Ficus, wildlife and natural history tours, has scheduled four treks in South India. The trip to Point Calimere(January 7 to 10, 2010) will see participants go on a birding expedition to the globally recognised wetland (Ramsar site) during the peak wintering season of birds.
This is an ideal tour for bird-watchers keen on recording several sub-continental wetland rarities among the 250-plus species of birds recorded from the location. Sometimes, dolphins and the threatened dugongs, a large sea mammal, can be sighted. The trip costs Rs. 12, 500 (Ex-Chennai, per person), and the last date to sign-up is December 25.
Ghermalam (January 30 to February 2, 2010), located at the junction between the Eastern and Western Ghats, where the BR Hills and Nilgiris meet, is rich in peninsular wildlife, birds and scenery of the surrounding, forested hills.
The landscape is within an important migratory corridor for elephants, and is home to tigers and leopards. Birdlife is excellent. The trip costs Rs. 10,500 (ex-Coimbatore, per person).
Pampadum Shola National Park (February 5 to 8, 2010) is located in a landscape of ‘shola' and plantation forests in the junction between the Palani and Cardamom Hills. This trek is ideal for wildlife and bird enthusiasts, photographers, naturalists and adventurers. The group will explore a fine patch of ‘shola'in the Western Ghats of Kerala.The cost will be Rs. 12,500 (ex-Cochin, per person).
Gavi (February 19 to 22, 2010) is ideal for wildlife and bird enthusiasts, photographers, naturalists and adventurers. Gavi is located among moist tropical forests and grasslands, adjacent to the famous Periyar Tiger Reserve, in Kerala. You can sight the Asian elephant, tiger, leopard and gaur, besides the endangered lion-tailed macaque, brown palm civet, brown mongoose and Nilgiri marten. The trip costs Rs. 12,500 (ex-Chennai, per person)
For details, mail contact@ficuswildlife.net, visit www.ficuswildlife.net or call 99419-18519 or 93831-14321.
Explore Coorg
Rotary Mysore Adventure Corps and International Academy of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (IAMAS) will organise trekking expedition in the Coorg Range of the Western Ghats from December 25 to 27, 2009. Tadiyendamol, the tallest peak in Kodagu, is a paradise for Nature lovers and trekkers. The programme includes a trek from Kakabe to Tadiyendamol. Besides trekking, participants will also have a hands-on experience in archery, Australian trolley, plank crossing, etc.
They will also visit the Nalknadu Palace and Iguthappa temple.
The programme is open to 30 students in the age group of 10 to 22, on a first-come, first-served basis. For details, call 98451-16835, 98802-73405 or 0821-2561304. The last date for entries is December 10.