Trail Naturalist Course — Nature Guides Academy

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Professional Safari Guide Course

Idu-Mishmi Wilderness Course

Trail Naturalist Course

The Journey So Far

Nerd Naturalist

Professional Safari Guide Course

Idu-Mishmi Wilderness Course

Trail Naturalist Course

The Journey So Far

Nerd Naturalist

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Professional Safari Guide Course

Idu-Mishmi Wilderness Course

Trail Naturalist Course

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The Journey So Far

Nerd Naturalist

Trail Naturalist Course

in collaboration with

About the collaboration

NGA-CGH Earth

Nature Guides Academy (NGA) began with a simple belief - that the wilderness is one of the greatest classrooms we have, and a good guide can change the way we see it forever. Led by mentors with over 15 years of experience in the field, NGA goes beyond teaching identification. Here, you learn to read landscapes, connect science with culture, and shape stories that stay with people long after the walk has ended.

At CGH Earth, this philosophy finds a natural home.

For decades, CGH Earth has redefined hospitality in India by placing ecology, community, and conservation at its heart. At Spice Village, the forest is not a backdrop - it is a living, breathing presence. As part of your learning, you will step into this ecosystem, understanding not just how to interpret nature, but how to hold it with care - balancing guest experience with responsibility.

Together, this collaboration offers more than a course. It is an opportunity to discover what it truly means to guide - with knowledge, with empathy, and with purpose.

Who is this course for?

You already love the outdoors - you’re the one who stops to watch a spider spin its web or notices the change in birdsong at dusk. A professional naturalist, however, does more than observe; they interpret, connect, and bring the landscape to life for others. This programme is also equally helpful for practising naturalist guides wishing to get formal training and upskilling. Nature Guides Academy (NGA), in collaboration with CGH Earth, presents a 21-day immersive programme at Spice Village. Here, you will learn to read the forest with insight, dive deep into many natural history topics and learn to share its stories with clarity, sensitivity, and purpose.

Programme highlights

Natural history fundamentals:

Build a strong foundation while developing tools for continuous learning

Guest engagement:

Understand how to read and respond to different guest expectations

Professional guiding & storytelling:

Learn to craft engaging insightful experiences that go beyond facts

Ethics in practise:

Explore responsible approaches to nature tourism and conservation

Outstanding mentor team:

Led by the core NGA and CGH Earth teams, along with guest faculty and domain specialists

Modules at a glance

Professional Nature Guiding

The cornerstone of the programme, this module explores:

• The role and responsibilities of a naturalist

• Designing and leading walks and experiences

• Essential guiding techniques and best practises

• Understanding guest dynamics

• The art of storytelling and interpretation

Natural History & Ecology

Build a foundational understanding of:

• Insects & arthropods

• Amphibians & reptiles

• Birds & mammals

• Plants & fungi

• Basic geology and biogeography of India

• Tracks, signs, and ecological relationships

Wilderness First Aid & CPR

An internationally recognised certification (valid for 2 years), essential for anyone responsible for guests in outdoor settings.

Additional learning areas

• Conservation in India

• Ethics in nature tourism

Backbones behind the journey

Meet the CGH Earth Mentors

ABOUT US