APPOINTMENT : JUNGLE CAMPS INDIA APPOINTS CHINMAY DESHPANDE AS NEW LODGE MANAGER AT KANHA JUNGLE CAMP

TTT NEWS NETWORK

NEW DELHI | 12 AUGUST 2025

Jungle Camps India Limited (JUNGLECAMP “JCI” or “The Company”), a market leader in wildlife hospitality, has named Chinmay Deshpande as the new Lodge Manager for its Kanha Jungle Camp, a flagship wildlife destination in Madhya Pradesh. Deshpande steps into the role with over a decade of hands-on fieldwork and hospitality experience across India’s key forest reserves.

Deshpande’s career in wilderness tourism began at Jungle Home Resort in the Pench Tiger Reserve, where he worked as a naturalist from 2010 to 2012. He then spent seven years with Pugdundee Safaris, taking on the role of head naturalist across seven national parks in India and Nepal, including Chitwan National Park.

Widely respected in the conservation and eco-tourism community, Deshpande has led walking safaris in Satpura for five years and managed cycling tours through the Pench-Kanha corridor in association with TOFTigers. His field knowledge also extends to reptiles and forest ecology, supported by extensive grassroots engagement through village-based awareness programmes near protected areas.

Deshpande also brings international exposure, having completed the renowned “Great Walk” in Kenya’s Tsavo National Park. In his recent role as Lodge Manager at Bori Safari Lodge, he seamlessly brought together operational leadership with his wildlife expertise, a blend that now strengthens the team at Kanha Jungle Camp.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Gajendra Singh Rathore, Managing Director of Jungle Camps India, said, “Chinmay’s strong foundation in natural history and hospitality sets a high benchmark for immersive guest experiences. His leadership will contribute significantly to the evolving identity of Kanha Jungle Camp.”

A graduate in Computer Applications from Nagpur University, Deshpande is fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi. He has officially joined his new post and will oversee day-to-day operations, guest services, and conservation-led programming at the lodge.

About Jungle Camps India:

Jungle Camps India operates eco-sensitive lodges in central India’s most renowned tiger reserves, offering immersive wildlife experiences without compromising on comfort. Their expert-guided safaris and conservation-focused ethos make them a top choice for responsible travellers.