Arijit Purkayastha

Assam's archaeological treasures hold immense tourism potential. It's time to bring these lesser-explored sites into tourism itineraries, highlight their historical and cultural significance, & transform the state's rich heritage into memorable archaeotourism experiences.

Amur Falcons are back! My article, “The Falcons Have Landed”, published in The Assam Tribune, Oct 2020, highlighted migration of these 150 gram raptors from Russia and China to South Africa. They can also be spotted near Dharamtul, 90 mins from Guwahati. A spectacular sight!

Assam's rocks have fascinating stories to tell! From serpent and elephant shaped stones near Ram Chandra Ashram to Mahishasura at Dirgheswari and Ganesha near Baman, nature, faith and folklore meet. Could this inspire a new niche: Pareidolia Tourism? – at Guwahati, India

Dirgheswari Temple’s 11th–12th century tusked elephant rock engravings showcase pre-Ahom craftsmanship & archaeotourism potential. Unauthorised paintings obscure this precious heritage. Protection, monitoring and community participation are vital. #HeritageConservation #Assam

Sometimes, the most fascinating discoveries are found unexpectedly. Away from the main complex of Dirgheswari Dewalaya, North Guwahati, miniature temple reliefs carved into rock reveal another layer of this sacred site's archaeological heritage. #ArchaeoTourism #Assam – at Guwahati, India

Happy World Gibbon Day. Theme: “The forest has a voice; can you hear it?” Let’s protect gibbons & their forest homes. In Assam, safeguarding the endangered Western Hoolock Gibbon, India’s only ape, means protecting forests, reconnecting habitats, involving local communities. – at Guwahati, India

Rock art offers a glimpse into humanity’s earliest creativity. Though less celebrated, Assam’s rock art holds immense historical value. Tour operators of Assam could include them in their itineraries & experiential tourism worth its while. #RockArt #Archaeotourism #Assam – at Guwahati, India

Mati-Akhora, the foundation of Sattriya dance, uses yogic postures & exercises to develop flexibility and grace. Traditionally practised by young learners in Sattras. Sattriya was introduced by Sri Sri Srimanta Sankaradeva in 15th-century Assam. #MatiAkhora #Majuli #Assam – at Guwahati, India

Across Borders, Connected by Tourism. My article on exploring Western Assam & Southeast Bhutan features the region’s heritage, nature, culture & emerging cross-border tourism potential epaper.assamtribune.com/clip…. A journey of discovery, connection & collaboration. Happy Durga Puja!

Chasing sunrises is a growing trend in experience tourism, offering tranquillity, reflection and breathtaking views. From hilltops and riverbanks to misty tea gardens, Assam awaits! Let’s welcome the dawn and celebrate Assam’s sunrise treasures! #ChasingSunrises #Assam – at Guwahati, India

Lawkhibazar, Baksa, on a Friday market offers a glimpse of rural life, local livelihoods. A friendly chat with local vendors can reveal more about a place than a hurried visit to a popular attraction. In winter, Bhutanese traders bring oranges across the border #ExploreAssam – at Guwahati, India

Butterflies are enduring symbols of Assam's natural heritage. – at Guwahati, India

Hidden in the hills of #DimaHasao, ancient stone jars hold mysteries of a distant past. Just 45 km from Umrangso via Sangbar, the journey took 2½ hours in September 2024, but the hills, scenery and experience made every moment worthwhile. arijitp.com/dima-hasao-of-st… #StoneJars

A habitat is more than a place on a map. It is where wildlife finds food, shelter, space & freedom to flourish. “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife” reminds us to protect corridors, restore habitats & encouraging peaceful human wildlife coexistence. #NationalWildlifeWeek

Greetings on #GandhiJayanti! “Let the cultures of all lands blow around our house…” Travel keeps us rooted while opening our hearts to people, cultures & stories. In #Assam, every journey is an opportunity to connect and understand. Travel is the language of peace.

Wander and Capture: Yesterday, somewhere between Diphu and Guwahati - a fleeting countryside frame from a moving vehicle: an orange evening sky, vast paddy fields and a fisherman’s net caught in mid air. Not perfect photography, but a memorable frame. :)

Happy #InternationalDayofSignLanguages2026. “Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights” reminds us that communication, dignity & participation are fundamental rights. In tourism, accessibility means ensuring every traveller can discover, experience & connect. May every journey speak.

3rd session at NIRDPR NERC, Guwahati, as Resource Person for the EDP for ASRLM cadres & BDSPs, with 30 women in each of 3 groups. Discussed digital marketing, markets, risks & action plans, linking rural enterprise. Meaningful exchanges, inspiring participation for rural Assam.

#WorldRhinoDay Assam is home to 3,260 One Horned Rhinos, nearly 80% of the global population. My tourism journey began here over 3 decades ago, with rhino at its heart. The excitement on every tourist’s face seeing a rhino for first time is something I have always cherished.

#WorldBambooDay Bamboo is everywhere in Assam, connecting nature, wildlife, livelihoods, culture & tourism. Meet artisans, explore rural clusters and discover how bamboo becomes beautiful creations. In Assam, bamboo is not just a plant, it is part of our story