A Surprising New Hotspot
In its latest 'Travel Trends Report', global travel platform Skyscanner identified the destinations seeing the sharpest rise in interest for the upcoming year. While international locations like Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, topped the list, the number two spot
was a surprise: Rupsi, Assam. With a staggering 502% year-on-year increase in flight searches, this small town in western Assam has outpaced many established global hotspots. This surge doesn't necessarily mean a flood of tourists has already arrived, but it signals a powerful curiosity. Travellers are increasingly looking beyond the usual circuits, and Rupsi is emerging as a gateway to the unexplored corners of the region.
From Wartime Airstrip to Modern Gateway
Rupsi's current moment in the spotlight is decades in the making. The town is home to Rupsi Airport, an airfield with a rich history dating back to World War II. Built by the British, it was a crucial base for Allied forces supplying the war effort in the China-Burma-India theatre. After the war, its importance faded. Though it saw brief periods of civilian use in the 1980s, the airport was largely defunct for decades until it was selected for redevelopment under the government's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. After an investment of around Rs 69-70 crore, the airport became fully operational again in May 2021, re-establishing vital air links.
Connecting Western Assam to the World
The revival of Rupsi Airport is a game-changer for lower Assam. Previously, reaching districts like Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, and Goalpara required long journeys by road or rail. Now, with direct flights to major hubs like Guwahati and Kolkata, travel time has been drastically reduced from hours to about 40 minutes by air from Guwahati. This newfound accessibility is not just a convenience for residents but a massive boost for the local economy, trade, and especially tourism. The Assam government has also announced plans for a phased expansion of the airport, which will allow for larger aircraft and further strengthen its role as a regional hub connecting to neighbouring states and even countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh.
A Launchpad for Rich Experiences
The growing interest in Rupsi is about more than just the airport; it’s about what the airport unlocks. The region is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Rupsi serves as a convenient entry point to Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity. It also provides access to other key wildlife havens like Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the endangered golden langur, and Buxa Tiger Reserve in nearby West Bengal. Beyond wildlife, the area is rich in history and spirituality. Visitors can explore the 400-year-old Mahamaya Dham temple, the revered Gurudwara Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji on the banks of the Brahmaputra, and the traditional terracotta craft village of Asharikandi.
