David Hidalgo, doctoral researcher and founder, Travel2Ingredients by APASEO Travel Experiences | Perfumer & Flavorist

Between June 30 and July 13, 2026, I travelled almost 4,000 km through Assam and Nagaland—by train, car, rickshaw, motorcycle and bicycle, and many more on foot—for my Ph.D. research, “Designing Transformative Tourism Experiences: Agarwood, Territory and Heritage in Assam (India).”

Sanchi, the Wood of Transformation

In this field report from Assam, India, author David Hidalgo explores the journey from a larva moving through a living Aquilaria tree to an oud oil valued at as much as $80,000 per liter and inviting questions about what the fragrance market ultimately calls oud.