MASANAGUDI CALL OF THE WILD:After Successful completion of the 2 treks last year, we have a lot of interest from other members to conduct another trek for Masanagudi. you asked for it and here it is.

Masanagudi is an exotic locale situated a few kilometers before Ooty, on the Karnataka - Tamil Nadu Border. Masinagudi is a beautiful place on the foothills of Nilgiris just after the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. The place is lush green, peaceful and adventurous at the same time with a lot of trekking and hiking options available

Trek through the virgin forest and alongside sparkling streams. There is every chance of seeing encountering wildlife (sloth bears, elephants, bison, dholes, tiger, panther, a variety of birds, etc.) at close quarters on a trek. The birds are particularly varied and exotic, due to an immediate change in elevation of 3500 feet that provides a variety of climatic conditions, which appeal to over 320 species of birds.

When: 2nd April 2010 (will start travel on Thursday 01 April evening (9:30 PM) and will be back on Monday 05th April morning at 7 am).

Transport:
We will go by volvo Bus starting at 9.30PM on 01st April from Lakdi-ka-pul and reaching Bangalore at 7AM. and from Bangalore7.30am reaching Masanagudi at 10.30am.
Whats Included ( travel to and back from masinagudi, stay for 2 nights and 3 days, food while staying at masanagudi)

Whats Not included ( Jungle Safari, Elephant Safari, food during traveling time before reaching and after leaving masinagudi) all at individual cost

Accommodation:
We managed to find Accommodation in Masanagudi Jungle area itself just opposite the river where wild animals come to drink water, We will reach Masanagudi by Friday 7AM and will visit the river, walk a bit exploring the forest and in the Night we will have a camp fire.

Saturday early morning we will do a full day trek going from Masanagudi to Nilgiris Hills among the steep uphills, those participating are requested to start walking and climbing stairs to tone up the muscles, this will make the trek enjoyable and you wont have pains the next day., those who want to avoid uphill climb and want to do a relax bit of trekking can take a straight walk in the forest instead.

Sunday Morning we will again go exploring some other side of the jungle, others can do wildlife safari(jeep) or elephant safari both at extra cost ( about 300 per head), we will start on the journey back by 11:30 AM and visit Mysore palace on the way back to Hyderabad.

Cost: Rs 4500 per head
Last Date for Payments: 15th March 2010
Payment Mode: Wire Transfer, bank deposit, details will be emailed separately
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Terrain : Steep Hills
Duration: 8 hours per day

Preference given to First Timers

Important Instructions:
1) No smoking and no alcohol.
2) No littering, no pollution of water.
3) This is not a luxury trip, but out most care has been taken to make your trip comfortable, enjoyable and memorable in a low budget.
4) Ladies and gents accommodation is separate, this is jungle and the cottage rooms are limited, couples cant stay together, there will be 4-5 people in 1 room (Large room) with individual cots with attached bathroom, Staying outside in tents have been ruled out as wild animals roam about the place, especially herds of elephants.
5) For your security there are 2 guards and to ward off any nocturnal creatures coming to see us.
6) Food will be mostly vegetarian with 1-2 non-veg dishes.
7) You are required to do a bit of walking, stair climbing for 2 weeks to tone your muscles for the trek.
8) Climbing the steep hills can be a bit strenuous, if you think you cannot do it, you can go for a easier trek on a straight terrain, never overdo your capacity.
9) Do not go into the jungle alone and unsupervised and not far from the cottage.
10) We carry basic First Aid and if you need anything you can ask the organizers.
11) If you feel unwell bring to the notice of the organizers immediately.

Things to Bring
1) Rain coat/umbrella/poncho or just enjoy the rains if any.
2) 1 track pants/ loose trousers or jeans - full length.
3) 2 T-shirt - full sleeves preferred ( you may have to go in bushes) ( please avoid bright and shiny clothes and wear green/brown to merge in the jungle background).
4) 2 Pair socks.
5) 2 Pair under garments.
6) Mosquito cream.
7) Insect repellent ( for outdoors).
8) Sun hat/ screen ( for the ladies and fair and handsome).
9) Walking /trekking /sport shoes.
10) Digi / Video Camera.
11) Torch / Flashlight /headlight with spare batteries.
12) Medicines you need.
13) Tiffin Box to carry lunch or u can manage with a plastic cover or paper.
14) Refreshments / chocolates / energy bars/ Energy Drinks / sugar salt mixture ( for the poor).
15) Water bottle - 2 Litres.
15) Toilet paper / wet tissues.
16) Toiletries ( tooth brush, paste, small towel/napkin, comb, shampoo).
17) 2 Plastic bags medium size.
18) Photo Id ( passport, Employee/College Id, Pan card/Election Card/ Driving License).
19) A rucksack / haversack, in other words a bag u can put all your stuff in and hang on ur back, try to keep the bag less then 5-7 kgs.
20) 2 Emergency Notes with your name and address, phone numbers, emergency contact name and number, doctors name and number, with information on any medicines you take and any allergies you have with food or medicines, keep 1 in pocket and 1 in bag.
21) A good and positive mood to carry it all.

Do's and Dont's
1) Dress in drab clothing so you’ll blend into the background better. Something in green or brown - camouflage sort.
2) Avoid wearing anything shiny or bright colored.
3) A nylon jacket makes a lot of noise when you move your arms and when brush rubs against it, so an outer garment of a different fabric will be better.
4) Strictly avoid using perfumes, aftershave, deodorant and other strong artificial scents, animal have good sense of smell and may run away.
5) Avoid freshly washed Clothes as they have pungent scent of the detergents that will drive the animals away.
6) When the animal looks up, freeze absolutely still. They are very alert to motion, so a slight movement on your part will greatly increase the chances of it bolting for safety.
7) If you step on a twig or create any other noise, freeze. The animal may ignore the sound if there is no movement to give away your presence.
8) In presence of animals don't speak and if absolutely necessary just whisper
9) Keep a distance of 300 meters from Elephants.

Expectations from participants:
a. Reach the station on time.
b. No alcohol and No smoking.
c. Strictly No quarrels, calling Nicknames, getting personal or making jokes about anybody
d. No anti social, deviant or unacceptable social behavior
e. Maintain Discipline and follow the organizers instructions.

Anybody not following this guidelines and rules will be asked to leave immediately and removed from the group.