Harsha Jayaramaiah
Growing up in the city of Bangalore, India, Harsha had the invaluable opportunity of learning about animals rather intimately due to his involvement with a local animal rescue center. Together with the team, he treated, cared for and rehabilitated a wide range of Indian wildlife, including birds, reptiles and mammals. Regular visits to his ancestral village during school holidays also gave him the opportunity to observe various kinds of birds from a young age. This background, combined with his inquisitive nature and enthusiasm for learning, makes Harsha a phenomenal naturalist guide who knows how to captivate guests' interest and keep them spellbound with stories of his wilderness experiences. He enjoys sharing his comprehensive knowledge and wildlife identification skills—he and his wife have conducted many training programs for new naturalist guides in different parts of India.
Harsha started photography as a teenager using an SLR camera, shooting with slide films. Later, he moved to a digital SLR camera and began to experiment with different natural light conditions and compositions. While he acknowledges that the technical aspects of photography are important, he also thinks it's helpful to have a deep understanding of wild animal habits and behaviors. Harsha strongly believes that having sophisticated camera equipment is not a prerequisite to getting a great picture that tells a story. Harsha has worked as an assistant and camera person on wildlife documentary films for BBC, Animal Planet and more. You can view some of Harsha's photography portfolio on Instagram at @kaadupapa.
Widely traveled and an explorer by nature, Harsha believes there’s no better education than the school of travel. When not leading nature expeditions, he spends his time exploring new wilderness places.
Enjoy this selection of Harsha's nature photography:
What’s in Harsha's Camera Bag:
Camera Equipment
Sony RX 10 IV body
Nikon D7000 body
GoPro 360
Sigma Macro 105mm f/2.8
Sigma Macro 12-24mm f/4
One Plus 5 phone
Sony RX 10 IV body
Nikon D7000 body
GoPro 360
Sigma Macro 105mm f/2.8
Sigma Macro 12-24mm f/4
One Plus 5 phone
Upcoming Adventures with Harsha:
Praise from Nat Hab Travelers:
S. Billings
"Harsha managed everything with incredible dexterity and efficiency. He was empathetic and solicitous. Harsha has a great stow of knowledge and love of his country's wildlife and people; it was constant, it was intense and it illuminated the beauty of the experience for ALL of us. All 9 of us on the trip constantly marveled at the friendships he has established on our route, their respect for him and their willingness to enhance our experience. He is just a marvelous man—a credit to his country and to you guys who found him. I can't say enough."
P. Mahonchak
"Harsha is the best guide I've EVER had on any trip. Period. He always gave 100% to the group—I was dazzled. His knowledge, skill and patience are unparalleled. I could continue, but won't—just keep this guy in your company no matter what, please."
B. Herbst
"Harsha was very knowledgeable about animals and helped us get some great pictures. He also shared quite a bit about his culture, family and life in India, which we really appreciated."
M. Valerie
"Harsha was beyond a 10 in every way—his wonderful personality and sense of humor, his tremendous patience, his constant attention to our needs and comforts, and his willingness to go the extra mile for each individual. He was an encyclopedia of information, and every time he was asked a question he didn't know the answer to he was on his phone getting any details he could find. There were several of our trip members who have traveled extensively with groups who said he was the best guide they ever had."
M. Sixtus
"We have been traveling internationally on guided group adventures for many years with a variety of operators. Harsha was by far the absolute best guide we have experienced. His attention to detail, given the idiosyncratic nature of the group, his subject knowledge and his overall charisma made this one of our top trips ever."
B. Seevers
“Harsha was outstanding and an excellent example of Nat Hab standards. He was very helpful, supportive and understanding and good with people. He was very attuned to the group and a gracious host able to handle different personalities as well as all the business details. When he was in the same jeep as me, his knowledge of wildlife, environment and photography was evident. I found him to be an asset to the program.”
J. Seith
“Harsha was very good and consistent throughout, one of the best guides I've had anywhere. He had a good sense of humor, attention to detail and photo knowledge and managed the group well. I would travel with him again without hesitation.”
C. Tamasik
“Harsha was all of the things listed above and much more. He was very attentive and willing to work to help me get better pictures (which I did). He was always patient, kind, interested and also veryknowledgeable about the animals and the area. He was one of the best guides I ever had on a Nat Hab trip.”
J. Harmon
“Harsha was FANTASTIC! He was totally professional and helpful, and yet he felt like a good friend right off the bat. He was funny and we always felt like everything was under control and safe. His briefings were always helpful and very accurate."
J. Dee
"We've been on many expedition-style trips, and, while we have been fortunate to have traveled with many excellent Expedition Leaders, not one has outperformed Harsha in any category. He is atreasure, and a real asset to Nat Hab."
B. Hauser
“Harsha was one of the best Expedition Leaders I have had mainly because he gave everyone equal attention. He didn't talk too much or too little, and his knowledge was excellent. I really enjoyed having him as our guide. He is a very competent, efficient and nice man."
C. Cameron
"Harsha is an outstanding Expedition Leader and a very fine gentleman with a great personality. I rate him far above a 10 in every way. He was very attentive and kind, making me feel comfortable and secure. He showed that he truly cared about us, the animals and the environment and took his guiding position seriously. When a fellow traveler fell ill, he handled the situation with utmost expertise. Harsha played a big role in making my trip so memorable!"
B. Wagner
"Harsha is an excellent Expedition Leader and a complete gentleman. He orchestrated a seamless and calm adventure. He also brings an excellent, balanced perspective on Indian culture and society along with his extensive naturalist knowledge."
R. Loiselle
"Harsha was an exceptional guide, teacher and person. He made sure that every traveler received his personal attention. If we asked a question that he did not immediately know the answer, he would research and give the correct answer within one day. Harsha is a kind and gentle person. He always has a smile and shows intense interest and care for every traveler. He is a expert birder and was able to help us see all the animals and plant life that we were interested in knowing about. He was able to help with the problems I experienced with my photographic equipment. Harsha has an excellent sense of humor and was able to ensure every traveler was comfortable with him. This trip was a good mix if personalities and I am sure any potential conflict was resolved or avoided by Harsha and his ability to manage people. I believe Harsha is an excellent guide and I would gladly travel with him again. Harsha makes it very easy to recommend Nat Hab. He is the kind of guide that makes a trip exceptional!"
"Harsha managed everything with incredible dexterity and efficiency. He was empathetic and solicitous. Harsha has a great stow of knowledge and love of his country's wildlife and people; it was constant, it was intense and it illuminated the beauty of the experience for ALL of us. All 9 of us on the trip constantly marveled at the friendships he has established on our route, their respect for him and their willingness to enhance our experience. He is just a marvelous man—a credit to his country and to you guys who found him. I can't say enough."
P. Mahonchak
"Harsha is the best guide I've EVER had on any trip. Period. He always gave 100% to the group—I was dazzled. His knowledge, skill and patience are unparalleled. I could continue, but won't—just keep this guy in your company no matter what, please."
B. Herbst
"Harsha was very knowledgeable about animals and helped us get some great pictures. He also shared quite a bit about his culture, family and life in India, which we really appreciated."
M. Valerie
"Harsha was beyond a 10 in every way—his wonderful personality and sense of humor, his tremendous patience, his constant attention to our needs and comforts, and his willingness to go the extra mile for each individual. He was an encyclopedia of information, and every time he was asked a question he didn't know the answer to he was on his phone getting any details he could find. There were several of our trip members who have traveled extensively with groups who said he was the best guide they ever had."
M. Sixtus
"We have been traveling internationally on guided group adventures for many years with a variety of operators. Harsha was by far the absolute best guide we have experienced. His attention to detail, given the idiosyncratic nature of the group, his subject knowledge and his overall charisma made this one of our top trips ever."
B. Seevers
“Harsha was outstanding and an excellent example of Nat Hab standards. He was very helpful, supportive and understanding and good with people. He was very attuned to the group and a gracious host able to handle different personalities as well as all the business details. When he was in the same jeep as me, his knowledge of wildlife, environment and photography was evident. I found him to be an asset to the program.”
J. Seith
“Harsha was very good and consistent throughout, one of the best guides I've had anywhere. He had a good sense of humor, attention to detail and photo knowledge and managed the group well. I would travel with him again without hesitation.”
C. Tamasik
“Harsha was all of the things listed above and much more. He was very attentive and willing to work to help me get better pictures (which I did). He was always patient, kind, interested and also very
J. Harmon
“Harsha was FANTASTIC! He was totally professional and helpful, and yet he felt like a good friend right off the bat. He was funny and we always felt like everything was under control and safe. His briefings were always helpful and very accurate."
J. Dee
"We've been on many expedition-style trips, and, while we have been fortunate to have traveled with many excellent Expedition Leaders, not one has outperformed Harsha in any category. He is a
B. Hauser
“Harsha was one of the best Expedition Leaders I have had mainly because he gave everyone equal attention. He didn't talk too much or too little, and his knowledge was excellent. I really enjoyed having him as our guide. He is a very competent, efficient and nice man."
C. Cameron
"Harsha is an outstanding Expedition Leader and a very fine gentleman with a great personality. I rate him far above a 10 in every way. He was very attentive and kind, making me feel comfortable and secure. He showed that he truly cared about us, the animals and the environment and took his guiding position seriously. When a fellow traveler fell ill, he handled the situation with utmost expertise. Harsha played a big role in making my trip so memorable!"
B. Wagner
"Harsha is an excellent Expedition Leader and a complete gentleman. He orchestrated a seamless and calm adventure. He also brings an excellent, balanced perspective on Indian culture and society along with his extensive naturalist knowledge."
R. Loiselle
"Harsha was an exceptional guide, teacher and person. He made sure that every traveler received his personal attention. If we asked a question that he did not immediately know the answer, he would research and give the correct answer within one day. Harsha is a kind and gentle person. He always has a smile and shows intense interest and care for every traveler. He is a expert birder and was able to help us see all the animals and plant life that we were interested in knowing about. He was able to help with the problems I experienced with my photographic equipment. Harsha has an excellent sense of humor and was able to ensure every traveler was comfortable with him. This trip was a good mix if personalities and I am sure any potential conflict was resolved or avoided by Harsha and his ability to manage people. I believe Harsha is an excellent guide and I would gladly travel with him again. Harsha makes it very easy to recommend Nat Hab. He is the kind of guide that makes a trip exceptional!"
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