Angels Of Tourism: This Punekar gives the city folks a glimpse of the magic of forests; Rohit Damle

Pune resident Rohit Damle was all of 20 when he left the fast-paced city life to spend time in the wilderness. Attracted to the mesmerising wildlife that this country offers, he aspired to become a private wildlife guide and naturalist. After working in this field and undergoing specialised training, he started his company, The Bridge Tours, in 2018. With an experience of a decade in the forests, he offers city folks a glimpse into the blissful forest lifestyle and the wildlife that it houses. 

“When I take people on safaris, I provide interpretative guidance, which means talking about what’s right in front of me, and not sharing book-like knowledge. It’s as good as seeing Nat Geo and Discovery Channel-like videos, but then I am explaining things to them, live,” he says. Damle conducts such safaris across the country, and in Maharashtra, he primarily operates in Tadoba National Park, Nagzira Sanctuary, Pench National Park and Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. 

The 30-year-old notes that whenever he takes city dwellers to the national parks or when they experience the forests for the first time, they are left amazed. “There is so much peace, the air is pure, there is no hustle or traffic and there’s a whole new routine due to the safaris,” he shares. He adds that spotting wildlife species like Indian roller, Indian Hornbill, spotted deer, tigers, sambar deer, Indian gaur and leopards often leaves people in awe. “Spotting tigers has even left people in tears because the experience moves them,” shares Damle. 

And that’s what he loves about his work—facilitating safari experiences in the forests that leave an indelible mark on people. 

Ashok Shenoy, the India head of a multinational technology company, says Damle’s knowledge on wildlife, flora and birds brings a lot of value to his clients. “Along with his people skills and all round personality he is a fun person to be with. Rohit has shown and shared interesting details on all aspects of the forest. Sounds, smells and visual impact of the wild is something he excels at. He is also extremely patient and focused, which are great skills required in the forest,” says Shenoy.