Thursday 1 December 2016

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve Report

OikoEssence had a nature camp in Achanakmar tiger reserve from 3rd Nov to 6th Nov. The forest is also close to Amarkantak which is the origin of River Narmada.


Pic by Mr. E. Thiruvengadam

Pic by Ms. Rupali G
Pic by Mr. E. Thiruvengadam


















Achanakmar is located in Chhattisgarh State which is known as one of the greenest states in India. 44% of its area is covered with forest. When we went the tiger reserve was just opened for visitors after remaining closed during rains. The forest lots of tree species and Sal is one of the prominent species. Also, the trees like Saja – Terminalia tomentosa, Tinsa – Ougeina spp and few bamboos are very common. Being in safari we could see very few insects.
Mormon clicked by Mr. Bhaskar P

Some of the insect sightings are –
Cricket
Katydid
Short Horned Grasshopper
Butterflies like – Common Sailor, Lime, Common Crow, Common Mormon, Striped tiger, Common Gull, Common grass yellow, Peacock pansy, Lemon pansy, Tawny coaster, Evening brown,cabbage etc.

Striped Tiger Clicked by Rupali G.

A list of few other fauna along with some photographs is given below
Creasted Serpent Eagle Clicked by Mr. Bhaskar P.


















Birds:
            1.     Crested serpent eagle
            2.     Osprey

3.     Grey wagtail
4.     Racket tailed drongo
5.     Common myna
6.     White breasted kingfisher
Grey headed fish eagle clicked by Mr. Bhaskar P
7.     Alexandrian parakeet
8.     Rose ring parakeet
9.     Red vented bulbul
10.  Jungle babbler
11.  Common myna
12.  Greater coucal
13.  Black drongo
14.  Red jungle fowl
15.  Rufuos tree pie
16.  Grey-headed fish eagle
17.  Plum-headed parakeet
18.  Scaly breasted munia
19.  Green bee-eater
20.  Lesser whistling teal
21.  Lesser Flame-back 
22.  Grey hornbill
23.  Cattle Egret
24.  Intermediate egret
Copper-smith barbet clicked by Mr. Bhaskar P
25.  Spotted dove
26.  Yellow footed Green pigeon
27.  Copper-smith barbet
28.  Ibis
29.  Indian roller
30.  Great tit
31.  Button quail
32.  Dabchik
33.  Cotton pygmy teal
34.  Jungle owlet

Reptiles -
1.     Fresh water Crocodile
2.     Forest Calotes

Spotted deer clicked by Ms. Rupali G

Sambar  Clicked by Mr. Bhaskar P
 Mammals
1.     Indian Gaur
2.     Wild boar
3.     Sambar Deer
4.     Spotted Deer
5.     Leopard
6.     Rhesus macaque
7.     Palm squirrel
8.     Hanuman langur
9.     Malabar giant Squirrel
Gaur Clicked by Mr. Bhaskar P

Giant Squirrel  Clicked by Mr. Bhaskar P











Jackal  Clicked by Mr. Bhaskar P






















Monday 28 November 2016

Programme schedule, 2017 for nature lovers

OikoEssence
With Nature in Mind…

For details and registrations get in touch with us on
Email ID: oikoessence@gmail.com; Ph: 9969440476 / 9869611810
Please note: Please go through the Rules & Regulations, given at the end of this schedule before registering. Once you are registered, it will be considered that you agree to all our rules and regulations and follow it during our camps & trails.

Residential Nature Camps

January, 2017

12th – 15th January, 2017 – Jaigad and Velneshwar
The meeting point of the river Shashtri and Arabian Sea is called as the creek of Jaigad. For the protection of this creek two forts were constructed, one is Vijaygad at the north direction and the other is Jaigad at south. The aim is to explore the biodiversity of Jaigad.
Camp charges: Rs. 7,650/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food (except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. 
Registration before: 20th December, 2016.
The cost includes food, stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai.
Bus will leave from Swaminarayan Temple, Opposite Dadar station East at 06.30am sharp.

26th – 30th January, 2017 – Navegaon Nagzira tiger reserve
Navegaon is home for almost 60% of the bird species found in the entire Maharashtra. While enjoying the jungle safari, one can see leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, sambars, chitals and langoors. Whereas, Tiger, panther, sambar, nilgai, chital, wild boar, sloth bear and wild dog are amongst the mammals’ diversity of Nagzira.
Camp charges: Rs. 13,150/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food (except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai.   
Registration before: 10th December, 2016.
Journey Details: 3AC
26th January (Thursday), 2017: Departure by 12289 Nagpur Duronto from Mumbai CST at 20.15hrs. Reach Nagpur at 07.20hrs on 27th Jan, 2017.                                       
29th January (Sunday), 2017: Departure by 12290 Nag-CSTM Duronto from Nagpur at 20.40hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 07.55hrs on 30th January, 2017.


February, 2017

8th – 12th February – Sundarban Tiger Reserve
Unique natural wonder of India and globe The Sundarban National Park is a tiger and biosphere reserve located in the Sundarbans delta in the state of West Bengal.
Camp charges: Rs. 17,250/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food, stay and transport from Kolkata to Kolkata
Registration before: 30th December, 2016.
Flight tickets can be booked by us at an extra cost at actual.

15th – 19th February – Thol, Jessore and Balaram, Ambaji Sancturies
The Thol lake or Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary (TLBS) is located in Mehsana District of Gujarat.
Covering an area of about 180 square kilometres (69 sq mi), Jessore Sloth bear Sanctuary is principally declared for protection of the sloth bear.
Undulating hills of Aravali, supporting the dry deciduous forests of North Gujarat, provide an unimaginable beautiful ambience to Balaram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary.
Camp charges: Rs. 11,400/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food (except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. 
Registration before: 10th December, 2016.
Journey Details: 3AC
15th February (Wednesday), 2017: Departure by 12267 ADI Duronto from BCT at 23.25hrs. Reach Ahmedabad at 05.55hrs on 16th Feb, 2017.                                       
18th February (Saturday), 2017: Departure by 12268 BCT Duronto from ADI at 20.45hrs. Reach BCT at 06.00hrs on 19th February, 2017.


March, 2017

3rd – 5th March, 2017 – Harike Wildlife Sanctuary
Harike is one of the largest man-made wetlands of northern India, It is a significant abode for the birds migrating from across the international frontiers.   
Camp charges: Rs. 20,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes flight tickets (Mumbai-Amritsar-Mumbai), food (except flight journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai.
Registration before: 30th December, 2016.
                                                     
24th – 27th March, 2017 – Chandoli Wildlife Sanctuary
It is situated at the junction of four districts viz. Sangli, Kolhapur, Satara and Ratnagiri. The protected area covers an area of 308.97 square kilometers. 
Camp charges: Rs. 7700/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food (except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai.   
Registration before: 20th December, 2016
Journey Details: 3AC
24th March (Friday), 2017: Departure by 17411 Mahalaxmi Exp from CSTM at 20.23hrs. Reach Karad at 04.08hrs on 25th March, 2017.                                       
26th March (Sunday), 2017: Departure by 17412 Mahalaxmi Exp from Karad at 23.05hrs. Reach CSTM at 07.25hrs on 27th March, 2017.



April, 2017
1st – 2nd April, 2017 – Kankeshwar, Alibaug
Kanekeshwar hill supports a variety of flora and fauna. It has been observed to a good breeding place for raptor birds.
Camp Charges: Rs. 4,500/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food, stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai.
Bus will leave from Swaminarayan Temple, Opposite Dadar station East at 06.30am sharp.
Registration before: 23rd January, 2017.

April, 2017 - Indonesia
Details:
Please note that Visa charges and Mumbai-Indonesia-Mumbai tickets are not included in any of the travel options given below.
Registration before: 31st December, 2016.
Plan
          A. Bali, Rinco & Komodo.
15th April to 25th April
(10 nights)
Amt. in INR
          B. Bali, Rinco & Komodo and Java
15th April to 2nd May
(17 nights)
Amt. in INR
          C.Bali, Rinco & Komodo, Java and Sumatra
15th April to 6th May
(21 nights) Amt. in INR
Without local flights
72,000/-
1,10,000/-
1,55,000/-
With local flights
1, 06,000/-
Denpasar-LabuanBajo-Denpasar
1,80,000/-
Denpasar-LabuanBajo-Solo City-Jakarta
2,10,000/- Denpasar-LabuanBajo-Solo City-Jakarta-Bandar Lampang-Denpasar
Places
Denpasar & nearby, Gunung, Bedugul, West Bali National Park, Rinco and Komodo Islands
In addition to places mentioned in Plan A – Borobudur, Prambalan, Sangiran Early Man Site, Palau Rambat Island, Ujung Kulon, Jakarta
In addition to places mentioned in plan A & B – Bukit Barisan Sellatan National Park, Way kambas


May, 2016

10th – 15th May, 2017 – Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
It is the oldest National Park of India and is a home for Endangered Bengal Tiger.
Plan A
Mumbai to Mumbai
Camp charges: Rs. 24,850/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food (Except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. 
Registration before: 7th January, 2017.
Journey Details:
10th May (Wednesday), 2017: Departure by 12951
MUMBAI RAJDHANI from BCT at 16:35hrs. Reach NEW DELHI at 08.35hrs on 11th May, 2017. (3AC)                                      
11th May (Thursday), 2017: Departure by 15035
UTR Sampark k Exp from DLI at 16:00hrs. Reach Rampur at 20.40hrs on 11th May, 2017. (CC)                                      
&
13th May (Saturday), 2017: Departure by 25014 CORBET PRK LINK from Ramnagar at 22.00hrs. Reach DLI 03.55hrs on 14th May, 2017.
14th May (Sunday), 2017: Departure by 12952
MUMBAI RAJDHANI from New Delhi at 16:25hrs. Reach BCT at 08.35hrs on 15th May, 2017. (3AC)                                      

Plan B
Delhi to Delhi
Camp charges: Rs. 21,500/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food (Except train journey), stay and transport from Delhi to Delhi. 
Registration before: 10th March, 2017.


26th – 31st May, 2017 – Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Situated in the heart of India, Kanha National Park is the largest tiger reserves in India.
Camp charges: Rs. 24,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food, stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. 
Registration before: 21st January, 2017.
Journey Details: 3AC
26th May (Friday), 2017: Departure by 12322 Kolkata Mail from Mumbai CST at 21.30hrs. Reach Jabalpur at 13.10hrs on 27th May, 2017.                                       
30th May (Tuesday), 2017: Departure by 11094 Mahanagri Exp from Jabalpur at 21.20hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 14.15hrs on 31st May, 2017.



June, 2017
3rd – 11th June, 2017 – Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Wildlife Sancturies – Nakti dam, Nagi & Vikramshila, Bihar
The biodiversity of Bihar can be observed along one of the important heritage sites of India.
Camp charges: Rs. 21,350/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food (Except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. 
Registration before: 1st February, 2017.
Journey Details: 3AC
3rd June (Friday), 2017: Departure by 12322 Kolkata Mail from Mumbai CST at 21.30hrs. Reach Gaya at 02.25hrs on 5th June, 2017.                                       
9th June (Friday), 2017: Departure by 13201 RJPB LTT Exp from Patna at 23.55hrs. Reach LTT at 11.30hrs on 11th June, 2017.


23rd – 27th June, 2017 – Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Camp charges: Rs. 19,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food (Except train journey), stay and from transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 
Registration before: 20th February, 2017.
Journey Details: 3AC
23rd June (Friday), 2017: Departure by 12953 August Kranti Rajdhani Exp from BCT at 17.40hrs. Reach Sawaimadhopur at 06.26hrs on 24th June, 2017.                                       
26th June (Monday), 2017: Departure by 12904 Golden Temple Mail from Sawaimadhour at 13.00hrs. Reach BCT at 05.20hrs on 27th June, 2016.



July, 2017

8th – 22nd July, 2017 – Srinagar, Leh & Ladakh
Paradise on Earth.
Camp charges: Rs. 50250/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food, stay and transport from Srinagar to Delhi. Flights from Mumbai-Srinagar and Delhi-Mumbai can be booked at extra cost.
Registration before: 10th May, 2017.

26th – 31st July, 2017 – Gaganbawda
Magical beauty of Western Ghats
Camp charges: Rs. 11850/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food (Except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. 
Registration before: 21st March, 2017.
Journey Details: 3AC
26th July (Wednesday), 2017: Departure by 17411 Mahalaxmi Exp from Mumbai CST at 20.30hrs. Reach KOP at 07.25hrs on 27th July, 2017.                                       
30th July (Sunday), 2017: Departure by 17412 Mahalaxmi Exp from KOP at 20.30hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 07.25hrs on 31st July, 2017.



August, 2017

12th – 13th August, 2017 – Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary
Phansad is one place where the grasslands and wetlands come together and provide shelter for a wide range of floral and faunal species.
Camp charges: Rs. 4950/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food, stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. 
Registration before: 27th July, 2017.
Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple opposite Dadar Station (E) at 6.30am sharp.

19th – 20th August, 2017 – Bhuleshwar temple, Yawat & Morachi Chincholi
Bhuleshwar is famous for a 13th century temple of Lord Shiva on top of a hill. The temple is unique because of its architecture. One can say that Morachi chincholi is a town of dancing peacock.
Camp charges: Rs. 5750/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food, stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. 
Registration before: 1st August, 2017.
Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple opposite Dadar Station (E) at 6.30am sharp.



September, 2017

8th – 13th September, 2017 – Boondi, Ramgadh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan
Famous for its architecture, paintings and festivals, Bundi is a small city in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan. Ramgadh Vihdhari Sanctuary was established in 1982, it forms a buffer for Ranthambore National Park.
Camp charges: Rs. 18,850/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food (Except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. 
Registration before: 2nd May, 2017.
Journey Details: 3AC
8th September (Friday), 2017: Departure by 12953 August Kranti from BCT at 17.40hrs. Reach Kota at 05.10hrs on 9th September, 2017.                                       
12th September (Tuesday), 2017: Departure by 12952 Mumbai Rajdhani from Kota at 21.08hrs. Reach BCT at 08.15 hrs on 13th September, 2017.


October, 2017

1st – 5th October, 2017 – Chakrata
Chakrata is abundantly blessed with natural beauty. The hilly area flanked on either side by the Jamuna & Tons rivers from the tribal region of “Jaunsar Bawar”.
Camp charges: Rs. 22000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food, stay and transport from Dehradun to Dehradun. Mumbai0-Dehradun-Mumbai flight ticketscan be booked at extra cost
Registration before: 1st August, 2017.

22nd – 27th October, 2017 – Ganeshgudi, Karnatak
A scenic destination blessed with breath taking natural beauty, Ganeshgudi is located in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka
Camp charges: Rs. 15,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food (Except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. 
Registration before: 20th June, 2017.
Journey Details: 3AC
22nd October (Sunday), 2017: Departure by 12133 Mangalore Exp from Mumbai CST at 22.00hrs. Reach Karwar at 08.10hrs on 23rd October, 2017.                                       
26th October (Wednesday), 2017: Departure by 12620 Matsyagandha Exp from Karwar at 19.22hrs. Reach LTT at 6.35hrs on 27th October, 2017.



November, 2017

3rd – 13th November, 2017 – Manglajodi, Chilika, Gahirmatha and Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuaries, Puri, Odisha
The south-eastern state of Odisha is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The host of wildlife sanctuaries is evidence to it. The wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha are not only unique but also every nature lover's delight.
Camp charges: Rs. 36500/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food (Except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. 
Registration before: 27th June, 2017.
Journey Details: 3AC
3rd November (Friday), 2017: Departure by 11019 Konark Exp from Mumbai CST at 15.10hrs. Reach Bhubaneshwar at 04.15hrs on 5th November, 2017.                                       
11th November (Saturday), 2017: Departure by 11020 Konark EXP from Bhubaneshwar at 15.25hrs. Reach CSTM 03.55hrs on 13th November, 2017.

28th November – 3rd December, 2017 – Kuno-Palpur, Ghatigaon and Karera Sanctuaries – Madhya Pradesh
Kuno-Palpur has a vast richness and diversity of indigenous flora and fauna which represents a typical cross-section of the dry deciduous forest of the Central India. Ghatigaon sanctuary has a significant population of the great Indian bustard. The principal fauna of Karera includes the Great Indian Bustard., Padki, Baya, Tithari, Titar, Chital, Black Buck etc.
Camp charges: Rs. 15,850/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food (Except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. 
Registration before: 25th July, 2017
Journey Details:
28th November (Tuesday), 2017: Departure by 12173 Udyog Nagari Exp from LTT at 16.25hrs. Reach Jhansi at 09.10hrs on 29th November, 2017.            
2nd December (Saturday), 2017: Departure by 14314 BE LTT Exp from Gwalior at 20.50hrs. Reach LTT at 20.00hrs on 3rd December, 2017.


December, 2017

22nd – 31st December, 2017 – Kangerghati, Bastar, Barnawpara and Sitanadi sanctuaries, Chhattisgargh
Chhattisgarh is densely covered with forest. There are many national parks and sanctuaries located in this region shows good variety of biodiversity.
Camp charges: Rs. 28,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.
The cost includes food (Except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. 
Registration before: 22nd August, 2017
Journey Details: 3AC
22nd December (Friday), 2017: Departure by 2809 Howrah mail from Mumbai CST at 20.35hrs. Reach Raipur at 6.05hrs on 23rd December, 2017.            
30th December (Saturday), 2017: Departure by 12810 Howrah Mumbai mail from Raipur at 09.00hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 05.20hrs on 31st December, 2017.

One day Programmes

Participants should bear their own expenses for travel and food and entry tickets (wherever required). Oikoessence will not bear any expenses for participants, unless mentioned.
Carry cap, sunglasses, and rainwear according to the season.
Prior registration is compulsory.
Duration of the trail will vary depending upon the sightings. However tentative duration is mentioned in the schedule.
 Group size -  5-20 participants.
Registrations will be on first come first serve basis.


March, 2017 

12th March, 2017 – Flamingo watch at Shivdi.
Meeting point: Shivdi station (vashi end of Platform no. 2). Meeting time: 12.00am. Duration: 3 hrs
Charges – Free         Last Date to register: 6th March, 2017

June, 2017
18th June, 2017 – Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Meeting point: Vasai Station(E), (Virar End). Meeting time: 7.30.
Charges – Rs. 100/- per head. (charges include entry fee)
Register before 16th June.

September, 2017
17th September, 2017 – Gadeshwar Dam.
Meeting point: Swaminarayn temple, Dadar east. Bus will start at 6.30am sharp.
Charges – Rs. 1400/- per head. The cost includes Food (breakfast, lunch and evening tea); Travel by private vehicle Mumbai-Mumbai
Register before 6th September

October, 2017
8th October, 2017 – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastusangrahalaya (Museum) - subject to permission
Meeting point: Main gate of Museum, Fort; Time: 9.00am, Duration: 3 hrs
Charges – Rs. 150/- (charges include entry fee).

December, 2017

10th December, 2017 – Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Swaminarayn temple, Dadar east. Bus will start at 6.30am sharp.
Charges – Rs. 1400/- per head. The cost includes Food (breakfast, lunch and evening tea); Travel by private vehicle Mumbai-Mumbai
Register before 2nd December


City Food Trails

(Please note at each food joint pre-decided vegetarian dishes will be served. However, one can order anything else at extra cost)

8th January, 2017 - Mumba Devi, Bhuleshwar
Time: 8.30am to 12.00pm; Place – Mumba Devi Temple
Charge – 550/- per head. Last Date to register: 3rd January, 2017

5th February, 2017 – Dadar West
Time: 8.30am to 12pm; Place – Dadar west; Meeting point – entrance of Nakshatra mall; 
Charge – 300/- per head.           Last Date to register: 30th January, 2017

Rules & Regulations to be followed during OikoEssence Camps & Trails
1. Oikoessence Nature Camps and trails are educational camps and not luxury camps or picnics.
2. Basic necessities will be provided like simple and wholesome vegetarian food (tea/coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner), clean accommodation and toilets. During visits to remote forest areas participants will have to use open air toilets and rough it out.

3. During multiple accommodation facilities at the camp site participants must adjust to them and no separate accommodation will be provided. The group leader will decide the room allotments and the participants in the room, no alterations will be done.

4. Participants must follow strict discipline and no misbehavior will be tolerated any participant found doing so may be requested to leave the camp.

5. Detailed program/itinerary of the following day will be briefed one day in advance.

6. Participants have to adhere to the given itinerary and no alterations by the participants will be entertained.

7. Participants should strictly follow the instructions of the group leader.

8. Smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.

9. Participants should take care of their belongings & valuable articles & will be solely responsible for them.

10. No portage will be provided.

11. Mineral water will not be provided unless mentioned.

12. OikoEssence will not be responsible for any mishap or catastrophe.

13. Wear comfortable walking shoes and never wear any high heels foot wear.

14. Please carry Water bottle, Cap, Torch, Mosquito repellents, Personal medicines and toiletries.

15. Do not wear any kind of perfume or deodorant while in the sanctuary.

16. Do not carry any music system or MP3, etc. in forest area.

17. Do not carry any inflammables and do not light fire in the forest area.

18. Do not tease any wild animal or destroy habitat of the Park or Sanctuary.

19. Carry clothes according to climate and season (do not wear red, white or any bright/fluorescent colours).

20. If a camp is canceled by OikoEssence for reasons such as lack of enough participation, unless any expense is incurred, a 100 % refund will be given. Participants who cancel their seats prior to cancellation of the camp will not get a complete refund. 50% of the total camp cost will be deducted for cancellation done 15 days prior to the commencement of camp. After that no refund will be given.

21. Vehicles/transport used for local sightseeing/safaris etc mentioned in the programme are Non-AC private vehicles.