ECORAH community member's story Ms. Rituparna Borah

Rituparna is a passionate woman entrepreneur, Ayurvedic astrology counsellor, and sustainable tourism researcher. She co-founded Swarna's Homestay and TraYam Tatva.

Our commitment to fostering meaningful conversations about promoting and supporting sustainable hospitality has provided us with a remarkable opportunity to exchange thoughts and insights with an inspiring founder in the tourism industry.

In this blog post, I am excited to share my conversation with a business founder who is passionately pursuing her expertise to establish new milestones in wellness tourism in Assam and North East India, a ECORAH community member's story. She is seamlessly blending the pure essence of wellness with nature and holistic well-being, while also creating new opportunities for growth and promotion of wellness tourism throughout the region.

Ms. Rituparna Borah and Mr. Prabhakar Handique are the co-founders of "TraYam Tatva," a company that promotes wellness tourism in various scenic destinations across Assam and North Eastern India.

Both Ms. Rituparna Borah and Mr. Prabhakar Handique are passionate practitioners of yoga and wellness.

They are not only crafting wellness and holistic experiences that prioritise guest services, but also integrating these with tourism and local culture. Their committed team is dedicated to delivering the finest authentic local experiences through their distinctive guest services and hospitality.

Rituparna and her company have undertaken in organizing wellness retreats centred on personal well-being, as well as experiential holiday programs. These tours not only connect travellers to the core principles of sustainable tourism practices but also provide a variety of engaging activities, allowing guests to fully enjoy every moment of their leisure time.

In an in-depth conversation with Ms. Rituparna Borah, she shared her entrepreneurial journey with me.

During a career break and three years of travel across India, Rituparna realized that words like ecotourism and sustainable tourism were often being used as tools of "green grabbing" rather than genuine community practices. This realization led her to pursue interdisciplinary research in tourism and sustainability, while also grounding her ideas in practice through a pilot project — Swarna's Homestay in Nagaon, Assam (April 2023).

Though her parents and friends were doubtful — Nagaon being far from a popular tourist hub — she believed in the enduring value of homestays. Unlike hotels, they thrive on the natural care of their hosts, preserve guest privacy, and remain community-friendly by avoiding the influx of mass tourism that strains land and water. Her belief bore fruit: within eighteen months the homestay recovered its investment, and she was soon invited to train self-help groups in digital marketing for homestay promotion under the scheme of Asomi Rural Homestays. Nearing its second anniversary, Swarna's Homestay expanded into a second unit, both now running sustainably: the focus remaining on community benefit and steady income, not profit maximization.

In January 2024, Rituparna and Prabhakar extended this vision through TraYam Tatva, a holistic healing initiative weaving yoga, Ayurveda, and astrology. Starting small in Nagaon, despite the challenges of a modest market, they nurtured an environment of care and healing. Clients not only embraced these services but also opened doors to collaborations. Today, they are gradually shaping wellness retreats and preparing to shift TraYam Tatva's onsite services to Guwahati, carrying forward the same spirit of trust, passion, and sustainable growth.

Initially, they introduced retreats tailored for inbound tourists at Swarna's Homestay, which was established by Rituparna.

TraYam Tatva is dedicated to promoting holistic well-being through a mindful living experience. It invites travelers to embrace genuine reconnection and rejuvenation through yoga and sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Whether you are an experienced practitioner or new to wellness, TraYam Tatva offers a sanctuary for exploring and nurturing your body, mind, and spirit. Set in a tranquil natural environment, their retreats foster a profound sense of peace, allowing you to fully engage in transformative wellness practices.

With a thoughtfully designed itinerary, guests can engage with the local community and explore unexplored rural landscapes. These experiences allow guests not only to enjoy their time but also to create lasting memories to treasure for years to come.

I was genuinely thrilled to discover her commitment to enhancing wellness and sustainable tourism. Her innovative approaches and product designs for guest experiences are not only inspiring but also extraordinary.

Rituparna, with her background as an Ayurvedic astrology counsellor and a sustainable tourism researcher, is driven by a passion for the healing power of nature and the significance of authentic human connections. She breathes life into these retreats through thoughtful curation and genuine care.

Taking some peaceful moments in the lush surroundings of tea plantations is the perfect way to embark on a digital detox journey. Savouring a cup of tea while contemplating your wellness journey, alongside some of the most welcoming hosts, will enhance your experience even further. Rituparna and her team offer Eight Yoga and Wellness Sessions along with Evening Meditation Practices to help you achieve the pinnacle of wellness and holistic experiences.

The wellness retreat promotes a slow, calm lifestyle, starting each day with gentle yoga under a serene canopy. Guests enjoy mindful walks in lush tea gardens, breathing in fresh air that fosters renewal. Evening meditation helps unwind and reconnect with oneself. This sanctuary of nature and community nurtures personal growth and inner peace, leaving guests rejuvenated with a greater appreciation for life's simple joys and wellness practices to incorporate into daily life.

Staying amidst tea gardens and practicing yoga daily enhances physical and emotional well-being. The tranquil environment, with rustling leaves and morning birdsong, fosters a deep connection with nature. Vibrant tea gardens provide a picturesque backdrop for leisurely walks, while the aroma of freshly brewed tea offers comfort and invigoration.

Evening yoga sessions at sunset promote relaxation and release tension. This blend of nature and mindfulness cultivates peace, balance, and inspiration for each new day.

Organizing eco-tourism differs significantly from other types of tourism. It requires active involvement and creativity for every product marketed to travellers. The focus is on generating interest, raising awareness, and fostering engagement.

Eco-tourism is characterised by experiences that are deeply influenced by the surrounding environment and the duration of one's stay. It emphasises immersive natural and cultural experiences.

Through Rituparna's unwavering commitment and innovative excellence, aim to cultivate a diverse range of tourism products that embrace eco-tourism, showcase unique rural destinations, and promote a deeper connection with nature, the surroundings and communities. By fostering sustainable practices and encouraging local participation, Rituparna envisions a tourism experience that not only delights visitors but also empowers residents and preserves the natural beauty of these areas. This holistic approach aims to create a harmonious balance between exploration and conservation, ensuring that both travelers and locals benefit from the rich cultural tapestry and natural wonders that these destinations offer.

Sustainable tourism goes beyond being merely a travel style; it represents a conscientious mindset towards travel choices and behaviors.

Rituparna and her team not only place sustainable tourism at the heart of their concept but also weave sustainability principles into the creation of their tourism offerings. They aim to cultivate a meaningful relationship between guests and hosts, all while adhering to the tenets of responsible and sustainable tourism.

The host of Swarna's Homestay warmly welcomes guests with a traditional greeting. They create a cozy, homely atmosphere by serving locally sourced raw ingredients, home-cooked meals. Additionally, the hosts engage with guests, sharing fascinating stories about the local area. They prioritize a comfortable stay by attending to all the essential needs of their visitors, providing amenities and facilities that contribute to a truly unforgettable experience.

This hosting and engagement not only fosters a lasting bond with visitors but also instils a sense of pride and joy in showcasing one's own culture and local heritage.

Tourism facilitates connections between people from diverse backgrounds, enhancing understanding of various cultures and traditions. It allows for the sharing of experiences, enriching both visitors and hosts. Additionally, tourism stimulates local economies, creates jobs, and promotes cultural heritage preservation.