Tillari, Banda & Talkat Bird Photography Tour

Description

About: Tillari-Banda-Talkat is a lesser-known region in Maharashtra, India, that boasts a rich biodiversity. The Tillari Conservation Reserve in Maharashtra declared in 2020, is a vital corridor for wildlife movement between Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. This 29.53 sq km area, encompassing ten villages, serves as a crucial link for tigers and elephants. Located in the Sindhudurg district, this area is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tillari boasts diverse ecosystems, including semi-evergreen and tropical moist deciduous forests, home to a rich array of flora and fauna.

The region is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including many endemic flora and fauna species. The forests of Tillari-Banda-Talkat are also inhabited by other wildlife, such as king cobras, Asian small-clawed otters, and slender lorises. The area is surrounded by dense semi-evergreen forests, lateritic plateaus, and montane grasslands, making it a unique and fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Banda, a town near the Goa-Maharashtra border, is known for its cashew nut production and serves as a gateway to the region. Nearby, Talkat village offers a haven for birdwatchers with the Talkat Vanudyan (Garden), known for its diverse avian life, including owls, woodpeckers, and colourful flycatchers. The local communities in the region are involved in agriculture, producing crops like cashews, mangoes, and coconuts

The Tillari region, while relatively unexplored, offers a unique opportunity to experience the raw beauty of the Western Ghats, encounter diverse wildlife, and immerse oneself in the local culture

Target species expected:

Tillari-Banda-Talkat, nestled in the Western Ghats, is a treasure trove of flora and fauna. As you explore this uncharted region, you can expect to encounter a diverse array of plant and animal species.

Flora

The region is characterized by tropical moist deciduous and tropical semi-evergreen forests, with dominant species like Terminalia paniculata, Memecylon umbellatum, and Syzygium spp. The presence of primaeval evergreen forest patches, such as Myristica swamps, adds to the region’s unique biodiversity. These swamps, found in Tillari, are a rare and fascinating ecosystem that supports a wide range of plant and animal life.

Fauna

Tillari-Banda-Talkat is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with a variety of fauna calling this region home. The area is known to support a healthy population of large mammals, including tigers, elephants, and king cobras. The forests are also inhabited by smaller, yet equally fascinating creatures like slender lorises, Asian small-clawed otters, and Hump-nosed Pit Vipers.

Avifauna

Birdwatchers will delight in Tillari-Banda-Talkat’s diverse avifauna. The region is home to a wide range of bird species, including Hornbills, Paradise Flycatchers, Malabar Whipstling Thrushes, and many more. The Talkat Vanudyan (Garden) is a particularly popular spot for birding, with sightings of rare species like the Indian Scops Owl, Jungle Owlet, and Brown Fish Owl.

Overall, Tillari-Banda-Talkat offers a unique and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The region’s diverse flora and fauna, combined with its unspoiled natural beauty, make it an ideal destination for those seeking an immersive wilderness experience.

Nearest Train station: Sawantwadi Train Station (Konkan Railways)

Pricing: INR 25000/-

Group Size: 5 Participants + 1 Leader

Itinerary: 28 February (Fri) – 2 March 2025 (Sun)

Day 1

Meet Jungle Buddies Expert Mr Prathamesh Desai at the Sawantwadi Train station around 10.30 AM.
Transfers to High Valley Resorts – Check into AC Accomodation & Settle In.
Introduction & Lunch
Later proceed for birding around Banda area – Night birding for owls, nightjar and frogmouth.
Night Stay & Meals in High Valley Resorts (AC Rooms on Twin sharing)

Day 2

Start early with packed breakfast for Tillari Dam area.
Birding in Tillari Dam area for more endemics.
Lunch at Vanoshi Forest stay
Evening Hide photography at Vanoshi.
If time allows we may do another night birding session.
Night Stay & Meals in High Valley Resorts (AC Rooms on Twin sharing)

Day 3

For our last birding session, we will be exploring the Talkat Van Udyan Forest area.
Birding till late afternoon.
Drive back to resort, Pack Up – Check out.
Drive back to Sawantwadi Train Station to board a train in evening.

Price Includes:

Accomodation in AC Rooms on Twin sharing at High Valley Resorts.
Home cooked deciliocus meals from Day 1 Lunch to Day 3 Breakfast.
Services of Jungle Buddies Expert throughtout the tour.
All Road transfers from train station to resort to birding site in a AC Vehicle.
Mineral Water on Tour. (3 bottles per person per day)
Forest Entry Fees

Price Excludes: