What is Shikra

Shikra is more than just a wildlife venture—it's a heartfelt journey to reconnect with nature and wildlife. Our mission is to create immersive, unforgettable experiences in the wild—be it jungle walks, birdwatching, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, authentic local cooking, or bushcraft. Every itinerary is tailored to our guests’ preferences, blending nature with comfort to craft once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Camp Jhinna, Shikra’s first venture, is a sustainable boutique mud camp nestled on the edge of the Panna Tiger Reserve buffer zone. Thoughtfully and artistically designed, every corner of the camp reflects a harmonious blend of wilderness and comfort—offering you the feeling of a true ‘home in the wild.’

We are people of the jungle

To us, the jungle is more than a residence—it is our teacher, our temple, our eternal source of inspiration. It's a realm we are spiritually connected to. It is home.

Shikra is our effort to share this connection with the world—in its most authentic and untouched form.

Parikshit Ranawat

For as long as I can remember, animals have been an inseparable part of my life—whether it was growing up with 13 dogs or taking in rescues that crossed our path. I come from a family deeply rooted in the outdoors—where adventure, luxury, and nature blended effortlessly. My father, known in our hometown of Udaipur for his boundless love of the wild, inspired much of my passion.

Our idea of a family holiday was camping for days on end—jeep packed with just the essentials—exploring the jungles of Mewar, the dunes of Jaisalmer, and the dense forests of Madhya Pradesh. That’s where I learned that happiness doesn’t need much—just open skies and the thrill of the unknown.

Since 2017, I’ve called Panna home. Here, I’ve spent years learning, observing, and growing closer to the natural world—quietly, deeply. The rivers, forests, plateaus, animals, birds, and people—they’ve become a part of who I am. The wild isn’t just where I work. It’s where I live. It’s who I am.

Ambalika Singh Rathore

Some of my earliest memories are of flipping through wildlife books and watching documentaries, mesmerized by creatures I’d never seen in real life. It wasn’t something I acquired—it was always in me. I’ve always been drawn to animals, wild or domestic, and was never the child who flinched at lizards or snakes—in fact, I welcomed them.

I come from a very different background in psychology, but the first time I met Parikshit and heard about his life and work, something clicked. It felt instinctive—like I had found the path I was meant to walk.

When I arrived in Panna, I felt an immediate sense of belonging. The forest, the silence, the life—it all felt like home. I’ve been fortunate to share this space with guests from across the world, and while I’ve seen tigers many times, each sighting still sends a shiver down my spine. That’s the magic of the wild—it never stops moving you.

Mr. Shyamendra Singh, fondly known as Vini Raja, who is one of Panna’s earliest pioneers and stalwarts in wilderness hospitality. A mentor and inspiration to Ambalika & Parikshit, his vision has brought
Camp Jhinna to life.