On the Irula Trail

Jauntyroads.com ON THE IRULA TRAIL September 21-23, 2012

Facebook “A Unique Bush Skills Workshop led by Experts” Nitin @ +91 9945 694 161



CONTENTS

ABOUT JAUNTY ROADS .......................................................................................................................................................... 3

HIGHLIGHTS: ON THE IRULA TRAIL ......................................................................................................................................... 4

How to get there? ............................................................................................................................................................... 4

ITINERARY .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5

The Experts ......................................................................................................................................................................... 6

COST & INCLUSIONS .............................................................................................................................................................. 7

DISCLAIMERS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8



ABOUT JAUNTY ROADS

We believe Travel goes beyond checking the boxes. Where you go, with whom, how, where you stay, the people you meet

and interact with, the things you choose to see and do and the quality and quantity of time you spend all contribute to

making a trip an experience to remember and cherish.

Jaunty Roads attempts to enable people get more out of their leisure travel. Our specific areas of focus are Road Trips,

Adventure and Outdoors and Special Interest Travel. Our services are as follows:

1. Travel Planning and consulting to equip travellers with relevant and accurate information so they can travel on their

own and be flexible.

2 Customized Trips for small groups of people for a memorable vacation with family, friends and/or common interest

groups executed through trusted partners

3. Pre - Planned Trips in small groups to extend some unique travel experiences we've had during our own travels to the

wider community.

The team behind Jaunty Roads is composed of MBA’s from premier institutes in India who have many years of corporate

experience behind them. What’s more significant though is that we have spent a lot of our time exploring the length and

breadth of India - driving, hiking and exposing ourselves to a lot of different places, activities, cuisines, cultures and many

diverse experiences, some of them life altering.

We realise Travel has the power to help us discover our own true selves, if only we are willing to let it.



HIGHLIGHTS: ON THE IRULA TRAIL

A rare opportunity to learn hands on from world renowned experts on reptiles

Understand reptiles, their significance in the ecosystem, dangers facing them and conservation philosophy

Sharpen your bush skills by enriching them with Tribal wisdom, scientific research and field experience

Experience the joy of nature : live in tents in a reforested patch, help set up camp, participate in diverse activities

Make new like-minded friends, stoke your passion or find a new one. Eat simple, local food.

Contribute to a meaningful cause: 40% of the net income from these workshops funds active projects run by The Gerry Martin Project across India, helping treat snakebite victims; shatter myths about reptiles and amphibians and preserving the delicate eco system by involving the local community and enrolling their expertise

How to get there?

‘Pambukudivanam', Rom’s farm is about 5 kms outside Chengalpet (on Thirupporur Road) , 60-70 kms from Chennai.

STEP 1: Reach Chennai (by Air/Rail/Road) no later than 6 am on 21st September

STEP 2: Reach Chengalpet via local train from Chennai Egmore/Guindy/Tambaram (frequency: 20 mins) or Take a bus

from the Mofussil bus stand, Koyambedu to Chengalpet (infrequent, not recommended) or take a cab directly to the

farm (can be arranged on prior notice. Cost: 1400 – 1600 INR)

STEP 3: From Chengalpet take an auto rickshaw to the farm (Rs 80 -120), if arriving by train or bus



ITINERARY

DAY: 1 8:00 am - Arrival, orientation and briefing 9:00 am - Breakfast (depending on arrival) 10:00 am - Out in the field with the Irulas for a Reptile survey 12:00 noon - Setting up the campsite 1:00 pm - Lunch 2:00 pm - Free time to rest or discuss with faculty 3:00 pm - Tracking skills and hike/survey in the reserve forest. 5:00 pm - Tea/ free time to wash up and settle in 7:00 pm - Setting up camera traps 8:00 pm - Dinner 9:00 pm - Night survey for critters. DAY: 2 6:00 am - Bird watching 8:00 am - Breakfast 9:00 am - Surveying the surrounding fields and forest for wildlife 12:00 noon - Free time 1:00 pm - Lunch 2:00 pm - Snake taxonomy session, snakebite management and first aid 4:00 pm - Visit to the Irula tribal Women’s society 6:00 pm - Free time to wash up and settle in. 7:00 pm - Setting up camera traps/ night surveys 8:30 pm- Dinner followed by a presentation and documentary



DAY: 3 6:00 am - Bird watching (optional) 8:00 am- Breakfast 8:30 am - Departure for Crocodile Bank. Participants will take part in husbandry and maintenance work. 1:00 pm - Lunch followed by departure (Workshop Ends)

The Experts

Romulus (Rom) Whitaker Gerard (Gerry) Martin Kali Founder: Madras Crocodile Bank Founder: The Gerry Martin Project Irula Tribal from Kancheepuram. Brings & Agumbe Rainforest Research Station Leading Conservationist, Researcher and together centuries of tribal wisdom, reptile tracking The World Famous ‘King Cobra man’! Naturalist. The ‘Expert with a heart’! and bush skills. The ‘Secret Agent’!



COST & INCLUSIONS

Cost: INR 9000/- per head. Service Tax (12.36%) extra

Inclusions:

All workshop related equipment

Expert trackers, herpetologists and naturalists

All meals starting with Breakfast on 21st September and ending with Lunch on 23rd September

Accommodation in tents (on twin share); other workshop related material

Exclusions: Transport to and from the venue (‘Pambukudivanam')



DISCLAIMERS 1. Jaunty Roads (the Organisers) reserve the right to change any part of the plan without prior notice.

2. While all possible care shall be taken, Jaunty Roads and The Gerry Martin Project shall not be responsible for any

delays, injuries, damages, or losses caused to any traveller in connection with any event including (but not limited

to) terrorist activities, social or labour unrest, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, diseases, local laws,

climatic conditions, criminal acts or abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or

conditions outside organisers’ control.

3. Travellers own complete responsibility for their own health, well - being and medical fitness and that of any

minors/dependents travelling with them. In case of any prevailing health/ medical condition, special cases or

situations (including special diet, exercise, mobility or other needs) pls. consult a doctor and discuss with the

organisers before booking.

4. Jaunty Roads reserves the right to accept and reject reservations at its discretion.

5. Bookings shall only be confirmed on receipt of the full amount in advance. The organisers reserve the right to cancel

the trip if conditions turn non conducive.

6. All participants should strictly follow directions provided by the faculty & facilitators on dealing with wildlife and

nature, for their own safety and that of the ecosystem.

Sports

On the Irula Trail