Spring season and Holi festive holidays from Ecomantra

Spring season and Holi festive holidays from Ecomantra February 2009 / Vol II Greetings! Spring is the season of colourful flowers, bright festivals and happy celebrations. March heralds the New year for the natural environment. Nature rejoices in this season and it is a treat to holiday at the perfect destinations in spring. This March, we at Ecomantra suggest you to head south for its mountains, heritage experiences, plantations during harvest and a glimpse of the southern wildlife. Choose a short holiday in the charming hills of Coorg, or go further down south in misty Ooty and wild Bandipur. If Kerala is what excites you, try a rainforest stay in the dense wild Wayanad region. We have both Fixed Date Departures: Where you can meet like minded travellers while reducing your travel costs and Customised Trips: Where you have the luxury of travelling privately and at your convenience. Take a glimpse of the exciting March holidays, we have on offer. Ooty & Bandipur - Horse Trails & Jungle Safaris Short Excursion (4 Days & 4 Nights) 1st Week of March (8th March to 12th March) Its spring and a great time to be in Bandipur and Ooty, in the higher climes of the Nilgiri Biosphere On your eco holiday, try some exciting new activities like horse trails, jeep safaris and plantation visits. Discover the forests of the western ghats of Karnataka & Tamilnadu in all its floral glory during spring. Image: Horse Riding & Trails in the Blue Mountains. Click on the image to see this eco holiday page on Ecomantra's website You have 4 Days EXPLORE: BANDIPUR WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES AND OOTY COLONIAL HILL STATION IN THE NILGIRIS Enjoy a luxurious, wild holiday with Ecomantra. Stay in a great forest lodge and farm bungalows. Go wild on a Jeep Safari in Bandipur or Mudumalai Wildife sanctuaries and experience great horse riding trails in the Blue Mountains. Enjoy your farm stay with garden walks and plantation visits. EXPERIENCE: HORSE TRAILS IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS Horse riding is great fun and with horse trails, you get to explore an area on horses. You cover much larger areas and the view from the vantage point is simply fantastic. EXPERIENCE: NARROW GUAGE MOUNTAIN TRAIN JOURNEYS IN THE NILGIRIS Step into the Nilgiris to experience the epitome of human will and engineering on India's quaint narrow guage mountain trains. These train journeys are so utterly charming and engineering marvels of their time that they are regarded as one of the UNESCO world heritage experiences of India. Fixed Date Departure: Sunday 8th March to Thursday 12th March 2009 with 3 public holidays in between! Tariff: Rs. 15500/- per head on twin sharing all inclusive basis with no hidden cost for 4 Days & 4 Nights, (Minimum group size: 4 adults) Your Preferred Date Tariff: Rs. 18,500/- per head on twin sharing all inclusive basis (No extra charges and No Minimum constraint) Inclusive of pick up and drop from Coimbatore or Bangalore city, all internal transfers in chauffeur driven cars and all eco adventures as indicated, accommodation and all meals. Check out Coorg eco holiday on bandipur.ecomantra.com or www.ecomantra.com or call Ecomantra at +91.22.42155222 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 or +91.22. 25007347 or 9833377870. Coffee, Coorg and Cardamom Weekend Getaways (2 Days & 2 Night) 2nd Week of March (13th March to 15th March) Coorg or Kodagu means 'dense forest on steep hill'. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of coffee and cardamom plantation, undulating streets and breathtaking views make Coorg an ideal dream holiday. The uniqueness of Coorg also lies in the lifestyle of Kodagus where each house is well spaced and being away from each other every few sq. kms. Coorgi cuisine amidst scenic coffee plantations too is legendary for its delicious variety. Image: View of the Coorgi Landscape. Click on the image to see this eco holiday page on Ecomantra's website You have 2 to 4 Days EXPLORE: COORG It is the perfect time to be in Coorg, a very beautiful part of the Nilgiri Biosphere, one of the 14 Biospheres in India and one of the 4 UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in India. You will be going for walks, treks, and optional jeep safaris in the misty forests, and coffee plantations in the western ghats of Karnataka Enjoy a luxurious, wild holiday with Ecomantra. Stay in a lovely heritage coffee estate bungalow. Enjoy a trek to Tadiyendamol peak (in the home stay option) - the highest peak in the Western Ghats of Coorg, interact with the Elephants at Dubare (optional) or enjoy coracle rides. Go wild on an Elephant Safari in Nagarhole National Park or enjoy your lovely walks and treks in the Coorg plantations and hills. Fixed Date Departure: Friday 13th March to Sunday 15th March 2009 Tariff: Rs. 7500/- per head on twin sharing basis all inclusive with no hidden cost for Minimum group size: 4 adults Your Preferred Date Tariff: Rs. 9,500/- per head on twin sharing all inclusive basis (No extra charges and No Minimum constraint) Inclusive of pick up and drop from Mangalore or Bangalore city, all internal transfers in chauffeur driven cars and all eco adventures as indicated, accommodation and all meals. Check out Coorg eco holiday on coorg.ecomantra.com or www.ecomantra.com or call Ecomantra at +91.22.42155222 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 or +91.22. 25007347 or 9833377870. Caves, Islands & Rainforests in Wayanad, Kerala Weekend Getaways (2 Days & 2 Nights) 3rd Week of March (20th March to 22nd March) Ancient caves, unique islands and a dense rainforest with adventurous peaks all form Kerala's wild region of Wayanad. Enjoy a luxurious, wild holiday with Ecomantra in Wayanad. Stay up a grand tree house in a rainforest from where you can discover the historic Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls and Kuruva islands. Go wild on an Elephant Safari in Muthanga and Tholpetty Wildife sanctuaries. Climb the adventurous Chembra Peak or enjoy tea garden walks and spice plantation visits. Rejuvenate with a soothing spa and authentic kerala ayurvedic massage. Image: Your cottage accommodation in the Standard Itinerary. Click on the image to see this eco holiday page on Ecomantra's website Fixed Date Departure: Friday 20th March to Sunday 22th March 2009 Tariff: Rs. 7500 (Standard) / Rs. 10000 (Superior) / Rs. 15000 (Luxury) - per head on twin sharing all inclusive basis with no extra cost for 2 Days and 2 Nights, Minimum group size: 4 adults Your Preferred Date Tariff: Rs. 9900 (Standard) / Rs. 12500 (Superior) / Rs. 17500 (Luxury) per head on twin sharing all inclusive basis (No extra charges and No Minimum constraint) Inclusive of pick up and drop from Calicut city, all internal transfers in chauffeur driven cars and all eco adventures as indicated, guided nature trails, accommodation and all meals. Check out Wayanad eco holiday on wayanad.ecomantra.com or www.ecomantra.com or call Ecomantra at +91.22.42155222 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 or +91.22. 25007347 or 9833377870. The freshness of flowers A bloom on the hills Where did you come from? The sweeping winds Or the mist that gathered And sprung from its tears New flowers on the green Warm Regards Mahrukh Ecomantra Nature Adventures Pvt. Ltd. In This Issue A. 4 Days & 2 Nights in Ooty & Bandipur - Horse Trails & Jungle Safaris in the Blue Mountains B. 2 Days & 2 Night in Coffee in Coorg - Karnataka C. 2 Days & 2 Nights in Kerala - Caves, Islands & Rainforests in Wayanad In the next Issue... Volunteer for Mahashivratri for preventing Forest Fires 23rd February'09 The forest that we love to explore, now need your help in Mumbai city. Protect the forests from visitors who carry plastics, match boxes and other inflammables on this festive day, right in the forest Volunteer for half a day, either 7.00 am to 12.30 pm or 12.30 pm to 7.00 pm at Yeoor (Thane) or Tungareshwar wildlife sanctuary ( near Vasai) To be a volunteer email volunteer@ecomantra.com HOLI NATURALLY! Try our fun based Holi Naturally program, with natural holi colours made from seasonal flowers, fruits and vegetables. Learn to make these colours yourself and have safe fun during holi. Tariff for Workshop: Rs. 200/- per person with Holi, tea and snacks. Venue: MNP, near Sion station at 10.00 am to 12 noon on 8th March'09 ( This program can also be conducted customised at your campus) Last Date: 1st March 2009 Testimonials "An unforgettable experience indeed. Thanks for making it a great trip. You guys are doing a great job. Would love to come back again." Kaustub Pednekar "All in all it was a wonderful experience. I would love to come here again. Advertise more...I've come here through a friend. And If I hadn't, I would have missed out." Fazaa Shroff Click here to read some more feedback on ecomantra website In the Next Issue Assam - Wildlife Watching in Manas, Kaziranga and Pobitura With Guwahiti as a base, Ecomantra with its East India partner has lined up many incredible experiences for you, family and team in the Eastern Himalayas. More in the next issue! Ecomantra Web Links About Ecomantra Eco Holidays Experiential Learning Eco Adventures Nature Conservation Client List Testimonials A Green Career Alliance with Ecomantra Download Booking Form Quick Links for Eco Holidays Eco Holidays from Mumbai Eco Holidays from Kolkata Eco Holidays from Chennai Eco Holidays from New Delhi Eco Holidays from Bangalore Quick Search as per your Holiday Style Eco Holidays as per your Holiday Style Active Adventures Culture Trails Nature Trails Special Interest Holidays Eco Holidays as per Duration Weekends Getaways Short Duration Holidays Long Duration Holidays Eco Holidays as per Traveller Type Best for Corporate Best for Family and Friends Best for Independent and Solo Traveller Best for Couples Eco Holidays as per Budget Standard Eco Holidays Superior Eco Holidays Luxurious Eco Holidays Ecomantra has many trip styles to suit all budgets and preferences. Click here to email us right now to know more about our trips. Fill-N-Win Surveys Pre Camp Survey Post Camp Survey 2009 Website Survey Ecology Survey Eco Holiday Survey If you fill in all the Surveys, you qualify for a draw for a free trip to Rivertrail Eco Camp.

Mumbai & Pune - Eco Adventures at Rivertrail Eco Camp

To view this holiday on ecomantra website click here

You have 2 to 4 Days

EXPLORE: KOLAD IN KONKAN
This small town near Mumbai has a great deal to offer adventure-sports enthusiasts with the white beaches of Kashid nearby, the wildlife sanctuary of Phansad where the man eating leopards have been released and a sea fort bang in the middle of the sea. Go Mountain biking, bicycling, trekking, camping, white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing and river crossing.

CANOEING/KAYAKING ADVENTURES: KOLAD IN KONKAN
It’s winter, the climate is pleasant, the river calm, the evenings golden yellow and the mornings misty. Take a Kayak or a Canoe or a Raft and go bird watching on the river.

Eco Adventure Activities

• Bullock cart rides * Farming – Paddy, pulses, fruits and vegetable farming * Training in Tandem Kayaking / Canoeing * Trek guides * Night trails *Campfire activities * River crossing activity * Boating * Pottery and clay art * Local folk music and dance – Lezim & Lathi kathi martial art * Village visits * Raft building * Bicycling / Mountain biking * Hut making and Hut makeover * Natural Treasure hunts * Coconut tree climbing * Traditional village games * Village cooking * Farmer’s Cook Pot

More Activities conducted at Rivertrail camp. Customised as per group size and request

• Paper making and recycling * Warli Painting on Huts * Gardening with Vermi-composting and Mulching * Natural Colour making * Role Play – a theatre based environment workshop * Health Naturally – workshop on best practices in food habits * Yoga from Nature

Nature and Conservation activities

• Nature trails * Kayak bird-watching * Birds of the fields * Birds of the river * Crab Watch ( a nature trail at night) * Water testing,Seed sowing and sapling care * Common Wildlife around us – A live bonding session * Snake Alive interactive wildlife awareness program * Silent Sharing activities– silent walks * sound mapping * nature meditation * Nursery development * Clean Act ( cleaning trek trails) * River watch * Visits to Phansad Wildlife sanctuary (45 kms. from Rivertrail) * Beach wildlife (Kashid and Shrivardhan beaches)

Please also check our another Iconic itineraries that has Rivertrail as one of its Hub

1. Hills, Wadas and Forts of Konkan
2. Boats, Beaches and Forts of Konkan
3. Bicycle Trails: Mumbai to Goa in the Konkan
4. Paragliding Adventures: On Pavana in Western Ghats

STAY EXPERIENCES: 100% ECO CAMP WITH COTTAGES, HUTS AND TENTS

It’s pleasant throughout the year, misty often, cooler and cleaner than Mumbai or Pune, a great base of adventure and a river runs through the landscape. You need to take our boat to reach Rivertrail camp, a tree covered farm on the banks a gentle, flowing river Kundalika, a mere 5 minute boat ride. Enjoy great river views and a stay on an island like place in your choice of accommodation. Choose from traditional yet with modern facilties and 100% natural Safari cottages, the Karvi Tribal huts or the expedition grade Dome tents with closet and bathroom block and a large family cottage with 2 attached bathrooms.

Accommodation Choice:

• 3 Safari Cottages with one attached bathroom to accommodate 4 to 5 participants (Lawn facing)
• 2 Karvi Tribal huts to accommodate maximum 4 participants
• 1 Rose cottage to accommodate 10 participants (River facing)
• 15 dome tents to accommodate 2 to 3 participants in each tent
• 1 Upper Deck Dorm to accommodate 25 participants (River facing).

All mattresses, beds, beddings, blankets, sleeping bags and sleeping mats are provided.

Camping Option:

You can also choose the camping option with prior booking.

Here you can bring in your own tents and/or sleeping bags, carry mats or beddings and opt for the self camping model. Alternatively you can opt for the all inclusive model. Minimum group required for Self Camping is 30.

Dining

Community open dining under the trees with a full service kitchen serving fixed buffet meals.

FEEDBACK FROM CLIENTS

\"On behalf of the entire group, I just wanted to thank you for a truly memorable weekend that you organised for us. Everyone had a great time
and we have all taken back very warm memories of the trip.

Ecomantra certainly exceeded all our expectations - the service of your staff at Rivertr was excellent,
everyone was very warm and friendly and were always willing to help. A special thanks to Allan who was just brillant with the kids and was
also very patient with the adults. We all learnt a lot thanks to his trainings (whether it was kayaking, or the information he provided when we were on the night walk or the morning trek).

The food was excellent at Rivertrail - the spread was great and enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.

And we never expected to do so many things in the 2 1/2 days that we were there. All the activities were extremely well orgainsed and each one of us experienced atleast one `first` in our lives whether it was:
1) holding a snake in our hand (or around our neck!)
2) crossing a river
3) walking in pitch darkness of the night
4) sleeping in tents / huts
and the list goes on.....More importantly, the kids had a blast and you guys always ensured there was something for them to expend their
engeries on. So whether it was organising an impromptu pottery session or a bullock cart ride or a night cooking session at the campfire, they were kept more than occupied!

Thanks again for a wonderful weekend and you can be rest assured that
many of us will be back for more!
\"Nikhil Thakurdas of Odyssey Travels\"


\"Trek to waterfall was nice and eventful. River Crossing was good Fun. Meals are very good and accommodation is also comfortable\"
Varsha Pillai

\"The Guide was knowledgeable and alert at the Trek to the waterfall. Snake Demonstration was educative. Meals are tasty and rooms are airy\".
Dogra Shweta.

\"Tandem Kayaking was a great pleasure & adventurous; it improves to give motivation and confidence of driving. River Crossing improves strength and improves confidence in natural causes etc. Trek to waterfall is a Good Adventurous it improves lot of health and habitat\".
Ganesh Prakash Inge.
Info Media India Ltd.


\"Tandem Kayaking was very energetic. Should try it everyday for powerful muscles. River crossing activity was great! Really was awesome. Tightens up your thighs for river water currents. Meals are really tasty.
The Camp was really, really, really, really, very, very, very GOOD!!\"
Sourav Sen.
Info Media India Ltd.


\"Tandem Kayaking was really amazing not experienced before, it was the 1st experience in touch of nature. Accommodation was good in cottage for the 1st Time. The overall Camp was good and hope to visit it again.\"
Lingayat Vrushali.
HSBC.


\"River Crossing was a Good Team Building activity learned how moving along in a team, makes a Team Win. Trek experience is so close to Nature and Wildlife, away from noise Pollution and Tensed life. All the activities were very interactive and were made keeping in mind, not to disturb peace of nature.\"
Bhatnagar Poonam
HSBC.

\"Trek to waterfall was a Fun filled activity. Nature’s Scenic beauty enthralled with an adventurous trek. Snake alive interactive has removed my fear factor. At Camp it was a warm welcome and generous response from overall staff Worth recommending for a visit over again and again.\"
Anuj.
TCS.


\" River crossing was amazing it still remained in my dream. Trek to waterfall was awesome. Tandem Kayaking was mind blowing\"
Patodia Deepti
TCS.

\"For River Crossing activity I had for the 1st time entered in river like this, it was so good an experience. Trek to waterfall was ultimate.Overall this was the ultimate trip I have attended and enjoyed a lot\".
Parshar Preeti
TCS.

\"River Crossing is a good activity one gets to learn how to rescue people in flood.
A lot to learn about Snakes in India .Really nice place to be in for 01 day and a Half\".
Todkar Varun.
TCS

\"Excellent training given in Kayaking so that we can do it at our own. Meals are too good especially Maharashtrian food\".
Sarpotdar Sneha
TCS.


\"Tandem Kayaking was superb and I enjoyed it a lot. River crossing was very adventurous & I will never forget. Snake Alive Interaction is really helpful to me and now I really love Snakes.\"
Ruchi Nanda
TCS

\"I have learnt a new skill yippee!!! Very good instructor for Tandem Kayaking. River crossing was Superb, Superb Fun!!! Really something to see all of us like children frolicking in the water\".
Dinu Nair
Amdocs.


\"River crossing was unforgettable. This was the most adventurous activity I think I did in the camp. Crossing the river with such high tides was obviously challenging and I\'ll always cherish the winning moment (reaching the other end)\"
Sreedha Sasidharan
TCS

PRICE

INR 1,100 | USD 23 | EUR 16 | AUD 33 | GBP 15

Price Per Person on multiple sharing in cottages and huts, and twin sharing in expedition dome tents

Weekends:

1. Rs. 1,100/- for One day trip ( 2 eco-adventures)
2. Rs. 2,200/- for One Day / One Night (3 eco-adventures)
3. Rs. 3,300/- for 2 Days / 1 Night (4 to 5 eco-adventures)
4. Rs. 5,500/- for 3 Days / 2 Nights (9 Eco adventures)
5. Rs. 7,700/- for 4 Days / 3 Nights (12 eco adventures)

Weekend Discounts

1. 15 to 20% off on Weekday rates in non-peak season period

Peak Season: October to January and all bank holidays.

Tariff includes: Accommodation, buffet meals, boating transfers across the river and adventure activities as specified and taxes.

For Pick up and Drop to and fro Panvel station: Rs. 500/- additional per head for minumum 2 visitors.

Nilgiri Biosphere - Discover its Hills, Trains & Jungle Safaris

To view this package on ecomantra website click here

You have 4 to 14 Days (See options below)

EXPLORE: NILGIRIS

Its summer and a great time to be in the higher climes of the Nilgiri Biosphere, one of the 14 Biospheres in India and one of the 4 UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in India. You will be going for walks, treks, horse riding and jeep safaris in the misty forests and coffee and tea plantations in the western ghats of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu, experience the UNESCO world heritage mountain train journey, visit prehistoric Edakkal caves, islands and waterfalls.

Enjoy a luxurious, wild holiday with Ecomantra. Stay up a grand tree house in a rainforest from you discover the historic Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls and Kuruva islands. Enjoy Coracle Rides & Birding Cruise on the Kabini. Go wild on an Elephant Safari in Muthanga, Tholpetty Wildife sanctuaries. Enjoy tea garden walks and spice plantation visits, rejuvenate with a soothing spa and authentic kerala ayurvedic massage.

BIRDING ADVENTURES: ON A BOAT IN RANAGANATHITTU, KARNATAKA

Oman, at this time of year, offers peak weather conditions and plenty of turtle spotting. The island of Ranaganthittu is a naturalist’s paradise, with flamingoes, herons and yes, crocodiles

EXPERIENCE: NARROW GUAGE MOUNTAIN TRAIN JOURNEYS IN THE HIMALAYAS, SAHYADRIS AND NILGIRIS

Go to Matheran in Maharashtra or Ooty in the Nilgiris or Darjeeling in the Eastern Himalayas on these narrow guage mountain trains. These train journeys are so utterly charming and engineering marvels of their time that it’s regarded as one of the UESCO world heritage experiences of India.

You have 4 Days

1. Mysore and Coorg (Ex Bangalore)
2. Coorg & Kabini (Ex Mangalore)
3. Kabini and Wayanad
4. Wayanad and BR Hills (Ex Calicut)
5. Masinagudi, Bandipur and Avalanche (Ex Coimbatore)

You have 6 Days

1. Mysore, Coorg & Kabini (Ex Bangalore)
2. Coorg, Kabini, Wayanad (Ex Mangalore)
3. Wayanad, BR Hills & Masinagudi (Ex Calicut)

You have 8 Days

1. Mysore, Coorg & Kabini & Wayanad (Ex Bangalore)
2. Coorg, Kabini, Wayanad & BR Hills (Ex Mangalore)
3. Wayanad, BR Hills, Masinagudi & Avalanche (Ex Calicut)

You have 10 Days

1. Mysore, Coorg & Kabini, Wayanad & BR Hills (Ex Bangalore)
2. Coorg, Kabini, Wayanad, BR Hills & Masinagudi (Ex Mangalore)
3. Wayanad, BR Hills, Masinagudi, Avalanche & Bangalore (Ex Calicut)

You have 12 Days

1. Mysore, Coorg & Kabini, Wayanad, BR Hills & Masinagudi (Ex Bangalore)
2. Coorg, Kabini, Wayanad, BR Hills, Masinagudi & Avalanche (Ex Mangalore)

You have 14 Days

1. Mysore, Coorg & Kabini, Wayanad, BR Hills, Masinagudi & Avalanche (Ex Bangalore)

STAY EXPERIENCES: FROM HUTS TO PALACES

You will love to stay in some of the most incredible accommodations inside forest, in colonial hill stations, on a farm, inside a tree house, in a earthen cottage, in log huts, cottages, and heritage palaces and home stays.

PRICE

INR 65,000 | USD 1,365 | EUR 961 | AUD 1,976 | GBP 901

RS. 65,000 FOR A COUPLE ALL INCLUSIVE
Includes All Stay, Meals, Eco Adventures as mentioned and Taxes
Includes All Pick Up & Drop from nearest railhead or airport, Transfers and Excursions in a Chauffeur Driven Air-conditioned Toyota Innova & Chevrolet
Excludes Flights OR Rail journeys that can be booked for you on an actual cost basis