mudflats. Learn about these
magnificent migrants on a trail with BNHS. During this month you could also catch a few straggling
waders in their breeding plumage.
Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan & Mr. Vinod Patil
Reporting*: Railway crossing Junction, near Sewri railway station (east) at 7.30 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.
The programme will conclude by 9.30 a.m. Please carry hat/cap and adequate water. Be prepared for
a hot day.
Click below for the Google map links
Drive to Sewri
25th May Trees and Bats walk at Ranibaug
Sunday 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.
Grade: Easy Group Leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri & Mr. Vinod Patil
Reporting: Near Ranibaug Ticket counter at 8.45 p.m. Charges: Rs. 100/- for members and Rs.
150/- for others. (Cost includes entry ticket and BNHS expertise)
Registration*: On the spot. For further details call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811 or e-mail at
bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. The programme will conclude by 11.00 a.m. Please carry adequate
water and hat/cap. Be prepared for a hot day.
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. Be prepared for a hot day.

2
JUNE
1st Jun Nature Trail to Sálim Ali Point, BNHS reserve
Sunday Sálim Ali Point is the pinnacle of the BNHS reserve, offering a panoramic view of the reserve and the
adjoining Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It shows a scenic view of Vihar Lake. During the current season,
the forest becomes dry and open, allowing good opportunity for birding.
Group leaders: Ms Prachi Galange & Mr. Vinod Patil
Reporting: Members to meet at CEC, Goregaon (east) at 7.00 a.m.
How to reach: Take a 343 bus headed to Film City (not Santosh Nagar) from Goregaon (East) BEST
depot. Alight at the last stop, near Reliance Media Works, and walk straight towards Elephant Gate.
Cross the barrier at Elephant Gate and walk straight towards the BNHS sign board. At the sign board,
take a right turn to find CEC.
Registration: On the spot. For further details call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811 or e-mail at
bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. The programme will conclude by 10.30 a.m. Please carry adequate water
and hat/cap. Be prepared for a hot day.
Click below for the Google map links
Drive to CEC
8th Jun Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Sunday Spread over 85 sq. km, Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary forms a corridor between SGNP 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, Shikra, Black-hooded Oriole, Brown-headed Barbet, Red-whiskered and Red-vented
Bulbul can be seen along the trail.
Grade: Easy Group leaders: Ms Prachi Galange & Mr. Siddhesh Surve
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. Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Near Omkareshwar temple) 7.10 a.m.
The group should be back at Dadar by 12.30 p.m. Please carry packed breakfast, hat/cap and adequate
water. Be prepared for a hot day.
15th Jun Kanheri Upper Trail
Sunday A gradual climb through the wooded forest of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). 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 around 2,100 years. Carved out of volcanic
rocks, there are around 109 such caves. Caves and surrounding structures also harbour good biodiversity.
Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri & Mr. Vinod Patil
Charges: Rs. 700/- for members and Rs. 750/- for others. (Cost includes: Bus from SGNP main gate,
Forest Dept. permission charges, entry to SGNP, and BNHS expertise)
Reporting: SGNP main gate at 7.30 a.m.
How to Reach: Sanjay Gandhi National Park is situated on the Western Express Highway about a kilometer
away from Borivali Station (East).
The programme will conclude by 11.00 a.m. Kindly carry adequate water and packed breakfast. Be prepared
for rains.
JUNE, 2014

3
22nd Jun Shilonda Trail - Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sunday With the first monsoon showers rejuvenating the forest, join BNHS for a morning at Sanjay Gandhi
National Park (SGNP). See the first blossoms of wildflowers like Wild Turmeric which last only a few
days after they bloom. One can also see myriad small life forms during this time, and large mammals
like Spotted and Sambar Deer. The trail leads through fine forest dominated by bamboo and ends at the
first stream.
Grade: Easy (Simple walk for 1.5 km each way, however the walk from the main gate to the trail is about
15-20 min.)
Group leaders: Mr. Asif Khan, Mr. Vinod Patil & Ms Parveen Shaikh
Reporting: Members to meet inside SGNP, beyond the Ticket Counter under the large map of SGNP at
7.30 a.m.
Registration*: On the spot. For further details call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811 or e-mail at
bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. The programme will conclude by 11.00 a.m.
Note: Participants have to buy the entry ticket at the main gate. Kindly carry adequate water and packed
breakfast. Be prepared for rains.
29th Jun Monsoon Trek to Matheran from Dhodani
Sunday Trekking through densely forested hills during rains is a unique experience. Myriad life forms are seen
in the misty, cloud laden forests. Watch out for Malabar Whistling Thrush, Orange-headed Thrush, and
Puff-throated Babbler; Stink-horn Mushroom and Balsam flowers.
Grade: Difficult (strenuous trek)
Age Limit: 14-60 years
Group Leaders: Mr. Vinod Patil & Mr. Prasad Karve
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. and Vashi (Vashi Jn.) 7:10 a.m. Participants will return by late evening.
The group should be back at Dadar by late evening. Kindly carry adequate water, packed breakfast and
lunch. Be prepared for rains.
JUNE, 2014
CORBETT NATIONAL PARK & NAINITAL (SATTAL & 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.
Date: 10th –14th May, 2014 (FULL)
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 km² of two forested areas of
the Tadoba and Andhari range.
Date: 24th – 27th May 2014 (FULL)
NATIONAL CAMPS, MAY, 2014

4
NATIONAL CAMPS, JUNE, 2014
GIR NATIONAL PARK
– THE LAST REFUGE
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
supportsalargepopulationofLeopards,andboasts
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, Ultra-
marine 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 (FULL)
Batch II: 5th – 8th June 2014 (Last few seats only)
Group leaders: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri
Camp Charges: Rs. 17,500/- for members and Rs.
18,100/- for others.
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis.
Reporting: Outside Rajkot Railway station at 8.00
a.m. Drop at Rajkot on last day at 2.00 p.m.
How to get there: Train - Sau Janta Exp (19017)
leaves from Mumbai at 5.35 p.m. and reaches
Rajkot at 7.30 a.m. Sau Janta Exp (19018) can be
booked for return which leaves from Rajkot at 3.20
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 22871202/22821811 or
e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.

5
JUNE, 2014
Once the abode of maharajas, Bandhavgarh is royalty at its
best. One of the best national park’s in the country to see a
tiger–few have returned disappointed from this place. Join
BNHS as we take you to witness the real rulers 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, CrestedHawk-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: Rs. 16,200/- for members and Rs. 16,800/-
for others
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 – Kamayani EXP (11071) Arrives in
Katni at 10.00 a.m. Return: Many trains are available from
Katni to Mumbai, HWH Mumbai Mail (12321) arrives in Katni
at 4.20 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/from Katni, Safari
charges and entry to the park.
Registration*: Kindly contact us at 22871202/22821811 or
e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
BANDHAVGARH
NATIONAL PARK

6
JULY, 2014
Nestled amongst the crest of the Western Ghatsat a height
of above 2000 feet, Amboli is the last hill station in
Maharashtra before the coastal highlands of Goa. Misty
weather,rejuvenatingrain,coolclimate andlushevergreen
forest form the perfect setting to see reptiles and
amphibians. It is also one of the best places to see the
Malabar Gliding Frog. The forest here reverberates with
the calls of various frogs and toads in colourful and loud
display, singing in beautiful synchronisation to attract their
lady love. Amboli is part of a Biodiversity Hotspot and we
can see amphibians and reptileslike Fungoid Frog, Bicolour
Frog, Amboli Bush-frog, Amboli Toad, Beddome’s Cat
Snake, Ceylon Cat Snake, Green Vine Snake, Malabar Pit
Viper, and various caecilians.
Date: 4th – 6th July 2014
Camp Charges: Rs. 5,300/- members and Rs. 5,900/-
Others
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis, in Nisarg Hotel.
Reporting: Pick up at Sawantwadi ST Bus Depot at 9.00
a.m. on day one. Drop off at Sawantwadi ST Bus Depot at
4.00 p.m. on the last day. Kindly book your tickets
accordingly.
How to get there: Bus – Bus is the best option to reach
Sawantwadi; Every Mumbai–Goa bus halts at Sawantwadi.
Buses can be booked through www.redbus.in.
Train – Sawantwadi Railway station is about 8 km from
the ST Depot. Konkan Kanya EXP (10111) reaches
Sawantwadi at 8.22 a.m. Note: The train timing and
schedule for Konkan Railway during monsoon is very
fluctuating and prone to delays due to landslides.
Registration*: Kindly contact us at 22871202/22821811
or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
AMBOLI
– LAND OF THE FLYING FROG
Photo: Saurabh Sawant
Photo: Arun Raghuman

INDEXWEEKENDPROGRAMMESLOCALCAMPSNATIONALCAMPSINTERNATIONALCAMPSCECNestled high in Uttaranchal, 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 landscape,
breath-taking beautiful meadows of alpine flowers and ease of
access make the journeyto this valley an enchanting experience.
One can see gorgeous flowers like the Brahma Kamal, Blue
Poppy, Brook Anemone, and Forget-me-not flower. Also birds
like White-capped River-Chat, Plumbeous Water-redstart,
Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Blue Whistling-thrush can be seen
along the way.
Date: 24th-31st July 2014
JULY, 2014
VALLEY OF FLOWERS
Camp Charges: Rs. 25,500/- for Members and Rs. 26,700/-for
others (Ex-Delhi).
Accommodation: Triple sharing in guesthouses and Hotels.
Reporting: Pick-up on day 1(24th July) outside Birla Temple, near
Connaught Place at 9.00 p.m. Drop on last day (31st July) at
8.30 p.m. (evening) outside New Delhi Railway Station.
Participants are advised to book return tickets from 1st August
(one day later) onwards.
Cost includes: Transport ex-Delhi, transfer of luggage,
accommodation, all meals (vegetarian) and BNHS expertise.
From Govindghat to Ghangaria, luggage will be carried
separately by ponies.
Registration*: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811/22871202 or
e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com

7
AUGUST, 2014
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 spot birds like 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.
Date: 15th – 25th August 2014
Group leader: Mr. Asif Khan
Accommodation: Twin sharing in hotels.
Reporting: Leh Airport.
Camp Charges: Rs. 36,500/- for members and Rs. 37,100/- for others
Registration: Kindly contact us at 22871202/22821811 or e-mail us at 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.
LADAKH– ROOF OF THE WORLD
Photo: Arun Raghuman

8
SEPTEMBER, 2014
Chorla Ghat region of the Western Ghats of Goa has been acknowledged as a Mega Biodiversity Hotspot. Using Wildernest Resort as
a base we will explore the forests of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem National Park, and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. The Wildernest
Resort is placed in the lap of the Chorla Ghats. The resort itself is a symbol of wildlife conservation, the forest around the cottages
is pristine and home to an array of wildlife. Just a stroll outside the eco-cottages at Wildernest can reward the participants with a
variety of life forms. Birds like Malabar Grey Hornbill, four types of bulbul namely Grey-headed, Yellow-browed, White-browed, and
Square-tailed Black Bulbul, can be seen during this camp. Other wildlife like Indian Giant Squirrel, Sambar and Cheetal Deer, Hump-
nosed Pit Viper, Green Vine Snake, Bronze-backed Tree Snake, Malabar Gliding Frog, and Blue Mormon butterfly are seen here.
Date:
Batch I: 14th – 17th September 2014
Batch II: 18th – 21st September 2014 (On Demand)
Group leaders: Ms Prachi Galange
Camp Charges: Rs. 13,000/- for members, and Rs. 14,200/- for others (ex-Thivim)
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in Eco-cottages in Wildernest (www.wildernest-goa.com).
Reporting: Pick-up and drop timing will be according to timings of the Konkan Kanya Exp on the respective dates. How to reach:
Konkan Kanya Express (10111) starts from Mumbai CST. Return: Konkan Kanya Express (10112) from Thivim.
Air: Closest airport is Dabolim, Goa which is 50 km from Thivim Railway Station. Participants can take early morning flight which
reaches at 6:25 a.m. on the same day.
Cost includes: Accommodation, all meals (first day Lunch to last day Lunch), transfers to/from Thivim Railway Station, and visit to
Sanctuaries.
Registration*: Kindly contact us at 22871202/22821811 or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY OF GOA

9
OCTOBER, 2014
Namdapha National Park is situated at the southeastern tip of Arunachal Pradesh and bounded by the international boundary with
Myanmar to the south and east. Due to great altitudinal variation, diverse habitats occur in the area, from tropical wet evergreen in
the lower areas to subtropical and temperate forests to alpine region in the higher mountains. The BNHS camp will be at low
altitude and there is no strenuous trekking involved.
Walking in the dense evergreen forests is truly an unforgettable experience, one can see birds like five species of hornbills namely
Brown, Rufous-necked, Great Pied, Oriental Pied, Wreathed Hornbill; White-bellied Heron, Pied Falconet, both Greater and Lesser
Necklaced Laughingthrush; Sultan Tit. In addition, mammals like Hoolock Gibbon and Yellow-throated Marten can also be seen.
North-east is a butterfly watcher’s paradise and Namdapha attracts many butterflies like White Dragontail, Popinjay, Great Windmill,
Powdered Baron, Punchinello, Common Lascar, Red-base Jezebel, Staff Sergeants, Archduke, Purple Emperor, Fluffy Tit, Great Nawab,
Variegated Rajahs and many more.
Grade: Easy (Walks for birding and butterflies).
Dates: 9th – 16th October 2014 (Ex-Guwahati)
Group leader: Mr. Isaac Kehimkar
Camp Charges: Rs. 25,500/- for members, and Rs. 26,700/- for others(ex-Guwahati)
Accommodation: Twin/triple sharing in Forest Guest House and tents.
Reporting: Reporting on Thursday, 9th October (Day One) at Guwahati at 4.00 p.m. (evening) at Hotel Mayur, Phaltan Bazaar, near
Guwahati railway station.
Travel by overnight bus to Miao by Network Travels. Return to Guwahati on 15th October 2014 early morning. Participants are
advised to arrive at Guwahati ONE day prior and book return tickets from Guwahati after 12.00 noon on 15th October.
How to reach: Guwahati is well connected by air and rail.
Bare minimum facilities will be available at the campsite, including simple vegetarian meals. Sleeping bags to be brought by the
participants. All luggage will be carried separately in vehicles.
Registration*: Kindly contact us at 22871202/22821811 or e-mail us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
NAMDAPHA NATIONAL PARK

10
OCTOBER, 2014
Madikeri, Coorg: Madikeri is a small hill station in the Coorg district of
Karnataka, situated in the heart of the Western Ghats. Madikeri is an ideal
place for birds and butterflies.It is an excellent destination to see endemic
birdslikeMalabarGreyHornbill,White-cheeked Barbet,MalabarTrogon,Small
Sunbird, Malabar Parakeet, Grey-fronted Green-pigeon, Square-tailed Black
Bulbul, Flame-throated Bulbul and Malabar Barbet. This season is also good
for butterflies if you are lucky you can spot the largest butterfly in India, the
Southern Birdwing. You can also spot Blue Mormon, Common Map, Paris
Peacock, Dark Blue Tiger, and Colour Sergeant.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: A tiger reserve under Project Tiger and a
biodiversity hotspot, the Sanctuary is covered by dry deciduous, moist
deciduous and semi-evergreen forest. Large mammals like Tiger, Indian Bison
(Gaur),AsianElephant,WildDog,SlothBear,fourtypesofdeernamelySambar,
Barking, Spotted, and Mouse Deer. Malabar Giant Squirrel and Flying Squirrel
can be seen here. A boat ride in the Bhadra river gives great opportunity for a
close encounter with Marsh Crocodile and waterbirds. Bhadra is also home
to endemic birds like Red Spurfowl, Grey Junglefowl, Malabar Pied Hornbill,
White-bellied Treepie, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Blue-faced Malkoha, and other forest
birds like Vernal Hanging Parrot, Great Pied Hornbill, Orange-breasted Green-
pigeon, Jerdon’s Leafbird, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, and Greater
Flameback.
COORG AND
BHADRA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Grade: Easy (Short walks for nature trails required
at Madikeri).
Dates: 29th October – 2nd November 2014
Group leader: Ms Prachi Galange
Camp Charges: The charges for this camp will be
announced soon on www.bnhs.org
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in Bhadra and
upto 4 Sharing in Coorg.
Reporting: Pick-up on Day One outside Mangalore
Central Railway Station at 8:00 a.m. Drop on last day
at 1:30 p.m. outside Mangalore Central Railway
Station.
How to reach: Matsyagandha Exp (12619) starts
from LTT (Mumbai) at 3:20 p.m., and reaches
Mangalore Central at 7:30 p.m.
Return: Matsygandha Exp (12620) starts from
Mangalore Central at 1:30 p.m.
Air: Mangalore is well connected by air with several
direct flights.
Cost includes: Accommodation, food (first day lunch
to last day breakfast), transfers to/from Mangalore,
and visit to Sanctuaries and safaris.
Registration*
Kindly contact us at 22871202/22821811 or e-mail
us at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.

11
INTERNATIONAL CAMPS
AUGUST, 2014
After twelve successful camps to Kenya, once again the Bombay Natural History Society brings you the African Safari,
Kenya. With sightings of around 150 species of birds and 30 species of mammals, Kenya is a boon for nature lovers.
During the camp we cross the Equator to visit the Samburu National Park to see the unique wildlife of North Kenya. Take
a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see hippopotami and waterbirds up close. Take a walking safari on Crescent Island. Safari
ride on Lake Nakuru to witness thousands of flamingos and pelicans. Experience the thrill of watching wildebeest,
zebras, giraffe, and gazelles running across the plains of the Masai Mara. Participants can see animals like East African
Lion, the fastest land mammal Cheetah, three kinds of giraffe like Reticulated, Rothschild’s, and the tallest Masai Giraffe,
Hook-lipped and Square-lipped Rhinoceros, Cape Buffalo, Spotted Hyena, Grevy’s and Burchell’s Zebra, Oryx, the largest
land animal - the African Elephant, and the Nile Crocodile. Besides these one can see the largest birds, Somali and
Common Ostrich, huge flocks of Lesser and Greater Flamingos, Purple Grenadier, Secretarybird, Superb Starling, Lilac-
breasted Roller,Vulturine and Helmeted Guineafowl, Red-billed, Yellow-billed, Von der Decken’s, Black-and-White Casqued
and Southern Ground Hornbill, Black-bellied, White-bellied, Buff-crested, and Kori Bustard, Malachite and Woodland
Kingfisher.
African Safari, Kenya

12
Dates: 9th – 18th August 2014 (ex- Mumbai)
Reporting: 9th August 2014 at 11.30 p.m. at Mumbai International Airport.
Camp Fee: Rs. 1,88,000/- for members and Rs. 1,89,200/- for others
Group Leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri
Payment schedule:
1st Installment (non-refundable) Immediate Rs. 50,000/-
2nd Installment Date- Immediate Rs. 50,000/-
3rd Installment Date- 30th May Rs. 45,000/-
Final Installment Date- 20th June Rs. 43,000/-
Camp fee includes:
Economy Class Airfare on Kenya Airlines
Normal Visa and processing charges.
Full board accommodation
All Game Park entrance fees.
Three meals (BLD) a day while on Safari.
1 litre of mineral water per person per day.
Professional driver guide.
Game drives as per itinerary.
Insurance for the camp period for participants
aged upto 70 yrs
BNHS expertise
Price does not include:
Food & drinks not part of group menu.
Any sightseeing not mentioned on the programme.
Expenses of a personal nature e.g., laundry, telephone calls.
Tips and gratuities.
Services other than those specified in “Camp fee includes”
Note: The cost has been calculated as per 1 USD= 60 INR, and minimum 15 pax traveling
together.
Important: Participants need to take Yellow fever vaccination at least 15 days prior and
Polio vaccination at least four weeks prior to the date of travel.
Registration: Kindly contact us at 22871202/22821811 or e-mail us at
bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.

13
NOVEMBER, 2014
Nepal is known for its exquisite natural beauty, with the iconic Himalaya running across the northern part of the country.
The country rises from near sea level in the Terai region through the foothills to the mighty Himalaya all within a distance
of about 200 km. Due to its location in the centre of the Himalayan range, Nepal falls in the transitional zone between
Eastern and Western Himalaya, which contributes to its rich biodiversity. For a country half the size of Maharashtra, Nepal
has recorded an amazing proportion (almost 10 per cent) of the world’s bird species and a bird list of over 800 species.
Explore this fascinating country with BNHS as we delve into the rich biodiversity that Nepal has to offer.
Chitwan National Park: Chitwan National Park is the first national park to be notified in Nepal. This World Heritage reserve
protects over 932 sq. km of forests, marshland and rippling grassland, and is home to sizeable populations of wildlife.
Meaning ‘Heart of the Jungle’, Chitwan is famous as one of the best wildlife-viewing national parks in Asia, and you’ll have
an excellent chance of spotting One-horned Rhinoceros, Leopard, Sloth Bear, deers, and over 450 species of birds, like
Kalij Pheasant, Brown Fish-owl, Pied Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Ibisbill, Lesser Fish-eagle, Bengal Florican, Orange-breasted
Green-pigeon, Ashy-headed Green-pigeon, and Collared Falconet.
Phewa Lake, Pokhra: This scenic lake is surrounded by forested hills and is the second largest lake in Nepal. Birding
around the lake and in these forested hills can be rewarding with birds like Spiny Babbler, Blue-throated Babbler, Red-
billed Blue Magpie, Blue Whistling Thrush, Russet Sparrow, Crimson Sunbird, White-crested Laughing Thrush and Wedge-
tailed Pigeon.
Phulchowki:Home to the only endemic bird species of Nepal, the Spiny Babbler, Phulchowki is a must visit for birdwatchers.
Phulchowki, which means “Hill of Flowers” in the local language, is the highest hill in Kathmandu valley. More than 260
species of birds have been recorded in this oak and rhododendron forest. Birds like Yellow-browed Tesia, Chestnut-headed
Tesia, Small Niltava, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Rufous Sibia, Nepal Fulvetta, Mountain Hawk-eagle, Golden-throated Barbet,
Rufous-bellied Niltava, Brown-throated Treecreeper, Maroon Oriole, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Ashy Wood-pigeon,
Himalayan Cutia, and Black-throated Sunbird can be seen here.
WILD NEPAL

14
Dates: 8th – 15th November 2014 (Ex-Delhi)
Reporting: 8th August 2012 at Delhi International Airport.
Camp Fee: Rs.76,300/- for members and Rs. 77,500 for others
Group Leader: Mr. Asif Khan
Payment schedule:
1st Installment (non-refundable) Immediate Rs. 20,000/-
2nd Installment Date- 30th July Rs. 20,000/-
3rd Installment Date- 30th August Rs. 20,000/-
Final Installment Date- 30th September Rs. 16,300/-
Camp fee includes:
Economy Class Airfare ex-Delhi.
Full board accommodation.
All park entrance fees and permit charges
Three meals (BLD) a day while on Safari.
Insurance for the camp period (upto 70 years)
BNHS expertise.
Price does not include:
Food and drinks not part of group menu.
Any sightseeing not mentioned on the programme.
Expenses of a personal nature e.g., laundry, telephone calls.
Tips and gratuities.
Services other than those specified in “Camp fee includes”
Note: The cost has been calculated as per 1 USD= 60 INR, minimum
18 pax traveling together and Air fare as on 1st May, 2014.
Registration: Kindly contact us at 22871202/22821811 or e-mail us
at bnhs.programmes@gmail.com.
Editor: Dr.Asad Rahmani, Isaac Kehimkar, Consultant Editor: Gayatri Urga
Layout and Designed by: Gopi Naidu
Programmes Team: Mr.Isaac Kehimkar, Asif N Khan, Vandan Jhaveri and Prachi Galange
Photo credits: Isaac Kehimkar, Asif N Khan, Vandan Jhaveri, Raju Kasambe, Arun Raghuraman and Saurabh Sawant
* 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.
Photo: Raju Kasambe

BNHS Nature camps and trails May-June 2014

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