Tathagata Neogi, PhD — CEO

I am Dr. Tathagata Neogi, the Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer (CXO) at Immersive Trails. With a PhD in Archaeology from the University of Exeter, I have dedicated my career to build a marketplace for India that transforms ethical, in-depth research into immersive experiences that captivate and inspire. My journey in archaeology has not only deepened my understanding of the past but also fueled my passion for storytelling and education. At Immersive Trails, I strive to help our partner curators, curate engaging tours that are rooted in empathy, ethics, and community-focused business practices. Our mission is to build a robust platform for authentic, research-based, expert-led experiences that connect people with history and culture in meaningful ways. Driven by a commitment to ethical tourism, I believe in the power of immersive experiences to foster a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism practices. Our approach is centered on collaboration with local community experts, ensuring that our tours are not only educational but also beneficial to the people and places we explore. Through my work, I aim to inspire curiosity and understanding, making history accessible and engaging for everyone. Join me on this journey to discover the stories that shape our world and create a more connected, empathetic, and informed global community. Feel free to connect with me to discuss archaeology, ethical tourism, and creating impactful, community-driven experiences

Stackforce AI infers this person is a leader in ethical tourism and cultural heritage, specializing in immersive travel experiences.

Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Experience: 16 yrs

Skills

Leadership
Business Strategy
Creative Marketing
Travel Management
Guided Tours
Customer Service
Academic Research

Career Highlights

Co-Founder of Immersive Trails, promoting ethical tourism.
PhD in Archaeology with a focus on cultural heritage.
Expert in creating immersive travel experiences.

Work Experience

Immersive Trails

Co-Founder and CEO (3 mos)

Co-Founder & Chief Experience Officer (3 yrs 5 mos)

Heritage Walk Calcutta

Co-founder & Chief Innovation Leader (5 yrs 5 mos)

Kerala Council for Historical Research

Research Associate and Faculty (1 yr 2 mos)

University of Exeter

PhD Student in Archaeology (4 yrs 8 mos)

Kerala Council for Historical Research

Research Assistant at Pattanam Excavations (7 mos)

International Association for Asian Heritage

Coordinator (Voluntary), Asian Heritage Alert (10 mos)

INTACH, Kolkata

Team Leader for South Bengal Heritage Survey 2011 (11 mos)

UKIERI Pioneering Metallurgy Archaeological Field Survey

UKIERI Pioneering Metallurgy Archaeological Field Survey (1 yr 10 mos)

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at University of Exeter

MA at University of Exeter

B.A. (Hons.) at Jadavpur University

High School at Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira

Secondary School at Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith, Purulia

Tathagata Neogi, PhD

CEO

Kolkata, West Bengal, India16 yrs experience

Most Likely To SwitchHighly Stable

Key Highlights

Co-Founder of Immersive Trails, promoting ethical tourism.
PhD in Archaeology with a focus on cultural heritage.
Expert in creating immersive travel experiences.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a leader in ethical tourism and cultural heritage, specializing in immersive travel experiences.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

LeadershipBusiness StrategyCreative MarketingTravel ManagementGuided ToursCustomer ServiceAcademic Research

Other Skills

CXO level engagementOrganization SkillsBranding & IdentitySocial Media MarketingStrategic ThinkingInterpersonal SkillsCultural HeritageSocial EntrepreneurshipFuture of TravelStrategySocial MediaNew Business DevelopmentBusinessBusiness DevelopmentWriting

About

Experience

Immersive trails

2 roles

Co-Founder and CEO

Promoted

Dec 2025 – Present · 3 mos · Kolkata, West Bengal, India

CXO level engagementTravel ManagementCustomer ServiceOrganization SkillsAcademic ResearchGuided Tours+43

Co-Founder & Chief Experience Officer

Jul 2022 – Dec 2025 · 3 yrs 5 mos · Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Immersive Trails is a dynamic marketplace connecting travelers with a world of authentic, expert-led experiences. We believe in the transformative power of travel and its ability to foster understanding, connection, and personal growth. Our mission is to empower both travelers and local experts by creating a seamless and mutually beneficial ecosystem.
For travelers, Immersive Trails provides access to a curated selection of unique and immersive experiences, ranging from historical tours and culinary adventures to artistic workshops and nature excursions. We carefully vet all our expert providers to ensure their authenticity, expertise, and commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism. This ensures that travelers can embark on enriching journeys that go beyond the typical tourist trail, gaining deeper insights into the local culture, heritage, and way of life, while giving back to the community.
For local experts, Immersive Trails offers a platform to share their passion and knowledge with a global audience. We provide the tools and technology they need to manage bookings, scheduling, and communications efficiently, allowing them to focus on creating exceptional experiences for travelers. By supporting local experts and promoting sustainable tourism practices, we aim to contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and the economic empowerment of communities.
Our vision is to become the leading global platform for curated local experiences, fostering a world where travel is not just about seeing new places, but also about connecting with people, learning new perspectives, and making a positive impact. We are committed to ethical tourism, responsible travel practices, and the creation of unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.

Guided ToursOrganization SkillsCreative MarketingSocial Media MarketingTeam LeadershipStrategic Thinking+6

Heritage walk calcutta

Co-founder & Chief Innovation Leader

Feb 2017 – Jul 2022 · 5 yrs 5 mos · Kolkata Area, India · On-site

Heritage Walk Calcutta was an immersive walking tour company in Kolkata founded by Dr Tathagata Neogi in 2017. Chelsea McGill joined the company as a Co-Founder in September 2018. Heritage Walk Calcutta curated in-depth, research-based walking tours in the city and its surroundings.

Guided ToursOrganization SkillsTravel ManagementCustomer Service

Kerala council for historical research

Research Associate and Faculty

Nov 2015 – Jan 2017 · 1 yr 2 mos · Pattanam, North Paravur

I am currently employed as a Research Associate and Faculty at the Indian Institute of Archaeology, Pattanam Archaeological Research, Kerala. I teach the following modules:
1. Theories in Archaeology
2. Introduction to Material Culture Studies
3. Technology and Craft Production
I have played a significant role in improving the present curriculum and am also closely involved in administration. In this aspect my responsibilities range from day-to-day administration of the institute to conceiving and implementing ideas to transform this fledgeling institute into a world-class teaching and research centre in archaeology.

Academic Research

University of exeter

PhD Student in Archaeology

Sep 2012 – May 2017 · 4 yrs 8 mos · Exeter, United Kingdom

I have completed my PhD at Exeter in 2017, starting in 2012. I have primarily focussing on ethno-metallurgy of traditional iron working in the Indian Sub-continent, the main thrust area being northern Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. For more please visit http://eprofile.exeter.ac.uk/tathagataneogi

Academic Research

Kerala council for historical research

Research Assistant at Pattanam Excavations

Nov 2011 – Jun 2012 · 7 mos · Thiruvananthapuram, India

Providing on field and off field research and methodological support to KCHR Pattanam Excavations.

Academic Research

International association for asian heritage

Coordinator (Voluntary), Asian Heritage Alert

Aug 2011 – Jun 2012 · 10 mos · All Asia

Asian Heritage Alert looks forward to integrate and promote the participation of general public as well as heritage professionals, archaeologists and conservators in maintenance and conservation of tangible and intangible heritage of Asia. The initiative looks forward to provide both a forum where the tangible and intangible heritages in peril could be reported by anyone and everyone from all over Asia and also serve as a platform to undertake voluntary initiative to notify and cooperate with the concerned government agencies in respective countries to make them aware of these endangered sites and traditions so that the first stride towards their conservation could be taken. We would like to welcome inputs from everyone all over the globe about the endangered heritage of Asia. We look forward to make this IAAH initiative to be a collective success and a tribute to our continent's culture and heritage. Email us at asianheritagealert.iaah@yahoo.com

Intach, kolkata

Team Leader for South Bengal Heritage Survey 2011

Dec 2010 – Nov 2011 · 11 mos

This 8 month project is funded by West Bengal Heritage Commission (a wing of West Bengal Govt.). The aim of this project is to properly survey, photograph, map and document 116 built heritage sites declared by the West Bengal Heritage Commission as well as identify the sites in various districts of south Bengal that deserves proper conservation.

Academic Research

Ukieri pioneering metallurgy archaeological field survey

UKIERI Pioneering Metallurgy Archaeological Field Survey

Jan 2010 – Nov 2011 · 1 yr 10 mos · Northern Telangana, India; Bangalore, India; Exeter, UK

This is an archaeological field survey and post survey analysis of ancient iron and steel industry of Northern Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh, conducted jointly by Department of Archaeology, University of Exeter and NIAS, Bangalore.

Academic Research