Saying that Dr Latika Nath, India’s first female wildlife biologist, lovingly known as the “Tiger Princess of India,” has wholeheartedly dedicated her life to wildlife conservation and sustainable luxury travel would be an understatement. Being the first Indian female to produce a study on Tiger conservation, with her doctorate from University of Oxford, her journey of more than 35 years is a manifestation of her immense passion, dedication, and profound affinity for nature.

In an exclusive interview with PureLuxe, Dr Latika Nath shares insights into her world of conservation and how her vision has led to the creation of Hidden India, a luxury travel and conservation initiative for discerning travellers.

PL: Your journey as India's first female wildlife biologist is truly inspiring. Can you share what sparked your passion for wildlife conservation?

Dr. Latika Nath: I grew up in a home where wildlife and nature were an integral part of our lives. My father was one of the leading thought leaders on wildlife conservation in India. Animals and the outdoors were key to every holiday, and every free moment I had as a child. Added to this was a passion for reading which led me to books about Jane Goodall, Dianne Fossey, Dr Dolittle, James Herriot, and Gerald Durrell which sparked a fascination for living in the wild like these heroes very early on.

At about the age of six, I discovered the term “Ecology” and announced to my parents that this was what I wanted to do, little realising that I had discovered my “Ikigai” so early on and that my life would be dedicated to this field, shaping me into the person I am today.

PL: From your extensive experience in wildlife conservation, what is your definition of 'responsible travel’?

Dr. Latika Nath: As an Ambassador of the Responsible Tourism Society of India, I have long tried to summarise what this means to me. A responsible traveller is someone who embarks on a trip with the aim of learning more about the unique planet we call home. Someone who travels to experience different cultures understands diversity, with immersions into art, architecture, food, music and dance, while cultivating a palate for regional cuisine, and learning about nature and the myriad species who share this planet with us – all this while ensuring that our journey and presence does not degrade, change or negatively impact the people, wildlife and culture of the destination we visit. As Chief Seattle once said, “Take only memories, leave only footprints”, stands as my mantra and is the one that led me to become the avid photographer that I am today.

PL: What motivated you to establish Hidden India, what is the mission and vision behind the brand?

Dr. Latika Nath: Hidden India is devoted to unveiling a new dimension of sustainability-led hospitality experiences that celebrate unique destinations and extraordinary landscapes, in evolved luxury encounters that are mindfully sophisticated, unscripted, perceptive and fulfilling, thereby crafting everlasting memories.

Hidden India is a world-class, boutique, uber-luxe conservation travel and hospitality collection focusing on unique destinations, wildlife, culture, and wellness. The Raison d’être is able to offer personalized experiences à la carte, for the new age purposeful ‘Luxurian’.

The idea originates from the belief that we need the ability to deliver tourism that fulfils the need for memorable, meaningful, unique, eclectic, deep immersions into experiences of the world we live in, changing, touching, sustaining and safeguarding the future of people, animals, and habitats of this incredible planet. Holidays that offer guests intimate encounters with parts of the world not many get to know—and the chance to slow down and truly discover them.

PL: ⁠Hidden India boasts a remarkable team of experts from diverse fields. Can you share the story of how this unique team came together?

Dr. Latika Nath: Vikram Aditya Singh and I had a dream that we would one day embark on this journey to create a chain of boutique, unique exquisite properties that would set standards for sustainable and responsible luxury travel in India.

Our close friend Anand Shekhawat was someone who had been working in this space during these long years with Aman where he set global standards on tourism in a company known for its passion for conservation and sustainability. We were delighted when he chose to join the team as COO and help us in making this vision a reality.

Shoba Mohan and I have been working together since the beginning of her journey with Rare India, with properties the family owned at that point in time. She was the obvious partner for me when I embarked on this journey.

I met Syed Ali Husain when he was 14, on safari in Corbett National Park. We remained in touch over the years, and once he completed his degree from NIFT, we decided that we would work together on both design and wildlife conservation-related projects.

"The other members of the team gravitated together over the course of six months, drawn by a sense of excitement about a project that spoke of properties and experiences that were 'Many Kinds of One-of-a-kind.' A group of young, talented, and incredibly gifted individuals, all passionate about doing something unique and ready to take on the challenge of going against the norm in the travel and hospitality space in India."

PL: How can luxury travellers ensure their trips are sustainable, support conservation efforts and benefit local communities?

Dr. Latika Nath: Luxury travel is for the incredibly lucky few who can do immersions into unique destinations across the planet that allow for explorations of architecture, design, culture, cuisine, landmarks, heritage, flora, fauna, spirituality, and wellness with a purity of experience that does not change or negatively impact the destination and assist in the protection, conservation and safeguarding of the people, wildlife and habitat of the blue planet.

Luxury travel needs to be mindful of resource use, carbon footprints, waste generation and disposal, and energy demands. Travellers need to ensure that their holiday is not at the cost of depriving local communities of water and electricity, or creating a demand for change in land that is deleterious to the environment, that there is an economic benefit to the local community, and that disease, overcrowding, overuse and exploitation are avoided in tourism destinations they visit.

The Andrew Zimmern quote, “Please be a traveller, not a tourist. Try new things, meet new people, and look beyond what's right in front of you. Those are the keys to understanding this amazing world we live in,” says it all. I would modify it to add, “Those are the keys to understanding and becoming guardians of this amazing world we live in.”

PL: What do you hope travellers take away from their experiences with Hidden India?

Dr. Latika Nath: Every Hidden India property is situated in unique destinations and extraordinary landscapes. A real sense of anticipation is delivered upon arrival at any Hidden India property. Everything that one sees or experiences from there on is a celebration of the destination from architecture, design, culture, cuisine, landmarks, heritage, flora, and fauna, are all showcased. Our unique Design and Style are statements of who we are and what our aspirations are.

“Rustic Chic”, “Safari Splendour”, “Royally Indulgent”, and “Cosmopolitan Panache” are some of our signature styles.

Every Hidden India property is a one-of-a-kind design statement. Stunning original art and iconic architecture create a compelling narrative of our style. We combine this with hospitality from the heart which means embracing each guest at all stages of the Customer Journey with evolved luxury Service that is Perceptive & Mindful, Unscripted & Gracious, Personalized & Fulfilling leading to everlasting memories. Sensational Gastronomy practices that enrich the dining experiences, regional authenticity, as well as new-age global trends, are both delivered with unfaltering excellence.

We put sustainability first in the genesis of every thought. Every little step, every detail bears witness to our relentless and uncompromising pursuit of being carbon Negative. If we are not protective, responsible, progressive, community-minded, renewable, and smart, we are not Hidden India. We treat the world as our extended community and serve it with dedication and passion to make a difference. Our collaborative approach ensures a sustainable way of life.

For every visitor to a Hidden India property, we hope that their time with us will create everlasting memories that "enchant the spirit and nourish the soul."

PL: What differences do you wish to see in the space of responsible and sustainable travel?

Dr. Latika Nath: The travel community needs to acknowledge the fragility of this planet and understand that with a growing population of over 8.1 billion humans, it is imperative to understand the perils of overcrowding, overuse, unplanned development and overexposure to tourist destinations. While it is important to acknowledge that holidays and vacations are the right of all people regardless of economic status, and nationality, the carrying capacity of destinations, and development or management goals based on long-term sustainability to ensure the safeguarding of the ecosystems, cultures, and peoples are imperative and non-negotiable commitments.

PL: ⁠⁠In what ways do Hidden India’s initiatives support local communities?

Dr. Latika Nath: Hidden India has a commitment to the communities around every property. We support community initiatives, participate in local festivities, and support health, education, alternate income generation, skill development, alternate energy generation, create a space free from single-use plastics, new efficient and commercially viable agriculture techniques, water management, soil renewal, and women's groups.

We work with local suppliers and vendors, government officials, support artists and local artisanal handicrafts, and support and document music, dance and culture, encouraging the youth to understand and keep alive traditional knowledge and skills.

At Mahavan, we have an artists-in-residence program and a gallery space for local artists to exhibit and sell their work and crafts.

PL: What has been the most rewarding experience for you since founding Hidden India?

Dr. Latika Nath: The Hidden India community is unique and special. Staff and guests alike all subscribe to our motto “sapiamus, et in terris vivimus (we live guided by the earth)”.

The friendships, learnings and experiences from Hidden India moments have enriched my life through the formation of the company and have added to me as a person and made me renew my commitment to the conservation of this incredible planet and our unique country each day.

Would you like to get lost exploring Hidden India? Your journey starts here. Contact us to book your stay at any of the Hidden India properties for an experience of a lifetime.