Varun Devaraj

Varun is a wildlife guide and naturalist, exploring the diverse wilds of India—from the tiger-rich landscapes of central India and the mountainous Western Ghats to the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh. His career began in wildlife conservation with the Keystone Foundation in the Western Ghats, focusing on forest dwellers, afforestation, and conservation.

Hailing from the Nilgiris, a highland district in southern India known for its evergreen forests and high-altitude grasslands, Varun has spent a significant part of his youth exploring the Western Ghats. Living in the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized site, has enabled him to deeply understand and share his passion for this part of the Western Ghats.

Varun's journey led him to the central highlands of Satpura Tiger Reserve, where he spent five years engaging in activities like walking, canoeing, and taking safaris in forests teeming with leopards, bears, wild dogs, and tigers. In Satpura, a distinctive park in the central Indian landscape, Varun and his colleagues developed unique camping and hiking trails within the tiger reserve.

After a fruitful tenure in Satpura, Varun worked as a wildlife consultant, aiding wildlife properties with their programs, content, and marketing initiatives. Away from work, he immerses himself in exploring India's varied wildlife habitats—from the mangroves of the Sundarbans, the arid regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan, to the lush forests of Southern India.

With a special interest in flora and its interplay with local fauna, along with a curiosity about mammal and bird migrations, he dedicates substantial time to exploring these wild areas. As a passionate advocate for bridging science and nature tourism, Varun relishes every opportunity to share his enthusiasm and the natural wonders of this vast country.