About us
At Backpacker Birding, we’re always looking to deliver the best possible experience for the best prices. No sugarcoating, no unnecessary fees & markups, just serious birding tours with seasoned experts.
Birding started as a part-time hobby for me, but it quickly became something more serious & I took to it like a fish to water. By 2022, I was leading nature walks around the city with Bengaluru Nature Walks. I'm a mechanical engineer by training, a teacher, a plant enthusiast, and wear many more hats.
My passion for birding began at a very young age and grew into a career built around it. I hold a master's degree in Wildlife Biology & Conservation, where I studied vocal and flocking patterns in mixed-species bird flocks in the lowland forests of eastern Arunachal Pradesh. My background in the biological sciences also shaped how I engage with wildlife - rather than simply pointing out birds, I go the extra mile to help people understand their behavior, habitat, and how they interact with their environment. And this deeper understanding of birds also helps me seek them out more efficiently. I'm always looking to add context that turns every sighting into a fascinating new conversation, and makes it stick long after a trip ends. I'm a wanderer & a generalist in every sense, with razor sharp field instincts honed by traveling extensively through all of India's important biogeographic regions - not just looking for birds, but mammals, herpetofauna, invertebrates, and pretty much anything else that moves. When I'm not out birding, I work part-time with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology on some exciting projects that help us better understand how birds are faring in a rapidly changing world.
Testimonials
An unforgettable birding experience in Bangalore! I spent some spectacular days birding in Bangalore with Ronith, and I can't recommend it enough. His knowledge of the area is impressive; and his ability to identify birds by their songs is on another level. Thanks to their experience and patience, we managed to record an incredible number of species, including many endemic species that I would never have been able to find on my own. He is a passionate professional, with a clinical eye for birding and excellent treatment. If you're looking for the best birding experience in India, this is the ultimate guide! 5 stars fall short!
My husband and I were on an 8-day tour to western Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and all expectations were exceeded. Ronith, our tour leader had an encyclopedic knowledge of the birds here. We were encouraged to be inquisitive and every question answered with enthusiasm. A great start for a first time birder.
Once you start birding, you start noticing birds everywhere; yet with Ronith's company, I managed to see birds that I otherwise never would have! They are masters at what they do, and they do it on a reasonable budget, which I appreciate. Highly recommend this venture, as it is rare to come by ones that offer such tours!
In 35 years of birding, Ronith stands out as one of the best I have met and been in the field with. On multiple trips with him, his skill with bird identification, finding and vocalisations were unparalleled, and his natural history knowledge made every trip a memorable journey of discovery. I cannot recommend Ronith enough for birding trips both focused and casual. Take the time to enjoy the general wildlife and atmosphere with Ronith as your guide, and I guarantee you will have great memories for life…and see lots of cool birds!
My standards for birding guides are sky-high: zero compromise on elusive species, full audio id, and 24/7 dedication. After birding worldwide, Ronith easily lands on the podium of the absolute best. Outstanding skills, deep knowledge, laser focus, and incredible humility. Recording 330+ species in Southern India in 2.5 weeks is an incredible achievement! Hands down, the ultimate guide for any birder!