Ant Walk

Background

Ideally suited as a weekend morning outing for your family, the walk will introduce one of the well-known, and seldom observed, smaller creature of our city. We will hear the stories behind them, their relationship to other creatures and the vital role they play in our environment.

This walk will help you further develop your interest in wildlife photography, travel writing, and nature sketching by teaching basic identification techniques and introducing you to a wealth of information. The walk will be led by Sunil Kumar, the expert on Ants and co-author of the only popular book on ants in India, “On a Trail with Ants“, who has years of experience in the field.

Schedule

We meet at 8 AM at the fountain, just inside Lalbagh West Gate, where we will be introduced to the world of Ants. After this, we walk to catch a first-hand glimpse of these wonderful creatures.

We will amble around at leisure within the woodland habitat of the 240-acre Botanical Garden, covering as much distance as necessary in about 2 hours’ time. We will get on our knees, pick them up and learn more about the Ants of our city.

The walk will introduce many of the ants that inhabit our city and help you put a name to these wonderful creatures that live with us.

When

The next event is scheduled for Saturday, January 11, 2020, at 8 AM.

Where

Lalbagh Botanical Garden, in the city center. We meet at the fountain just inside the West Gate (next to Lalbagh Metro station). Ample parking is available on the side roads.

Cost

• The cost of the ant walk will be Rs. 200 per person.
• Children between 8-15 years of age will be charged at Rs. 100 per child.
• Accompanied smaller children, below 8 years of age, will not be charged.
• Group discounts for more than 5 participants.

Camera fees and entry fees are not included in the cost and are payable directly, as demanded by the park authorities.

Owing to the niche nature of this course, payments once confirmed cannot be refunded. You are always welcome to send in a friend or a relative if you are unable to make it on that day for some reason.

Resource People

The walk will be led by Sunil Kumar, the resident expert on Ants and co-author of the book “On a Trail with Ants“. The book, costing Rs.1000, can be pre-ordered over the phone and an author-signed copy collected during the walk.

What we provide

• You will be provided a book suited for taking down fieldnotes and a pen.
• Carry home material in the form of a flyer on common ants of our city.

What you should bring

• Enough water and any other refreshments.
• Wear good canvas shoes or any other shoes suitable for walking.
• Hat/Cap as needed.
• Magnifying glass, if you have one.

For Further Details

All participants will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

• Swamy NR +919663301502, [email protected]

Note: This program is restricted to confirmed participants only.