Our Story

Exotic Journeys

Exotic Journeys started back in 1986 with a pretty simple idea: when you travel, it should feel like it's really about you, and that you're getting a deep connection to the places you're visiting.

It all began with a small company that managed destinations, but over time it has become one of the most reliable names in India when it comes to travel experiences that really mean something. This didn't happen because they dealt with a huge number of people, but because they focused on building strong relationships, earning a good reputation, and genuinely caring about creating trips that people would always remember.

We've spent years getting to know India inside out, building a team of local experts, nature lovers, wildlife guides, and people who can really show you the culture. We're talking about places like Kanha and Corbett, with their amazing forests, and Kerala, with its beautiful backwaters, and Rajasthan, with its royal landscapes. We've learned all about India by actually being there, not just by reading about it in books. Our knowledge comes from real experiences, and that's what makes our trips so special. We can take you on a journey through the heart of India, showing you all the hidden gems and secret spots that only us locals know about.

As we travelled more, we got better at what we did. We started to specialise in different types of trips, like going on safari to see wild animals, birdwatching, learning about local cultures, taking amazing photos, and educational tours. We also began to offer luxurious train rides. Now, Exotic Journeys is proud to work with some of the most famous luxury trains in India, such as the Palace on Wheels, the Deccan Odyssey, and The Golden Chariot.

Even though the company has gotten bigger, the way we think and do things has stayed the same.

We think the best trips are the ones that are tailored to each person. They're about understanding what makes someone tick, what they're passionate about, and what kind of adventure they're looking for. That's why we put so much thought into crafting every experience. We make sure it's run by people we trust, and supported by a team that genuinely wants to make it special. For us, it's not just about getting from point A to point B - it's about creating something that's truly memorable.We've been lucky enough to work with all sorts of people from around the world - travellers, schools, wildlife groups, photographers, and more. Some big names have even taken notice of what we do, but for us, it's all about the connections we make with people when we travel.

Today, Exotic Journeys is still a company that makes its own decisions, has a lot of knowledge and experience, and is very passionate about showing people the real India in a way that feels like you are really there, like you are part of it, and like you will never forget it.

Because for us, travel has never simply been about reaching a destination.It’s about discovering the stories, people, and moments that stay with you forever.

We choose our guides and naturalists carefully and make sure they have the best training. Our team creates all of our experiences from scratch. When we recommend something, it's because we think it's really special - not just because of what a place has to offer, but because we think you'll really love it. We want to make sure that everything we suggest is just right for you.

We start by talking to you, getting to know what makes you tick when it comes to traveling. What gets you excited, what do you care about, and how do you want to feel when you're exploring a new place?

Everything is thought out. From when you get there to how you spend each day, the people you meet, the places you stay, and the things that stick with you after you're back home - every little thing is done on purpose, is personal, and means something. Nothing is just random. Every detail is considered to make your experience special and memorable. You meet new people, stay in unique places, and have experiences that you'll always remember. It's all part of making your time special and meaningful.

When you're getting ready to go somewhere, there's a big difference between just making plans and actually making the trip feel like it's really yours.

Guides

The right guide can transform a journey completely.We're very particular about who represents Exotic Journeys, and we don't compromise on that.

Our guides aren't just picked for being experts, they're also chosen for their instincts and character. They have a way of understanding people and knowing exactly when to share a story, when to take a step back, and when to slow things down. And they're not afraid to seize the moment when something unexpected comes up. They know how to make the most of every situation, and that's what makes them so great at what they do.

We don’t believe in scripted guiding or rehearsed performances. The best experiences feel natural, personal, and unforced. Our guides bring destinations to life through genuine insight, quiet confidence, and years of on-ground experience — whether leading a wildlife safari, interpreting a historic city, guiding a birding expedition, or accompanying a cultural journey through India.

Every traveller is different, and our guides are trusted with the freedom to adapt accordingly. That might mean lingering longer at a remarkable sighting, reshaping a day around weather or wildlife movement, or introducing experiences that were never part of the original plan but become the highlight of the journey.

Our guides, naturalists, and tour leaders are like family to us - many have been with us for years. They know the local area inside out, are total pros, and can read our guests like a book. This means they can tailor our trips to be super personal and immersive, making every journey feel really special. They're the ones who make everything run smoothly, so you can just relax and enjoy the ride.

Because ultimately, great guiding is not about delivering information.

It’s about creating connection — with a place, its people, and the moments that stay with you long after the journey ends.

Deep Expertise on the Ground

Trusted Relationships Across India

Meet Our Naturalist & Wildlife Guide

Raj Singh

We are more than a travel company — we are a collective of passionate explorers, planners, storytellers, and local experts united by one purpose: making every journey truly unforgettable.

Vishnu Singh Sinsinwar

Senior Naturalist & Ornithologist

Born and raised in Bharatpur, Vishnu Singh Sinsinwar is one of India’s highly respected senior naturalists and ornithologists, with decades of experience in wildlife interpretation and birding across the Indian subcontinent. He has been leading wildlife and birding tours throughout India since 1989 and is widely recognized for his extensive knowledge of birds, mammals, flora, and ecosystems.

Growing up near the famous Keoladeo National Park, Vishnu developed a deep passion for wildlife conservation and birdwatching from an early age. His intimate understanding of Bharatpur’s wetlands and natural habitats has made him a sought-after guide for birders, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Over the years, Vishnu has led specialized expeditions across Central, Eastern, and Western India, sharing his expertise in bird identification, mammal tracking, habitat ecology, and conservation. He co-authored a book on the birds of Bharatpur with his brother, Colonel Shyam Singh, reflecting his lifelong dedication to ornithology and environmental education. He is also associated with the Bombay Natural History Society, one of India’s leading conservation organizations.

Known for his exceptional fieldcraft, warm personality, and deep understanding of Indian wildlife, Vishnu Singh Sinsinwar continues to inspire travelers and nature lovers through his passion for conservation and the natural world.

Ansar Khan

Naturalist & Wildlife Guide, India

Ansar Khan is a highly experienced naturalist and wildlife guide from India, specializing in birdwatching, wildlife photography, and tailor-made nature expeditions. With over 20 years of experience in the field, he has guided extensively across India’s most renowned wildlife destinations, including national parks, bird sanctuaries, and biodiversity hotspots.


Driven by a lifelong passion for birds and the natural world, Ansar possesses extensive knowledge of avian behavior, migration patterns, habitats, and ecosystem dynamics. His keen observation skills and ability to locate rare and elusive species have earned him recognition among international birders, wildlife photographers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts.

Beyond India, Ansar has traveled to more than 25 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe, exploring diverse habitats and gaining valuable global experience in birding and wildlife conservation. In recent years, he has also explored China extensively, particularly focusing on pheasants, high-altitude birdlife, and specialized wildlife photography hides, further expanding his understanding of Asian biodiversity and unique bird habitats.

Ansar is especially known for creating immersive and rewarding wildlife experiences. Whether leading specialized birding tours, wildlife photography expeditions, or general natural history journeys, he combines deep field expertise with patience, professionalism, and a strong commitment to guest satisfaction.

A firm believer in conservation awareness, Ansar enjoys sharing not only wildlife sightings but also the ecological importance and cultural significance of the landscapes he visits. His guiding philosophy is simple: every journey should be memorable, educational, and deeply connected to nature.

Specializations:

* Birdwatching & Bird Photography Tours
* Wildlife Safaris Across India
* Wildlife Photography Expeditions
* Natural History & Nature Interpretation
* Tailor-Made Wildlife Experiences
* Conservation Awareness & Biodiversity Education

Babloo (Ikrar Khan)

Senior Naturalist & Birding Expert, India

Babloo “Ikrar” Khan is a highly respected and experienced naturalist with over 35 years of expertise in leading both Indian and international birding groups across some of India’s finest wildlife destinations. Widely regarded as one of India’s leading birders, he has recorded more than 1,100 bird species, reflecting his exceptional field knowledge and lifelong dedication to ornithology.

With decades of hands-on experience, Ikrar Khan possesses an extraordinary understanding of bird behavior, habitats, migration patterns, and ecosystem dynamics. His sharp observation skills and deep passion for birding make him an outstanding companion for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
He is particularly renowned for his extensive knowledge of the Bharatpur region and its rich birdlife, having spent years exploring and understanding the unique wetland ecosystem of the park. His familiarity with the habitat, seasonal bird movements, and best observation points ensures a rewarding and memorable experience for every visitor.

Known for his warm personality, patience, and professional guiding style, Ikrar Khan is dedicated to sharing his passion and expertise with guests, helping them gain a deeper appreciation for India’s remarkable avian diversity.

Whether you are an experienced birder or a first-time wildlife enthusiast, time spent in the field with Babloo “Ikrar” Khan promises to be both educational and unforgettable.

Robin

Naturalist & Wildlife Photography Guide, India

Robin is an experienced naturalist and wildlife photography guide with over 10 years of professional field experience leading birding, wildlife, and photography tours across India and neighboring countries. Born and raised near the world-renowned Keoladeo National Park, Robin developed a deep passion for birds and wildlife from an early age, inspired by the extraordinary biodiversity of the region.

Over the years, Robin has built extensive expertise in birdwatching, wildlife behavior, habitats, and photographic guiding. He has traveled widely across India and explored wildlife destinations in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Vietnam, gaining valuable international experience in diverse ecosystems and bird habitats.

A passionate birder, Robin has recorded an impressive bird list of approximately 1,230 species, reflecting his strong field knowledge, dedication, and sharp observation skills. His expertise in locating birds and understanding their behavior makes him a valued guide for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Robin also has meaningful experience in conservation and environmental awareness, having worked on various wildlife-related initiatives and spent years understanding the ecology and seasonal birdlife of different habitats. His friendly nature, patience, and deep field knowledge ensure that guests enjoy an enriching, educational, and memorable wildlife experience.

Whether leading a specialist birding tour, a photography expedition, or a general wildlife journey, Robin brings professionalism, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for nature to every trip