Tuesday 29 March 2016

OikoEssence Programmes 2016. Nature trails - April to December; Nature camps - June to December

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
June, 2016

11th – 12h 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: 2nd June, 2016.
Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple opposite Dadar station (E) at 6.30am sharp.

23th – 27th June, 2016 – Archeological Aurangabad - Ajanta, Ellora, Paithan and Daulatabad
Explore ancient Indian art and architecture of UNESCO World Heritage monuments inAurangabad.
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: 19th February, 2016.
Journey Details:
23rd June (Thursday), 2016: Departure by 17617 Tapovan Express from Mumbai CST at 06.15hrs. Reach Aurangabad at 13.15hrs on 24th May, 2016.                                       
26th June (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 11402 Nandigram Exp from Aurangabad at 21.35hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 05.35hrs on 27th June, 2016.

July, 2016

9th – 10th 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: 27th June, 2016.
Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple opposite Dadar Station (E) at 6.30am sharp.

August, 2016

12th – 16th 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: 6th April, 2016.
Journey Details:
12th August (Friday), 2016: Departure by 12961 Avantika Express from BCT at 19.10hrs. Reach Indore JN BG at 09.15hrs on 13th August, 2016.                                       
15th August (Monday), 2016: Departure by 12962 Avantika Exp from Indore JN BG at 16.25hrs. Reach BCT at 06.10hrs on 16th August, 2016.

26th – 29th 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: 21st April, 2016.
Journey Details:
26th August (Friday), 2016: Departure by 171411 Mahalaxmi Express from Mumbai CST at 20.23hrs. Reach Kirloskarwadi at 04.43hrs on 27th August, 2016.                                       
28th August (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 171412 Mahalaxmi Exp from Kirloskarwadi at 22.25hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 07.25hrs on 29th August, 2016.


September, 2016

24th – 25th 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: 9th September, 2016.
Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple opposite Dadar station (E) at 6.30am sharp.

October, 2016

6th – 10th October, 2016 – Toranmal and Baripada
Toranmal is one of less crowded hill stations of Maharashtra. Explore this part of Satpudarange 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: 9th June, 2016.
Journey Details: 3AC
6th October, (Thursday), 2016: Departure by 59441 Ahmedabad Pass from BCT at 22.40hrs. Reach Nandurbar at 12.45hrs on 7th October, 2016.                                       
9th October (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 51118 DHI CSN Pass from Dhule at 19.20hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 04.05hrs on 10th October, 2016.

12th – 16th 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: 28th 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

2th – 6th November, 2016 – Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chattisgarh
Chattisgarh holds tremendous amount of biodiversity. Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary is aTiger 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: 28th June, 2016.
Journey Details: 3AC
2nd November (Wednesday), 2016: Departure by 12261 Howarh Duronto from Mumbai CST at 17.15hrs. Reach Bilaspur JN at 09.55hrs on3rd November, 2016.                                       
6th November (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 12860 Gitanjali EXP from Bilaspur JN at 00.45hrs. Reach CSTM 21.20hrs on 6th November, 2016.

20th – 26th 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 observeKaradi – 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: 15th July, 2016
Journey Details:
20th November (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 17322 LTT Hubli Exp from LTT at 21.15hrs. Reach Badami at 13.48hrs on 21st November, 2016.            
25th November – Overnight Sleeper bus Journey from Hampi to Goa.                     
26th November (Saturday), 2016: Departure by 12052 Janshatabdi Exp from Madgaon at 14.30hrs. Reach Dadar at 23.05hrs on 26th November, 2016.

December, 2016

10th – 14th 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: 5th 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).

24th – 30th 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: 20th August, 2016.
Journey Details:
24th December (Saturday), 2016: Departure by 11017 Karaikal Exp from LTT at 12.05hrs. Reach Chennai Egmore at 11.008hrs on 25th December, 2016.            
28th December (Wednesday), 2016: Departure by 11006 Chalukya Exp from Puducherry at 20.30hrs. Reach Dadar at 05.45hrs on 30th 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 
1st 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

5th June, 2016 – Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary.
Spend the world environment day in natural forest surroundings and help us in dispersingseeds 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

24th 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

7th 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

18th 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

2nd 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
 
27th 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

18th 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 2nd & Sunday 3rdApril, 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: 28th March, 2016.

This program will be conducted four batches (twice at each place). Details are as follows-
2nd 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.

3rd 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.

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