After completing an intensive Naturalist training program at TajSafaris &Beyond lodges in 2009, Payal has worked as a professional Naturalist in the lodges and later as a freelance Naturalist and Tour Leader. She now leads wildlife tours in different countries in south Asia. Along with Harsha J., she has been involved in training programs for nature guides in many parts of India. Along with her naturalist friends, she has recently set up The Naturalist School, and together they are developing nature education programmes. Payal comes from Bombay and has an academic background in Geology.