About Safari Lodges India
SAFARI LODGES INDIA is a collection of thoughtfully designed boutique safari lodges in Central India, beginning with Kanha and Pench. The brand is built on three decades of deep wildlife passion, extensive field experience, and a commitment to reimagining luxury through nature.
The founders have spent 50+ days every year in forests since the early 2000s, completing 2,500+ safaris across India and Africa. This rare, lived understanding of wildlife, landscapes, and guest expectations forms the backbone of the brand—shaping everything from architecture to guest experience design.
At the heart of our philosophy is a simple belief: wildlife tourism should go beyond the ordinary jeep safari. While jeep safaris remain a cornerstone of the experience—delivering breathtaking encounters with nature and wildlife—we invite our guests to explore lesser-known safari zones, uncover hidden wildlife treasures, and enjoy a more intimate, immersive connection with the wilderness.
Our carefully chosen locations make this easy, offering central access to multiple safari gates and diverse landscapes. But the adventure doesn’t stop on four wheels—Safari Lodges India guests can discover the forest on guided walks, cycle along scenic trails, or engage with local artisans, experiencing the rhythm of the wilderness in truly unique ways.
Meet the Founders
Bhargava Srivari
Bhargava’s connection with the wild began in 1999 at the age of eight, a moment that sparked a lifelong passion for forests and wildlife. By the early 2000s, this curiosity evolved into serious wildlife photography, eventually earning him recognition as one of the youngest Associates of the Royal Photographic Society (UK).
He holds a Master’s degree in Business Management from Tulane University, USA, and spent six years as a management consultant advising Indian state governments on public policy and large-scale transformation. Despite a successful corporate career, the pull of the forest remained strong.
In a decisive shift, he left consulting to dedicate four years to building Safari Lodges India in Kanha and Pench—working on the ground with architects, naturalists, and local communities. His vision is to offer industry-leading service and deeply enriching safari experiences, shaped by authenticity, expertise, and a profound respect for nature.
Bharathi Srivari
The COVID years deepened her desire for a quieter, nature-anchored life away from the intensity of cities. Determined to build a place where people could reconnect with the wilderness, she made the bold decision to sell hard-earned assets to bring this dream to life.
Bharathi is not commercially driven; her philosophy is rooted in generosity and genuine hospitality. Her goal is simple: every guest should feel they received far more than what they paid for—through warmth, service, and meaningful experiences. She is equally committed to ensuring that a significant portion of the lodges’ profits is reinvested into community development, supporting the people who make these forests their home.
& Our team
Shankar Vellat
Director– Sales & Operations
Safari Lodges India
Shankar is a hospitality leader with 20+ years of experience, currently serving as Director at Safari Lodges India, where he oversees Sales, Operations, Growth, and Strategy. He is known for combining operational excellence with a strong focus on sustainability in luxury wildlife hospitality.
He has worked with leading brands such as The Leela, RAAS, Four Seasons, Taj, and Starwood (Marriott International), with expertise in pre-openings, guest experience, and multi-unit operations. Previously, he was General Manager at Singinawa Jungle Lodge and Director of Operations at BluSalzz Hospitality.
A certified naturalist, he completed the Professional Safari Guides course in 2025 and continues to create eco-conscious hospitality experiences rooted in India’s wilderness.
Dheeraj Pandey
Resort Manager
The Safari Lodge Pench
Dheeraj is a seasoned hospitality professional with experience across leading brands such as Trident Gurgaon, The Oberoi Gurgaon, The Westin Gurgaon, and The Ritz-Carlton Doha.
Most recently, he served as Operations Manager at Singinawa Jungle Lodge in Kanha, gaining valuable experience in wilderness hospitality.
These roles combined with his strong education pedigree including MBA in HR & Marketing and Hotel Management degree from Amrapali University, helped him build strong expertise in hospitality operations across both domestic and international markets.
Rohit Bairagi
Asst. Resort Manager
The Safari Lodge Kanha
Rohit grew up in the world of wildlife tourism, inspired by his father, a renowned gypsy driver in Kanha tiger reserve. His deep-rooted connection to the jungle shaped both his passion and career path.
After earning a degree in Commerce, Rohit returned to Kanha, where he gained experience in accounts and operations at Camp Dev Vilas Kanha and later at Pugdundee Safaris Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh.
Now serving as Assistant Resort Manager at The Safari Lodge Kanha, Rohit combines local insight with professional expertise to deliver authentic and memorable guest experiences.
What We Stand For
Sustainability
We minimize our ecological footprint through renewable energy, waste management, and responsible tourism practices that protect Kanha’s delicate ecosystem.
Guest Experience
Every stay is personally curated. From wildlife safaris to culinary journeys, we craft moments that transform travellers into lifelong advocates for nature.
conservation
We actively support local conservation efforts, community programs, and wildlife research to ensure Kanha’s forests thrive for generations to come.
Safari Destinations
Kanha National Park
Our rustic lodge, set amidst the legendary sal forests of Kanha — home of the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Pench National Park (opening 1st oct 2026)
Our Newest property in the enchanting forests of Pench – The Land of Mowgli.
