The India Few Ever See: Through Local Eyes

From a naturalist’s lifelong connection to Ranthambore to a gem expert in Jaipur, a spirited guide in the South and a born-and-raised Delhiite uncovering hidden corners of the capital, local experts offer rare insight into the country’s soul.

India’s famous landmarks are just the beginning. Beyond the bustling markets, majestic temples and protected forests lies a more intricate world, shaped by generations of tradition. It’s a place where local experts unlock hidden corners and share authentic experiences you won’t find in a guidebook. This is India as it’s truly lived—layered, vibrant and ready to be explored.

Into the Wild with an Expert Naturalist in Ranthambore

A visit to Ranthambore is more than a wildlife encounter—it’s a glimpse into a unique harmony that has formed between nature and community, where tigers roam freely and stories run deep.

Once a royal hunting ground, Ranthambore saw its wildlife dwindle due to deforestation, prompting conservation laws and the creation of a tiger reserve. Villages inside the reserve were relocated and now it offers one of the best opportunities in the world to see tigers in their natural habitat. That legacy lives on through local wildlife experts like Nadeem, who grew up on the forest’s edge.

“Tracking tiger footprints was part of my childhood,” he says. “I used to skip school to spend time in the jungle.”

This wasn’t youthful rebellion, but informal education passed through generations. The kind of knowledge that isn’t taught in a classroom, but lives within the community’s heartbeat. Now, as a naturalist guide, he represents a generation shaped by conservation.

“India is very serious about wildlife protection,” Nadeem explains. “The forest can support 40 tigers—we now have over 75. Because of the efforts of our park rangers, poaching is almost impossible. They have good control over wood cutting, also. That’s why the tiger population is increasing.”

But true to their wild nature, tiger sightings are not guaranteed.

“The best time to see tigers is in summer,” he explains. “The hotter it gets, the more your chances improve. In April, May and June, you have a 60 to 70 percent chance of seeing a tiger. In the winter months, because of the fog, it drops to as low as 15 percent.”

While the thrill of a tiger sighting draws many to Ranthambore, it’s often the deeper story that leaves a lasting impact: a rare look at how conservation and community thrive together. In this delicate balance, guides like Nadeem are more than storytellers—they’re stewards of the forest’s future (and its most majestic inhabitants).

A Guide’s Journey Beyond Southern India’s Surface

In Southern India, heritage isn’t just preserved. It’s lived. Temple towns buzz with daily rituals, stylish hideaways dot the stunning natural scenery and history mingles seamlessly with everyday life.

Lakshmi, a licensed guide born and raised in Kerala, has spent over 20 years sharing the stories of Southern India: “Little did I know that I'm going to step into something that's going to become one of the biggest parts of my life.”

She brings Kerala to life not just as a guide, but as someone deeply shaped by its lush backwaters, misty hills and laid-back coastal lifestyle—where guests can embark on scenic hikes along Munnar’s lush tea plantations and unwind aboard traditional houseboats, once used to transport rice. In contrast, her tours through Tamil Nadu explore India’s spiritual heart. Immersed in Hinduism, she offers rare, personal insight into the region’s towering temples, sacred rituals and centuries-old traditions. Together, her journeys through Kerala and Tamil Nadu seamlessly blend serene natural beauty with profound spiritual depth.

“South India is a must do,” says Lakshmi. “We have the most beautiful temples... it's an audio-visual show.”

Constantly refining her expertise, she explores new destinations in the off-season—often with her husband, whom she fondly calls her 'best guinea pig'—ensuring her knowledge stays fresh for future guests.

Lakshmi is proud to contribute to the broader legacy of female empowerment in Southern India, drawing inspiration from initiatives like Kerala’s Kudumbashree, which champions economic and social progress for women by supporting employment opportunities, sustainable development, health and education. “Today, it’s almost like women have taken over,” jokes Lakshmi.

Her favourite places are steeped in memory, like Mahabalipuram, where her family enjoyed childhood picnics and she admired granite boulders she didn’t quite yet understand. Years later, while studying geology in college, she began to grasp the wonder of it all—the artistry dating back centuries. “When I became a guide and started going back,” she says, “everything came back—you know, those childhood, beautiful memories. I still get goosebumps.”

Lakshmi’s passion embodies the heart of India’s local guides—combining deep knowledge with profound respect for their culture, inspiring meaningful connections that enrich both visitors and communities alike. Every day, she opens her diary with excitement, greeted by new names eager to discover her homeland.

“I would say we meet as strangers but we always part as beautiful friends—that’s the best part of guiding.”

A Local’s Tour Through Delhi’s Contrasts

Delhi doesn’t reveal itself all at once. It’s a city of contrasts—both ancient and modern, home to the wide boulevards of New Delhi and the centuries-old maze of Old Delhi, once the capital of the Mughal Empire. Together, they form a place where past and present meld in unison, best understood through the eyes of someone deeply rooted in its story.

“I’m a Delhiite,” says Lovleen, a local guide born and raised in the area. “People think Old Delhi has less of India’s essence, but it’s actually so much more.”

Her tours take travelers through the grand icons of New Delhi, from the iconic India Gate to the sprawling Humayun’s Tomb and a behind-the-scenes look at a Sikh community kitchen at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.

Lovleen’s true passion, however, lies in unveiling the hidden treasures of the old city, where emperors roamed and time still lingers.

A tuk tuk ride through historic Chandni Chowk drops you into the city’s vibrant pulse—past sari shops gleaming with gold, countless street vendors and Asia’s largest wholesale spice market, where stalls blaze with the aroma of rich spices.

“Whenever you’re in Delhi, see the bazaars. See the market that the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan loved,” says Lovleen. “There’s even St. Stephen’s College that started in Old Delhi. It used to be here and is now part of Delhi University. Most people don’t know about it.”

Lovleen’s guided tours of Old Delhi uncover striking contrasts, from enjoying high tea in the restored Mughal-era Dharampura Haveli to exploring cultural landmarks like Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques.

More than a gateway to Rajasthan, Delhi represents India’s storied history, and when explored with someone who belongs to it, you’re not just passing through—you’re stepping inside.

Behind-the-Scenes of Jaipur’s Colorful Artistry

A visit to Jaipur isn’t complete without exploring its vibrant world of craftsmanship, where age-old traditions meet artistry in vivid colour.

In local textile workshops, art unfolds before your eyes, from weaving delicate threads to creating exquisite rugs. Guests can even try their hand at block printing, a traditional Rajasthani technique still practiced today.

One artisanal craft unique to Jaipur has made waves worldwide: gemstones. In the heart of the Pink City, gem specialist Hukam Chand welcomes visitors into this dazzling realm of colourful stones.

“Jaipur is the biggest centre in the world for coloured stones,” Hukam Chand shares. “All the different kinds of colour stones—we cut and polish them here locally in Jaipur.”

His pride in the city’s legacy is palpable. With a population of around five million, Hukam notes that Jaipur’s gem industry supports roughly half a million people—a testament to how deeply this craft is woven into the city’s heartbeat.

“And every range, we have according to every pocket, according to every choice,” he adds. “Scott Dunn guests love this. Beautiful jewellery at a price they can’t get in normal stores.”

Whether meandering through workshops or browsing fine gems with a passionate local, Jaipur invites you to connect with Rajasthan’s creative spirit—and take a piece of it with you when you leave.

Ready to see the India few truly know? Let local experts reveal hidden stories and authentic moments that go far beyond the guidebooks—from Ranthambore’s wilds to Kerala’s backwaters, Delhi’s vibrant streets and Jaipur’s dazzling craftsmanship—experience India through the eyes of those who call it home.