About Us
At Ecotrailz, we believe in experiences that transform. Our expeditions blend exploration, education, and empathy — all through the lens of ethical wildlife travel.
Founded by Nikon Creator Ratish Nair, Ecotrailz was born from a deep love for nature, a corporate career traded for purpose, and a desire to make photography meaningful again.
We mentor photographers and guide nature lovers, offering journeys across India and Africa— and beyond. If you seek storytelling over spectacle, and moments that matter, you belongwith us.
Welcome to the Ecotrailz Tribe.
Values
At Ecotrailz, our values shape every story we help you tell.We prioritize purpose,
conservation, and meaningful learning.Every expedition is curated for comfort, ethics, and growth. And above all, we lead with community, care, and creativity.
Vision
To inspire a global tribe of photographers and nature lovers. To help them connect deeply with the wild through storytelling. To make ethical travel a path to transformation and empathy. And to create moments that leave a mark — on frame and soul.
What We Stand For
Customer-Centric Excellence
Every detail is curated for your comfort, clarity, and confidence
Passion
for Wildlife
We love what we do — and it shows in every frame we help you create
Sustainable & Ethical Tourism
We partner only with responsible lodges & tread lightly wherever we go
Real, Reliable
Support
From discovery calls to your expedition’s end, we’re present when it counts
Ecotrailz Experience
At Ecotrailz, we don’t offer tours. We design experiences. From the very first conversation to your final image edit, everything is thoughtfully planned — and deeply personalised. You’ll feel it in the comfort of your journey, the calm of your learning environment, and the care we take in every detail. Our mentors don’t just teach. They invest in your growth. Whether you’re a curious traveller or a serious photographer, our commitment remains the same: to create meaningful, memorable, and respectful encounters with the wild. Because experience isn’t an add-on here. It’s everything
The Team
Ratish Nair
Co-Founder & CEO, Ecotrailz
Expedition Lead – ECOTRAILZ
From boardrooms to national parks — Ratish Nair is a celebrated wildlife photographer, mentor, and the visionary behind Ecotrailz. With over 20 years of leadership experience across India and the Middle East, he transitioned from corporate success to following his true calling: the wild.
A Nikon Creator and influencer for Columbia Sportswear, Angelbird, and Videndum, Ratish is known for emotionally resonant storytelling and technical mastery. Through his workshops across India and Africa, he has helped hundreds of participants elevate their craft and confidence.
His mission is simple: to help people create photographs that move people
Balaji Narayanan
Head – Strategic Initiatives
Expedition Lead – ECOTRAILZ
A passionate wildlife photographer and mentor, Bala is as comfortable tracking elusive species as he is coaching aspiring artists. Based in Chennai, his journey into the wild began over a decade ago and spans the country’s diverse habitats.
Bala’s expertise includes bird behaviour, scuba diving, and field-based storytelling. He is a Nature Influencer for ZeissNatureIndia and his work has appeared in major publications.
At Ecotrailz, he drives key strategic initiatives that fuel our organisational growth, while also mentoring participants during expeditions across India.
Manish Dedhia
Co-Founder & Director – Finance & Operations
With two decades of experience in senior finance and operations roles, Manish ensures every expedition runs with precision behind the scenes.
He oversees vendor partnerships, field logistics, and financial systems with a calm, consistent approach that underpins the premium experiences we deliver. His quiet efficiency ensures every journey with Ecotrailz is smooth, secure, and scalable
Vijitha R (Viji)
Head – Customer Experience
With prior roles at SpiceJet and MakeMyTrip, Viji brings a decade of customer experience expertise to Ecotrailz.
From the first call to post-expedition support, Viji ensures every guest feels informed, valued, and cared for. She handles communication, pre-travel prep, and is always available when it matters most.
She is the custodian of ‘experience’ — a word that defines everything we do.