In the heart of North Bengal, where the dense forests of Jaldapara National Park meet the serene Indo-Bhutan foothills, stands a resort that is much more than a getaway — it is a movement. At the forefront of this transformation is Paulami Gupta Patranabish, an entrepreneur, wildlife photographer, and social impact leader whose work is redefining the meaning of responsible tourism in India.
As the Founder & Owner of The Junglebook Resort, Paulami has built one of the region’s most respected eco-luxury destinations, acclaimed for its immersive wilderness experiences and deep-rooted community empowerment model. Her vision and impact have earned her multiple recognitions, including the Bengal Business Excellence Award 2025 for “Best Nature & Wildlife Resort Experience,” features in The Week, ABP Digital, and extensive coverage in ANI and NewsNation. Her resort was also highlighted in Condé Nast Traveller (Wildlife Edit) for its authentic, conservation-driven guest experiences — a rare achievement for a North Bengal eco-resort.
A Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur: From Personal Vision to Social Impact
Paulami’s journey into entrepreneurship is rooted not in luxury or ambition, but in purpose. “I wanted to earn money — not for a lavish life, but to make a meaningful impact on society, especially through education and rehabilitation,” she shares. Growing up with a father known for community service, she developed a deep desire to uplift vulnerable groups. Her long-term dream of establishing an orphanage with world-class education and medical care continues to guide her decisions.
Her entrepreneurial path aligned naturally with her passion for travel, wildlife, conservation, and meaningful community work. For Paulami, building The Junglebook Resort meant building a platform that creates sustainable livelihoods, ensures dignity for marginalized individuals, and protects the land she grew up around.
The Junglebook Resort: Where Eco-Luxury Meets Purpose
Nestled beside Jaldapara National Park — home to the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, leopards, and over 240 bird species — The Junglebook Resort blends wilderness with sophistication. Its jungle-view balconies, spacious modern rooms, and intuitive hospitality make it a tranquil escape for families, solo travelers, corporate guests, delegates, wildlife photographers, and global explorers.
Yet what truly sets the resort apart is its immersive, meaningful, and culturally rich experience offerings, including:
•Wildlife safaris across Jaldapara, Gorumara, Chilapata, and Buxa
•Off-road scenic trails across Himalayan foothills
•River walks, golden-hour therapy, boating (Blue Mind Therapy)
•Tea estate tours, tea garden breakfasts & premium tea tasting
•Tribal village immersion sessions, dances & culinary experiences
•Medicinal plant walks with tribal elders
•Wildlife photography expeditions
•Guided tours to the nearly extinct Toto Tribe community
•Forest bathing & nature-healing trails
•Customized Bhutan tour experiences
For Paulami, every guest who chooses to stay is indirectly contributing to wildlife conservation, tribal upliftment, and regional development.
Transforming Communities: A Model of Empowerment & Rehabilitation
One of the most remarkable aspects of Paulami’s work is her commitment to rehabilitation and empowerment of vulnerable tribal women and men.
Women Empowerment Initiatives
•Full-time employment for survivors of trafficking, domestic violence, and substance abuse
•Safe accommodation, meals, medical care & vocational training
•Long-term security through EPFO, ESIC & leadership training
Male Rehabilitation Programs
•Employment for tribal men battling addiction & unemployment
•Health support, awareness programs & skill development
Her resort functions as a rehabilitation ecosystem, enabling individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity, purpose, and stability.
Cultural Preservation & Tribal Heritage Integration
Paulami believes that tourism must honor the land it profits from. The resort includes cultural experiences that celebrate tribal heritage through:
•Traditional tribal dance performances
•Storytelling sessions capturing centuries-old folklore
•Village community tours
•Indigenous culinary journeys
•Medicinal plant discovery walks
This approach ensures that local communities are not just employed, but celebrated and integrated as cultural ambassadors.
Wildlife Conservation: A Personal Mission
With a background in Zoology & Wildlife Science, Paulami is a certified wildlife photographer trained through programs in Kenya’s Masai Mara, Tanzania, and India, in collaboration with platforms like Animal Planet and WWF.
She uses her influence and reach to advocate:
•Ethical wildlife tourism
•Co-existence with forest life
•Biodiversity conservation
•Responsible human–wildlife interaction
Her photography highlights endangered species and biodiversity, creating awareness and inspiring eco-conscious behavior among travelers and locals.
Rebuilding an Entire Region Through Tourism
Before the establishment of The Junglebook Resort, the area lacked hospitality infrastructure, and local communities had limited access to education or employment. Today:
•New schools and digital learning centers have opened
•Locals have access to technical and vocational training
•Small businesses — IT shops, retail hubs, workshops — have flourished
•Safety, education, and opportunity levels have significantly improved
The resort catalyzed a regional transformation, turning a once-neglected zone into a thriving, opportunity-driven ecosystem.
Influencer Journey: Inspiring Meaningful, Slower, Conscious Travel
As a travel and lifestyle influencer, Paulami promotes:
•Hidden destinations & countryside living
•Organic food habits
•Slow, mindful living
•Fitness and discipline
•Sustainable tourism & digital detox
•Cultural respect and purposeful exploration
Her goal is not to amass followers but to inspire people to live meaningful, balanced, and purpose-driven lives.
Her Vision for the Future
Paulami envisions The Junglebook Resort as part of a global network of responsible travel destinations. Her future plans include:
•Expanding nationally & internationally
•Launching curated travel companies and experience-led tour brands
•Creating specialized travel content and blogs
•Building meaningful tourism models that bridge conservation with luxury
A Message to Women & Aspiring Entrepreneurs
“Dream with open eyes and chase goals that keep you awake. Success isn’t gifted — it’s built with faith, risk, discipline, and courage. Gender doesn’t define capacity; your determination does.”
With purpose as her compass, compassion as her language, and sustainability as her foundation, Paulami Gupta Patranabish stands as a visionary shaping the future of conscious luxury, wildlife conservation, and community-led tourism in India.
Follow Paulami Gupta Patranabish in Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/paulamigupta172