Summer Wildlife Camp - Bandipur and Mudumalai
Summer Wildlife Camp - Bandipur and Mudumalai Summer Wildlife Camp - Bandipur and Mudumalai Summer Wildlife Camp - Bandipur and Mudumalai Summer Wildlife Camp - Bandipur and Mudumalai Summer Wildlife Camp - Bandipur and Mudumalai Summer Wildlife Camp - Bandipur and Mudumalai Summer Wildlife Camp - Bandipur and Mudumalai

Summer Wildlife Camp - Bandipur and Mudumalai
13-15 Apr, 2012

CAMP SYNOPSIS

"Start young, stay young" is the most relevant aphorism of our times. And in a world increasingly alienated from its own roots, an early introduction to the wonders of nature can have a long-lasting positive effect.

This summer, Toehold invites children and young nature-lovers to make that start and experience the great outdoors like never before, on the Summer-Special Wildlife Camp at Bandipur and Mudumalai.

How is it?

Nestled in the foothills of the Nilgiri Mountains, these twin Tiger Reserves boast of an array of fascinating flora and fauna, including over 300 species of birds, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.

A vital cog in the Nilgiri Biosphere, historic Bandipur is one of India's first and finest Tiger Reserves, and also Southern India's most famous. Its priceless Tiger and Leopard habitat is home to three rivers and represents in part the best remaining haven for the endangered Asiatic Elephant, Indian Wild Dog and a plethora of life in all its sensational forms and colours. And Mudumalai, contiguous with the celebrated Bandipur forest, shares her sister's features.

Rich in Bamboo, Teak, Sandalwood and Flame of the Forest, the hallowed alleyways of the two forests exude whimsical enchantment from every wild nook and cranny. While the heady heights of the Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta will give you a dizzying kick, the spectacular depths of the Moyar Valley Gorge will take your breath away.

Book a place now and send your child on a wild ride that will pave the way for a green future!

What your child will take back:

Activities are aplenty and will include wildlife safaris, bird-watching and trekking. Integral to the programme will be hands-on learning on nature conservation, photography, wildlife tracking, outdoor survival skills, star gazing and, not to forget, a whole lot of fun! In specific, your child will enjoy –

  • A fascinating experience in one of India's richest Tiger habitats
  • A great holiday in the lap of nature
  • A treasure of learning about nature and photography
  • A whale of a time with a friendly, patient and helpful Toehold Skipper
  • A riveting expedition that is sure to have them asking for more



CAMP SKIPPER

Phillip Ross
Phillip Ross is without doubt the 'little master' of wildlife photography. Still in his early twenties and already boasting an astounding portfolio, Phillip exudes the same precocity and talent as the big cats he is famously known to share a special relationship with. When out in the wild, Lady Luck is his faithful friend, and back in the civilized world, captivating stories of his experiences are a staple source of fascination for those who enjoy the pleasure of his acquaintance.

An avid angler, great raconteur and naturalist par excellence, Phillip uses his passion for wildlife to spread the joy of nature through his infectious ways to adults and children alike. Having explored wilderness areas throughout India as a photographer and naturalist, Phillip has won many laurels, including a Wildlife Conservation Award in 2009 for his report on saving the Bannerghatta National Park. And courtesy of his skill, imagination and technical mastery, his work has been used in various magazines, newspapers, journals and calendars for embellishment and education through his incisive lens.


CAMP ITINERARY

  • Day 1, April 13: Excited Arrival and Early Exploration

    We depart Bangalore at the crack of dawn and proceed to be enchanted on our much-awaited Summer Wildlife Special Kids Tour. After a quick breakfast stop on the way, we soon reach our welcoming resort at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.

    After check-in and a scrumptious lunch, Skipper Phillip Ross will introduce participants to the art and science of wildlife photography. There will also be a brief on the wildlife found in the area before the group departs on an evening jungle safari in Bandipur, where we explore the wildlife hotspots and keep our eyes peeled for surprises.

    We return to the resort at dusk, after enjoying the many sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Over bonfire and dinner we get to know one another better and discuss the unique experience of the safari in Bandipur.

    We end the night with a session of entertainment followed by a presentation on wildlife conservation.
  • Day 2, April 14: Excursion Proper

    The resort, being in the midst of bamboo groves with a stream flowing through it, is rich in avian life and provides a great opportunity to learn about birds and bird photography. Therefore, we awake suitably early and go on a bird-watching trek through the property and beyond, looking for Flameback and Streak-throated Woodpeckers perching on the barks of the teak trees that flank the footpath. It's also a great time to sight Grey Jungle Fowl and Indian Peafowl, especially with their colourful feathers glistening in early morning light. Catching a sight of an occasional Flycatcher along the stream is also a distinct possibility.

    Following a fruitful walk, we return to the resort and breakfast. Later, we gather for a session on understanding wildlife behaviour and its importance to wildlife photography. And since too much of talk can be boring, we break for a quick snack, which will be followed by a fun-filled nature-based game or activity.

    Soon we hit lunchtime. The chef at the resort is renowned as one of the best in the area, and we can be assured of a meal that will pamper our taste buds. After lunch we rest awhile and prepare ourselves for an evening to remember.

    At 3:30p.m we depart on a safari in Mudumalai. Here we have a great opportunity to practice what we've learnt on the trip so far with regard to photography and tracking.

    We return just after sunset. If blessed with a clear sky, we will learn the art of star-gazing and spend the rest of the evening reminiscing about the sightings and experiences we've enjoyed on the trip.
  • Day 3, April 15: Swansong and Reluctant Return

    Our final morning arrives as we wake up to the melodious bird-songs outside our windows.

    In conditions perfect for trekking, we explore on foot a hill surrounding the resort. The top of this hill is a great vantage point from which to behold the Mudumalai and Bandipur Tiger Reserves, and we utilize the time and the opportunity to learn time-lapse photography and practising other forms of nature art, by choosing a subject within the resort. After breakfast we pack up and bid adieu to beautiful Mudumalai.

    On the way back we drop by the famous Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta. At 1450m it is the highest peak in Bandipur and a great place to enjoy some picturesque views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The grassy undulations of the peak are also visited occasionally by wild Elephants and Gaur that graze on its slopes, making for a striking sight if fortune favours us.

    We stop for lunch at Mysore, the City of Palaces, and continue onwards to Bangalore to conclude an unforgettable excursion that your child will cherish.

TESTIMONIALS BY KIDS/PARENTS OF PREVIOUS WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS

  • Absolutely awesome! A very home-like and informal feeling. I made new friends and this camp sparked an interest in photography and wildlife.
    - Ankit Ranjan, Bangalore

  • Having no big cat in my country, I was really looking forward to seeing my first tiger in the wild, and the big male we sighted on the first evening in Bandipur made my dream come true! The atmosphere was most cordial and the company was fun. I look forward to coming back next summer!
    - Samantha Whiting, UK

  • The view from the room was just beautiful! Also, I really enjoyed waking up to the spotted deer feeding just outside the window and the lovely Nilgiri hills.
    - Sathya Ram, Mysore

  • The camp was great fun! We learned camera-trapping in the beautiful jungle. Phillip also taught us how to do time lapse photography and gave us a lot of knowledge on the wildlife. The tiger sighting was my favourite moment of the trip and I hope to come back and see more tigers.
    - Shweta Manohar, Bangalore

  • It was very good. We saw a tiger on a Friday, the 13th, so it wasn't bad luck for a supposedly bad day. All the activities were fun and I learned a lot from Phillip.
    - Shashank Reddy

WORKSHOP FEE

INR 11,500/- Per Child

Payments accepted by cash or by bank transfer before the camp.

Inclusions:

  • Twin-sharing accommodation in comfortable rooms
  • Road transfers from Toehold Office, Bangalore to the destination and return
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages (coffee and tea)
  • All applicable taxes
  • All safaris and entry fees

Exclusions:

  • All Airfare and transfer expenses
  • Any kind of personal expenses or optional tours, extra meals and beverages ordered
  • Insurance, laundry and phone calls
  • Bottled water and soft drinks
  • Camera fees if any (participants will be advised of the estimated fees in advance)
  • Anything that is not included in the Inclusions list (see above)

  • Cancellation Fees:

    1. 15% : Between 30 and 45 days from date of departure
    2. 50% : Between 7 and 30 days from date of departure
    3. 90% : Between 2 and 7 days from the date of departure
    4. 100% : NO Refund within 48 hours from date of departure

    • Terms and Conditions:

    • 1. Participants who have a medical history of blood pressure, heart-related problems or asthma are advised to seek medical advice before enrolling for this Tour.
    • 2. Fitness to complete the Tour is the only criterion for participation.
    • 3. Toehold Travel & Photography Pvt Ltd. shall not be responsible for injuries, damages, or losses caused to any traveller in connection with terrorist activities, social or labour unrest, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside the travel partner's control.
    • 4. All clients travelling with Toehold Travel & Photography Pvt Ltd. must complete and sign a reservation form and the "Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk & Arbitration Agreement" form.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who should attend this Camp?

    Anybody between 10 and 16 years of age is welcome to join the Camp. There are no other eligibility criteria.
  • How many participants can be expected on this Camp?

    Your child can expect a maximum of 20 other kids for company. The Camp strength has been kept down to ensure smooth running of the event and quality time with the Skipper for each kid.
  • By what mode will children explore the forest on this Camp?

    Children will enjoy the wilderness mostly in a 4x4 safari vehicle, but also by foot where it is safe to do so, especially in Mudumalai.
  • What about my child's safety during the event?

    Your child's safety is of paramount importance to us. The Skipper leading this Camp has been trained by Toehold on child protection; child behaviour and development; health and safety; activity programme delivery; and Toehold's code of conduct, policies and procedures. The Skipper will accompany the children on all activities and the Camp will have at least one staff member qualified in administering First Aid, at all times.
  • What things should my child bring to this Camp?

    Water bottle
    Cap or hat
    Shoes and slippers/floaters
    Three sets of sober-coloured outdoor clothing (including shorts and swim wear), night clothes, towel and woollens
    Toiletries and other personal essentials
    Notebook, pen, pencil, crayons and watercolours (if possible)
    Torch
    Mosquito repellent
    Camera and binoculars (if possible)