OikoEssence: 2017

OikoEssence

With Nature in Mind…..

Programme schedule 2018 – for all nature lovers

For details and registrations, contact us on Email ID: oikoessence@gmail.com; Ph: 9969440476 / 9869611810 / 8433769487

Please note:

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 which you must follow during our camps & trails.
Participants should be 8 yrs and above (no upper age limit). Child between 8 yrs to 12 yrs should be accompanied by their resp. parents/guardians.

January, 2018

14^th – 18^th January, 2018 – Narara and Khijediya Bird Sanctuary

At Narara, one has chance to spot amazing sea life including some corals, plus various type of birds are scattered around the reef. Khijediya is a protected area packs in an incredible diversity of ecosystems into the relatively small area of 6 km².

Camp charges: Rs. 13,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes entry fee, food (except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. (Rs. 12200/- – Ex. Ahmedabad)

Registration before: 20th December, 2017.

Journey Details: 3AC

14^th January (Sunday), 2018: Departure by 12267 ADI Duronto from Bombay Central (BCT) at 23.25hrs. Reach Ahmedabad at 05.55hrs on 15^th January, 2018.

17^th January (Wednesday), 2018: Departure by 12268 BCT Duronto from Ahmedabad (ADI) at 23.40hrs. Reach BCT at 06.00hrs on 18^th January, 2018.

26^th – 30^th January, 2018 – Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Located in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra state in central India The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is One of India’s 41 “Project Tiger” - Tiger reserves. It is notable as Maharashtra's oldest and largest National Park.

Camp charges: Rs. 21,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes safari, entry fees, food (except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. (Rs. 18,500/- – Ex. Nagpur)

Registration before: 20th December, 2017.

Journey Details: 3AC

26^th January (Friday), 2018: Departure by 12289 Nagpur Duronto from Mumbai CST at 20.15hrs. Reach Nagpur at 07.20hrs on 27^th January, 2018.

30^th January (Monday), 2018: Departure by 12290 Nag-CSTM Duronto from Nagpur at 20.40hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 08.05hrs on 30^th January, 2018.

February, 2018

14th – 19^th February, 2018 – Haryana Special

Haryana covers its major parts by the Indo-Gangetic Plains and is bordered by the outer Himalayan ranges i.e. Siwalik Ranges in the Northeast and by the northern tip of the Aravalli Ranges in the Southwestern part. This region including the adjoining area of Panjab is known to have witnessed drastic changes in courses and discharges of the rivers like the Saraswati, Yamuna and Sutlej since Pre-historic times. This is a pretty good place for lesser animals, especially birds. During this camp we will be visiting few protected areas of the State – Sultanpur, Kalesar, Bindhwas, Abubsheher being few of them.

Camp charges: Rs. 23,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes individual entry fee, food, stay and transport from Delhi and till Chandigarh in return.

Registration before: 5^th January, 2018.

Meeting point: Participants are requested to reach Delhi Airport by 7 am latest on 14^th February, 2018 and book return flight from Chandigarh after 12.00pm on 19^th February, 2018.

March, 2018

4^th March, 2018 – Shivdi Wader-watch - Trail

Group Size: 25 only. Charges: Rs. 200/- (includes expertise only). Duration: 2hrs

Meeting point: Shivdi Station. Kurla end of Platform no 2.

Timing – Will be informed later as it depends upon tide timings. Please mention your interest by calling us on above mentioned numbers.

28^th March– 2^nd April, 2018 – Sawarde, Kallamwadi and Khidrapur temple

This camp includes visit to Sawarde for sacred grove and Khidrapur for ancient temple.

Camp charges: Rs. 14,500/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes food (except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. (Rs. 13,000/- – Ex. Kolhapur)

Registration before: 15^th December, 2017.

Journey Details: 3AC

28^th March (Wednesday), 2018: Departure by 17411 Mahalaxmi exp from Mumbai CST at 20.20hrs. Reach Kolhapur (KOP) at 07.35hrs on 29^th March, 2018.

1^st April (Sunday), 2018: Departure by 17412 Mahalaxmi Exp from Kolhapur at 20.30hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 07.25hrs on 2^nd April, 2018.

April, 2018

14^th April – 26^th April, 2018 – Sikkim

Sikkim has always been favourite of nature lovers. During this camp we will be exploring interesting places of South and North Sikkim. However, for convenience of participants three options are given. Hopefully, we will also get to see the flowering of beautiful Rhododendron plants.

Plan A: South and North Sikkim: 14^th – 26^th April, 2018 (From New Jalpaiguri Railway station to New Jalpaiguri railway station)

Camp charges: 48,500/- Ex New Jalpaiguri

Meeting point: Participants are requested to reach New Jalpaiguri by 12.30 pm latest on 14^th April, 2018 and book return journey from New Jalpaiguri after 02.00pm on 26^th April, 2018.

Plan B: South Sikkim: 14^th April – 22^st April, 2018 (From New Jalpaiguri Raillway station to New Jalpaiguri railway station)

Camp charges: 34,500/- Ex New Jalpaiguri

Meeting point: Participants are requested to reach New Jalpiguri by 12.30 pm latest on 14^th April, 2018 and book return journey from New Jalpaiguri after 09.00am on 22^th April, 2018.

Plan C: North Sikkim: 21^st April – 26^th April, 2018 (From New Jalpaiguri railway station to New Jalpaiguri railway station)

Camp charges: 26,000/- Ex New Jalpaiguri

Meeting point: Participants are requested to reach New Jalpiguri by 05.00pm latest on 21^st April, 2018 and book return journey from New Jalpaiguri after 02.00pm on 26^th April, 2018.

Registration before: 14^th February, 2018.

May, 2018

1^st May: Maharashtra Day Walk in Parel

A walk exploring avenue trees, interesting culture, buildings and temples of the area.

Group Size: 15 only Meeting point: Ticket window, Parel Station (Central line).

Time: 7.30am Duration: 3hrs walk minimum. Charge: Free

10^th – 17^th May, 2018 – Sundarban-UNESCO heritage site
The Sundarbans are a part of the world's largest delta formed by the rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna. Sundarbans forms the largest Tiger Reserve and National Park in India with estuarine mangrove ecosystem. The main attractions of the Sunderbans are the Tiger, Monitor Lizard, Estuarine Crocodile and the Olive Ridley Turtle.
Camp charges: Rs. 30,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes safari, entry fees, food (except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. (Rs. 25,000/- – Ex. Kolkata)

Registation before : 5^th January, 2018

Journey Details: 3AC

10^th May (Thursday), 2018: Departure by 12261 Howrah Duranto from Mumbai CST at 17.15hrs. Reach Howarh (HWH) at 19.40hrs on 11^th May, 2018.

16^th May (Wednesday), 2018: Departure by 12262 HWH CSTM Duranto from Howrah at 08.20hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 10.30hrs on 17^th May, 2018.

26^th – 30^th May, 2018 – Konkan – Kurne, Pawas, Chiplun, Ratnagiri

Konkan is well known for its natural beauty which consist of coconut trees, beautiful virgin beaches, mountains and lush green valleys. Enjoy homestay in Kurne-a small village and grab on delicious kokani food alongwith Mangoes. Pawas is a sacred place because of Swami Swaroopand's Ashram who was one of the finest exponents of BHAKTI YOGA & RAAJA YOGA.

We will enjoy Naman, a traditional folk art to Ratnagiri region. It consists of dramatization of Mythological stories with ancient folk songs sung by performers. Act consist of Ganapati vandana, Nandi, Gan Gavalan act and ends a dramatized Wag. Female parts are played by Male Artist along with different ‘Mukhavata’(Face mask)are used while performing the act.

Camp charges: Rs. 13,800/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes stay, food and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai.

Meeting point: Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple, Dadar at 5 am sharp.

Registration before: 2^th May, 2018.

June, 2018

15^th – 20^th June, 2018 – Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Panna National Park is formally being renowned as the 22nd tiger reserve of India and fifth in Madhya Pradesh. The ideal home to Indian tigers, Panna is composed of deciduous forests to include other species like Indian wolf, four-horned antelope, sloth bear pangolin, rusty spotted cat, leopard, carcal.

Camp charges: Rs. 24,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes safari, entry fees, food (except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. (Rs. 20,500/- – Ex. Satna)

Registration before: 2^nd February, 2018.

Journey Details: 3AC

15^th June (Friday), 2018: Departure by 12322 Kolkata mail from Mumbai CST at 21.30hrs. Reach Satna(STA) at 16.04hrs on 16^th June, 2018.

19^th June (Tuesday), 2018: Departure by 12294 ALD-LTT Duronto from Satna (STA) at 22.00hrs. Reach LTT at 14.55hrs on 20^th June, 2018.

26^th June – 1^st July, 2018 – Sariska National Park and Pink city-Jaipur

Sariska, once the famous hunting area of Maharajas of Alwar, is now known for the conservation of Tiger species. The dry, deciduous, and tropical thorny forest of the Western Aravali Hills is perfect for wide ranges of wildlife. Also, the 17th century old Kankawari Fort, one of the best illustrations of a jungle fort in India, lies within the centre of the reserve. Visit the famous heritage sites from the well known Pink City-Jaipur.

Camp charges: Rs. 23,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes entry fee, food (except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. (Rs. 21,000/- – Ex. Alwar)

Registration before: 8^th February, 2018.

Journey Details: 3AC

26^th June (Tuesday), 2018: Departure by 12216 DEE Garibrath from Bandra Terminus(BDTS)at 12.45hrs. Reach Jaipur(JP) at 07.05hrs on 27^th June, 2018.

30^th June (Saturday), 2018: Departure by 12215 DEE Garibrath from Jaipur(JP) at 14.20hrs. Reach Bandra Terminus (BDTS) at 08.10hrs on 1^st July, 2018.

July, 2018

11^th - 15^th July, 2018 - Cotigaon - Amphibians, reptiles and monsoon plants (fast filling)

The Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary was set up in 1968 to protect the exposed stretch of woodland on the Goa-Karnataka border, which was home to a number of species of animal and bird life, as well as some rare, old trees. Most of the vegetation in this area is of the moist-deciduous type, interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen patches.

Camp charges: Rs. 14,500/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes entry fee, food (except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. (Rs. 12,200/- - Ex. Karwar)

Registration before: 5^th March, 2018.

Journey Details: 3AC

11^th July (Wednesday), 2018: Departure by 12133 Manglore Exp from Mumbai CST (CSTM) at 22.02 hrs. Reach Karwar at 8.10hrs on 12^th July, 2018.

14^th July (Saturday), 2018: Departure by 12134 Mumbai Exp from Karwar at 17.45hrs. Reach Mumbai CST (CSTM) at 04.25hrs on 15^th July, 2018.

22^nd July, 2018 – Avachitgad

A walk will focus flora and fauna of the area. We may reach the top.

Group Size: 20 only Meeting point: Swami Narayan temple, Dadar.

Time: Bus will leave at 6.30 am sharp and will be back by 6.30pm approximately, depending upon the traffic conditions. Charge: 1500/- (Includes travel, breakfast, lunch, evening tea and expertise)

August, 2018

11^th – 12^th August, 2018 – Kuthal, Wada

Camp charges: Rs. 3,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes stay, food and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai.

Meeting point: Bus will leave from Swami Narayan temple, Dadar at 6 am sharp on 11^th August (Saturday). Return on 12^th August (Sunday) by 7.30pm.

Registration before: 23^rdJuly, 2018.

15^th – 20^th August, 2018 – Singhori WLS and heritage of Ujjain and Indore

The Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1976 spread over a totalarea of 288 sq. km. Ujjain is an ancient city beside the Kshipra River in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Indore is a city in west-central India. It’s known for the 7-story Rajwada Palace and the Lal Baag Palace, which date back to Indore’s 19th-century Holkar dynasty. The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site of the Paleolithic, exhibiting the earliest traces of human life on the Indian Subcontinent, and thus the beginning of the Indian Stone Age. The Udayagiri Caves are twenty rock-cut caves near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh from the early years of the 5th century CE. They contain some of the oldest surviving Hindu temples and iconography in India.

Camp charges: Rs. 17,500/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes entry fee, food (except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. (Rs. 15,500/- – from Bhopal to Ujjain)

Registration before: 10^th April, 2018.

Journey Details: 3AC

15^th August (Wednesday), 2018: Departure by 12107 Lucknow Super Exp from LTT, Mumbai at 16.25hrs. Reach Bhopal (BPL) at 04.55 hrs on 16^th August, 2018.

19^th August (Sunday), 2018: Departure by 12962 Avantika Exp from Indore Jn (INDB) at 16.20 hrs. Reach Mumbai Central (MMCT) at 06.10 hrs on 20^th August, 2018.

September, 2018

20^th – 22^nd September, 2018 – Bhimashankar & Ahupe

Bhimashankar is an ideal destination to visit for people having great interest in nature. Lush greenery and calm surrounding wins the hearts of the visitors. Bhimashankar wears a fairy-tale look in monsoons. The spread of greens are enchanting, the mist rolls over the hills high and low, abundant waterfalls plummet sporadically. Ahupe is a small and very picturesque village based on a height, it remains covered in thick fog most of the year.

Registration before: 1^st September, 2018.

Charges: Rs. 9,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes entry fee, food, stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai.

Meeting point: Swaminarayan temple, Opposite Dadar station, East (Central railway) at 6.30am. Reach back by 7pm on 22^nd September, 2018

October, 2018

1^st – 7^th October, 2018 – Sangla, Narkand, Kalpa and Chitkul – Less known protected areas of Himachal Pradesh (fast filling)

Rakcham chitkul is situated between Sangla Valley and Chhitkul and counted among the few popular wildlife reserves of Himachal Pradesh. The vegetation covering the forest are mostly of dry deciduous category. Narkanda is a located on the Hindustan Tibet road. It is also a gateway to the upper parts of Himachal Pradesh. The view from Kalpa is beautiful with an observer getting the feeling that he is sitting in the lap of the mountains with the entire range of peaks being visible.

Registration before: 14^th August, 2018.

Camp charges: Rs. 35,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes entry fee, food, stay and transport from Shimla to Shimla. Mumbai-Shimla-Mumbai flight tickets can be arranged at extra cost (at actual basis)

14^th October, 2018 – Ulhas valley, Kondhana caves

A walk will focus flora and fauna of the area.

Group Size: 20 only Meeting point: Swami Narayan temple, Dadar.

Time: Bus will leave at 6.30 am sharp and will be back by 6.30pm approximately, depending upon the traffic conditions. Charge: 1500/- (Includes travel, breakfast, lunch, evening tea and expertise)

25^th – 29^th October, 2018 – Chorlaghat (fast filling)

Surrounded by three states Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka, Chorla ghat is a delightful destination for ecologist and biologists. It is an interesting place for flora and fauna of Sahyadri ragnes.

Camp charges: Rs. 14,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes entry fee, food (except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. (Rs. 11,800/- – Ex. Madgaon)

Registration before: 19^th June, 2018.

Journey Details: 3AC

25^th October (Thursday), 2018: Departure by 12133 Mangalore Exp from CSMT, Mumbai at 22.02hrs. Reach Madgaon(MAO) at 07.05 hrs on 26^th October, 2018.

28^th October (Sunday), 2018: Departure by 12134 Mumbai Exp from Madgaon(MAO) at 18.50 hrs. Reach Mumbai CST (CSMT) at 04.25 hrs on 29^th October, 2018.

November, 2018

18^th – 25^th November, 2018 – Thattekad, Eravikullum, Chinnar and Idukki (fast filling)

The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary was the first bird sanctuary in Kerala. Salim Ali, one of the best known ornithologists, described this sanctuary as the richest bird habitat on peninsular India. The Eravikullum National park terrain consists of high altitude grasslands interspersed with shola forest. Idukki is popular destination for Kerala’s endemic birding.

Camp charges: Rs. 27,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes entry fee, food (except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. (Rs. 23,800/- – Ex. Aluwa)

Registration before: 13^th July, 2018.

Journey Details: 3AC

18^th November (Sunday), 2018: Departure by 16345 Netravati Exp from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus(LTT)at 11.40hrs. Reach Aluwa(AWY) at 12.13hrs on 19^th November, 2018.

24^th November (Saturday), 2018: Departure by 16346 Netravati Exp from Aluwa(AWY) at 14.42hrs. Reach Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) at 16.40hrs on 25^th November, 2018.

December, 2018

8^th – 12^th December, 2018 – Amboli winters

Amboli, one of the wettest places in India is famous for its diverse herpetofauna. During this season the weather becomes very pleasant. Also it’s a good season to observe birds from Western ghat reagion.

Camp charges: Rs. 12,500/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes entry fee, food (except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Mumbai. (Rs. 10,700/- – Ex. Sawntwadi)

Registration before: 1^st August, 2018.

Journey Details: 3AC

8^th December (Saturday), 2018: Departure by 10111 Konkan Kanya from CSMT at 23.05hrs. Reach Sawantwadi (SWV) at 08.20hrs on 9^th December, 2018.

11^th December (Tuesday), 2018: Departure by 10112 Konkan Kanya Exp from Sawantwadi (SWV) at 19.37hrs. Reach CSMT at 05.50hrs on 12^th December, 2018.

16^th December, 2018 – Navghar, Pali-Khopoli Road

Good time to observe birds.

Group Size: 20 only Meeting point: Swami Narayan temple, Dadar.

23rd – 30th December, 2018 – Velanad, Kalakadu, Kunthankulan, Madurai, Kanyakumari and Rameshawaram – Tamil Nadu (fast filling)

Have fun while venturing in various places of Tamil Nadu. This camp is a perfect to enjoy India’s rich heritage and her natural beauty.

Camp charges: Rs. 36,500/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs. The cost includes entry fee, food (except train journey), stay and transport from Mumbai to Trivandrum. (Rs. 35,000/- – Ex. Madurai to Trivandrum)

Registration before: 14^th August, 2018.

Journey Details: 3AC

21^st December (Friday), 2018: Departure by 11043 Madurai Express from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) at 00.15hrs. Reach Madurai JN (MDU) at 10.00hrs on 22^nd December, 2018.

Return 30^th December (Sunday), 2018: Flight from Trivandrum to Mumbai can be booked after 8.00pm. OikoEssence can book this flight at additional cost (at actual basis).

Rules & Regulations to be followed during OikoEssence Camps and Trails

Oikoessence Nature Camps and trails are educational camps and not luxury camps or picnics.
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.
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.
Participants must follow strict discipline and no misbehavior will be tolerated any participant found doing so may be requested to leave the camp.
Detailed program/itinerary of the following day will be briefed one day in advance.
Participants have to adhere to the given itinerary and no alterations by the participants will be entertained.
Participants should strictly follow the instructions of the group leader.
Smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.
Participants should take care of their belongings & valuable articles & will be solely responsible for them.
No portage will be provided.
Mineral water will not be provided unless mentioned.
OikoEssence will not be responsible for any mishap or catastrophe.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and never wear any high heels foot wear.
Please carry Water bottle, Cap, Torch, Mosquito repellents, Personal medicines and toiletries.
Do not wear any kind of perfume or deodorant while in the sanctuary.
Do not carry any music system or MP3, etc. in forest area.
Do not carry any inflammables and do not light fire in the forest area.
Do not tease any wild animal or destroy habitat of the Park or Sanctuary.
Carry clothes according to climate and season (do not wear red, white or any bright/fluorescent colours).
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.
Vehicles/transport used for local sightseeing/safaris etc mentioned in the programme are Non-AC private vehicles.

Thursday, 14 December 2017

OikoEssence Programme schedule 2018

Saturday, 9 December 2017

Odisha - Utkala report