Rupsi, Assam: Why This Offbeat Town in Northeast India Is on Everyone’s 2027 Wishlist

Most people planning a trip to Assam picture Kaziranga’s rhinos, Majuli’s river island or Guwahati’s temples. Very few picture Rupsi, a quiet town in the western corner of the state, close to the Bhutan and Bangladesh borders, where a forgotten Second World War airfield is quietly turning into a gateway to one of the least-visited parts of Northeast India.That may be about to change. 

Rupsi has been named among the fastest-rising destinations on Indian travellers’ 2027 wishlists in Skyscanner’s latest Travel Trends Report, and the airport that once served wartime pilots is now being discussed as a future logistics and cargo hub. If you like getting somewhere before the crowds do, this is your guide.

Why Is Rupsi Suddenly Trending?

Rupsi is not a name you usually see on a travel list. Yet Skyscanner’s latest Travel Trends Report records a 502% rise in searches for it, ranking it second among the fastest-rising destinations on Indian travellers’ 2027 wishlists, behind only Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan and ahead of Okinawa in Japan and Malvan in Maharashtra. So what is going on?

Travellers are chasing the offbeat

The report says Indian travellers are looking beyond the usual hotspots and want trips that feel more meaningful. Assam is a good example: most itineraries start and end with Kaziranga, Majuli and Guwahati, which leaves western Assam almost untouched. Rupsi fills that gap.

Getting there got easier

Alliance Air flies to Rupsi from Guwahati in about 40 minutes, so you can skip the long road or rail journey across the state. Because the 502% figure counts searches, easier flights are a likely part of the story.

A wartime airfield is getting a second life

Rupsi’s airstrip dates back to the Second World War, and Assam is now exploring a plan to turn it into a logistics and cargo hub. The idea is to link Northeast India with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar and move produce, fishery goods and e-commerce parcels. Better infrastructure often brings more flights and stays, though no timeline is confirmed.

There is a lot packed into a small area

Terracotta craft at Asharikandi, the Brahmaputra port at Dhubri, golden langurs at Chakrashila and wildlife at Raimona all are located within a day-trip distance of Rupsi.

There is a catch. Growth here is still early, tourist facilities are limited, and the airport plans are only proposals. That is exactly why now is the time to go: you get to see Rupsi before the crowds do.

Rupsi at a Glance

Quick fact	Details
Where	Western Assam, near the Dhubri and Kokrajhar district boundary
Nearest towns	Gauripur (about 5 km), Dhubri (about 15 km), Kokrajhar (about 50 km)
Airport	Rupsi Airport (IATA: RUP), roughly 3 km from the town
Nearest railway station	Gauripur, about 7 km away
Best time to visit	November to February
Ideal trip length	2 to 4 days, combined with nearby sights
Languages	Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Hindi

How to Reach Rupsi

By air (easiest)

Alliance Air is the only airline serving Rupsi Airport. It operates non-stop flights from Guwahati and Kolkata on ATR turboprops.

• Guwahati to Rupsi: about 40 minutes. Fares seen on booking sites have started around ₹700 to ₹1,000, but they vary by date.
• Kolkata to Rupsi: about 1 hour 50 minutes, with fares seen from roughly ₹1,000 to ₹2,500.
• Important: flight frequency changes often. Some months show only a few flights per week, so check the latest schedule before you book anything else. Build in a buffer day if you have a connecting flight.

By train

Gauripur railway station is the closest, about 7 km from Rupsi. Moterjhar station is also nearby. Larger rail hubs on the Northeast corridor connect onward to Dhubri and Gauripur. Taxis and auto-rickshaws run from the stations into town.

By road

Rupsi is roughly 170 to 185 km from Guwahati’s international airport. The drive along the national highway takes several hours, so many travellers prefer to fly the last stretch. Local buses and shared taxis connect Rupsi, Gauripur and Dhubri.

Best Time to Visit

• November to February (best): cool, dry, clear skies. Ideal for wetlands, birdwatching and village walks. This is also the best window for Raimona National Park and Chakrashila.
• March to May: Temperatures rise steadily and the air turns humid, with pre-monsoon showers possible by late spring. It’s less comfortable for long days outdoors, but you’ll find quieter sights and fewer crowds. 
• June to August: heavy monsoon. Rivers swell, roads can flood and wildlife viewing is difficult. Avoid unless you enjoy green, rainy landscapes and have flexible plans.
• October: post-monsoon, green and fresh, with improving weather.

Where to Stay

Rupsi itself has very limited accommodation, and booking sites list only a few properties in the area. Most travellers stay in nearby Gauripur or Dhubri and travel each day.

• Gauripur and Dhubri: the most practical choices. Properties such as The Brahmaputra Hotel (Boro Bazar), Hotel Swagat and Roy’s Hotel appear on major booking sites as mid-range three-star options. Listings have shown rooms from around ₹2,000 per night, though prices change.
• Kokrajhar: more choice if you plan to combine your trip with Raimona National Park and Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Homestays: worth asking around locally. Village homestays are the best way to experience Assamese hospitality, but arrange them in advance.

Tip: book at least a few days ahead in winter, and confirm your booking by phone, because small hotels do not always update online availability.

Things to Do in and Around Rupsi

The Second World War airfield

Rupsi’s airstrip was built by the British during the Second World War as a military airfield, reportedly able to host dozens of aircraft. Today it is a working civilian airport, and its long history makes it the town’s most distinctive landmark. If you are flying in, you are already part of the story.

Soreswar Beel

This wetland near Rupsi is popular with local residents and is a good stop for a calm morning, especially in winter when migratory birds visit Assam’s wetlands.

Asharikandi, the terracotta village

Near Gauripur, Asharikandi is famous for its terracotta craft and pottery, and the region has a long tradition in this art. Watch artisans work, then buy small pieces directly from them as souvenirs.

Matiabag Palace, Gauripur

Also known as Hawakhana or Hawa Mahal, this palace by the Gadadhar River was once home to the local royal family and shows colonial-era architecture. Gauripur is also known for Goalparia folk music and as the roots of filmmaker Pramathesh Chandra Barua. 

Note: Check access before you go, as visiting rules can change.

Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary

Easily the best nature stop in the region. It is a protected home of the golden langur, one of the most beautiful primates in India, and the forests and viewpoints reward an early-morning visit. Allow a half day.

Dhubri town and the Brahmaputra

Dhubri is an old river port on the Brahmaputra. Walk along Netai Dhubuni Ghat, watch the boats and see why the river is central to life here.

Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, Dhubri

One of the best-known religious sites in the district, connected to a visit by the ninth Sikh Guru. The gurdwara is peaceful, welcoming to visitors and a good cultural stop.

Mahamaya Dham and Chandardinga Hillock

Mahamaya Dham in Bogribari is a major pilgrimage site for the goddess Mahamaya in Lower Assam. Chandardinga Hillock adds a quieter viewpoint stop in the Dhubri area.

Raimona National Park

In the Bodoland region of Kokrajhar district, Raimona covers roughly 422 sq km and is linked to the wider Manas landscape. Look for golden langurs, Asian elephants, gaur, Indian wild dogs, orchids and butterflies. It works as a full-day excursion, and September to February is best for wildlife.

Saralpara and Dheer Beel

Quiet eco-tourism spots near Kokrajhar. Saralpara is far from the highway, so hire a vehicle, and keep in mind road conditions and distance when planning.

Suggested Itineraries for Exploring Rupsi

2 days: the quick offbeat escape

• Day 1: Culture & Local Exploration – Arrive at Rupsi Airport, check in at Gauripur, explore the terracotta village of Asharikandi, and spend the evening strolling through Gauripur town.
• Day 2: Wetlands & Riverside Attractions – Start your morning at Soreswar Beel, then head to Dhubri to explore the Brahmaputra riverfront and visit the historic gurdwara before departing.

4 days: culture, river and wildlife

• Day 1: Arrival & Local Exploration – Arrive in Rupsi, explore the airfield surroundings, and spend the evening at Soreswar Beel.
• Day 2: Culture & Heritage – Visit Asharikandi, known for its terracotta traditions, followed by Matiabag Palace and Gauripur.
• Day 3: Exploring Dhubri – Discover the Dhubri riverfront, visit the historic gurdwara and seek blessings at Mahamaya Dham.
• Day 4: Wildlife & Departure – Start early for Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary before heading to the airport. Alternatively, extend your trip to Raimona National Park for more wildlife experiences.

What to Eat

Expect simple, fresh, home-style Assamese food with a strong Bengali influence in this part of the state. Look for rice with fish curry, lentils, seasonal vegetables and local greens, and try fresh river fish where it is available. Small local eateries in Gauripur and Dhubri are where you will eat best. Ask what is fresh that day.

Estimated Budget (per person)

• Flights (return): varies by route and date, so check current fares
• Stay: ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 per night for mid-range hotels
• Local transport: ₹500 to ₹1,500 per day, with a hired car costing more for longer day trips
• Food: ₹400 to ₹900 per day

Practical tips

1. Reconfirm flights. Schedules on small regional airports change, so check again a few days before departure.
2. Carry cash. ATMs and card acceptance are limited outside the main towns.
3. Hire a local driver. Public transport is limited, and a driver saves time on day trips.
4. Dress modestly at religious sites and carry a scarf or cap for gurdwara visits.
5. Pack for the season. Light layers in winter, rain gear and insect repellent for the rest of the year.
6. Go early. Wildlife and wetlands are best at sunrise.
7. Respect village life. Ask before photographing people, especially artisans and women.
8. Check local advisories. Western Assam sits near sensitive border areas, so follow local guidance and carry valid ID.

Rupsi invites you to look beyond conventional sightseeing and enjoy a slower, more immersive travel experience. It gives you a chance to see western Assam as it is, through its riverside towns, terracotta traditions, wetlands and wildlife, before the rest of India discovers it. 

Pack light, travel slowly, and let Rupsi surprise you!

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