Birds and Herps - Matheran Biodiversity Camp, February 2021

Dates: 13th-14th February 2021

Matheran was declared an ecosensitive region by the union environment ministry and is called a health sanatorium. The only form of automobile allowed in Matheran is an ambulance operated by the municipality. It is clean, green and vast. Landscapes spreading till the horizon and the vastness of the valleys is just mesmerizing.

1. Carrying your Tele lens is a primary need for Birding. However, there are good opportunities to use wide angle lenses for landscapes as well. 
2. Carry fully charged batteries for your camera / flash.
3. Carry battery charger. Carry extra pack of camera batteries
4. Carry backup memory cards / HDD storage drives, Laptop
5. You must carry headlights / torches for the night search. Headlights make your both hands free to operate your camera. 
6. We also advise you to carry protective footwear with a good grip sole.
7. Carry basic first aid along with you.
8. Carry regular medicines if you are on medication.
9. Carry Odomos to keep you protected from mosquito bites.
10. Carry Permite cream to keep you protected from tick bites.

1. Maintain social distancing with other participants.
2. Use mask and face shield all the time.
3. Sanitize your hand frequently.
4. Alcohol is not permitted.
5. Carry Personal medicines if any.
6. Be humble fellow photographers.
7. Do not litter the place.

On field learning from the experts is said to be one of the best methods of improving your skillsets. Our Wildlife Photography Expert will hand hold you at every possible step for a better understanding of perspectives, camera controls and how to make use of the best opportunities to get better images. The training will focus on the following

1. How to approach Wildlife in the field
2. Exposure control in field under difficult light conditions
3. Framing and composition in the field
4. Ethics in Wildlife Photography

Yogesh Chavan, a graduate from JJ School of Applied Arts, apart from being a visualizer, a poet, a writer and an actor, he is a full time Yoga trainer and Acupressure Therapist. He is also a skilled outdoor adventure sports trainer. He has authored the popular book MATHERAN - A Practical Guide. Many of his images have drawn considerable popularity in many publications including BNHS CEC and MTDCs quarterly magazine - Maharashtra Unlimited. He has sound knowledge of the biodiversity around and currently engaged at Saguna baug on an Agro-Tourism outfit. He is associated in the DCP panel as a Skipper and a naturalist.

We will be staying in Springwood Heritage, a property spread over 3 acres, has spacious rooms, well maintained gardens and centrally located in Matheran. The stay experience in the colonial styled rooms offers a leisurely retreat. The antique furniture, porcelain light shades, ceramic pots and pure cotton and silk drapes add to contemporary ambience. Food is simply delicious. Resort will be well sanitized before we check-in and in between. To avoid cross contamination and to keep social distancing beds are placed accordingly. Resort staff are well-trained and keeping social distance. 

Rs. 6500 per head inclusive of all taxes ex Dasturi Naka

(Accommodation - twin sharing)

* Insurance is subject to eligibility. Insurance claim process & settlement is purely between customer and insurance company and DCP is not involved in any claim process & further disputes. Insurance is subject to rules governing the policy  as specified by the insurance company.

1. Matheran forest entry fee
2. Shuttle Mini Train fare from Dasturi naka (Aman Lodge station) to Matheran and back.
3. One dinner, one breakfast, two lunches and three tea breaks (all meals both veg and non-veg with eggetarian breakfast)
4. One night two days stay at Springwoods Heritage resort
5. One session of night trail at Matheran and onsite photography
6. On field photography training charges
7. Covid-19 hospitalization insurance of Rs. 50,000*.
8. Discount Coupon for testing Covid-19 RT-PCR
9. Disposable Face Shield
10. 10 Surgical masks 
11. 2 pairs of gloves
12. 100 ml sanitizer
13. All taxes and service charges

1. Mumbai – Matheran – Mumbai travel expense
2. Any kind of insurance, Medical or/and Emergency Charges.
3. Any extra meals not included in the above itinerary

Note: Participants are free to arrive on thier own, directly at the Hotel on Day 1 anytime between 10 am to 11 am.

Cancellation policy

1. All cancellations before 30 days of the event date - 100% credit
2. All cancellations between 20 - 30 days of the event date - 50% credit
3. All cancellations within 20 days of the event date - No credit possible