YHAI Orissa Sea Beach Trekking

• YHAI Orissa Sea Beach Trekking Program Duration : 18 Dec 2012 to 31 Dec 2012
• The long coastal belt of Odisha offers some of the finest white sand beaches in the world. Virginal and unspoilt, it is not surprising that they are becoming a regular haunt for avid beach combers and sea worshippers. Trekkers can enjoy the beauty of the coastal region in a trekking programme devised for the area between Puri and Satapada that covers interesting terrain, Sand dunes, aqueous swamps and dense casuarinas forests add variety and a piquant novelty to the trek. The surrounding countryside is rich with flora and fauna and the sighting of black-buck or the giant sea turtles or the playful Irrawaddy Dolphins cavorting in the Chilika Lake give the entire experience a delightful fillip.
• Participation Fee : The participation fee has been fixed at Rs. 2,800/-per YHAI Member (Non member Rs. 2,950/-). This will cover your stay, Simple Nutritious vegetarian food, guidance, insurance and equipment. Participants will bear the travel expenses to Base camp and back to their homes.
• Program Route and Schedule: Day 01: Report at Base camp Puri., Day 02: Acclimatization & Orientation. Day 03: Trek to Bali Harachandi, 12 kms. - 4hours. Day 04: Trek to Arkhakuda, 14 kms. - 5 hours. Day 05: Boating to Rambhartia and Trek to Rajhansa- 7 km (2 hrs.) again boating to Satapada (Chilika Lake) Day 06: Satapada to base camp by Bus- 50 km. Day 07: Option 1: Breakfast & Disburse (Participants may plan their return journey after 4 PM on Day 6) Option 2: Participant can Visit to Konark- Sun Temple, Dhauli ? Budha Stup, Khandagiri- Udayagiri Caves, Nandan Kanana Zoo & Bhubaneswar at extra cost. (One day trip)
• Participants only above 12 years of age and having sound health can only participate
• You may choose to report at Base Camp Puri on any dates from 18th Dec. to 31st December 2012.
• About Chilika : It is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia with estuarine character and a welcoming wintering ground for millions of migratory avifauna. About 52 number of rivers and rivulets drain into the Lake. It has a mouth linked with sea on the eastern side. The area of the lagoon varies between 1165 and 906 Sq. km. during mansoon and summer respectively. Based on its highly productive ecosystem, rich biodiversity and socio-economic importance, Chilka was designated a Ramsar site in 1981, under the Convention of Wetland of International Importance. It has rare, threatened and endangered species, including the limbless skink and Irrawaddy Dolphin.
• How to Reach the Base-Camp: The base camp will be at Youth Hostel, PURI. It is a famous pilgrimage place, otherwise known as Lord Jagannath Dham. It is well connected by Trains and Road from every part of India. Nearest Airport is at BHUBANESWAR, 60km. from PURI. What you should bring : Rucksack (if you have one), Cotton Shirts, Pants/ Jeans, Hunter Shoes, Light Jacket/Sweeter, Two pair of cotton socks, Sun cap, Sun glasses, Mug, Plate, Spoon, Torch, Cold Cream or Vaseline, Adhesive Plaster, Lunch Box, Water Bottle, Soap, Toilet Paper, Towel, Medicines you use normally and minimum of other personal effects.
• How to Apply : Members desiring to join this programme may apply on a prescribed Registration form duly supported by a Medical Certificate, Along with DD of requisite amount in favor of SECRETARY, YOUTH HOSTELS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA, and ODISHA STATE BRANCH payable at ANGUL. This can also be down loaded from www.yhaindia.org. You can also apply ONLINE.
• For Further details please contact: Youth Hostels Association of India Odisha State Branch, Amalapada, Gandhi Marg, Angul-759122 . Orissa Mobile: 09437061774, 09937890166 .