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.
What We Do
Throughout the year, we organize a variety of wildlife-based initiatives:
Wildlife Safaris | Workshops & Webinars | Wildlife Film Screenings | Women-Only Wildlife Photography Contests & Exhibitions | Nature-Based Getaways & Joint Events | Social Campaigns & Donation Drives | Wildlife Awareness Programs in Schools
Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a seasoned nature lover, Jungle Belles welcomes you to be part of a growing community of women who care deeply about our natural world.
About the Founders
Hemangi Vartak is the Managing Director of Gifts Galore, a 12 years old organization offering creative gifting solutions to corporate customers. Hemangi also helps her husband in managing their co-working space called “The Senate Business Center” which has branches in Erandwane & Hemangi is a Commerce Student and an MBA (Marketing & HR) from University of Pune. She has certifications in French from Alliance Francaise. She is badminton enthusiast, a music lover, an avid wildlifer and a budding photographer.
Aarti Karve is a travel enthusiast and wild- lifer based in Pune. She is an avid trekker and while raising her two boys, she keeps herself busy staying fit and enjoying cinema and theatre. She has a Master degree in Accounting from Michigan State University and worked in finance for two Fortune 500 companies during her 12 years living in USA.