Get to know us
Dr. B. Sumit Kumar Rao
Founder/ Principal Tour Leader
Dr. Sumit Kumar is a researcher, field biologist, and naturalist born and raised in the Andaman Islands, with over a decade of dedicated field experience and exceptional knowledge of the archipelago’s natural history. Growing up amid the islands’ rainforests and pristine coastlines, he has spent thousands of hours documenting birds, mammals, reptiles, and lesser-known wildlife. His extensive surveys, from Landfall Island in the north to Indira Point in Great Nicobar, have provided him with a rare, ground-level understanding of the region’s ecosystems and biodiversity. A specialist in Lepidoptera taxonomy, he discovered and named the moth species Suhela cuneus in 2024, documented 16 moths new to India, and recorded 48 new species for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. In addition to his taxonomic work, he holds strong expertise in butterflies, reptiles, species identification, and overall insect diversity, bringing a broad natural-history perspective to all his fieldwork. He has served as a resource person for multiple Asian Waterbird Censuses, contributing to long-term monitoring of key bird habitats across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As a tour leader.
With years of field experience and a lifelong bond with the islands, his curiosity pushed him to explore deeper and uncover the archipelago’s hidden wildlife stories. This passion for meaningful, knowledge-rich nature experiences led him to establish Island Explorer Birding Tours, where he serves as Founder and Principal Tour Leader. Dr. Sumit blends scientific expertise with deep natural-history insight, offering engaging, field-based interpretation that inspires greater appreciation and stewardship of the islands’ biodiversity. Guided by the belief that true appreciation comes from direct experience, he helps visitors connect with the islands’ unique avifauna and fragile ecosystems in a responsible and meaningful way.
Dr. Minakshi Dash
Tour Leader (Spiders)
An arachnologist and expert on the archipelago’s faunal biodiversity, Dr. Minakshi has dedicated over five years to studying spider diversity across these islands. Her fascination with these creatures led her to pursue a PhD in Spider Ecology, enabling her to explore more than 35 islands, from Great Nicobar’s at southern tip of Nicobar to Landfall Island’s northern edges in the Andaman. Blending adventure with conservation, she crafts immersive journeys that reveal nature’s interconnected wonders, whether tracking spiders in rainforests or sharing insights on sustainable coexistence. Her deep knowledge of spider ecology, transforms night trails and excursions into captivating adventures.
Gaurav
Naturalist
Born and raised in the Andamans, Gaurav is an emerging naturalist
with a growing passion for wildlife and two years of focused birding experience. Known for his calm demeanor and unhurried approach in the field, he possesses a keen eye for spotting birds, and other hidden gems of the forest. His familiarity with the landscapes and quiet, observant style make him an excellent companion on nature walks, ensuring clients enjoy a relaxed, immersive, and well-paced birding experience.