Gajendra Singh Rathore may have started his career crunching numbers as a Chartered Accountant, but his true calling emerged far from boardrooms and balance sheets. His journey into the wild began during his early years as a CA, when a few clients from the wildlife sector piqued his curiosity. What started as professional encounters soon grew into a deep fascination with India’s rich and often underexplored national parks. Today, he is the driving force behind Jungle Camps India—an initiative that blends ecological hospitality with transformative travel. For Gajendra, real success lies not in profits, but in the lives touched, communities empowered, and nature preserved through his work. Relentlessly passionate, he continues to shape Jungle Camps into one of India’s most meaningful and immersive wilderness experiences for the modern, mindful traveler.
1. From spreadsheets to the savannah—what made a Chartered Accountant like you leave the boardroom for the jungle, and how did that transition reshape your definition of success?
It was not not a sudden shift. Over time, my love for the forest became stronger than my ties to the corporate world. Creating something close to nature gave me a sense of joy I had not felt before. Setting up camps, guiding young naturalists, and watching local youth lead safaris started to feel more meaningful than chasing targets and numbers. Along the way, my passion for wildlife photography like capturing the quiet, powerful moments of animals, deepened my bond with the forest. Now, success feels real when it supports people, wildlife, and places that deserve care, not just applause.
2. Jungle Camps India has redefined Indian safari travel by focusing on ecological hospitality. How do you balance luxury, adventure, and sustainability without compromising the guest experience?
We keep things thoughtful and simple. Our lodges are built using local and natural materials. Our lodges are entirely solar-powered that harness clean and renewable energy to meet day-to-day operational needs. The food served to guests is seasonal and primarily sourced from organic produce grown at the camps. Beds are soft, showers are pleasantly warm, and the air is fresh and unfiltered. A guest might track a tiger in the morning, cook with a village chef in the afternoon, and gaze at stars by night. It is about comfort without waste and travel without noise.
3. Many men today are craving meaningful escapes. What makes a jungle safari a deeply transformative experience for the modern male traveler?
Life moves slowly in the jungle. You wait patiently, hoping to spot an animal. You sit quietly and watch. For people who are always busy, this stillness can feel different, even powerful to them. Many of our guests say they rediscovered their ability to notice small things, like the sound of leaves or the look in an animal’s eyes. It has helped them feel more present. Whether they are watching a tiger in the wild or listening to stories from a tribal elder, they feel connected to something they did not even know they had missed.
4. Your camps are located in some of India’s most wildlife-rich but underexplored regions. What hidden stories or rare wildlife encounters have left a lasting mark on your team and guests?
There have been many. In Rukhad, a group once saw wild dogs take down prey—something rare. In Pench, a leopard was spotted carrying her cubs across a stream. But it’s not always dramatic. Once, a butterfly landed on a guest’s hand during a forest walk, and the group stood still for five minutes. Sometimes, the quietest moments stay with you the longest. While on safari, guests often hear sudden warning calls of a cuckoo, a peacock, or a deer. These sharp, urgent sounds are the jungle’s way of giving a warning, a tiger or leopard might be close. In that moment, everything goes quiet in the safari jeep. Everyone freezes, listening. It is a strange, almost otherworldly moment, tense, thrilling, and unlike anything you feel in the city.
5. What inspired the unique ‘Kids-Friendly Jungle Holidays’ concept, and how important is it to raise the next generation of male explorers and conservationists?
We wanted children to feel at home in the forest, not scared or bored. We noticed how boys especially connect with tracking signs, learning bird or animal’s calls, or spotting pugmarks. If they grow up understanding the value of a clean stream or a bird call, they are more likely to care for it later in life. These trips create early bonds, and that matters.
6. With night safaris, astro-tourism, and birding, JCI offers rare outdoor experiences. Which of these have you found men particularly drawn to—and why?
Night safaris are a clear winner. They are unpredictable. The forest changes character after sunset—eyes shine back, calls are sharper, and you see how alert nature becomes. Stargazing is another draw. For men coming from noisy, lit-up cities, lying under a pitch-dark sky and spotting planets, constellations is surprisingly calming.
7. Sustainability is a buzzword in the travel industry. How is Jungle Camps India walking the talk with zero-waste operations, reforestation, and community involvement?
We have made it part of our everyday work. Our waste becomes compost. Single-use plastics are avoided. Solar and hybrid systems keep things running. Most staff come from nearby villages. We also work with tribal groups for cultural experiences and supplies. This is not an add-on, but it’s how we function across camps.
8. Cultural immersion is a big part of your camps. How do men—especially those used to urban settings—respond to being this close to rural craft, local cuisine, and tribal folklore?
At first, people feel hesitant. But soon, their curiosity takes over. Cooking with a Baiga chef or listening to a Gond story around a fire breaks the usual routine of travel. Many guests start asking questions, wanting to understand how things are made or why certain songs are sung. This kind of exchange creates a deeper connection to the culture and leaves a lasting impression. It helps travelers see beyond just sightseeing and truly experience the heart of the place.
9. As someone who operates in remote, forested regions, how do you handle the challenges of running a hospitality brand off the grid while maintaining world-class standards?
We plan everything with care. Power comes from solar energy. Water is stored, reused, and we also collect rainwater to make the most of what nature gives. Supplies are sourced locally. Our team receives regular training. We avoid using technology that is not truly needed. What we focus on is simple, peace, cleanliness, wholesome food, and people who truly care about this place. And that is more than enough.
10. If you could give one message to men looking to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with nature, what would that be—and why is now the time to do it?
The forest is still there. It is not asking you to perform. It is asking you to listen. If there was ever a time to step away from the screen and walk into a quiet, breathing world, it’s now. You do not need a reason. You just need to go.
