The Team
The owners are passionate about wildlife, forests and conservation and have a deep commitment towards ensuring preservation of this natural heritage for the next generations. With their extensive experience of over 15 years in the hospitality space, they invite you to experience the magic of Indian forests with them
Lena & Raj Mukhi
Bagh Tola was started by Lena and Raj Mukhi. From his early days spent on the family estates bordering Rajaji National Park at the foothills of the Himalayas, Raj grew accustomed to sharing his space with the frequent visits of his neighboring jungle denizens. Having observed them in their natural environment instilled in him a lifelong passion for the wilderness and its inhabitants.
Raj and Lena have over 15 years of experience in the hospitality space having operated [Mango Beach House, Alibaug] a wonderful homely resort just outside of Mumbai. They extend their warm hospitality to welcome you as their guests for a unique jungle safari experience.
Mona & Essa
Mona & Essa Vahanvati share a common passion for nature and wild life and are deeply committed to the preservation and restoration of forests and natural habitats. Over the past decade they have travelled extensively both in India and Africa and, as wild life enthusiasts, they have a natural appreciation of what needs to be done to preserve our heritage for future generations. They live in Bombay with their two children, and work in Law and marketing respectively.
To be part of the Bagh Tola team is an opportunity the couple look forward to and take pride in.
Eric D’Cunha
Eric grew up on the foothills of the Western Ghats and became a wildlife enthusiast from his early childhood, encouraged by his parents.
Eric majored in botany and zoology from Mysore University and has a long-standing association with the Mangalore Wildlife Trust and the Bombay Natural History Society. He took up the job of a Senior Naturalist with Indian Adventures at Kanha in 1986 and became the resort manager in 1987. Ever since, he has lived in Central India. He was elected as President of the Jungle lodges Association of Kanha and was appointed by the Madhya Pradesh Government as a member of the Tiger steering Committee.
There is no one with more knowledge and experience in the field than Eric and after so many years still enjoys driving guests into the jungles.
Akshaya Herale
A graduate in multimedia and filmmaking, his passion has always been about living outdoors and understanding the natural history. Akshay had been working in the central Indian forests for the last 6 – 8 years in total as a naturalist, helping people to connect with nature.
Being born and brought up in the western ghats had a huge impact on his life to be an outdoor person with regular visits to the neighboring hills and forests. The volunteering opportunities with the forest department and several NG organizations helped to finetune the skills required to understand and interpret the forest. Since then Akshay has been managing and guiding large groups on treks, guiding people on safaris and nature walks and curating experiences for people who wants to explore nature.
Being a photographer himself, He is always available to help you with a tip or two.
