About us
Jungle Belles is a Pune-based venture exclusively designed for women, founded by Hemangi Vartak and the late Aarti Karve. We curate women-only wildlife trips across India and conduct nature-based excursions in and around Pune, with a strong focus on wildlife tourism, awareness, and conservation.
Both founders come from urban backgrounds and were not exposed to the wild in their early years. It was only later in life, through self-driven explorations, that they discovered the magic of forests and the critical need to protect them. Jungle Belles was born out of this personal awakening, with a heartfelt mission: to make wildlife more accessible, engaging, and enriching for other women.
At Jungle Belles, we believe that when women connect with nature, they become powerful voices for the wild. We aim to create safe, inspiring, and hassle-free wildlife experiences that spark curiosity and foster conservation awareness.
Throughout the year, we organize a variety of wildlife-based initiatives like Wildlife Safaris, Nature-Based Getaways & Joint Events, Workshops & Webinars, Women-Only Wildlife Photography Contests, Social Impact Campaigns, Donation Drives, Plantation Drives and Wildlife Awareness Programs in Schools.
We are also proud creators of “Wild WildPune” a short film about the rich bio-diversity in and around Pune, Maharashtra. The film captures the region’s diverse habitats and the extraordinary wildlife they support, from tiny insects to majestic predators.
Created in collaboration with A special screening of the film the Magarpatta Group, the film was honored with the Best Director Award at the National Tourism Short Film Festival 2023.
A special screening of Wild WildPune was held for Shri Sharad Pawar Saheb, who appreciated the film and shared his valuable insights on conservation. Esteemed guests like Mr. Satish Magar of the Magarpatta Group and Mr. Maninder Gill, Director of Environment and Social Standards, World Bank were also present for the screening.
At Jungle Belles, we’re more than just a travel initiative—we’re a movement that empowers women to rediscover their connection with nature and become stewards of the wild. Whether you’re an experienced explorer or taking your first steps into the forest, we invite you to journey with us, find wonder in the wilderness, and be part of a growing sisterhood that speaks up for the planet.
Join us, and let the wild awaken something beautiful within you.
About the Founders
Entrepreneur | Wildlife Enthusiast | Conservation Advocate
Hemangi Vartak is the founder of Jungle Belles, a unique venture offering exclusive wildlife tours for women, focused on creating awareness and promoting conservation. She is also the Managing Director of Gifts Galore, a 15-year-old enterprise specializing in creative corporate gifting solutions. In addition, she runs Wishify, a personalized birthday wishing service that adds a thoughtful touch to special occasions.
Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Hemangi worked for over seven years in the telecom industry with leading brands such as Vodafone and Airtel, gaining valuable corporate experience that laid the foundation for her future ventures.
Academically, she holds a Commerce degree and an MBA in Marketing & Finance from the University of Pune. She has also earned French language certifications from Alliance Française.
A badminton enthusiast, music lover, and passionate wildlifer, Hemangi is also a budding wildlife photographer. Her love for nature is not just personal—it fuels her mission to inspire people, especially women and children, to respect and protect the environment and wildlife habitats.
Through Jungle Belles, she strives to bridge the gap between urban life and the wilderness, bringing nature closer to people and cultivating a deeper sense of responsibility toward conservation.
Grateful for a journey that combines purpose with passion, Hemangi continues to expand her impact, blending creativity, personalized experiences, and an unwavering commitment to conservation.
Late Aarti Karve was a travel enthusiast and wild-lifer based in Pune. She was an avid trekker and, while raising her two boys, kept herself busy staying fit and enjoying cinema and theatre. She had a Master’s degree in Accounting from Michigan State University and worked in finance for two Fortune 500 companies during her 12 years living in the USA.
