Birders Paradise-Ganesh Gudi

Birders Paradise

Tour Details:

Day 01- 02nd April 2015 Left Shivamogga  enroute had breakfast reached Ganeshgudi by 12-00 pm-(visit to Old Magazine House for Bird Photography)

Day 02- 03rd April 2015 in and around Ganeshgudi

Day-03 -03rd April 2015 left Ganeshgudi reached Haliyal - Halt

visit to Kulgi Nature Camp- Safari

Day 04 -04th April 2015- Haliyal to Kulgi Nature Camp

and Haliyal to Hubli - back to Shivamogga by Car

Team:

Vishwanath S

Sateesh N

Viran KN

and  Umesh UG

Breakfast-- Avalakki with Mirchi Mandakki

'Dandeli is a town in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India, in the Western Ghats region in North Karnataka.

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli is a natural habitat for wildlife, including tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, gaur, deer, antelopes, and bears. It is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka and was designated as a tiger reserve in 2007. The jungle is also home to several varieties of reptiles and almost 300 varieties of birds.The rapid expansion of industry has raised fears of ecological damage to the area, and local volunteer groups have formed to address the issue

Other attractions

The sanctuary provides rafting opportunities at the Virnoli Rapids connected to the Kali River. Other tourist activities include nature walks, boating, bird watching, crocodile spotting and angling. Nearby tourist spots include Ulavi, Syntheri Rocks, Anashi National Park, and Moulangi.

Ganeshgudi

DISTRICT:Uttara Kannada

PIN CODE:581365

BEST SEASON :Winter (October to February)

LANGUAGES:Konkani, Kannada, English and Marathi

STATE:Karnataka

WEATHER:Tropical weather. Hot in summer and moderately cool in winter

FAMOUS FOR/AS:Scenic

STD CODE:08383

COUNTRY:India

A scenic destination blessed with breath taking natural beauty, Ganeshgudi is located in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka and lies in lush green forest ranges of the Western Ghats on the banks of River Kali. It is blessed with rich flora and fauna and is well known for its adventure sports and eco-tourism.

It is a perfect place to absorb the natural beauty and panoramic views of the destination. Ganeshgudi Travel Guide is full of references of the mesmerizing sceneries and serene spots around the area. Sri Mallikarjuna Temple, Dandelappa Temple, Anshi National Park, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Supa Dam and Kulgi Nature Camp are the famous tourist destinations of this region. An exciting tour to Ganeshgudi assures a rewarding and memorable experience for all wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and bird lovers. 

Accommodation in Ganeshgudi

There are a lot of deluxe and medium to budget accommodation options near Ganeshgudi. Hornbill River Resorts (Ganeshgudi-Joida Taluk), Sangway Holiday Homes (Village: Kerwad), Bison River Resort (Village- Ilva), Old Magazine House Forest Camp (Ganeshgudi), Jungle Lodges Kali Wilderness Camp (Dandeli) and Stanley Farm House (Gobral Village) are the famous deluxe hotels of city and newly opened WHISTLING WOODS

Some of the medium to budget accommodation include Anshi Nature Camp (Anshi Village), Dandeli Jungle Inn (Link Road Parallel), Kamat Yatri (Jawaharlal Nehru Road) and Amara Homestay (Near Syntheri Rocks) etc.

How to Reach Ganeshgudi

Ganeshgudi by Air

The nearest International Airport is Dabolim Airport, Goa, roughly three hour drive from Ganeshgudi. Dabolim Airport is well connected to a spectrum of cities such as Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Pune and Lucknow via Air India, Spice Jet, Indigo, Go Air, Jet Airways and Jet Konnect.

Ganeshgudi by railways

The nearest Railway Station is Karwar Railway Station,  roughly 108 Kms from Ganeshgudi which is connected to the major cities of India like New Delhi, Bangalore, Mysore, Lucknow, Chennai, Kanyakumari, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Patna.

Ganeshgudi by road

Ganeshgudi is 67 Kms from Dharwad, 75 Kms from Belgaum, 84 Kms from Hubli, 103 Kms from Karwar, 115 Kms from Uttara Kannada, 150 Kms from Gadag, 206 Kms from Bagalkot and is linked via Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and some private travel services.

Distance Charts to Ganeshgudi

Bagalkot to Ganeshgudi 4 hours 2 mins211 km

Belgaum to Ganeshgudi 1 hour 31 mins75.4 km

Hubli to Ganeshgudi 1 hour 52 mins84.2 km

Uttara Kannada to Ganeshgudi 2 hours 23 mins115 km

Ganeshgudi – Hornbill extravaganza

For the first couple of days we stayed at the Hornbill River Resort (6 kms from Ganeshgudi, adjacent to the Bison River Resort). The location is unbelievably beautiful and offers amazing view of the Kali river. The morning views are stunning when the mist from the river creates a magical effect. True to its name, this place offer excellent sightings of the Malabar Pied Hornbill and Malabar Grey Hornbill. Both are seen in abundance within the campus feeding on fruits. Another must-watch here is the Hornbill Crossing – a routine of these majestic birds crossing across the Kali river every evening. Across the river one often can see the Lesser fish eagle and the Black-capped Kingfisher (amongst other birds). These are best seen on a boat/raft ride. Besides bird-watching we also experienced the adrenaline rush of river rafting here, traversing through some 10 rapids (3+ grade) on the Kali River.

Summer season in Ganeshgudi

The summers in Ganeshgudi are hot and generally avoided by the tourists. The month of April marks the start of summer season and it lasts till June. Temperature ranges between 30°C to 36°C during these months.

Monsoon season in Ganeshgudi

Ganeshgudi experiences monsoons between the months of July to October. Moderate rainfall is the characteristic of the season.

Winter season in Ganeshgudi

The Month of November marks the start of the winter season in Ganeshgudi. Temperature ranges between 17°C to 29°C. Winters last till February in Ganeshgudi. This is one of the best seasons to visit Ganeshgudi as the place seems washed and beautiful after the rains.

Old Magazine House Forest Camp - Ganeshgudi

Where nature meets excitement

The Old Magazine House Forest Camp, a unit of Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd., Bangalore, is located on Londa to Dandeli Road in Joida Taluk, Karnataka. The Old Magazine House used to be an ammunition dump for storing dynamite nearly 20 years ago.

Hot Spot for Nature Enthusiasts

The Old Magazine House is a haven for nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking solitude. If peace and tranquility is what you are looking for, the forest camp here will be the ideal vacation destination for you.

The camp is surrounded by an extensive reserve forest and perched at an altitude of 1,800 feet. The climate remains salubrious round the year.

The camp originally had only two warehouses. JLR has added a string of bamboo huts between the two red-hued structures. One has been converted into a dormitory and kitchen with a dining area on its covered terrace while the other is used to store adventure sports equipment and doubles as living quarters for British guides who oversee all outdoor activities.

 Here you get an opportunity to spend some quality time close to Mother Nature. This is the time to rediscover the bond with the nature forgotten under the rush of modern-day living.

As night falls, the ambience wears a different hue. Hurricane lamps strung from poles beside the huts mark their positions in the dim campsite. Electricity is used sparingly and the surrounding forest comes alive with night sounds.

 Getting there

A left turn at the Hubli bypass, another 25 km ahead and you reach the Goa road. A right turn next 3 km ahead and at Narayanpura another right turn will lead straight to Dandeli. Finally, a last stretch of 25 km and you are in Ganeshgudi.

Activities

For the adventure sport buffs, the camp offers a host of activities such as white water rafting on Kali river, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, jungle safaris and trekking are the other activities.

If making peace with nature is your mission, you can go for a slow coracle ride on the placid stretches of the river to view crocodiles and water birds, enjoy languorous elephant rides into the jungle or angling by the riverside.

source: http://www.dandeli.com/resorts/om-forest-camp.php#.VSHcxfmUe5I  

Birds can be sighted in and around  Ganeshgudi, Kulgi, Dandeli: 

Golden Oriole		Tailor Bird		Peacock
Pompador Green Pigeon		Black Kite		Small Blue Kishfisher
Black Winged Stilt		Brahminy Kite		Stork Billed Kingfisher
Common Sandpiper		Blue Rock Thrush		White Breasted Kingfisher
Asian Koel		Chestnut Tailed Starling		Chestnut Headed Bee-eater
Coppersmith Barbet		Common Myna		Lesser Fish Eagle
White Cheeked Barbet		Spotted Munia		Crested Serpent Eagle
Cattle Egret		Spotted Dove		Green  Pigeon
Pond Heron		Indian Roller		Gold Fronted Leafbird
Yellow Browed Bulbul		Green Bee Eater		Red Whiskered Bulbul
Asian Brown Flycatcher		Common Iora		Pied Wagtail
Asian Paradise Flycatcher		Black Lored Tit		Tickels Blue Flycatcher
Warblers		Velvet Fronted Nuthatch		Tickels Flowerpecker
Purple Sunbird		Greater Flameback WP		Greater Coucal
Purple Rumped Sunbird		Lesser Flameback WP		Rufous Treepie
Plum Headed Parakeet		Darter		Grey Wagtail
Scarlet Minivet		Cormorant		Bay-backed Shrike
Malabar Pied Hornbil		Black Drongo		Red-vented Bulbul
Malabar Grey Hornbill		Hill Myna		Puff Throated Babbler
Jungle Babbler		Oriental Magpie Robin		Tawny Bellied Babbler
Ashy Drongo		Rose Ringed Parakeet		Flying Squirrel
Racket Tailed Drongo		House Sparrow		Malabar Gaint Squirrel
White Breasted Waterhen		Great Tit		Oriental White-eye
Red Wattled Lapwing		Malabar Whistling Thrush		Swallow
White Rumped Munia		Shikra		Small Minivet
Swift		Black Shouldered Kite		Brown Shrike
Brown headed Barbet		Blue Rock Pigeon		Jungle Myna

Supa Dam

Supa Dam is built across Kalinadi (Kannada) or Kali river in state of Karnataka in India. The dam is situated in Joida taluk of Uttara Kannada district. The power house at the foot of the dam has two electricity generators of fifty megawatt each. 

The electricity generated is supplied to different parts of Karnataka. The dam was built by Hindustan Steel Works Construction Limited (HSCL) and is now operated by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited. The power house was commissioned in 1985.

 
The construction started in 1974 and ended in 1987. It has a gross storage capacity of 4178 Mcum and a live storage of 4115.25 Mcum of water. It is designed having two generators of 55 MVA and has a generator voltage of 11KV. The entire generator output accounts for 100 MW of electricity with 2916 Terminal Amp/unit and a line voltage of 110 KV. They generate about 542 Million Units annually. The output four lines of the grid are distributed between the substations at Ponda and Ambewadi equally. It is a concrete gravity dam with a height of 101 m and length of 332 m with 3 radial gates of 15m x 10m dimension and has vertical Francis turbines with a design head of 72 m.

Kulgi – Camping in nature’s lap

Kulgi nature camp was our second destination where we camped for 3 nights. This is probably the best place to camp around. The camp is situated in the forest and is a great location for birdwatching. You can see birds practically everywhere (behind the tents, enroute the watch tower, Inspection Bungalow). The best experience we had were with the mixed hunting parties when for 10-15 mins birds of different species are seen in large numbers. Typically this includes Drongos, Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Starlings, Babblers amongst others. In addition to these we had good sightings of Woodpeckers (Greater-flameback and Yellow Crowned Pygmy) and our favourite – Asian Paradise Flycatcher right behind our tent. The forest department offers jungle safari here, but ours (like most evening safaris here) did not prove very productive. Our lone sighting was a Gaur (which most others did not). Though one can supposedly sight the black panther and the tiger in this sanctuary, we did not come across a single deer/chital.

Besides the surroundings we visited the backwaters of the Bommanahalli dam and the Dandeli Timber mart. The former did not yield any special sightings and was a bit of a letdown having walked 7 kms in early hours of morning. The later was a great place to sight the hornbills but our experience was slightly truncated by heavy fog early morning. Nevertheless this place offered great sightings of the Roller, Barbets and a number of small (still unidentified) birds.

Some things to note

• For bird watching, it really helps to have your own vehicle here. Not having one imposed a major constraint for us.
• Private transport (typically Jeeps) is exorbitantly expensive. Public transport is cheap but intermittent.
• Distances are long. More often than not distances are much greater than those indicated by locals.
• Hornbill camp offers tree house, log huts, rock huts and rooms at the same cost (please verify). Try to book the tree house, it is excellently located. The standard rooms are a pithy in comparison.
• Bookings for the Kulgi Nature Camp need to be made through the forest department in Dandeli (Phone-, Fax-). Advance payment towards accommodation must be made via a draft drawn in favor of “The Deputy Conservator of Forests, Dandeli”. State Bank of Mysore has a branch in Dandeli.
• Kulgi Nature camp is very economical. It offers standard/deluxe tents in addition to dormitories. The deluxe tents come with attached toilets. All tents have electrical points for charging camera batteries/laptops.
• Though cheap, Kulgi Nature Camp offers very clean accommodation. Remember to carry your own towels and toiletries. Reasonably good food is available in the campus at a additional cost.
• There is no mobile network/phone connectivity at Kulgi.
• The temperatures at Dandeli, Ganeshgudi and Kulgi can vary. For us, Ganeshgudi was very cold in comparison to Kulgi.

Black Buck Sanctuary-Jayamangali-(Maidnahalli)-2014

JAYAMANGALI BLACK BUCK SANCTUARY

When my friend Mr Sateesh contacted me to visit Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve since we had visited in 2011 nearly three years back, I contacted Mr. Harish and Mr. Viraj and we all left in Mr.Harish Bolero on 16th August 2014 by 5-00 am, had tea enroute by 7-30 am we had breakfast at Kodigengahalli, (Idli-Bajji and got Veg Palauv packed for afternoon) and reached the Forest by 8-30 am. 

How to reach:

Route 1

BANGALORE TOWARDS TUMKUR-KORATAGERE

Bangalore – Tumkur – Koratagere – Madhugiri – take Hindupur road – Puruavara (10Kms from Madhugiri) – turn left on ID Halli road – turn right (after 8 KMs) where the board says ‘Jayamangali Blackbucks Reserve’.  (NOT GOOD)- AROUND 140-150 KMS

Route 2

BANGALORE TOWARDS DODDABALLAPUR :-

Bangalore ----- Hebbal ----- Yelahanka ----- Doddaballapur ----- Gowribidhanur ----- Thondebavi -----  Kodigenahalli ----- Maidanahalli  (This one is OK and Good)-AROUND 110 KMS

We are a group of Photography Enthusiasts, who are mainly into all types of photography especially Wildlife,Pictorial and Bird Photography .

I think the photographs will explain more about these fantastic sightings than the words. so, here we go...

Location

This area is located 23 km to the north east of Madhugiri town (Karnataka) and about 20 km to the west of Hindupur town (Andhra Pradesh). The geographical co-ordinates of the forest watch tower inside this area are 13 44’ 20” N and 7 19’ 41” E.

Brief Information 

Jayamangali (formerly Maidenahalli) Blackbuck Conservation Reserve is Tumkur district's only notified protected area. It neighbours Maidenahalli, a small village in Madhugiri Taluk, at the north-eastern tip of Tumkur district of Karnataka state, India. This area is a part of the plains of Deccan plateau and borders Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. It is a 798-acre (3.23 km2) patch of grassland with Eucalyptus and Acacia auriculiformis. It has the largest contiguous population of Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) in Karnataka, apart from Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary

The open grasslands of peninsular India were once widespread across the Deccan Plateau. Post- independence, however, they have shrunk to isolated patches thanks to immense pressure for cultivation, human habitation and other reasons that also include industrialisation. In 1987, the forest department of Tumakuru Division began protecting the area when the blackbuck’s presence was brought to their notice. In 1992, after sustained efforts by the forest department, the jurisdiction of the area was handed over from the Revenue Department to the Forest department. The Forest Department then fenced a portion of the area and raised a nursery. A concrete watchtower was erected along with two wood houses and watchmen sheds. But, the ownership of the land still rested with the revenue department.

Tumakuru’s nature lovers worked hard to have the area granted the status of a Protected Area, like a wildlife sanctuary. The first ever Status Survey report on the area was published by Tumakuru-based Wildlife Aware Nature Club (WANC) in 1997. This helped the wildlife wing of Karnataka Forest Department to source data on this area and recommend it be declared a 'Conservation Reserve'. The Government of Karnataka accepted this proposal. In February 2007, vide Government Order No: FEE 342 FWL 05, 798.33 acres (3.2307 km2) of the area was finally notified as Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve, (though the original area proposed to be included in this Conservation Reserve was 893 acres). Thus, Tumkur District's first protected area was born.

Information about Blackbuck

Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is a species of antelope native to the Indian subcontinent. Their range decreased sharply during the 20th century. Since 2003, the IUCN lists the species as near threatened.

This species is the only living species of the genus Antilope, and has been introduced in Texas and Argentina. It is one of the fastest of all terrestrial animals reaching to speeds of up to 80 km/h and is one of the few antelopes where males and females have distinctive coloration, as the male bucks are a distinctive black and white and have long twisted horns, while females are fawn coloured with no horns. In its scientific name Antilope cervicapra, 'Antilope' from 'anthalops' (Greek) a horned animal; 'cervicapra' from 'cervus' (Latin) a deer and 'capra' (Latin) a she-goat.

The blackbuck, is the provincial animal of India it is known as Krishna Mriga in Kannada. Also known as Krishna Jinka in Telugu, it has been declared as the state animal of Andhra Pradesh. Other local names for the species include Krishnasar in Bengali, Kala Hiran, Sasin, Iralai Maan, and Kalveet in Marathi.[4] It is often simply called Indian antelope though this term might also be used for other Antilopinae from the region.

The skin of Krishna Mrigam plays an important role in Hinduism, and Brahmin boys are traditionally required to wear a strip of unleathered hide after performing Upanayanam.

Description 

Blackbuck fleeing at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India 

Male and female blackbuck 

Body Length: 100–150 cm (3.3–4.9 ft)

Shoulder Height: 60–85 cm (2.0–2.79 ft)

Tail Length: 10–17 cm (3.9–6.7 in)

Weight: 25–35 kg (55–77 lb)

The distinctive horns of the Blackbuck are ringed with 1 to 4 spiral turns, rarely more than 4 turns, and can be as long as 79 cm (31 in). A trophy Blackbuck is greater than 46 cm (18 in). In the male, the upper body is black (dark brown), and the belly and eye rings are white. The light-brown female is usually hornless. Blackbuck usually roam the plains in herds of 15 to 20 animals with one dominant male.

On the open plain, the Blackbuck is one of the fastest animals and can outrun most predators over long distances. Its chief predator was the now extinct Indian Cheetah. It is now sometimes preyed upon by wolves, feral dogs, etc.

The diet of the Blackbuck consists mostly of grasses, although it will eat pods, flowers and fruits to supplement its diet. The maximum life span recorded is 16 years and the average is 12 years.

There are four subspecies or geographic races

 Antilope cervicapra cervicapra

 Antilope cervicapra rajputanae

 Antilope cervicapra centralis

 Antilope cervicapra rupicapra

 Albino Blackbuck 

Albinism in Blackbuck is rare and caused by the lack of the pigment melanin. The animal looks fully white due to the lack of melanin in their skin. Wildlife experts say that the biggest problem with these Albinos is that they are singled out by predators and hunted.

Distribution and habitat 

Originally spread over large tracts of India (except in North East India). Today the blackbuck population is confined to areas in Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka with a few small pockets in Central India.

In Nepal, the last surviving population of blackbuck is found in the Blackbuck Conservation Area south of the Bardia National Park. In 2008, the population was estimated to comprise 184 individuals.

Flora and fauna

More than 80 species of plants have been recorded from this area. Many of these plants have medicinal value.

Butterflies

Sixty-seven species of butterflies belonging to seven families have been sighted in the area. Most of the species recorded are common throughout the Indian Peninsula and some are typical of the arid regions.

Mammals

Jayamangali (Maidanahalli) Blackbuck Conservation Reserve has the second largest contiguous population of Blackbuck in Karnataka, after Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary. In total, 19 species of mammals belonging to 11 families have been recorded in the area, including the Near Threatened Blackbuck. The first ever census of Jayamangali Blackbuck reserve was jointly conducted by the members of WANC and Karnataka Forest Department in the area on 15–16 November 1997, during which a population of 408 Blackbuck was recorded. A subsequent census was held by the above on 1–2 October 2002, which revealed a population of over 600 blackbuck.

Apart from the blackbuck, other mammals present in the area include Indian wolf, Bonnet macaque, Jungle cat, Small Indian Civet, Indian Gray Mongoose, two species of bats, the Indian Fox, the Indian Hare, and six species of rodents.

Avifauna

About 125 species of birds belonging to 37 families have been recorded in the area, of which 22 are migratory. As expected of grasslands, the area is rich in ground birds, shrikes, larks and raptors. This is one of the few habitats in Tumkur District where the Indian Courser (Cursorius coromandelicus) and Painted Sandgrouse (Pterocles indicus indicus) have been seen. Some of the surrounding villagers claim to have seen the Great Indian Bustard in the past. Although none of the authors nor any birdwatchers have the bird in the area, efforts are on to sight this highly threatened species.

Reptiles

Since it is a grassland, it has quite a number of reptiles typical of dry areas/plains. About 26 species have been recorded in the area, including 14 different species of snakes

Note: There are no options for food around the Reserve. So, its better to pack food, if you happen to be in the reserve during the food timings. Also, ensure that you carry sufficient water with you.

we had  lots of fantastic sightings of birds. from birds like Bushchat's, Robin's, Bee-Eater's, Indian Roller's to big raptors like Honey Buzzard's, White-eye Buzzard's, etc.  on the route 

after having lunch we decided to visit HESSARAGHATTA lake, after a few snaps enroute the village life picked some shots enroute

HESSARAGHATTA

Hesaraghatta Lake is a manmade reservoir located 18 km to the north-west of Bangalore in Karnataka state, India. It is a fresh water lake created in the year 1894 across the Arkavathy River to meet the drinking water needs of the city. Sir K. Seshadri Iyer, the then Dewan of erstwhile Mysore state and the then Chief Engineer of Mysore, M. C. Hutchins, planned to build the scheme called the “Chamarajendra Water Works” to store a three-years' water supply to the city.

The reservoir is reported to have filled up last in the year 1994 and thereafter the lake’s deterioration and drying up started, reducing its reliability as a water supply source.

The reasons attributed to the lake’s drying up are erosion in the catchment and consequent capacity shrinking due to continuous silting. As of July 2009, the lake is completely dry.

In recent years, the Hesaraghatta Lake bed has seen an increased number of bird photographers who drive on the lake bed using their cars and SUVs as hides resulting in extensive damage to the grassland habitat. This has increased the vehicle tracks to 43 km in total, with the average track width coming to 1.62 meters. About 136 hectares of habitat was either lost or disturbed because of vehicular movement.

Main factors affecting degradation include sand mining, movement of tractors, tree plantations, and grazing of cattle.

Information Source : Wikipedia