Tripura
About Tripura
Rich in gorgeous landscapes, crystalline waterfalls, awe-inspiring mountains, dense forests, and a generous sprinkling of history and tradition, Tripura is a popular tourist destination situated in North-East India. This land-locked state nestled at the foot of the Himalayan mountains has a long historical legacy behind it; Tripura was once home to the famous Manikya tribe, which resulted in the conception of a plethora of varied archaeological monuments and structures in the state, all of which attest to the rich cultural and traditional past of Tripura. The state exhibits a unique blend of traditional tribal culture with a little more modern Bengali culture, giving rise to a harmonious cultural ambience that you will not find anywhere else in the country. Tripura is more than just its breathtaking beauty; it is an illustration of a long and varied legacy of history and tradition, thus promising you a holiday you won?t forget anytime soon.Rich in art and culture, the land of nineteen tribes, Tripura is situated in the lush green hills and blessed with natural beauty and picturesque locations which attract tourists from all over the world. The religious festivals, colourful costumes, artistic cane and bamboo products, multi-linguistic people and delicious food, memorable sightseeing, adventurous trekking and lively shopping experience- There is nothing that Tripura lacks and will regenerate and rejuvenate your soul and spirit.
Agartala
Home to the Manikya Kings in the past, Agartala is the perfect mix of natural beauty combined with diverse and rich culture. Agartala is not just all flowers and valleys but also has a cultural richness with the diversity of people that stay here along with the historical and religious monuments. The capital of Tripura manages to create its culture and personality out of the coming together of stories of all those who reside here and give it a hue of their own culture. The most developed city in the state, it is still a far cry from the metros and hence maintains the best of both worlds.
Things to Do
Ujjayanta Palace
The Ujjayanta Palace is formerly a royal palace of the Tripura, situated in the state of Agartala. Built in 1901, it has magnificent tiled floors, carved wooden ceilings and lovely doors. The name ‘Ujjayanta Palace’ was given by Rabindranath Tagore, a regular visitor of Tripura. The palace includes the Public halls, Throned room, Durbar Hall, Library, The Chinese Room and The Reception Hall.Earlier it also served as the meeting place for the Tripura Legislative Assembly until 2011 and now it serves as a museum and a tourist attraction of Agartala. The Palace stands on the banks of a small lake surrounded by the lush greenery of Mughal gardens in Agartala. Spread over an expanse of 28 hectares of parkland, this exotic palace has several Hindu temples dedicated to the deities, Lakshmi Narayan, Uma-Maheshwari, Kali and Jagannath. One of the largest museums in Northeast India, covering an area over 800 acres of land in the capital city it depicts the lifestyle, art, culture, tradition and utility crafts, beside the customs and practices of various communities residing in northeast India. Rabindranath Tagore named the palace which was bought down by the Tripura government in 1972-73 from the royal family. Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya, the Tripura King invested in the construction of the Palace in the years 1899-1901.
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary
Home to a variety of wildlife especially birds and primates, this place is not just a wildlife sanctuary but also an academic and research centre. Various lakes are present within the sanctuary, where boating facility is available.More than 150 species of residential birds, migratory birds, orchid garden, boating facilities, wild life, botanical garden, zoo, elephant joy-rides, rubber and coffee plantations beckon the tourists all through the year. The added visual incentive for animal-lovers is the famous spectacled monkey which is now a rare species.
Chittangong Hillss
The picturesque spectacle of the Chittagong hills assaults the senses of each and every onlooker. The hills comprise of mini mountains with multiple valleys and a small canyon, with 7 rivers meandering across the valleys.
Tripura Sundari Temple
Tripura Sundari Temple is a beautiful temple situated in Udaipur, around 55 km away from Agartala, Tripura. This opulent temple is 500 years old thereby making it the oldest temple present in the Udaipur district. Tripura Sundari Temple is one of the 51 Sakti Peethas and is the place where the toe of the right foot of Sati fell. Owing to its history and beauty, this majestic temple remains flooded by tourists all through the year.It is also said that Lord Vishnu had cut Sati into 51 pieces with his Sudarshana Chakra and the places where her parts fell came to known as the Shaktipeethas. One fascinating fact about the glorious temple is that it is in the shape of a tortoise and also known as Kurma Peeth. This temple of Kali, built in 1501, is a place where a steady stream of pilgrims makes almost endless animal sacrifices that leave the grounds as bloody as the temple’s vivid-red shikhara. Devotees throng here during the dazzling Diwali festival (October/November) to bathe in the fish-filled tank by the temple.
NeerMahal
‘The Lake Palace of Tripura’ or the Neermahal is the largest palace of its kind in the entire Indian Subcontinent. This architectural beauty rightly derives its name from its location, i.e. the middle of Rudrasagar Lake. It is one of the two water palaces that our country has. The former royal palace is an outcome of King Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur’s great perspective. It was the summer palace for king and his family. Even today, its highly ornated structure showcases the glorious past. The surrounding lawns and flower beds add seven stars to the beauty of this place. The evenings at Neermahal are spent watching the light and sound show. It makes people familiar with the cultural heritage of the place and its owners. The historicity comes with a tint of adventure too. Yes, the palace premises also include some water sports activities. This makes it a perfect combination of antiquity and thrill. Moreover, the palace has even gained fame for its ‘Neermahal Water Festival.’ A huge flock of people visit the mahal only to take part in the boat races organised by the board. This architectural marvel has a lot to give to its visitors. Therefore, whenever in Agartala make sure to turn your ways towards this gem of North-East.
Unakoti
A prime tourist spot in Tripura, Unakoti is an ancient pilgrimage centre, attracting tourists and devotees from far and wide.Unakoti is where India’s heritage stores its carvings and sculptures of gods and goddesses. For such a storehouse of religious and spiritual importance, it is only justified that the place also be the house to lush green flora and full of natural beauty. Many of the rock carvings here depict the life of Lord Shiva as well as other instances from the Hindu Mythology. Sculptures of the Nandi Bull, Lord Ram , Lord Ganesha , Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganpati can also be seen here Unakoti also makes a good place for hiking, trekking and other activities given the terrain and the natural offerings of the area.
Rudrasagar Lake
Located in the Melaghar block in Sipahijala district of Tripura, Rudrasagar is a picturesque lake that has lately been recognised as one of the wetlands of national importance for the conservation of resources and their sustainable use, by the Government of India’s Ministry of Environment and Forest. Also known as Rudijala, three rivers named Noacherra, Kemrali Cherra and Durlavnaraya form the lake. Boasting of utter serenity and tranquility, the lake is a popular tourist spot in the region. The highlight of the lake is also the magnificent Neermahal which is situated at the north-east bank of the lake. Built in 1930, the palace exudes timeless charm.