About Us

Aliyar Rojani’s journey from a novice bird enthusiast to the renowned naturalist and guide of the Desert National Park is nothing short of remarkable. Born on October 18, 1997, in the Rojani Village nestled within the park, his early years were far removed from the world of ornithology.
In 2015, a serendipitous encounter with wildlife photographer and bird expert Michale Mills and his friends altered the course of Aliyar’s life. Revent Singh, the Head of the Tourism Department in Rajasthan, requested Aliyar to guide his guests through the park. At that time, Aliyar admitted to knowing just a handful of common birds. However, those two days spent with Michale Mills and his team exposed him to the wonders of avian diversity, including sightings of the rare Great Indian Bustard and the Steppe Eagle. The infectious excitement of the photographers left an indelible mark on him, and he realized that there was no turning back.
The year 2016 marked a pivotal moment in Aliyar’s transformation. He enrolled in a workshop organized by the forest department to train tourist guides and he emerged as one of the top performers in his batch. Gobind Sagar Bhardwaj, the chief conservator of forests, and CR Anoop, the district forest officer of DNP, recognized his potential. Over the past five years, Aliyar Rojani has become the most sought-after bird guide in Jaisalmer, particularly during the “birding season” from October to March. He has also expanded his knowledge to include passage migrants, reptiles and snakes, which attract herpetologists to the Thar desert during the summer months when these creatures are most active.
Beyond his remarkable guiding skills, Aliyar is a tech-savvy naturalist and actively utilizes social media to promote his services and grow his business. He proudly showcases his website, featuring his bird photographs and extensive knowledge of the avian world.
Aliyar’s expertise extends beyond mere bird identification; he can identify over 150 bird species and possesses a profound understanding of their ecology, behavior, migration patterns, movements, and plumage variations. He has become the go-to source for information on bird species in the Desert National Park. For instance, when the rare merlin (Falco columbarius) was spotted in DNP, he provided crucial insights, having recorded 30 sightings of the bird during that winter, estimating the presence of at least five individuals across different age groups.
Aliyar Rojani doesn’t merely recognize bird species; he can engage in in-depth discussions about their behavior and habitat. He possesses the unique ability to lead wildlife photographers to locations where the rarest avian species can be observed with relative ease. His passion, dedication, and knowledge have made him an invaluable asset to both nature enthusiasts and the conservation efforts within the Desert National Park.
In addition to his expertise in birding and guiding, Aliyar Rojani is also the proud owner of Godavan Garh Homestay, a beautiful desert oasis. This aesthetically built homestay is nestled within the desert, offering spacious rooms exclusively designed to suit wildlife enthusiasts. Godavan Garh Homestay provides a perfect base for those looking to explore the natural wonders of the Desert National Park, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.