Oikoessence with Guardian School students

Oikoessence is dedicated to create awareness regarding nature conservation among all age groups of the society. 

We managed to take one more small step towards this aim in last week. We conducted a session of fun-filled activities based environment for students of The Guardian School, Dombivli.

The occasion was a science exhibition - 'Lakshyavedh' held in their school and the theme for the year was 'Prakrity'. Students and Parents worked hard for the same. We thought to take this opportunity and do our little bit to germinate a thought of environment conservation in the young minds.

We had photographic exhibition based on Indian biodiversity, small games and a pledge session.

It was wonderful to see the young generation taking part in such activities with great enthusiasm. At the end of the session teachers, students and parents took a pledge of what they will do to help in conservation at their own level. 

Volunteers:

Mr. Akshay T

Dr. Vasant S

Mrs. Rashmi S

Mr. Vikas M

Mr. Shripad B

Miss. Rupali G

Mrs. Shital R

Mrs. Minal S

Mrs. Anjali G

Mrs. Sakshi S

Mr. Vinay M
Mr. Pritam

Photographs were donated by:

Mr. E. Thiruvengadam

Mr. Bhaskar P.

Mr. R. Naimi

Mr. Akshay T.

Miss Rupali G.

Mr. Shripad B.
We are thankful to the Guardian school for giving us this opportunity. We are also thankful to our families for their continuous support for our activities. A special thanks to all our volunteers who worked so hard for this and executed the event smoothly. All of this wouldn't have been possible without their support.

Thank you all once again.

Programme schedule, 2016 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 go through the Rules & Regulations, given at the end of this schedule, to be followed during Oikoessence Camps & Trails before registering.

 Residential Nature Camps

January, 2016

23^rd – 24^th January, 2016 – Mhasa village and Gorakhgad Maharashtra

Experience the village fair of Mhasa. The village holds an annual fair on full moon day of the ‘Poush’ (Indian lunar calendar) month. Good chance to observe great variety of bullocks that are sold during this event along with other regular village fair market. Explore the Gorakhgad and its biodiversity. The aim of this trail will be the biodiversity observation and not to reach the top of the fort.
Camp charges: Rs. 3250/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, home-stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 4^th January, 2016.

Meeting point and time: Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple opposite Dadar station (E) at 6.30am sharp.

30^th – 31^st January, 2016 – Nandur Madhameshwar

The shallow water ponds of Nandur madhmeshwar are filled with lot of silts and organic matter that attract variety of birds turning this place in a good birding sight.

Camp charges: Rs. 4300/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport (by private vehicle) Mumbai to Mumbai.   

Registration before: 13^th January, 2016.

Meeting point and time: Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple opposite Dadar station (E) at 6.30am sharp.

February, 2016

20^th – 21^th February – Bhigwan

Ujani - A man made dam on Bhima river located near Bhigwan, attracts a lot of birds during winters. 

Camp charges: Rs. 4300/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 3^rd February, 2016.

Meeting point and time: Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple opposite Dadar station (E) at 6.30am sharp.

26^th – 28^th February – Talasari and Silvassa

Talasari is a rural taluka of Thane district and hold good variety of biodiversity in its forest. Silvassa is derived from a Portuguese word – Silva referring to ‘wood’. However, we will be having birding and nature walks in gardens of Silvassa and forests of Talasasari.

Camp charges: Rs. 7250/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 10^th February, 2016.

Meeting point and time: Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple opposite Dadar station (E) at 6.30am sharp.

March, 2016

8^th – 13^th March, 2016 – Kaziranga and Nameri

Learn more about grassland ecosystems in largest undivided are of Brahmaputra Valley and observe majestic faunal beauty like Gaur, One Horned Rhinoceros and Swamp deer. The last house of White winged wood dove – The Nameri National Park and tiger reserve is one of the richest and most threatened reservoirs of India.   

Camp charges: Rs. 25,250/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport (by private vehicle) from Guwahati to Guwahati.

Flight tickets for Mumbai-Guwahati-Mumbai can be booked at actual (in addition to charges mentioned above).

Registration before: 4^th January, 2016.

                                                     

25^th – 27^th March, 2016 – Velas

This coastal village of Maharashtra is about 200 kms away from Mumbai and is a crucial site for nesting of olive ridley turtles.

Camp charges: Rs. 4000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport (by private vehicle) Mumbai to Mumbai.   

Registration before: 9^th March, 2016

Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple opposite Dadar Station (E) at 6.30am sharp.

April, 2016

12^th – 19^th April, 2016 – Ghatgarh, Sattal, Pangot and Jageshwar, Uttarakhand

Explore the Himalayan biodiversity, people and their culture by visiting Ghatgarh. It is a birding paradise. Sattal is one for the few unpolluted and unspoiled freshwater biomes in India. Pangot- a popular hill station near Nainital also, known for its birds. Surrounded by Deodar forest, the cluster of Jageshwar temples depicts the ancient culture and design.

Camp charges:

Plan – A (Mumbai – Mumbai)

Camp Charges: Rs. 38,750/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food (except during flight and train journey), stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. (flight tickets - Mumbai-Delhi-Mumbai) 

Registration before: 25^th December, 2015.

Plan – B (Delhi – Delhi)

Camp Charges: Rs. 32,750/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Delhi to Delhi.

Registration before: 15^th February, 2016.

21^st – 25^th April, 2016 – Gir National Park

Last refuge for the Asiatic lions – the Gir national park gives a memorable experience of dry deciduous forests in the semi arid western part of India.

Camp charges: Rs. 12,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 16^th December, 2015.

Journey Details: Mumbai - Veraval –Mumbai 3Ac.

21^st April, (Thursday), 2016: Departure by 19005 Saurashtra Mail from BCT at 20.25hrs. Reach Veraval at 15.45hrs on 22nd April, 2016.                                       

24^th April (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 59460 VRL BCT Pass Ex from Veraval at 13.20hrs. Reach BCT at 07.10hrs on 25^th April, 2016.

May, 2016

6^th – 14^th May, 2016 – Great Himalayan National Park

Explore the Western Himalayan culture and biodiversity. The Great Himalayan National Park is a part of Himalayan biodiversity Hotspot which is a home of several threatened faunal species.

Camp charges: Rs. 20950/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 1^st January, 2016.

Journey Details:

6th May (Friday), 2016: Departure by 12953 AUG KR RAJ EXP from BCT at 17.40hrs. Reach H Nizamuddin at 10.55hrs on 7th May, 2016.                                       

13th May (Friday), 2016: Departure by 12954 AUG KR RAJ EXP from H Nizamuddin at 16.50hrs. Reach BCT 09.45hrs on 14th May, 2016.

26^th – 30^th May, 2016 – Pench National Park

The safaris in the Land of Mogli i.e. Pench National Park will help in understanding therichness of biodiversity of the Satpuda ranges.

Camp charges: Rs. 13,850/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 21^st January, 2016.

Journey Details: second sleeper class

26^th May (Thursday), 2016: Departure by 12289 Nagpur Duronto from Mumbai CST at 20.15hrs. Reach Nagpur at 07.20hrs on 27^th May, 2016.                                       

29^th May (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 12290 Nagpur CSTM Duronto from Nagpur at 20.40hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 07.55hrs on 25^th February, 2016.

June, 2016

11^th – 12^h June, 2016 – Paachgani

Located in the middle of five hills / platues the Paachgani offers scenic beauty and variety of biodiversity to campers.

Camp charges: Rs. 3850/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 2^nd June, 2016.

Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple opposite Dadar station (E) at 6.30am sharp.

23^th – 27^th June, 2016 – Archeological Aurangabad - Ajanta, Ellora, Paithan and Daulatabad

Explore ancient Indian art and architecture of UNESCO World Heritage monuments in Aurangabad.

Camp charges: Rs. 7,850/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 19^th February, 2016.

Journey Details:

23^rd June (Thursday), 2016: Departure by 17617 Tapovan Express from Mumbai CST at 06.15hrs. Reach Aurangabad at 13.15hrs on 24^th May, 2016.                                       

26^th June (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 11402 Nandigram Exp from Aurangabad at 21.35hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 05.35hrs on 27^th June, 2016.

July, 2016

9^th – 10^th July, 2016 – Siddhagad

Siddhagad is known for its wonderful forest surroundings. Walking towards Siddhagad in monsoon will be a pleasant experience.

Camp charges: Rs. 3800/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 27^th June, 2016.

Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple opposite Dadar Station (E) at 6.30am sharp.

August, 2016

12^th – 16^th August, 2016 – Mandu and Bagh caves, Madhya Pradesh

Wrapped in lush green surroundings Vindhyas the Mandu is perfect example of Afghan architecture. Bagh caves are known for mural paintings by master painters of ancient India.

Camp charges: Rs. 8650/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 6^th April, 2016.

Journey Details:

12^th August (Friday), 2016: Departure by 12961 Avantika Express from BCT at 19.10hrs. Reach Indore JN BG at 09.15hrs on 13^th August, 2016.                                       

15^th August (Monday), 2016: Departure by 12962 Avantika Exp from Indore JN BG at 16.25hrs. Reach BCT at 06.10hrs on 16^th August, 2016.

26^th – 29^th August, 2016 – Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

This unique wildlife sanctuary is located near Karad, Maharashtra. It is almost entirely man-made with an area of about 10.87sq kms.

Camp charges: Rs. 4500/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 21^st April, 2016.

Journey Details:

26^th August (Friday), 2016: Departure by 171411 Mahalaxmi Express from Mumbai CST at 20.23hrs. Reach Kirloskarwadi at 04.43hrs on 27^th August, 2016.                                       

28^th August (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 171412 Mahalaxmi Exp from Kirloskarwadi at 22.25hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 07.25hrs on 29^th August, 2016.

September, 2016

24^th – 25^th September, 2016 – Kaas Plateau

Listed under UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kaas plateau is a home for many indigenous and endemic plants especially ground flora. Flowering of Balsams, Utricularias and Karvi bushes offers a spectacular view. It is a very good opportunity for plants lovers to observe variety of monsoon plant diversity.

Camp charges: Rs. 4250/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 9^th September, 2016.

Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple opposite Dadar station (E) at 6.30am sharp.

October, 2016

6^th – 10^th October, 2016 – Toranmal and Baripada

Toranmal is one of less crowded hill stations of Maharashtra. Explore this part of Satpuda range and its flora and fauna. A very good example of community work can be seen in Baripada village. Villagers came together for protection of their own forest and also formed a Forest Protection Committee to strengthen it further.

Camp charges: Rs. 6950/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 9^th June, 2016.

Journey Details: 3AC

6^th October, (Thursday), 2016: Departure by 59441 Ahmedabad Pass from BCT at 22.40hrs. Reach Nandurbar at 12.45hrs on 7^th October, 2016.                                       

9^th October (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 51118 DHI CSN Pass from Dhule at 19.20hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 04.05hrs on 10^th October, 2016.

12^th – 16^th October, 2016 – Jaisalmer

Explore the golden city of Jaisalmer and Sam sand dunes which are part of the Thar dessert.

Camp charges: Rs. 17,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport from Jodhpur to Jodhpur.

Registration before: 28^th July, 2016.

Flight tickets from Mumbai-Jodhpur-Mumbai or from any other city to-n-fro Jodhpur can be booked at extra cost (at actuals).

November, 2016

2^th – 6^th November, 2016 – Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chattisgarh

Chattisgarh holds tremendous amount of biodiversity. Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary is a Tiger Reserve and is close to Amarkantak - the origin of River Narmada.

Camp charges: Rs. 14,500/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 28^th June, 2016.

Journey Details: 3AC

2^nd November (Wednesday), 2016: Departure by 12261 Howarh Duronto from Mumbai CST at 17.15hrs. Reach Bilaspur JN at 09.55hrs on3rd November, 2016.                                       

6^th November (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 12860 Gitanjali EXP from Bilaspur JN at 00.45hrs. Reach CSTM 21.20hrs on 6^th November, 2016.

20^th – 26^th November, 2016 – Hampi, Badami and Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Hampi and Badami both are renowned World Heritage sites and have architectural marvels. Get a chance to observe Karadi – Local name for Sloth Bear in its natural habitat at Daroji.

Camp charges: Rs. 14,800/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 15^th July, 2016

Journey Details:

20^th November (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 17322 LTT Hubli Exp from LTT at 21.15hrs. Reach Badami at 13.48hrs on 21^st November, 2016.            

25^th November – Overnight Sleeper bus Journey from Hampi to Goa.                     

26^th November (Saturday), 2016: Departure by 12052 Janshatabdi Exp from Madgaon at 14.30hrs. Reach Dadar at 23.05hrs on 26^th November, 2016.

December, 2016

10^th – 14^th December, 2016 – Kumbhalgadh Sanctuary, Rajasthan

Named after the impressive historic fort of Kumbhalgarh, the sanctuary is located in Aravali hills. One can observe good number of fauna.

Camp charges: Rs. 15,550/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 5^th October, 2016

The cost includes food, stay and transport from Udaipur to Udaipur.      

Flight tickets from Mumbai-Udaipur-Mumbai or from any other city to-n-fro Udaipur can be booked at extra cost (at actual).

24^th – 30^th December, 2016 – Vedanthangal, Pichavaram and Puducherry (Pondicherry)

Vedanthangal bird sanctuary is a sanctuary protected by locals and one can observe many species of birds. Mangroves of Pichavaram are truly magnificent. Puducherry is a union territory of India. Influence of French architecture is a unique feature of its housing. 

Camp charges: Rs. 18,350/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food (except train journey), stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai.           

Registration before: 20^th August, 2016.

Journey Details:

24^th December (Saturday), 2016: Departure by 11017 Karaikal Exp from LTT at 12.05hrs. Reach Chennai Egmore at 11.008hrs on 25^th December, 2016.            

28^th December (Wednesday), 2016: Departure by 11006 Chalukya Exp from Puducherry at 20.30hrs. Reach Dadar at 05.45hrs on 30^th December, 2016.

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.

May, 2016 

1^st May, 2016 – Observe Maharshtra Day with Nature.

Walk from Cotton green to Byculla zoo.

Meeting point: Cotton green station (vashi end of Platform no. 2). Meeting time: 7.30am. Duration: 3 hrs

Charges – Free

June, 2016

5^th June, 2016 – Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Spend the world environment day in natural forest surroundings and help us in dispersing seeds of indigenous plants in the nearby area of Tansa.

Meeting point: Swaminarayn temple, Dadar east. Bus will start at 6.30am sharp.

Charges – Rs. 1000/- per head. The cost includes Food (breakfast, lunch and evening tea); Travel by private vehicle Mumbai-Mumbai.

July, 2016

24^th July, 2016 – Yeoor

Have a look at monsoon flora and lots of arthropods in Yeoor forest range.

Meeting point: Patonapada, Yeoor; Time: 8.00am, Duration: 3 hrs

Charges – Free. Park entry fee and guide fee has to be paid by participants.

August, 2016

7^th August, 2016 – Sagargad machi.

Situated in Alibaug, this fort gives a spectacular view of Alibaug region.

Meeting point: Swaminarayn temple, Dadar east. Bus will start at 6.30am sharp.

Charges – Rs. 1000/- per head. The cost includes Food (breakfast, lunch and evening tea); Travel by private vehicle Mumbai-Mumbai

September, 2016

18^th September, 2016 – Prabal machi.

Located in between Panvel and Matheran this place holds variety of monsoon flora.

Meeting point: Swaminarayn temple, Dadar east. Bus will start at 6.30am sharp.

Charges – Rs. 1000/- per head. The cost includes Food (breakfast, lunch and evening tea); Travel by private vehicle Mumbai-Mumbai

October, 2016

2^nd October, 2016 – Animal Hospital campus, Parel (subject to permission)

The campus of the animal hospital is one of the few green patches left in the city of Mumbai. It houses varieties of tree species that attracts variety of lesser fauna.

Meeting point: Main gate of animal hospital, Parel; Time: 8.00am, Duration: 3 hrs

Charges – Free.

November, 2016

 

27^th November, 2016 – Owalekarwadi

Owalekarwadi planned butterfly habitat and attracts good number of butterflies.

Meeting point: Owala village bus stop; Time: 08.00am, Duration: 3 hrs

Charges – Free. Entry fee for the Owalekarwadi has to be paid by participants.

December, 2016

18^th December, 2016 – Elephanta Island

Elephanta is a world renowned heritage site. But, the flora and fauna of natural environment cannot be ignored.

Meeting point: Ticket counter, Gateway of India; Time: 8.00am, Duration: half day

Charges – Free. Entry fee/s and guide fee has to be paid by participants. Please note that participants should bear their ferry charges Mumbai-Elephanta-Mumbai.

Tasty Trails : April, 2016

Saturday 2^nd & Sunday 3^rd April, 2016 – Tasty Trails to Matunga East and Dadar West

Matunga and Dadar both are famous for their authentic cuisines. Dadar west has lot to offer when it comes to variety of Maharashtrian food and Matunga east serves taste of Southern India. Last Date to register: 28^th March, 2016.

This program will be conducted four batches (twice at each place). Details are as follows-

2^nd April –

Batch 1 – Time: 7.30am to 12.00pm; Place - Matunga East; Meeting point – Entrance of Ramnarayan Ruia College, Matunga east; Charge – 550/- per head.

Batch 2 – Time: 05.00pm to 8.00pm; Place – Dadar west; Meeting point – entrance of Nakshatra mall; Charge – 300/- per head.

3^rd April –

Batch 3 - Time: 7.30am to 12pm; Place – Dadar west; Meeting point – entrance of Nakshatra mall; Charge – 300/- per head.

Batch 4 - Time: 05.00pm to 8.00pm; Place - Matunga East; Meeting point – Entrance of Ramnarayan Ruia College, Matunga east; Charge – 550/- per head.

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

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 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 walkman, 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.