Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad 
Established by Gajendra Singh Rathore in 2002, Jungle Camps India has become a distinguished collection of award-winning wildlife and conservation-focused lodges. Known for its exceptional hospitality and safari experiences, the brand masterfully blends luxury with conservation principles. With four meticulously designed properties—Pench Jungle Camp, Kanha Jungle Camp, Tadoba Jungle Camp, and Rukhad Jungle Camp—spread across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Jungle Camps India offers guests an immersive experience in India’s untamed wilderness. Boasting an impressive year-over-year revenue growth of 20-22%, the brand plans to add 170 rooms in the next three years. Asmita Mukherjee spoke with Rathore to understand the brand’s plan for the future.
What sets Jungle Camps India apart from other wildlife tourism experiences in India? How does your brand blend luxury with conservation principles?
Jungle Camps India stands out by seamlessly weaving luxury into the fabric of conservation. Our lodges aren’t just accommodations; they’re gateways to understanding India’s biodiversity. We offer curated experiences that blend luxurious amenities with profound respect for nature. Every detail, from design to cuisine, reflects our commitment to sustainability. Each of our camps provides a unique experience, setting them apart from any other jungle camps in the region.
Kanha Jungle Camp: Kanha Jungle Camp offers cottages with modern amenities, while actively participating in tiger conservation efforts in Kanha National Park.
Pench Jungle Camp: Known for its Luxury Safari Tents, PJC focuses on sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting and bio gas, while offering personalized safari experiences in Pench National Park.
Tadoba Jungle Camp: Located near Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, TJC focuses on sustaibnable practices like solar power & supports local artisans by showcasing their crafts and providing them with a platform for sustainable livelihoods.
Rukhad Jungle Camp: Nestled in the buffer zone of Pench Tiger Reserve, this camp provides a rustic and authentic experience, allowing guests to explore the lesser-known forests of Rukhad and contribute to the conservation of this unique ecosystem.
How do you ensure responsible tourism practices are maintained alongside this expansion? What are your expansion plans for FY 2025-2026?
Jungle Camps India is deeply committed to maintaining responsible tourism practices alongside its expansion. The brand recognizes the importance of balancing growth with sustainability and minimizing the ecological footprint of its operations. Here’s how we ensure responsible tourism:
Jungle Camps India is steadfast in its commitment to responsible tourism as it continues to expand. Balancing growth with sustainability and minimizing its ecological footprint are core principles guiding its operations.
To ensure responsible tourism, Jungle Camps India undertakes thorough environmental impact assessments before establishing any new lodge. These assessments identify potential risks and implement mitigation measures, ensuring that the design, construction, and operation of each lodge are in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem.
The lodges are designed and constructed using eco-friendly materials and technologies, such as locally sourced materials, minimizing waste generation, and incorporating energy-efficient features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. Comprehensive waste management and recycling programs are also in place, which involve segregating waste, composting organic matter, and recycling materials like plastic and glass.
Water conservation is another priority. Measures include the use of low-flow fixtures, recycling wastewater for landscaping, and promoting responsible water usage among guests and staff. Energy-efficient appliances and lighting are standard in all lodges, and renewable energy sources like solar power are utilized to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Jungle Camps India actively engages with local communities, providing employment opportunities, sourcing local produce, and supporting community development initiatives. This ensures that tourism benefits the local people and contributes to their well-being.
Our company has ambitious expansion plans for the fiscal years 2025-2026. The brand aims to add nearly 170 rooms over the next three years, with projects in locations such as Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Sariska Tiger Reserve, and Kuno National Park. These projects exemplify the brand’s dedication to responsible tourism while expanding its reach and impact.
Do you have any plans to introduce other brands in the same segment as well?
Jungle Camps India has ambitious expansion plans, focusing on new locations within India that offer unique wildlife experiences and pristine natural environments. The company is dedicated to selecting destinations rich in biodiversity and with minimal human impact, ensuring that tourism positively contributes to conservation efforts.
To support this growth, Jungle Camps India will continue to prioritize sustainable design and construction practices for its new lodges. This commitment includes using eco-friendly technologies and materials, and ensuring that each new lodge has a minimal environmental footprint. The focus on sustainability extends beyond construction, with comprehensive waste management, water conservation, and energy efficiency measures integrated into lodge operations.
Community engagement remains a cornerstone of Jungle Camps India’s philosophy. The brand plans to further strengthen its relationships with local communities by expanding employment opportunities, supporting local businesses, and investing in community development projects. This approach ensures that tourism benefits not only the environment but also the people who live in these regions.
In addition to expanding Jungle Camps, the company is exploring the possibility of introducing new brands within the same segment to cater to diverse traveller preferences and budgets. One such potential brand focuses on wellness retreats and holistic experiences, combining nature immersion with yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic practices. This new offering aims to attract travellers seeking a deeper connection with nature and a rejuvenating experience in serene, natural settings.
