people

our story people

Our people are our brand ambassadors. Never exhausting and truly passionate about delivering an unparalleled experience to each and every guest is the cornerstone of our philosophy. There are no practised smiles, only genuine warmth and sincerity and this is what makes our team so special.

the leaders

Gajendra Singh Rathore

Managing Director and Founder, Jungle Camps India

A Chartered Accounted (CA) by profession, Gajendra’s interest in wildlife began when he started working as a CA and had a couple of clients belonging to the wildlife sector. He was fascinated by the rich wildlife we have in various National Parks in India itself and how many of them are still under-explored. He is driven by his passion towards wildlife and believes that his true success comes from the number of lives Jungle Camps has changed in the remote areas it operates. He is constantly on the look out for the ways he can make Jungle Camps India one of the finest wildlife and hospitality experience for the discerning traveller.

Ajay Singh

Director & CFO, Jungle Camps India

With over a decade of accounting and taxation experience, Ajay leads the finance department. Quiet and unassuming, he forms the backbone of the company. With sharp acumen for all things numbers, no new activities and expansions are rolled out without his approval. Born and brought up in Rajasthan, he loves to read and spend time with his family in his free time.

Yashovardhan Rathore

Whole-Time Director, Jungle Camps India

Born in the family of passionate wildlifers, his love for nature and wildlife was inculcated in the childhood itself. With Masters in International Hotel Management from Les Roches Spain, Yashovardhan has also completed his bachelors in law. A man of many interests, he loves sports and has been a prize winning athlete during his former school years too. He is passionate about travel and loves exploring new destinations. His goal is to expand the portfolio of Jungle Camps India to make it into a leading safari and wildlife company in the world.

Ms. Laxmi Rathore

Non-Executive Director

Ms. Laxmi Rathore aged 53 years having over 20 years of rich and diverse experience in the hospitality industry, Ms. Laxmi Rathore stands as a beacon of expertise and leadership. She has dedicated more than two decades to mastering the art and science of hospitality, making her a distinguished figure in the field. She ensures that each camp under the Jungle Camps India umbrella maintains high standards of service, sustainability, and guest satisfaction. Her responsibilities encompass strategic planning, coordination of daily activities, and the implementation of innovative practices to enhance the guest experience. She actively contributes to the housekeeping department, ensuring impeccable standards are maintained. Additionally, her exceptional skills in design and soft furnishings enable her to create aesthetically pleasing and comfortable environments, enhancing the overall guest experience. Mrs. Laxmi's leadership is characterized by her commitment to eco-friendly initiatives, promoting local culture, and ensuring that the operations align with the group's core values of environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Ms. Maansi Khangarot

Independent Director

Ms. Maansi Khangarot aged 25 is a B.Arch.(H) qualified and is having an experience of 3 years. Maansi is a highly skilled architect whose career is distinguished by a diverse range of experiences and a robust educational background. Having had the privilege of working under the esteemed French architect Stéphane Paumier (HMNOP, RIBA), Maansi has cultivated a profound understanding of architectural design, project management, and interdisciplinary coordination.

Mr. Shailendra Singh

Independent Director

Mr. Shailendra Singh aged 61 years is an esteemed Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1988 Madhya Pradesh cadre, has had an illustrious career marked by diverse and significant contributions across various departments and ministries. Born on December 20, 1962, in Bihar, Shri Singh is fluent in Hindi, Bengali, and English. He holds a Bachelor of Science, an LL.B., and an MBA in Public Policy. Throughout his tenure, he has held key positions such as Agriculture Production Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary at Vallabh Bhawan, Bhopal, Joint Secretary in the Commerce & Industry Ministry, and Principal Secretary for SC/ST Welfare, among others. His notable achievements include receiving the Prime Minister’s Award for Innovation in Public Administration for his work in improving India’s performance in the World Bank’s Doing Business Report. Shri Singh’s career exemplifies dedication and versatility in public service, significantly impacting sectors such as agriculture, industrial policy, welfare, and tax administration.

Mr. Tarun Khanna

Independent Director

Mr. Tarun Khanna aged 53 is a partner of the Investment Advisor and is responsible for ideating, identifying, investing, monitoring and exiting investments in the consumer products and services sector. He is serving and has served on the boards of several portfolio companies of the Investment Advisor NTL, Barbeque Nation, Sapphire Foods, Mrs. Bectors Foods and Thalappakatti Hotels. Prior to joining the Investment Advisor in 2008, He was a director in the investment and corporate banking sector at Yes Bank, an Indian private sector bank. He was responsible for originating mergers and acquisitions ("M&A") and capital raising transactions across North and East India for four and a half years, originated several private equity transactions and worked with several private equity funds, including with CVCI. He was also an integral part of the startup team at Yes Bank and served in a variety of leadership roles. Prior to his engagement at Yes Bank, he has spent four years at Citi's corporate and investment banking business, before which he was with GE's commercial finance business for 18 months. He earned an MBA from the University of Baltimore and a B.S. degree in Engineering from the University of Maryland.

Mr. Ashok Kumar Mittal

Independent Director

Mr. Ashok Kumar Mittal aged 61 years having rich experience of 33 years and graduate in B. Com from Rajasthan University, Jaipur in the year 1985 and CS a fellow member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, New Delhi in June, 1990 and worked as Company Secretary of M/s Jay Bharat Sona Industries Pvt. Ltd., Surat from 01/03/1991 till 23/04/1992 and in Lunar Diamonds Limited, New Delhi from 01/05/1992 till 20/09/1996, right now working as practicing Company Secretary.

sales & marketing

Abhishek Aggarwal

Head of Sales & Strategy

A part of the team from past 10 years, Abhishek joined the company after completing his MBA. Responsible for strategy & expansion, he is also leading the sales and marketing efforts in the company. Soft spoken with keen attention to detail, he is an expert in designing bespoke tours and experiences. He is also the team’s go-to-man for any queries one may have related to travel and wildlife. In his free time, he can often be seen making travel plans to unexplored destinations.

Sandeep Giri

Sr. Manager Sales & Marketing

With a passion for showcasing India's incredible wilderness and unforgettable wildlife encounters, Sandeep is dedicated to creating exceptional experiences for every guest. A Hospitality graduate from JP Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Sandeep brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for India's incredible wilderness to his role.

His journey in the hospitality industry is extensive, having previously served as General Manager at various lodges in Central Indian parks. This deep-rooted experience has instilled in him a profound understanding of the delicate balance between nature and tourism, ensuring every guest's journey is both enriching and sustainable.

Abhishek Singh

Sales Associate

With a B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Gurudaspur, Abhishek brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to crafting your perfect jungle adventure.

With a passion for sharing the beauty and wonder of India's wildlife, Abhishek will take the time to understand your interests and tailor your trip to perfection. From selecting the ideal camp to curating exciting activities, [he/she] will ensure every detail is taken care of.

our naturalists

At Jungle Camp India’s Wildlife Lodges, a team of knowledgeable naturists, deeply passionate about wildlife and biodiversity, enhance every experience for the discerning traveler. These experts bring a wealth of understanding and enthusiasm to each journey, whether it’s a thrilling safari or a serene nature walk.

Prabhir Patil

“Pat”, as he is known in the Tourism Industry, started his career as a Professional Safari Guide in the year 2004 when he joined Pench Jungle Camp. A veteran in wildlife, having more than 20 years experience in guiding and birding. He has spent his lifetime in the Central Indian jungles exploring different national parks. Mr. Patil brings in the seriousness to enthusiast wild lifers by his guiding skills. He is working with Pench Jungle Camp as one of our head guide and brand ambassador. When he is not guiding he is responsible for guides training as well as the smooth running of operations. Guiding at competent levels is his top goal. He enjoys spending as much time with nature discovering the many things that animals have to offer. He believes that one can truly understand animals in their natural habitat when the animals finally ignore your presence and continue with their daily activities as if you are not there. This happens when the animals feel entirely comfortable in your presence. His love for animals and the bush comes naturally because he grew up in Nagpur close to Pench National Park.

Laxmikant Shukla

Meet Laxmi Kant Shukla, a seasoned professional with 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry, specializing as a naturalist. With a passion for wildlife and conservation, Laxmi has dedicated himself to providing guests with memorable experiences in nature. His expertise spans various roles, including 6 years at Tiger Moons Resorts and 8 years at Mahua Tola Resort Tadoba Andhari Tiger Resort in Maharashtra, where he excelled as Head Naturalist and Lodge Manager. Laxmi's deep knowledge of local ecosystems and wildlife ensures that every guest leaves with a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Bhupesh Taram

Coming from a local tribal community of Kanha, understanding of nature was not a difficult thing for him. Since childhood he has been a dog lover and became a dog trainer has he grew old. After his Master degree, he involved in tiger tourism since 2006 and became excellent in tiger tracking and bird watching. Today he is one of the top birder in the ebird community of Madhya Pradesh. He has been volunteering for various bird surveys conducted in different forests of Madhya Pradesh. He is an excellent naturalist who keeps the guests engaged with his wildlife stories and sharing his knowledge of flora and fauna.

Chaitali Roy

Chaitali Roy, our seasoned naturalist with a wealth of experience in fostering a deep connection between guests and the natural wonders of our surroundings. With a background spanning from the lush Periyar Tiger Reserve to the untamed wilderness of Wayanad. Chaitali has been instrumental in orchestrating immersive experiences for nature enthusiasts. From captivating nature walks to interactive sessions on biodiversity, Chaitali brings a blend of expertise and passion to every engagement. Let her unveil the secrets of the jungle on your next visit!

Samrat Godambe

Samrat, a seasoned naturalist with a wealth of experience garnered from working with diverse lodges across Central India's national parks, embodies a profound passion for wildlife and conservation. Renowned for his organizational prowess and unwavering dependability, Samrat adeptly manages multifaceted tasks while upholding a steadfast work ethic and fostering a positive team environment. Samrat's dedication extends beyond research as he actively engages in wildlife management initiatives and imparts his extensive knowledge through nature education programs. A skilled photographer and cinematographer, he expertly captures the essence of the natural world, further inspiring conservation efforts. With an insatiable curiosity and a steadfast commitment to the protection of biodiversity, Samrat epitomizes the essence of a dedicated naturalist.

Supriya Shrii

Supriya Shrii embodies the essence of a budding naturalist, raised on the fringes of Kanha Tiger Reserve amidst a backdrop of untamed creatures. With a profound connection to the wilderness, Supriya has dedicated herself to the realm of sustainable wilderness tourism for more than three years. Her journey commenced as a safari guide, where her adeptness in bird spotting and animal tracking swiftly became apparent. Supriya's presence enriches any safari experience, offering unparalleled expertise and insight into the intricate tapestry of nature.

Surendra Singh Rathore

He is the eldest member of the Pench Jungle Camp family. He has spent almost 2 decades in the Pench National Park. An ex Indian Army man, shifted to the jungles to follow his passion and spend his time in the lap of nature He is an expert guide and naturalist. A passionate wildlifer and an award winning wildlife photographer. Surender, brings in creativity, professional skills and passion to provide a unique and memorable experience to our guests.

Nayan Mondhe

The wildlife tourism Industry is most grateful to all the tourists who played a vital role in developing Taboda into what it is now, Wildlife tourism and its conservation module move alongside the development of local communities and stakeholders. One such Community development & Conservation success story is NayanMondhe. This young Lad took up to wildlife and visited the National Park at a very early age, along with his uncle who was working with the forest Department for the last 25 years. One of his first Tiger encounters will stay with him for a lifetime when he was just 15yrs Old, He says it feels like his first kiss in Nature, and the memory to this date, is as fresh as the winter morning Breeze!

Monthung Ezung

A part of the team since it’s very inception, apart from a trained naturalist, Monthung is an experienced hospitality professional too. Due to his experience and interest, he wears a dual hat of being a naturalist and looking after lodge operations too. An avid birder himself, Monthung is the best guide to accompany you on your bird watching walks.

The Team

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Gajendra Singh Rathore

Founder, Jungle Camps India

A Chartered Accounted (CA) by profession, Gajendra’s interest in wildlife began when he started working as a CA and had a couple of clients belonging to the wildlife sector. He was fascinated by the rich wildlife we have in various National Parks in India itself and how many of them are still under-explored. He is driven by his passion towards wildlife and believes that his true success comes from the number of lives Jungle Camps has changed in the remote areas it operates. He is constantly on the look out for the ways he can make Jungle Camps India one of the finest wildlife and hospitality experience for the discerning traveller.