ARIHANT MALHAN
Cashmere,Christchurch
Summary
As a dedicated and seasoned Naturalist with a profound commitment to wildlife conservation and a deep love for the great outdoors & mother Earth, I bring over a decade of experience in guiding international tourists on wildlife expeditions. My expertise lies in interpreting animal behaviour and creating unforgettable experiences in India’s most renowned national parks and tiger reserves. I am eager to apply my skills and passion for sustainable tourism in New Zealand, contributing to the preservation and promotion of its unique natural heritage.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Self-Employed/Business (Part-time)
Sarai Kothi, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India
03.2014 - 07.2024
- Co-managing my family-run boutique homestay at Kanha Tiger Reserve
- Developed and implemented guest activities combining comfort with authentic wildlife experiences
- Coordinated with local guides and park officials for personalised safari experiences
- Contributed to sustainable practices development and local community engagement
- Oversaw property farms and staff management, ensuring smooth operations and high standards of service.
Naturalist & Group Leader
Tigerwalah (Tourism and Destination Management Company)
08.2018 - 06.2024
- Led wildlife tours and managed operations across Central Indian National Parks and Tiger Reserves including Kanha, Satpura, Bandhavgarh, and Pench
- Designed and implemented personalised itineraries for tourists
- Led and managed fixed departure and guided tours across various National Parks
- Expertly guided and interpreted animal behaviour on safaris, providing unique insights to visitors
- Developed and maintained relationships with park rangers, local guides, and accommodation providers
- Conducted in-depth educational sessions on local flora & fauna and conservation efforts.
Naturalist
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Jehan Numa Palace Hotel Pvt. Ltd., Bhopal
10.2016 - 06.2018
- Managed wildlife experiences in Satpura Tiger Reserve, one of the few reserves in India allowing on-foot exploration
- Conducted safaris and night drives in the protected forest areas of the National Park for exploring the nocturnal species
- Led guests on outdoor activities such as glamping, hiking, wild trekking, boat rides, cycling, nature walks and canoeing for birding & photography
- Guided elephant safaris and walking safaris into the Core area of the park for viewing animals on foot
- Led groups on hiking & glamping trips organised by the lodge on the Captain James Forsyth Trail of the region that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book
- Hosted guests, managed & trained junior staff and handled administration duties.
Administration Support Executive
Tigerwalah, Nagpur
05.2014 - 07.2016
- Managed complex bookings and coordinated travel arrangements for wildlife tours
- Assisted in developing marketing materials for eco-tourism packages
- Handled customer inquiries and provided information on wildlife experiences
- Collaborated with local partners to create tailor-made wildlife itineraries.
Trainee Naturalist
Sujan – Jawai Leopard Camp, Rajasthan
12.2013 - 02.2014
- Underwent comprehensive training in wildlife identification, ecosystem and habitat management, along with wildlife tourism and hospitality
- Trained under mentor Adam Bannister, an experienced naturalist from South Africa
- Learnt about the coexistence between the Humans & Leopards and various migratory birds near Jawai Dam and Aravalli Mountain Ranges
- Assisted senior naturalists in guided tours and educational sessions, honing interpretive skills.
Safari Guide
Singinawa Jungle Lodge, Kanha
09.2013 - 12.2013
- Managed guest relations and guided them into the Kanha Tiger Reserve in 4-wheel drives
- Educated visitors about the natural environment and provided memorable experiences
- Familiarised with the history and culture of indigenous tribes (Gonds & Baigas)
- Hosted and led guests on village walks, highlighting various aspects of the local area.
Safari Guide
Tuli Tiger Resort, Kanha
12.2012 - 04.2013
- Maintained public relations and hosted safaris
- Guided tourists into the forest on 4x4 drives
- Managed guest care and well-being.
Zoo Keeper (Volunteer)
Isle of Wight Zoo, Sandown, United Kingdom
09.2012 - 10.2012
- Assisted in animal care, enclosure maintenance, and visitor education programs
- Contributed to animal research and conservation efforts
- Delivered educational talks on the natural behaviour and habitat of tigers, drawing on my lifelong familiarity with these majestic creatures
- Maintained records and convey out any general office work relating to animal care.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History, Political Science and Sociology
Bhoj University
01-2014
Higher Secondary Education (Grade 12) -
Hislop College
01-2010
Secondary Education (Grade 10) -
Montfort School
01-2008
Skills
- Wildlife identification and tracking
- Advanced Tour guiding and group management
- Group leadership and public speaking
- Nature & Wildlife photography
- Environmental education and conservation awareness
- Basic first aid and wilderness survival
- Time management abilities
- Relationship Building
Accomplishments
- Travelled across various Indian national parks & tiger reserves including Kanha, Pench, Bandavgarh, Satpura, Bori, Pachmari, Nagzira, Tadoba, Madhumalai, Ranthambore, Jawai, Panna and in the Himalayan reserves.
- 2007: Represented Delhi Public School in the CBSE All India Athletic Meet in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
- 2009-14: Participated in various cricket tournaments organised by Vidarbha Cricket Association, Nagpur, Maharashtra.
- 2011: I was one of the official net bowlers for International matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup.
- 2012: Completed a 50-day, 10,000 kms motorbike expedition through the Himalayas. Traversed the five highest motorable roads in the world topping Khardung La pass at 18380 feet at LEH, India.
Hobbies and Interests
- Environment & Wildlife Conservation: Passionate about habitat restoration and sustainable eco-tourism.
- Photography: Enthusiastic about nature and wildlife photography.
- Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking, trekking, and exploring natural landscapes.
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Naturalist & Group Leader
Tigerwalah (Tourism and Destination Management Company)
08.2018 - 06.2024
Naturalist
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Jehan Numa Palace Hotel Pvt. Ltd., Bhopal
10.2016 - 06.2018
Administration Support Executive
Tigerwalah, Nagpur
05.2014 - 07.2016
Self-Employed/Business (Part-time)
Sarai Kothi, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India
03.2014 - 07.2024
Trainee Naturalist
Sujan – Jawai Leopard Camp, Rajasthan
12.2013 - 02.2014
Safari Guide
Singinawa Jungle Lodge, Kanha
09.2013 - 12.2013
Safari Guide
Tuli Tiger Resort, Kanha
12.2012 - 04.2013
Zoo Keeper (Volunteer)
Isle of Wight Zoo, Sandown, United Kingdom
09.2012 - 10.2012
Bachelor of Arts - History, Political Science and Sociology
Bhoj University
Higher Secondary Education (Grade 12) -
Hislop College
Secondary Education (Grade 10) -
Montfort School
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