The People Behind Surwahi
Surwahi is built by people, not machines — from our founders to the caretakers, cooks and local artisans who bring the estate to life.
Meet the Founders
Ankit Rastogi
Founder & Host
Pradeep Vijayan
Co-Founder & Kitchen
Travel entrepreneurs with a background in travel e-commerce, Ankit and Pradeep dreamed of building a holistically sustainable property — one rooted in hyper-local character, culture and grassroots values. In December 2015 they chose the village of Surwahi, on the outskirts of Kanha Tiger Reserve, and from there began an ongoing journey of unravelling what truly sustainable travel can look like: community-first, conservation-led and minimal by design.
We believe that sustainability, community, and natural beauty should coexist, creating a sanctuary that is more than just a place to live — it’s a way of life.
The Team on the Ground
Every stay at Surwahi is personal. Ankit is the host guests remember — generous with his time and his passion for sustainability. Pradeep brings the kitchen to life, with home-cooked meals guests single out as a highlight. And Narendra, our caretaker and property manager, quietly makes sure everything runs smoothly from dawn to dusk.
Narendra ji
Caretaker & Property Manager
Built by the Community
Surwahi was built with the community, not merely for it. Much of our team comes from the neighbouring villages of Surwahi and Majgaon, and we work hand-in-hand with local farmers, artisans and women’s self-help groups. Together, the estate helps sustain the livelihoods of 50+ local people — so every stay directly supports the skills, craft and families at the forest’s edge.
Read Our Full Story