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Sanctuary Stories was born from a shared commitment to the natural world-shaped by years of travel, field experiences and a growing curiosity about how humans and wildlife coexist. We’re Mahesh and Bhargavi- partners in life, in the field and in building this evolving platform.

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Mahesh’s journey began in Chennai, with a background in Computer Science and a Master’s degree from Nanyang Technological University. After a brief corporate career, he transitioned into photography, founding Oru Photo, a Chennai-based wedding photography company. Over time, his focus has increasingly turned toward wildlife. As a passionate wildlife photographer and bird enthusiast, Mahesh spends extended periods in forest landscapes, documenting species, behaviour and habitats with patience and precision. His commitment to conservation and community is also reflected in his long-standing work with Peace and Happiness, an NGO he co-founded in 2010 supporting education, tribal welfare and disaster relief.

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Bhargavi’s relationship with the natural world began early, shaped by a childhood spent across Singapore, the Philippines and India. What started as a fascination with animals has evolved into a more focused engagement with conservation and sustainability. After over a decade in project operations and leadership roles across Asia, she is now pursuing an MSc in Sustainable Development at the University of Sussex. Her work is increasingly centred on understanding human–wildlife interactions, particularly in the Indian context, with the long-term goal of contributing to research and policy on human–wildlife conflict.

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Since 2019, we have travelled extensively across India’s wildlife landscapes-observing, documenting and hosting small groups of travellers, friends and fellow enthusiasts. Over time, these journeys have evolved beyond shared experiences into something more intentional.

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Sanctuary Stories today sits at the intersection of field-based learning, storytelling and conservation inquiry. Our work draws from time spent in landscapes, conversations with local communities, and ongoing efforts to better understand the complexities of coexistence.

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Through Sanctuary Stories, we invite you not just to experience the wild, but to engage with it more deeply- through observation, reflection, and a more grounded understanding of the relationships that shape these ecosystems.