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paralambachi

Trekking and Camping [Prabalmachi]

Mumbai! Prabalmachi camping offers breathtaking picturesque of the two magnificent and gigantic peaks of Sahyadri – Prabalgad and Kalavantin forts. Because of these two glorious forts and the bewitching natural beauty of the surroundings, many visitors are attracted to this place. Being an ancient and beautiful village situated halfway up a mountain it is an ideal place to pitch your tents and experience outdoors. Apart from being a camping place, it is also the base village for the Kalavantin trek and Prabalgad trek. One will also get to explore beautiful village homes; small farms; dense forests; in and around this hamlet. Prabalmachi camping and trekking transport you to a whole new world of scenic beauty and peace.

Day 1

04:00 PM: Reach Panvel Railway station and report to the trek expert at Ticket Counter.
04:30 PM: Start Journey with Private Vehicle Towards the Base Village of Thakhurwadi.
05:30 PM: Reach Thakurwadi base of Prabalmachi. Introduction session.
06:30 PM: Start trek towards Prabalmachi. Enjoy the mesmerizing view of fireflies on the Trail.
08:00 PM: Reach Prabalmachi, Briefing session and Tent allotment, by Trek leaders.
09:00 PM: Have Dinner and enjoy an overnight camping stay with Bornfire and Group games with a view of the stars and mountains.

DAY 2

06:00 AM: Wake up call, Get freshen up.
07:00 Am: Have Breakfast and Tea.
08:00 AM: Take a Group photo and we start descending towards Base village, birding on the way.
11:00 PM: Reach Thakhurwadi.
12:15 PM: Reach Panvel. Adios! Back to the mundane city life. Until next time!

(Note: Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pants, this will protect your body and skin from Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles, etc)

(Highly Required and Mandatory Things)

ID proof
Torch (compulsory for overnight treks)
backpack and trekking shoes or any sports shoes with a Good grip
Trekking pants (compulsory), 2 T-Shirts (Preferably full sleeves or Half T-shirt with sleeves), Raincoat/ waterproof jacket/ windcheater, Handnapkin/Towel, etc
Water 2-3 liters.
Ready-to-eat food like plum cakes, Dry fruits, dry snacks and biscuits, chocolate bars, etc.
Personal Medicines and Personal First aid

What is included in the tour?
Transportation from Panvel – Panvel (for those who have opted for Transportation)
Dinner and Morning Tea – Breakfast
Twin / Triple Sharing Tented Accommodation
Trekking Expertise Charges

What is NOT included in the tour?
Train Travelling
Any personal expenses such as soft drinks etc.
Anything other than above mentioned inclusions

Seats will be reserved only after full payment.
Fees paid are non-refundable but transferable on the same event.
The complete schedule of the trek will be given later to registered participants
Organizers have all the right to modify or change the schedule in case
Organizers hold the right to cancel any event and refund with prior notice.
We strictly follow a no alcohol, no drugs, and no litter policy.

Cancellation Policy:
100% amount is to be paid in advance to book the trip.
If the booking is canceled 15 days or before the event date then 50% of the amount will be refunded.
No refund if canceled 14 days before the event.
No show = No refund.

Call/ WhatsApp us at – 8793441186
DM us on Instagram –

Disclaimer :
The tour is weather-based and depends on the weather conditions. There may be last-minute cancellations if weather conditions deteriorate.

1. Is Prabalmachi Camping safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, it is completely safe for female and solo travelers.

2. Is the Prabalmachi trek difficult?
Prabalmachi trek is easy and can be done by beginners as well.

3. Would I get connectivity in my cell phone?
You will get very limited connectivity during the trek. Also, in a few areas, there might be no connectivity at all.

4. What type of food shall I expect?
You will be served locally cooked meals. However, proper care of hygienic food will be taken.

5. Are toilets available on the trek route?
Proper toilets are not available on the route. Toilets will be available at Prabalmachi village at the campsite.

Viva Wetlands

Bird watching at Viva Wetlands

Nestled in the heart of Palghar’s serene landscape lies the hidden gem of Viva Wetlands – a haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers alike. This sprawling wetland, located in the Maharashtra region, is a tapestry of biodiversity and tranquility.
As you step into Viva Wetlands, you are welcomed by the rhythmic melodies of migratory birds that have made this sanctuary their temporary home. These wetlands serve as a crucial habitat for a myriad of avian species, offering a captivating spectacle for bird watchers. Take a leisurely stroll along the well-maintained trails that wind through the wetlands, providing an immersive experience in the midst of nature’s beauty.

06:45 AM: Meet at the entrance (Location will be provided to the registered participants)

07:00 Am: Start walking on the trail, watching birds and understanding the intricate relationship between the animals and Wetlands.

08:30 AM: Take a Group photo and start returning back via same or different trail route, birding on the way.

09:00 AM: Bird walk ends. Adios! Back to the mundane life. Until next time!

(Note: Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pants, this will protect your body and skin from Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles, etc)

ID proof
Backpack
Cap/Hat/Scarf and sunglasses
Binoculars (optional)
Camera (optional)
Water 1 litre
Ready-to-eat food like dry fruits, dry snacks and biscuits, chocolate bars, etc.
Personal Medicines and Personal First aid

Birding Expertise Charges
Shared Binoculars
Shared Birding Scope

What is NOT included in the tour?
Travelling till the entry point
Any personal expenses
Anything other than above mentioned inclusions

Seats will be reserved only after full payment.
Fees paid are non-refundable but transferable on the same or different event.
The complete schedule of the bird walk will be provided later to registered participants.
Organizers have all the right to modify or change the schedule in case of unavoidable circumstances.
Organizers hold the right to cancel any event and refund with prior notice.
We strictly follow a no alcohol, no drugs, no smoking and no litter policy, we encourage you to align with the same.

Cancellation Policy:
100% amount is to be paid in advance to book the trip.
If the booking is canceled 7 days or before the event date then 50% of the amount will be refunded.
No show = No refund.

Call/ WhatsApp us at – 8793441186
DM us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wildexplorer__/

1. Is Birding at Viva Wetlands safe for female enthusiasts?
Yes, it is completely safe for all adults and children alike, as our experts will be present with you.

2. What endurance level do I need?
The walk requires basic endurance and no special skills.

3. Would I get connectivity in my cell phone?
You will get limited connectivity during the trail.

4. What type of birds shall I expect?
You can expect both resident and migratory birds including but not restricted to Egrets, Prinias, Drongos, Ibises, Storks, Kites, Harriers and Eagles.

5. Will I get photos of the birds that we see during the birdwalk?
Yes, all the bird photos and Group photos will be shared with the participants.

6. Are toilets available on the trail route?
No, toilets are not available on the route.

SAVE THE DATE

Upcoming Tours

Past Trail Reports

[ TUNGARESHWAR 2022 ]

Nature Trail

Our day began early on a cool winter morning. We reached Vasai station at around 6:30 in the morning and took the VVMC (what I prefer calling the Green-yellow) bus at 6:45. The bus dropped us to the base of Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, at the Bappa Sitaram temple. From here, we started with our briefing first, followed by the 3 km walk till the temple ahead. 

On our way, we first took a pit-stop to listen to the sounds of the pale-billed flowerpecker, which rejoices the status of being the smallest bird in India. The second halt was to observe an Orb-weaver spider weaving it’s nest. Right after that, we heard a Lesser Racquet-tailed Drongo (a large bluish-black bird with a crest and two long tail feathers) mimicking a Shikra (a small bird of prey). We instantly put our eyes and binoculars to work and located the Drongo perched on a crocodile bark tree (Ain). It was surprising for the crowd to hear him mimick the raptor with such precision.

Nearly half an hour had passed-by, observing and listening to the calls of several other birds and we were now about to reach the waterhole and that is when, a few people in the group stumbled upon the tiny red (gems like) seeds of a tree. These seeds have a black dot on one side. They belong to the tree commonly called as ‘Gunj’. In the bygone era, jewellers would use these tiny Gunj seeds to weigh gold as one seed weighs approximately equal to 1 gram. We gathered some of these seeds, observed their uniformly equal size and weight and then went ahead.

          Approaching the waterhole as silently as we could, so as to not disturb the birds who’d be present to quench their thirst and to bath in it, we witnessed the pugmarks of a Canid. It’s easier to tell apart a Canid (member of the dog family) from a Felid (member of the cat family) as the former’s claws are imprinted as well. We spent a considerable amount of time there, watching the beautiful Black-naped monarch, the out of a fairytale- Indian paradise flycatcher and the constant trail wagger- Grey wagtail. We could constantly hear Purple sunbirds too.

         On our way to the temple, a dozen macaques were displaying their athlete skills, hopping across trees. We quickly traced our paths to the temple and stream above. We got to see a Common woodshrike and the background was filled with the never ending calls of a Brown-cheeked barbet that goes like ‘Tutruk-tutruk-tutruk’. A number of butterflies like the common sailor, wanderer, psyche and common crows passed by us. However, the most remarkable and unforgettable was the Blue-oakleaf, that was so effortlessly mimicking a dry leaf. Meanwhile, high up in the canopy was a bird, pecking at the wood. Yes, you got that right! It was indeed a Woodpecker. Everyone was delighted to witness these many birds and butterflies in a single trail. It was then time for a group photo and bonding over the home-made snacks that everyone had carried.

          It was indeed a happy ending!

[ BHUIGAON ]

Bird Walking

Here’s a glimpse of our Birdwalk at Bhuigaon. First and foremost, everyone was briefed about the place and the basic codes of conduct to be followed during a Nature Trail. Participants were then taught how to use binoculars. All set for birding, we began our walk.

 A few metres had passed and the young enthusiasts spotted a bird with a black crest and red bum perched on the wire, which was as you fellow birdwachers would have guessed- the Red-vented Bulbul. While listening to facts about this bird, we could hear low melodious repititive sounds coming from the trees to our right. One look at the spot and we saw a tiny bird with a nice downward curved bill, black of head and yellow belly. It was the Purple-rumped Sunbird. The best part was, it was a frenzy of 3-4 individuals and an Ashy-prinia added to the melody soon.

             We covered most of the path observing the palm swifts in the sky,  listening to the common mynahs putting on their best repertoires and magpie-robins whistling and singing. The Black- drongos mobbed Common crows and we captured everything in our hearts through the binoculars. What made this trip even more interesting was the fact that we didn’t only focus on birds but also took a moment to appreciate other organisms.

             At one corner, a herd of buffaloes was busy grazing and were accompanied by Cattle egrets. What’s more amazing was, we had learnt about several kinds of population interactions in Animal Kingdom just a day-prior to our visit and here we were observing an example of ‘Commensalism’ viz., the egrets were benefitted by the cows movements and could procure their insect prey easily whereas the cows weren’t bothered at all. We noticed the ‘Competition’ between the Indian and exotic flora. 

             On the entrance to the beach, basking in the sun were a couple of Oriental Garden Lizards. Being brown in colour, suiting well with the brown fallen barks of Suru trees, they laid motionless and allowed us to appreciate their features.  

             Once on the beach, the tide hadn’t risen fully. We managed to peek into a couple of tide pools and there we noticed a Hermit-crab feeding upon a tiny Sand-bubbler crab. Isn’t that what we would call ‘Predation’?. Various kinds of mussels and cone snails were seen too. 

             As the tide rose, the shorebirds appeared at the farther end. However, it being a Sunday there was a huge crowd on the beach playing cricket and football and thus the birds hesitated to come any closer. On a normal not-so-busy weekday, one can expect a mixed-flock of Sand-pipers, Sand-plovers, Ruddy-turnstones, Sanderlings, Dunlins and many others, more than 500 birds sitting on the ground and then actively feeding during the high tides. 

             By this time, the sun was almost over our heads and it was wise to stay in shade. Our army of young enthusiasts enjoyed playing games in the shade of the Suru trees, where we exchanged snacks and listened to each other’s stories and experiences. With beautiful memories of this perfect day in our heart, we left for home.

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