Tucked away in Western Assam, a destination with a rich past is suddenly capturing the imagination of travellers online. Rupsi, a name once tied to a WWII airfield, is re-emerging as a gateway to the region’s unexplored natural and cultural treasures.
The Buzz Behind Rupsi
Suddenly, the name Rupsi is on the digital lips of Indian travellers. According to a recent travel trends report from Skyscanner, flight searches for this little-known destination in Assam have surged by a staggering 502%. This has placed Rupsi second on a global list of trending destinations for 2027, sparking curiosity about what lies in this corner of the state. While a spike in search interest doesn't automatically translate to a flood of tourists, it signals a growing appetite for off-the-beaten-path locations. Travellers are increasingly looking beyond popular circuits, and Rupsi, located in the Kokrajhar district, is perfectly positioned to answer that call. The attention is not just about a single town, but about the promise of an entire region's worth of discovery.
A Historic Airport Reborn
The heart of Rupsi's newfound fame is its airport, a site with a story of its own. Originally built by the British during World War II, the Rupsi airfield was a critical base for Allied forces, particularly the US Army Air Forces, supplying the war effort in the China-Burma-India theatre. After decades of disuse following the 1980s, the airport was revived and redeveloped at a cost of roughly Rs 69 crore. It officially recommenced commercial operations in May 2021 under the government's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which aims to enhance regional connectivity. This revival has been a game-changer, slashing the arduous 5-to-7-hour road journey from Guwahati to a mere 45-minute flight and making Western Assam more accessible than ever.
Gateway to Natural Sanctuaries
For nature lovers, Rupsi is the perfect launchpad for exploring some of Assam's most vital ecosystems. It offers convenient access to Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary, the second protected habitat for the endangered golden langur in India. This sanctuary, a hilly tract with two scenic lakes, is a haven for biodiversity. Not far away lies Raimona National Park, another critical habitat for the golden langur, elephants, and other wildlife, forming part of a transboundary conservation landscape with Bhutan. The area's natural beauty extends to picturesque spots like Saralpara, a serene location on the Bhutan foothills perfect for picnics and camping.
A Rich Cultural and Historical Tapestry
The region surrounding Rupsi is steeped in history and culture. A short drive takes you to Gauripur, home to the historic Matiabag Royal Palace, which offers a glimpse into the area's zamindari past. In the nearby town of Dhubri, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra, stands the Gurudwara Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji, a significant Sikh pilgrimage site marking the 17th-century visit of the ninth Sikh Guru. For those interested in local crafts, the village of Asharikandi is a must-visit, renowned for its generational tradition of terracotta pottery. Another key spiritual site is the Mahamaya Dham, a revered Shakti Peeth located about 30 kilometers from the airport.
Planning Your Journey
Thanks to its revitalised airport (RUP), getting to Rupsi is straightforward. Direct flights connect it to Guwahati and Kolkata, operated by regional airlines under the UDAN scheme, often at subsidised fares. The airport serves as a hub for the wider districts of Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, and Goalpara. Once there, local taxis and private car hires are the primary modes of transport for exploring the surrounding attractions. Accommodation options are mainly available in the larger nearby towns like Dhubri and Kokrajhar, ranging from budget hotels to simple guesthouses. The best time to visit is during the post-monsoon and winter months, from October to April, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and wildlife spotting.
