Nature Trail to Silonda in SGNP on 1st Sept 2012

Nisarga Bhraman would like to invite all nature loving & like minded people on Saturday, 1st September 2012 for a Nature Trail to Silonda in Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

About SGNP: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also know as Borivali National Park encompasses an area of around 104 sq kms. The park is located in the northern suburbs and is famous for rich flora and fauna.

This park has approximately 500 types of flowering plants, 300 species of birds, 30 species of mammals, 125 species of butterflies. It is also famous for the flowering plant named as "Karvi" which blooms every 8 years. The park is also famous for the wild cat namely the leopard. Today the park has approx 25 leopards.

About the Silonda Trail: Silonda is a restricted area of the forest. One needs to take a proper permission from the forest department before entering in it. It is a stretch of 3.5 kms (single way) for nature trail. During monsoon the road is muddy. One can trace the different color crabs & spiders in monsoon. One can also notice the Pagoda ants nest on the trees. In this area one can find different types of medicinal herbs, insects, butterflies, caterpillars, different species of birds like Racket tailed Drongo, Red whiskered Bulbul, Barbet etc. We will have a guided walk till the 2nd stream of water.

Saturday, 1st September 2012:

• Meet at Sanjay Gandhi National Park- Main Gate, Borivali at 7:15 am
• Breakfast, Registration and Introduction Session (~0.5Hrs)
• Walk from Main Gate to Silonda Trail Entrance (~0.5Hrs)
• Guided walk on the trail to Silonda (~3.0Hrs)
• Informative session about the forest (~0.5 Hrs)
• Back to Main Gate (~0.5Hrs)

We will be back to main gate by 1:00 pm approx.

The cost of the event would be Rs. 250/- for Members and Rs. 275/- for others. 

The above mentioned cost includes -
> Event Charges of SGNP
> Morning Breakfast
> Entry charges to SGNP
> All expertise and Guide charges

Call and confirm your registration with our team on contacts given below -

Hemant Naik: 9819786136
Sameer Patel: 9820972043 

Here is a list of the things to be carried by every individual -

> A haversack to put in all the stuffs.
> At least 2 Liters of water. (Compulsory)
> Binoculars, Camera, Something to munch on (Optional)
> Personal medicines if required

Few rules that we would like people to follow:

1. Smoking and possession and/or consumption of Alcohol will strictly not be permitted on the event & would lead to expulsion from the trek.

2. Do not play loud music / shout in the jungle premises. That disturbs animals and reduce sighting chances.
3. The leader’s decision will be final and binding on all members. No Arguments will be entertained.
4. Each member will be responsible for his/her own safety and baggage.
5. Please do not wear any jewelry or gold chains/rings.
6. Please do not litter, we believe in the saying, “Wherever you go, leave only your footprints and take back only memories”

Guided Walk to the Highest Point Trail on 25th Aug 2012

In the city of overwhelming contrast, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) is a green oasis encircled by a wholly man-made landscapes. The park embraces a wide range of habitats - dry, cactus strewn rocky plateaus, miles of mix deciduous forest, pockets of semi-evergreen vegetation, the two sprawling reservoirs of Tulsi and Vihar, a mix of marshland and scrub and a mangrove creek.
It is hardly surprising that the region has a wealth of biodiversity. Rewarding nature walks can be enjoyed here. There are more than 800 species of flowering plants. Nearly 300 species of birds are the park's chief attraction.
1st October to 7th October is celebrated as a World Environment Week.

Join Nisarga Bhraman to the guided walk and hike to the 'Highest Point Trail' in core areas of SGNP on 25th August 2012.
About the trail:
The trail to Jambhulmaal, the highest point (846 Mtrs) in the park, winds through dense deciduous forest. The name Jambhulmaal is believed to be derived from the presence of the evergreen jambhul (marathi name for Jamun or Black Plum).  A trail is roughly 2.5kms from the gate of Kanheri Caves.
A range of woodland birds is sighted on this trail. In the monsoon Jambhulmaal is carpeted with lush herbage. The tall karvi is the park's most abundant shrub whose purple flowers appear once every eight years. A few ground orchids bloom between late August and September, one of very few sites for these rather peculiar flowers.
At the mountain top, as raptors soar and dip, a panoramic view of the forested Tulsi Valley and Tulsi and Vihar Lakes greets the eye. The shimmering Powai Lake and sprawling suburbs are seen in the distance.

The itinerary for the event is as given below:

Saturday 25th August 2012:

• Meet at Sanjay Gandhi National Park- Main Gate, Borivali at 7:15am
• Breakfast, Registration and Introduction Session (~0.5Hrs)
• Travel towards Kanheri Caves (~0.25Hrs)
• Guided walk and Hike on the trail to Jambhulmaal (~2Hrs)
• Halt for Lunch (~0.5 Hrs)
• Informative session about the forest (~0.5 Hrs)
• Descend back to Kanheri Caves (~1.5Hrs)
• Visit to 1st BC era Buddhist Caves if time permits 
• Travel back to Main Gate.

The cost of the event would be Rs. 375/- for Members and Rs. 400/- for others. 

The above mentioned cost includes -
> Event Charges of SGNP
> Morning Breakfast
> Entry charges to SGNP and Kanheri
> Travel from SGNP gate to Kanheri and back
> All expertise and Guide charges

Call and confirm your registration with our team on contacts given below -

Hemant Naik: 9819786136
Sameer Patel: 9820972043

Here is a list of the things to be carried by every individual - 

> A haversack to put in all the stuffs.
> Lunch for the day, at least 2 Liters of water. (Compulsory)
> Binoculars, Camera, Something to munch on (Optional)
> Personal medicines if required

Few rules that we would like people to follow:

1. Smoking and possession and/or consumption of Alcohol will strictly not be permitted on the event & would lead to expulsion from the trek.2. Do not play loud music / shout in the jungle premises. That disturbs animals and reduce sighting chances.
3. The leader’s decision will be final and binding on all members. No Arguments will be entertained.
4. Each member will be responsible for his/her own safety and baggage.
5. Please do not wear any jewelry or gold chains/rings.
6. Please do not litter, we believe in the saying, “Wherever you go, leave only your footprints and take back only memories”

One day trek to Ulhas Valley on 29th July 2012

We at Nisarga Bhraman have arranged a one day trek to Ulhas Valley near Khandala on 29th July 2012.
 
About the place: Ulhas valley in monsoon is surrounded by lots of waterfalls on the green mountains. This is a popular destination for people in Mumbai and Pune. We will be descending the valley to reach and drench in the wonderful waterfall which is a source of Ulhas River. Then with the satisfied soul, we will climb through many streams and waterfalls. This is how it is exactly opposite of any other trek where we first climb and then descend.

Plan:

Sunday, 29th July 2012:
 

Meet at Sanjay Gandhi National Park Entrance, Borivali at 6:00 Hrs
Start the journey and pick ups in between.

People residing on Central Line / Harbour Line can join us at Sion, Vashi or Panvel.

Travel to the base by Private vehicle (~2.5 Hrs)
Breakfast (~0.5 Hrs)
Introduction and Rules and regulations (0.25 Hrs) 
Start the Trek / Descend by 9:30 Hrs

Reach the Ulhas Valley waterfall by 11:30 Hrs
Drench in the waterfall and enjoy at the fullest (~ 1 Hrs)
Lunch Break (~0.5 Hrs)
Ascend back and reach to the starting point by 15:30 Hrs
Evening Tea
Travel back to Mumbai by Private vehicle (~2.5 Hrs)
Reach Borivali by 20:00 Hrs (tentative)

  

The cost of the event would be Rs. 480/- for members, Guest Fees Rs. 50/- extra.

The above cost includes- Transport by Private Vehicle, Breakfast, Tea, Evening Refreshments, Guide charges only.

Note: One has to carry their own lunch for the day. 

Hand over the cash in Person in co-ordination with our team or transfer on the account -

Name of A/c Holder: Sameer M. Patel
Bank & Branch: Central Bank of India, TIFR, Churchgate Branch
A/c Number: 1451108345
RTGS/IFSC code: CBIN0283996

If interested, please get in touch with us at the numbers given below:

Hemant Naik: 9819786136

Sameer Patel: 9820972043

Important Note: Limited seats - available on First come First served basis. Maximum Participants = 25 Nos.

Here is a list of all the things that need to be carried for the trek:

1. A haversack to put in all the things to be carried. So that one has ones hands free while trekking.

2. Lunch for the Day (Compulsory)
3. At least 1 set of spare clothes with a towel and napkin.

4. At least 2 liters of water (Compulsory)

5. Windcheater, extra plastic bags to keep your wet clothes.

6. Optional: Camera & something to munch on.

7. Personal medicines if any.
8. Wrap everything in a plastic bag to protect from rains.

Regards,

Waterfall Rappelling at Bhivpuri on 11th and 12th August 2012 with Nisarga Bhraman

After a great response from our members for the waterfall rappelling on 7th July, we are glad to announce one more event this monsoon to experience the adrenaline rush while rappelling down a majestic waterfall at Bhivpuri on Saturday, 11th August and Sunday 12th August 2012.

Bekre Waterfall Reppliing                                                                Photo By: Sameer Patel

Here is some Info about Waterfall:
Height of the Rappel: 80 Feet (Approx)
Grade: Easy
Base Village: Bekare

Plan:
Rendezvous: Meet up at Dadar station (Central Railway) Platform no.4 at the extreme Thane/Kalyan end @ 06.30hrs.

The train that we will be boarding is the 07.03hrs Karjat fast halting at Kurla, Ghatkopar, Thane, Dombivali, Kalyan & all stations after Kalyan.

Note 1: Please ensure that you purchase your own return tickets for Karjat
 

Note 2: Missing out on the 07.03hrs Karjat Local would mean that you will have to board the 07.25hrs Mumbai-Pune Deccan express from Platform no.5. & proceed to Karjat & then immediately board the Karjat-CST local from Platform no.3 (Please note: Local Tickets not valid on this Express)
 

Note 3: Participants from Pune are supposed to board the 11010 Pune-Mumbai Sinhagad Express leaving Pune station @ 06.05hrs. One can also board from Shivajinagar (06.10), Khadki (06.15), Pimpri (06.25), & Chinchwad (06.30). On getting off at Karjat, board the local waiting on PF3 for Bhivpuri. Please buy a ticket till Neral/Kalyan 

The itinerary for the Event is as given below:

Train from Dadar to Bhivpuri Rd. (~1.5hrs)
Travel from Station to Bekre village (~0.5hrs)
Introductions & Breakfast (~0.25hrs)
Hike from base to Waterfall (~0.5hrs)
Instructions & Demonstration (0.5hrs)
Post instructions, each participant will get one Rappel down the gushing waterfall.
We would be back at Dadar @ 20.00hrs (Subjective)

The cost of this Event would be Rs. 500/- for Members (Guest Fee – Rs.50/-) and would include:
> Travel from Bhivpuri to Bekre & back
> 1 Veg Breakfast and Tea
> 1 Simple Veg lunch
> Tea in the evening
> An Exciting Rappel on a Beautiful Waterfall (inclusive of equipment charges).

If interested, please get in touch with us at the earliest as we have limited seats:

Hemant Naik: 9819786136
Sameer Patel: 9820972043

Hand over the cash in Person in co-ordination with our team or transfer on the account -

Name of A/c Holder: Sameer M. Patel
Bank & Branch: Central Bank of India, TIFR, Churchgate Branch
A/c Number: 1451108345
RTGS/IFSC code: CBIN0283996
 
What to Expect:

1. Each participant will get an opportunity to rappel down the waterfall only once. If anyone is interested to repeat, then the same would be only allowed after all participants are done & at an additional cost.
 

2. Please wear appropriate footwear & clothes. Eg: Sandals/Chappals to be avoided, wear shoes/floaters. Also avoid wearing Jeans as they tend to become heavy when wet & can also cause skin rashes, wear Track Pants, Shorts, etc.
 

3. Travel from the station to Bhivpuri & back would be in an Open “Tempo”, so people accustomed to Luxury travel may steer clear. Only those seeking adventure & the fun/thrill of riding in an open Tempo in the rains welcome!
 

4. Minor scratches, bruises, & bumps may be the order of the day for a handful lucky chaps while rappelling, please come with an open mind about it. On our part, we would have a fully stocked medical kit to treat all injuries.
 

5. Lunch would be provided at the top of the waterfall & would be a simple affair comprising of Roti, Sabji, Dal, Rice, Pappad, & Pickle. (The magic of the rains, coupled with the thrill of the rappel combined with the local flavor adds spice to the food) Those wanting a more lavish spread can be gracious enough to get their own food.
 

6. There is no shelter on top of the waterfall, so please carry an umbrella if you are the finicky kind who does not enjoy eating your lunch while its raining.
 

7. There are no toilet facilities once we leave the cozy confines of the railway station. So either be shameless enough to throw all shyness to the winds or maybe down the waterfall or Close your eyes while adding to the waterfall & pray no one sees you!
 

8. A local villager’s home would be available for changing clothes on getting back down.
 

9. Those wishing to leave early post the rappel will have to arrange for their own transport to the station.
 

10. Following the instructions & the advice of the instructor during the rappel would be in the participant’s best interest!
 

11. And last but definitely not the very least, get your cheerful self to the waterfall, have a great time, & enjoy.

Important Information:

Here is a list of all the things that need to be carried for the trek:
1. A haversack to put in all the things to be carried....so that one has ones hands free while trekking. Please do not carry sling bags or Jholas.
2. At least 1 set of spare clothes with a towel and napkin.
3. Soap and other accompaniments.
4. Optional: Camera & something to munch on.
5. At least 1 litre of water.

Few rules that we would like people to follow:

 
1. Alcohol will strictly not be permitted on the trek. Anyone found in possession of the same or consuming it will be expelled from the trek.
2. Smoking will only be permitted after consultation with the Leader and the person will have to move away from the group to smoke.
3. The leader’s decision will be final and binding on all members. No Arguments will be entertained.
4. Each member will be responsible for his/her own safety and baggage.
5. Please do not wear any jewelry or gold chains/rings.
6. Please do not litter, we believe in the saying, “Wherever you go, leave only your footprints and take back only memories”