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Our Journey

A legacy of three decades in India's wilderness

Our Legacy

Founded by Himanshu Bagde, one of India’s most respected voices in wildlife tourism, Kalyaan Mitra carries forward a legacy built over three decades of work in the field. From guiding travelers through the core forests of Central India to mentoring naturalists and collaborating on conservation efforts, Himanshu’s journey is one of purpose and dedication.

Kalyaan Mitra is the natural evolution of that journey, an organisation shaped by deep experience, local knowledge, and a lifelong love for India’s wilderness.

Timeline

2009
Leaves a corporate career to answer a deeper call from the wild. Begins humble, from scratch — working as a guide, naturalist, conservationist, and wildlife photographer
2010-2011
Develops a growing passion for wildlife storytelling. Starts helping people explore the magic of the wild through photographs and personal narratives.
2012
Breakthrough moment: Wins the Sanctuary Asia Wildlife Photographer of the Year for the iconic image, "The Kill by Maya"
2013
Gains recognition for combining conservation and tourism. Receives the prestigious Maharashtra State Biodiversity Award. Begins shaping transformative eco-tourism, raising awareness about wildlife through meaningful experiences.
2014
Honoured with the National Biodiversity Photograph Award, further cementing his reputation in conservation photography.
2017
Realizes that his passion needs a larger platform. Founds a wildlife tourism venture to connect people globally with Indian wildlife in a deeper, more responsible way. Begins channelizing wildlife tourism across major parks in India, curating experiences that go beyond the conventional safari lens. Starts establishing a network of conservation-driven tourism models that balance ecological sensitivity with immersive travel.
2018
Expands his vision to embrace the diverse natural and cultural landscapes of India, from the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh to the dense forests of Central and Eastern India. Identifies subtle, unexplored tourism opportunities in lesser-known parks and remote regions. Begins venturing into these terrains, integrating them into his conservation-driven tourism model and broadening the scope of responsible travel in India.
2019
Represents India at the Lanka Challenge, a cross-country adventure rally across Sri Lanka. Wins the prestigious Large Minority Lanka Challenge Award – 2019. His participation sparks interest in Indian wildlife eco-tourism across Sri Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia.
2020
The COVID-19 pandemic halts tourism, posing significant challenges to the industry. However, the pause brings with it a renewed sensitivity toward wildlife conservation, and a growing public understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and nature. Himanshu adapts by leveraging storytelling and photography—using his voice and visuals to keep conservation alive in public consciousness during uncertain times.
2021
Received the Nagpur Ratna Award for his exceptional contribution to the growth of the city through wildlife tourism. Recognized for positioning Nagpur as a gateway to the Tiger Capital of India, and for driving community-based tourism in and around the region.
2022
The year 2022 marked the beginning of Himanshu’s conservation journey, a mission to unite individuals worldwide for a shared cause. In the wake of COVID, growing community awareness breathed new life into these efforts, turning collective passion into meaningful action for the environment.
2023
As post-COVID travel resumes, enhanced infrastructure and heightened awareness fuel a tourism resurgence. Himanshu’s tours see growing global participation, with nature enthusiasts, photographers, and conservation travellers from across the world joining him to explore India’s wild heartlands.
2024
Launches his debut book, "Wild Whispers" – a powerful collection of essays, encounters, and reflections from the wild - a transformative read taking the reader into the world of wild.  Establishes partnerships with leading corporates under CSR initiatives.
2025
Conceptualizes Kalyaan Mitra — a sanctuary, a sustainable lifestyle, and a curated experience for all things wild. The idea is to create a platform which streamlines all the CSR activities, wildlife safari/tourism packages, and to inspire and engage the public in conservation and wildlife awareness.

What Guides Every Journey

Our journeys are shaped by core principles—rooted in respect, authenticity, and a commitment to both the wild and those who steward it.

Respect for Nature

We listen before we step in.

Authenticity in Experience

We offer what we live, not what we script.

Responsibility in Travel

We aim to give more than we take.

Excellence in Execution

We pay attention to the smallest details.

Community- Centered

We work with local voices, not around them.

Recognition & Awards

Nagpur Ratna Award
2021
Sanctuary Asia Wildlife Photographer of the Year
2012 with Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Group
Maharashtra State Biodiversity Award
2013 – From Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister of Forest and Environment

Curated wildlife adventures where your journey celebrates and conserves the natural world

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