The people who help you understand the wild.
At Safari Lodges India, our naturalists combine professional training, field knowledge and a genuine passion for wildlife to create meaningful, responsible and engaging wilderness experiences for our guests.
A safari is more than a wildlife sighting. It is about understanding the forest, reading its signs, recognising its rhythms and experiencing every moment with greater awareness.
SHANKAR VELLAT
With over 20 years of experience in hospitality, Shankar brings together operational expertise and a deep connection with the natural world.
Having worked with leading hospitality brands including The Leela, RAAS, Four Seasons, Taj and Starwood (Marriott International), his experience spans lodge operations, guest experiences, pre-openings and sustainable luxury hospitality.
A professionally trained naturalist, Shankar has completed the Professional Safari Guides Course and brings his understanding of wildlife and responsible tourism into the experiences created across Safari Lodges India.
SUNIL REDDY
Assistant Lodge Manager & Lead Naturalist | Certified Naturalist The Safari Lodge, Pench
Sunil brings 18 years of professional experience together with a lifelong passion for wildlife.
Before moving into wildlife hospitality, he worked with organisations including Accenture, Hewlett-Packard and Capgemini in client-facing roles across multiple geographies.
His transition into wildlife began with volunteering at the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (WRRC), Bengaluru, where he contributed to wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and environmental awareness initiatives. He later worked with Kaav Safari Lodge in Kabini, developing his expertise as a naturalist, guest relations professional and lodge operations team member.
Professionally trained by Nature Guides Academy, Sunil is committed to creating knowledgeable, responsible and memorable wildlife experiences for guests from around the world.
Our commitment to naturalist-led
experiences continues to grow.
Our commitment to naturalist-led experiences continues to grow.
naturalist training. Once they complete their certification, they will join our growing team of trained
naturalists across our lodges.
