BNHS Bi-monthly programmes for November-December 2017
Date : November-December 2017

BI-MONTHLY PROGRAMMES
NOVEMBER-DECMEBER 2017

INDEX
November
12th November Karnala Bird Sanctuary
19th November Shilonda Trail: SGNP
26th November Kanheri Upper Trail: SGNP

December
3rd December Nagla Block Trail: SGNP
9th & 10th December Bird Identification Workshop
17th December Karnala Bird Sanctuary
24th December Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

2018
January
12th – 14th January Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary

National Camps
November Golden Triangle – (FULL)
December Wild Rajasthan Little Rann of Kutch

2018
January Leopard Country–Bera and Mount Abu
March Wild Assam–Gibbon Sanctuary, Kaziranga & Nameri NP
Mishmi Hills & Maguri Bheel
April Great Himalayan National Park
Kanha National Park
May Corbett NP & Nainital (Sattal, Bhimtal & Pangot)
Tadoba NP

Upcoming Camps
February
Lakshadweep Islands

NATIONAL CAMPS
November, 2017
GOLDEN TRIANGLE – Ranthambore, Keoladeo and Chambal
Dates: 18th – 23rd November, 2017 (FULL)

December, 2017
WILD RAJASTHAN
Tal Chhapar, Jorbeed, Kheechan and Desert National Park
Join BNHS on an expedition through Rajasthan exploring some of the most spectacular sites for desert life. Kheechan: Witness one of the most amazing spectacles of bird congregation, over 9,000 Demoiselle Cranes in the small village of Kheechan. Every winter the village plays host to these cranes, which make Kheechan one of the best places to see and photograph these normally shy birds.

Jorbeed: An ideal place to see endangered vultures is the carcass dump at Jorbeed. It is also famous for the rare and Vulnerable Yellow-eyed Pigeon which are seen in flocks around the dump, and birds like Griffon Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Punjab Raven, and Imperial Eagle.

Desert National Park: This is the best place to see the Critically Endangered Great Indian Bustard. During winter, the Park comes alive with an array of birds like four species of wheatears namely Isabelline, Desert, Variable, and Red-tailed, Common Kestrel, White-rumped Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Houbara Bustard, White-browed Bushchat, Desert Warbler, Desert Lark, Bimaculated Lark, Black-crowned Finch-Lark, Short-toed Eagle, and Long-legged Buzzard. Mammals like Desert Fox, Chinkara, Desert Cat, Indian Wolf, and Indian Gerbil can be seen here.

Tal Chhapar Sanctuary: If your idea of paradise is golden grasses with graceful antelopes leaping about and a variety of birds living in harmony, then Tal Chhapar is the place to visit. It is the perfect place to see raptors like Greater Spotted Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Merlin, Laggar Falcon, Greater Short-toed Lark, Rufous-tailed Lark, Sand Lark, and Sociable Lapwing. It is also one of the few places where to see the rare Spotted Creeper.
Grade: Easy
Dates: 23rd – 28th December, 2017
Group Leader: Mr. Asif Khan
Charges: Rs. 29,900/- for members, and Rs. 31,400/- for others (ex-Jaipur/Jodhpur)
Charges Include: Pickup and drop as per itinerary, local travel, entry fee, all meals and accommodation on twin-sharing basis.
Reporting: Day One at Jaipur Jn. railway station at 07:30 a.m. Drop on last day at Jodhpur railway station at 06:00 p.m. Kindly book your ticket accordingly. Note: Kindly book your ticket as early as possible (Vacation rush).
How to Reach: Jaipur – DEE Garibrath (12216) reaches Jaipur Jn at 07:05 a.m. Return: Jodhpur–Surya Nagri Exp (12479). Flight – Jaipur and Jodhpur are also well connected with direct flights.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811, Mon–Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at [email protected]

LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH

Known for being the last refuge for the Indian Wild Ass, Little Rann of Kutch is a large salt marsh situated in Gujarat. The Little Rann of Kutch is a birding paradise and a Ramsar Site. Birding at the lakes and marshes is very rewarding. In winter, Demoiselle and Common Crane are seen in large numbers. Flamingos, pelicans, storks, ibises, spoonbills, a variety of ducks and other waterfowl are also seen. The Rann is also the hunting ground of raptors like Short-toed Eagle, buzzards, Aquila eagles, six species of falcon, and three species of harrier. It is one of the few places where hundreds of harriers can be seen roosting on open ground at night. And of course, it is the perfect place to see the Indian Wild Ass. The main carnivores of the Little Rann are the Indian Wolf, Desert Fox, Indian Fox, Jackal, Desert and Jungle Cat, and Striped Hyena. The elegant Blackbuck, Nilgai or Blue Bull, and Chinkara are the other mammals seen.

Grade: Easy
Dates: 9th–12th December, 2017
Group Leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri
Camp Charges: Rs. 19,900/- for members, and Rs. 21,400/- for others (ex Ahmedabad)
Accommodation: Twin sharing at Rann Riders
Reporting: Ahmedabad railway station at 08:00 a.m. on Day One. Drop off at Ahmedabad at 06:00 p.m. on the last day
How to Reach: Ahmedabad is well connected by air, rail, and road with major cities. Rail: You can take BCT Duronto Exp (12268) which leaves Mumbai late at night and arrives in Ahmedabad early next morning; there are many other trains which arrive in Ahmedabad early morning
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at [email protected].

January, 2018
LEOPARD COUNTRY – BERA AND MOUNT ABU

Bera: Bera is a small town situated in Rajasthan, with a considerable leopard population. Bera has in recent years developed a reputation for being one of the best places to see and photograph leopards, and it is aptly known as “Leopard Country”. Situated in the Aravalli Hills near the River Jawai, Bera offers great landscapes as well. Besides the “Prince of the Jungle” the leopard, Bera also offers sightings of Sloth Bear, Hyena, and Marsh Crocodile.

Mount Abu: Famous as a hill station in Rajasthan, the forest surrounding Mount Abu is rich with an array of endemic birds. The most famous perhaps is the Green Avadavat, a vulnerable and endemic munia, and Abu is one of the best places to spot it. Mount Abu is also home to birds like Indian Pygmy Woodpecker, Indian Blackbird, Indian Yellow Tit, Tawny-bellied Babbler, and White-bellied Drongo.

Grade: Easy
Dates: 24th – 28th January, 2018
Charges: Rs. 32,000/- for members, and Rs. 33,500/- for others
Group Leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri
Reporting: Ahmedabad railway station at 06:30 a.m. on Day One. Drop off at Ahmedabad at 05:00 p.m. on the last day
How to Reach: Ahmedabad is well connected by air, rail, and road with major cities. Rail: You can take BCT Duronto Exp (12268) which leaves Mumbai late at night and arrives in Ahmedabad early next morning; there are many other trains which arrive in Ahmedabad early morning
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at [email protected]

March, 2018
WILD ASSAM –Gibbon Sanctuary, Kaziranga & Nameri National Park

Kaziranga National Park is a World Heritage Site and home to 65% of the world population of the One-horned Rhinoceros. Herds of Barasingha, Hog Deer and Wild Buffalo are seen in the marshes. Rhinos browse unconcernedly as visitors pass by and occasionally a herd of elephants or wild boar is also sighted. One of the best places in India to see Pied Harrier and other raptors like Crested Serpent-eagle, Pallas’s Fish-eagle, and Grey-headed Fish-eagle, which can be seen circling overhead.

Gibbon Sanctuary – now known as the Hoolongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is one of the best places to see India’s only primate the Endangered Western Hoolock Gibbon. The Sanctuary is also a good place to see other threatened primates like Near Threatened Assamese Macaque, Vulnerable Capped Langur, Stump-tailed Macaque and Northern Pig-tailed Macaque. It is also good for birdwatching with over 200 species (e.g. Purple Woodpigeon, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Red-headed Trogon, and Long-tailed Sibia) recorded from the sanctuary.

Nameri National Park is a birder’s paradise and more than 300 species of birds have been recorded here – four species of Hornbills like Great, Wreathed, Oriental Pied, and Rufous-necked Hornbill can be seen here. Other birds like Pale-chinned and Little Pied Flycatcher, Green-billed Malkoha, Great Thick-knee, Blue-throated, Lineated and Blue-eared Barbet, Red-breasted Parakeet, Orange-bellied and Gold-fronted Leafbird, Ibisbill, Long-tailed and Silver-breasted Broadbill, Small Niltava, Black Baza and the elusive White-winged Duck are also seen.

Grade: Easy (Short walks for bird watching)
Date: 13th – 18th March, 2018 (ex Guwahati).
Group leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri
Charges: Rs.35,700/- for members, and Rs. 37,200/- for others
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis.
Reporting: Members to meet on day one at Guwahati at 7:00 a.m. at Hotel Mayur in the lobby (Tel: 0361-2734855 to 61), Paltan Bazar, opposite Guwahati railway station. Return on last day after breakfast to reach Guwahati at lunch time. You are advised to arrive at Guwahati one day prior to the first day of the camp and leave Guwahati one day later.
Cost includes: Accommodation in Kaziranga & Nameri, meals (B/L/D) from first day lunch to last day lunch, transfers from and to Guwahati, permits, and entry to park.

Cost excludes: Flight/rail tickets, all expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages, camera fees, stay in Guwahati, any cost not specified above.
Registration*: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811/22871202 or email [email protected]

MARCH
Mishmi Hills & Maguri Bheel
Mishmi Hills: Situated at the North-eastern tip of India, Mishmi Hills is mostly part of the Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh. Complex hill system of varying elevations and varying forest types makes Mishmi Hills a birders paradise. With more than 600 species of birds like Satyr Tragopan, Blyth’s Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Mishmi Wren Babbler, Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill, Green Cochoa, Purple Cochoa, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Fire-tailed Sunbird, grosbeaks, rosefinches, bullfinches, laughingthrushes and many more.

Maguri Bheel: Part of the Dibru Saikhowa National Park and an Important Bird Area, it is located on the Dibru river, which is a channel of the Brahmaputra. Maguri Bheel is famous for rarities like Jerdon’s Babbler, Jerdon’s Bushchat, Baikal Teal, Falcated Duck, and Swamp Francolin. Birds like Striated Grassbird, Northern Shoveller, Bar-headed Goose, Pied Harrier, Northern lapwing, and Mallard can also be seen here.

Grade: Easy-Moderate (Walks for bird watching)
Date: 4th – 9th March, 2018 (ex Dibrugarh).
Charges: Rs. 30,700/- for members, and Rs. 32,200/- for others
Accommodation: Twin/Triple sharing basis. Due to the remoteness of the camp area, accommodations will be basic.
Reporting: Members to meet on day one at Tinsukia Bus Stand (Assam State Transport Corporation Bus Station) at 7:00 a.m. Drop on last day to Dibrughar Airport at 11.00 a.m.
The participants are requested to arrive in Tinsukia one day prior.
How to get there:
The best way to reach is to take flights to Dibrughar Airport, Tinsukia is about 40 km from the airport, one can take a private cab to reach Tinsukia.
Cost includes: All accommodation, meals (B/L/D) from first day lunch to last day breakfast, transfers from Tinsukia and drop to Dibrughar Airport, permits, and entry to park.
Cost excludes: Flight tickets, all expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages, stay in Tinsukia, and any cost not specified above.
Registration*: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811/22871202 or email [email protected]

April 2018
GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK
The Great Himalayan National Park is carved out of the splendid mountain terrain of Kullu district, and is the largest protected area in Himachal Pradesh. The secluded Tirthan valley harbours a variety of wildlife common to this area – wild mountain goats like the Bharal, Goral and Serow, the Himalayan Brown Bear, and predators like the Leopard and the very rare Snow Leopard. Birds like Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, Bearded Vulture, and Himalayan Parakeet can be seen during the trek.

Grade: Moderate, three day hike from Ecozone into Park, daily 8–10 km gradual gradient walk among the hill forests taking about 5 –7 hrs.
Date: 21st – 27th April, 2018 (ex Delhi).
Group leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri
Charges: Rs. 26,900/- for members, and Rs. 28,100/- for others
Accommodation: Dormitory at Sai Ropa/Homestays and twin sharing tents during the treks. Sleeping bag and mat will be provided.
Reporting: Majnu-ka-Tila (Petrol Pump), at 5:00 p.m. on Day One. Drop on last day at 08:00 a.m.; kindly book your train/flights after 1:00 p.m. on the last day.
How to reach: Majnu-ka-Tila is about 5 km from Delhi ISBT opposite the Tibetan Village on the main MG Marg. There is a petrol pump on the main road, most private buses operate from there. We recommend traveling via the Airport Metro till New Delhi Metro Station and asking for a cab or an auto-rickshaw to drive you to Majnu-ka-Tila.
Cost includes: Delhi-Kullu-Delhi transport by Volvo, local transport in Kullu, food (except during the Volvo journey), accommodation in dormitories and tents, permits to the GHNP, and BNHS expertise.
Cost Excludes: Any personal expenses, porterage (porters can be made available at extra cost on prior notice).
Note: Home stay, and Tented accommodation during trek with basic facility and trench toilets, participants will have to rough it out.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811, Mon–Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at [email protected]

KANHA NATIONAL PARK

It is believed that the forest of Kanha National Park inspired Rudyard Kipling to write “The Jungle Book”. Explore the famous meadows and tropical moist dry deciduous forests of Kanha with the BNHS. This season offers the sightings of the majestic Tiger, Indian Bison or Gaur – world’s tallest bovid, and Sambar – India’s largest deer. The Park is the only place where the threatened Southern Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi) survives. Other animals like Blue Bull, Four-horned Antelope, three types of deer: Barking, Spotted and Mouse; Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Honey Badger and Indian Jackal are seen. This is a good time for birds like Crested Hawk-eagle, Spotted Owlet, Red-collared Dove, Eurasian Thick-knee, Hoopoe, Brown Fish-owl, and Grey-headed Fish Eagle.

Grade: Easy
Date: 28th April – 1st May, 2018 (Ex-Nagpur)
Batch Limit: 14
Group leader: Mr. Asif Khan
Camp Charges: Rs. 33,900/- for Members and Rs. 35,100/-for others (ex-Nagpur).
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis.
Reporting: Outside Nagpur Railway Station at 8:00 a.m. Drop at Nagpur on last day at 6:00 p.m.
How to Reach: Nagpur is well connected by flights. By rail one can take the Nagpur Duronto (12289) or Sewagram Exp (12139) both of which reach Nagpur before 7:30 a.m. Similarly for return Nagpur Duronto (12290) or Sewagram Exp (12140) can be booked. Registration*: Call at Hornbill House (022)-22871202/22821811 or e-mail at [email protected]

May, 2017
CORBETT NATIONAL PARK & NAINITAL (SATTAL, BHIMTAL & PANGOT)

Corbett National Park was created in 1936, the first wildlife park of India. Besides Tiger and Asian Elephant, the area is known for a large number of sub-Himalayan species and in the summer an equally large number of breeding migrants that come from north Indian plains and peninsular India. We can see Great Hornbill, Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, Tawny Fish Owl, Collared Falconet, both Pallas’s and Lesser Fish-eagles, Hooded Pitta, Grey Treepie, White-crested Laughingthrush, Dollarbird, and Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler.

Pangot, Sattal, and Bhimtal area is known as a bird watcher’s paradise, and the “Nainital Hills” live up to their name with more than 200 species seen here. Sattal is also a photographer’s paradise. One can see three types of pheasants namely Cheer, Koklas and Kalij Pheasant, as well as Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Long-billed Ground-thrush, Red-headed Laughingthrush, Spotted Laughingthrush, Great Barbet, Chestnut-bellied Rock-thrush, Lammergeier, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Spot-winged Tit, Black-lored Tit, Striated Prinia, Red-billed Leiothrix, Blue-winged Minla, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Lesser Yellownape, Spotted Forktail, Rufous Sibia, and Yellow-breasted Greenfinch.

Dates: 12th – 16th May, 2018
Batch Limit: 18
Group Leader: Asif Kha
n Camp Charges: Rs. 31,400/- for Members and Rs. 32,600/-for others (ex-Delhi).
Accommodation: Twin Sharing
Cost includes: All accommodation, meals (B/L/D) from first day lunch to last day breakfast, transfers to and from New Delhi, permits, and entry to Park.
Reporting: Pick up from New Delhi Railway Station at 6:00 a.m. and drop to New Delhi Railway Station at 7:30 p.m. on the last day. You are advised to book your tickets to arrive in New Delhi one day prior. There are several options to stay in Pahar Ganj near the New Delhi Railway Station.
How to get there: New Delhi is well connected by air and train.
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 22871202/22821811, Mon-Fri 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. or e-mail at [email protected].
Registration*: Call at Hornbill House 022-22821811/22871202 or e-mail at [email protected]

TADOBA NATIONAL PARK

Created in 1955, Tadoba National Park is Maharashtra's oldest National Park. It is one of India's 28 Project Tiger reserves. Situated in Chandrapur district, the National Park covers 623 sq. km of two forested areas, the Tadoba and Andhari range. Along with tigers, Tadoba is home to the Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Wild Dog, Hyena, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Blue Bull, Four-horned Antelope, and Barking Deer. Tadoba Lake is home to Marsh Crocodile. It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise; one can see a good variety of birds like Indian Pitta, White-eyed Buzzard, Pied Cuckoo, Stork-billed Kingfisher, and Painted Sandgrouse.

Dates: 26th – 29th May, 2016 (ex Nagpur).
Batch Limit: 14
Note: Since the safari bookings open 120 days in advance, kindly register for this camp before 22nd January, 2018, to avoid disappointment.
Group leader: Mr. Vandan Jhaveri
Camp fees: Rs. 18,200/- for members and Rs. 19,700/- for others (ex Nagpur).
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis.
Reporting: Outside Nagpur railway station, near Comesum food court at 9:00 a.m. and drop on the last day at 2:00 p.m. Please book your train / air tickets accordingly.
How to get there: Sewagram Exp (12139) and Nagpur Duronto (12289) both arrive in Nagpur well before 9:00 a.m.
Cost includes: Accommodation, meals (B/L/D) first day lunch to last day breakfast, transfers to/from Nagpur, Safari charges and entry to the Park.
Cost excludes: Flight/rail tickets, all expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages, camera fees, any cost not specified above.
Registration*: Kindly contact us at 022-22871202/22821811 or e-mail us at [email protected]

UPCOMING CAMPS

FEBRUARY
Lakshadweep Islands
Lakshadweep is a group of islands, 200–440 km off the southwest coast of India. These islands form the smallest union territory of the country. The Lakshadweep region has about 600 species of fish, 78 species of coral and over 100 species of other marine invertebrates. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the fascinating life under water.
For details: Kindly contact us at 022-22821811/22871202 or email [email protected]

* Note: -
* If you are registering for any of the programmes, it is assumed that you have read and agreed to all the Rules and Guidelines.
* Rules and Guidelines for BNHS programmes are available on our website: www.bnhs.org.
* If you are booking a flight for any camp, it is highly recommended to book refundable tickets.
* All the surplus generated through the activities of the programme department are utilized for conservation of wildlife.
* It is also recommended to take travel insurance when travelling for any camp.
* The camp is subject to cancellation if the minimum number of participation is not reached.