Matheran Nature Outing – 6th January, 2013

N The Nature Observer O

Matheran Nature Outing – 6^th January, 2013

“The Nature Observer” – an eco-tourism travel group, is established on the strong belief that Nature has a lot in its treasure that one can observe. The nature presents us ample of opportunities to observe and learn from it. The forest, the river bank, the leaf litter, tree trunk, rocks, caracas, calls, alarm calls & the habitat; all are full of opportunities that we can observe and look for nature. Every observation gives us a chance to learn what nature has opened us from its huge treasure. All we need is a keen sense of observing, understanding and respecting it.

With this intention “The Nature Observer” is organising an outing at Matheran, one of the best preserved evergreen forest; so close to Mumbai, on 6^th January 2013. Matheran is but obvious famous as tourist destination. But what made it a famous tourist destination is the forest. The forest that boasts one of the best biodiversity ecology and species those are highly endemic to Western Ghats. Though Matheran doesn’t promise guaranteed or high numbered sightings but all that one could observe is otherwise uncommon elsewhere.

What could one look for observation is probably an Indian Giant Squirrel feasting the fruits, White-rumped Shama or Nilgiri Wood Pigeon giving us a shy appearance. Plenty of butterflies chasing each other in undisturbed patch of evergreen forest. A raptor strategically locating its prey before sky diving or hovering above it. The beautiful purple colored flowers of Anjani (Memecylon umbellatum) that gives Matheran purple appearance in this season.

The event details follow as listed below. We shall be covering two, very less tourist disturbed patches of Matheran.  

The schedule
07.00 AM reporting at Neral station

07.30 AM Quick breakfast and leave for Matheran by shared taxi

08.00 AM at site 1.

10.00 AM Walk to site 2

10.30 AM At site 2

12.00 PM Matheran outing ends.

01.00 PM Return to Neral station by shared taxi and catch the immediate available train thereafter.

Charges:-

Rs 350  per head. This includes taxi fare from Neral to Matheran & return, entry fee for Matheran & trail fee. Nothing above then this is part of the outing. The morning breakfast at Neral station would be on individual’s account.

At “The Nature Observer” (TNO) there are few GUIDELINES that every participant of TNO outing must and strictly adhere to.   

a)    Do wear dull, muted and covered cloths.

b)    Please carry your own supply of water and food.

c)    Wear good gripped shoes

d)    Don’t apply any perfume or deospray.  

e)    Remain absolute silent

f)     No smoking and consumption/storage of alcohol/tobacco product during the trip.

g)    It is good to get excited but not to shout during the sighting of any floral & faunal species.

h)   None of the participant would be allowed to carry, pluck or dismantle the flora or faunal species/specimen that was found damaged/intact in the field.

i)     In any slightest sense of doubt or confusion, please feel free to ask the tour leader in any convenient/standard language of communication.

How to register :
Those interested to join can either email their confirmation to rajeshdsachdev@gmail.com or call/SMS on 9890255616. Outing charges can be paid on the spot, in the morning, at Neral.

Please note: There could be slight tough terrain to climb hence participants are requested to note and register accordingly. None among the above sightings are guaranteed but we have to observe whatever nature allows us to. Mornings , at Matheran or enroute, could be much cold. Advised proper woollens.

j)      

The Nature Observer - Tour guidelines

N The Nature Observer O

“The Nature Observer” – an eco-tourism travel group, is established on the strong belief that Nature has a lot in its treasure that one can observe. The nature presents us ample of opportunities to observe and learn from it. The forest, the river bank, the leaf litter, tree trunk, rocks, caracas, calls, alarm calls & the habitat; all are full of opportunities that we can observe and look for nature. Every observation gives us a chance to learn what nature has opened us from its huge treasure. All we need is a keen sense of observing, understanding and respecting it.

At “The Nature Observer” (TNO) there are few GUIDELINES that every participant of TNO outing must and strictly adhere to.   

a)    Do wear dull, muted and covered cloths.

b)    Always carry good supply of water and food, as necessary or as emergency.

c)     Wear good gripped shoes

d)    Don’t apply any perfume or deospray.  

e)    Remain absolute silent

f)     No smoking and consumption/storage of alcohol/tobacco product during the trip.

g)    It is good to get excited but not to shout during the sighting of any floral & faunal species.

h)   Respect and appreciate the local communities, their culture, food and lifestyle.

i)      Every outing of TNO is nature/wildlife related outing hence participants are bound to follow and cause no violation to Wildlife Protection Act.

j)      Cameras are widely accepted way to photo document the direct sightings but there is a lot of fun to simply observe the wildlife with eyes and binocs. In fact at many times the subject may disappear before the camera is set. Hence enjoy the nature as and when observed and then if time permits photograph it.

k)    None of the participant would be allowed to carry, pluck or dismantle the flora or faunal species/specimen that was found damaged/intact in the field.

l)     It would be sorry state to ask participants to leave the trip half way if they don’t follow the slated guidelines. Such decision is harsh but is in betterment and uniformity of group followings.

m)  In any slightest sense of doubt or confusion, please feel free to ask the tour leader in any convenient/standard language of communication.

n)   The tour leaders/organiser has all rights to take decision. Participants may table their suggestions with valid reasons and logics but can’t oppose the final verdict. Anyone found arguing and not following the decision would be asked to leave the trip/tour at his/her own risk.

o)    Any untoward accident/incident during the field trip is at absolute responsibility of individual participant. The participant or their relatives have no right to claim for any such damage or loss, whatsoever, from the organiser/tour leader.

These policies are standard but not without more inclusions. Anything above to these would be mentioned in the tour itinerary.