Meet the Team

Pench Tree Lodge has a well-balanced team in all departments, comprising 70% locals from neighbouring areas who bring vast insight into the region & the jungle that surrounds us. This is further enhanced by a passionate team of naturalists who expertly interpret the forest and its wildlife. What makes the team extraordinary, is their passion & dedication to wildlife, conservation & making a positive change in rural India. Like all Pugdundee lodges a wonderful guest experience with conservation remains a top unoptimized. We hope to send back every guest not only as a friend but also as an ambassador of wildlife and conservation.

Omkar Operations Manager

Omkar's story is truly inspiring. His connection to nature from a young age and his academic background in Zoology laid the foundation for his passion-driven career. Omkar's story serves as a testament to the power of passion and dedication in pursuing a career that aligns with one's values.

His journey is a great example of how individuals can make a positive impact on the environment while building a successful career.

Shivdas Sarve Naturalist

Shivdas is a local expert who was born and raised in the village of Khatia near Kanha. His interest in wildlife grew while helping the team of Wildlife Institute of India at Kanha. He joined the company as a nature guide, but his hard work and self-learned knowledge has got him promoted to a Naturalist in the company.

Deepa Rakshana Naturalist

Deepa student of our PRONAT 2022 hails from Chennai ,Tamil nadu .She is an architecture graduate but her love for nature and wildlife made her follow the dream of being a naturalist . A keen birdwatcher, now passionate about all the creatures of the jungle and admires the way everything works.

Radhe Nagpure Naturalist

Radhe is from Balaghat, one of the places between the Pench-Kanha Corridor. He has been working in the wildlife industry for the past 13 years. He grew up visiting national parks & working in Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench. He is an avid birder who has prepared the most detailed and exhaustive checklist of the Birds of Pench.

Mokshada Mahajan Naturalist

Hailing from Indore, Mokshada pairs her lifelong passion for wildlife with a Master’s in Tourism. A graduate of PRONAT 2025, she loves nothing more than sharing the magic of the wild with city-dwellers and watching them fall in love with the outdoors just like she did as a child.

Narendra R. Desai Naturalist

Originally from Goa and possessing a strong academic background in Zoology, Narendra Desai has transitioned his expertise from the Western Ghats to the tiger heartland of Central India. Through professional guiding, he bridges the gap between coastal and dry deciduous biodiversity. He helps guests see the forest through the eyes of its inhabitants, whether tracking a tiger prowling the dense bush or spotting a leopard camouflaged within the canopy.

Pritam Guest Relation Executive

Pritam began his hospitality journey in 2017, bringing with him a deep-rooted connection to the wilderness shaped by his upbringing amidst the mountains and forests of Nepal. He completed his education, including his degree from IHM, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Currently serving as a Guest Relations Executive, Pritam thrives on connecting with guests and crafting meaningful, memorable experiences while continuously evolving professionally within the industry.

Gaurav Rana Sous Chef

Gaurav Rana works as Chef de Partie at Pench Tree Lodge. He is a city boy from New Delhi who discovered his culinary proficiency while working in the restaurant industry after graduation. His love for cooking and his unique skill of making every plate stand out makes him a silent but strong player in our team.