Goa - Castle Rock - Tambdi Surla - A Herpetofauna Tour

Goa – A Herpetofauna Paradise

Dear All,

We at ‘Nisarg Trust’ invite you to ‘Goa – A Herpetofauna paradise’, with an expert to guide you  from 2^nd – 4^th August 2013 leaving 1^st August night and returning 5^th August early morning.

Source: Internet

Goa is India’s smallest state by area. Located in West India in the Konkan region, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the North and by Karnataka to the East and South, while the Arabian sea forms its west coast. The historic city ‘Madgaon’ still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese, who first landed in the early 16th century as merchants and conquered it soon thereafter. Goa is a former Portuguese province. The Portuguese overseas territory of Portuguese India existed for about 450 years until it was annexed by India in 1961. Though Goa is a famous tourist destination for Indians as well as foreigners, known for its beaches, places of worship, not many know that this place is extremely rich in Herpetofauna (Amphibians, Reptiles), wildflowers and birds. Home to myriad species of Amphibians, Goa - Castle rock is a must visit place in monsoon for all the nature enthusiasts.

                Join us to explore these fantastic places in Goa – Tambdi Surla, Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctury, Castle Rock. Amazing nature trails, beautiful scenery, loads of Amphibians to look for, local Goan food, waterfalls, in all a perfect destination for a short holiday.

Situated in the north of Western Ghats, Bhagwan Mahavir WLS is a 240 sq km of protected area situated along the eastern border of Goa and forms a part of one of the largest contiguous patches of protected areas in the Central Western Ghats. The annual rainfall exceeds 3,000 mm. While, Castle Rock is located in the Western Ghats on Karnataka state's border with Goa at an elevation of 2,040 ft. Located at height in a heavily forested area, Castle Rock's vegetation is moist tropical deciduous and harbors a variety of Biodiversity including some amazing orchids.

Home to innumerable species of animals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and medicinal plants, this region has contributed generously to our country’s bio-diversity. The valley, hemmed in at all sides, looks protected, sheltered, unexplored, and holding in its secrets. Dense brown green foliage, roots above and below, intertwined branches, creepers, and moss hanging like an afro-braid from branch after branch. Layers of fog surround us, weaving a shroud of mystery as to what lay ahead. At times the strong winds clear the path before us, unfolding a   panoramic view of the scenic forest. The walks to Tambdi Surla Temple, Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary & Castle Rock offer fantastic opportunities to explore these rich forests and also offer spectacular views of the forests, waterfalls and the valleys in the Konkan area.

Tambdi Surla temple situated at Tambdi village is historically important as the same has been built by the Hemadri, the minister of Yadava king Ramchandra during the 12th Century. It is the oldest temple in Goa, located just 13 kms from Mollem. The Jain style construction has led to debates about the origins of the temple, since the Kadamba dynasty ruled Goa between the tenth and fourteenth centuries. The temple is built in the Hemadpanthi style from basalt, carried across the mountains from the Deccan plateau and carved craftsmen. It is considered to be the only specimen of Kadamba-Yadava architecture in basalt stone preserved and available in Goa. The surrounding forest is dense and harbors quite a variety of western ghat bio-diversity. The Hump-nosed Pit Viper is especially abundant here.

The "Leeches" too are in plenty, but with leech guards and the enthusiastic spirit of the participants, coupled with the great sightings, you would not be bothering much about them.

Itinerary:

1^st August 2013 at 9:30 PM: Meeting point will be decided later.

2^nd August: Reach Madgaon by 9 am. Move to "Nature's Nest campsite near Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary. Lunch, Mini nature trail, Return to camp, Dinner, Night trail to the periphery of Bhagwan Mahavir WLS.

3^rd August: After breakfast, another trail in Bhagwan Mahavir WLS, Lunch, Evening trail to Castle Rock area, Dinner, Night trail near the campus.

4^th August: After breakfast, Tambdi Surla forest trail, Lunch, Proceed to Madgaon, Reptiles watching along the way, Leave for Mumbai, Dinner on the way. Reach Mumbai by 5^th August early morning.

Please note that this is primarily a 'Herpetofauna Tour.' We do not have any provision for sightseeing in this itinerary. Also, this is tentative itinerary. There might be some changes and decision will be made runtime.

Cost: 8500/-

               

Includes:

Mumbai to Mumbai transport charges.

Breakfast, lunch, Evening Refreshments, Dinner for 3 days.

Entry Fees.

Expert’s charges.

Accommodation on twin/triple sharing basis at Nature’s nest campsite.

Excludes:

Dinner on 1^st August.

Mineral Water

Soft Drinks

Anything that is not mentioned under ‘Includes’.

Kindly go through the Rules and Regulations before registration.

Registration / Queries:

Ruturaj: 9158266904

Anup: 7798050085

Register yourself by paying 4000/- in advance (Non-refundable)

Mode of Payment:

1. Online transfer. 

Axis Bank Account No: 911010053009069
Branch: Badlapur, Thane(MH)
Name: Ruturaj S Joshi

IFSC Code: UTIB0001342

After transaction please email us transaction id along with your name, participants details (Name, Email, Mobile number) at nisargtrust@gmail.com

2. Cash Payment: Pay 4000/- at the following address:

Nisarg Trust, Ground floor, Telavane Tower, Near Railway station, Badlapur (East)

3. Courier a cheque of Rs. 4000/- to the following address:
            Name: Nisarg Trust

Address: Granthsakha, Opposite Telavane Tower, Near Railway station, Badlapur (East) - 421503

Things to be carried:

Identity proof

Torch with extra batteries (MUST)

Clothing for all days

Raincheater (We expect heavy rains throughout)

Camera, Binocular (Optional)

Good footwears

Personal Medicines

Other accessories.

Avoid wearing gold or other ornaments.