Field experience proved a more powerful education than the conventional academic route, and Harsha Jayaramaiah’s early work led to a role with Sanctuary Asia’s Kids for Tigers conservation programme. In 2004, Harsha became a lodge naturalist in southern India. The following year, he was among the first naturalists to be trained through &Beyond’s guide-training programme in Asia. He later moved to the tiger reserves of Central India, where he joined Taj Safaris – &Beyond and rose to become a Head Naturalist and Assistant Guide Trainer.
Working alongside naturalists from India and Southern Africa helped Harsha refine his ability to share his vast knowledge. An overlooked track, an alarm call or a subtle change in vegetation becomes the beginning of a story through which the wider landscape comes into focus.
Since becoming an independent tour leader in 2010, Harsha has guided wildlife and photography journeys across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Borneo, Brazil and Tanzania. He continues to lead journeys with &Beyond in Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, extending a relationship that began with his own training more than 20 years ago.
His interests range from big cats and primates to birds, reptiles, photography and the complex relationships between wildlife and people. Long hours assisting with camera work on wildlife productions have further sharpened his powers of observation and the patience required to recognise significant behaviour as it unfolds.
Harsha is equally committed to preparing the next generation of naturalists. Together with his wife, Payal, and a wider team that includes other &Beyond-trained guides, he trains and mentors nature guides across India and the wider region. Their work has included creating India’s first online nature-guide training programme for rural participants and contributing to a practical handbook for aspiring guides.