The third smallest state in India, Tripura is nestled within the verdant hills of the northeastern Himalayas and is flanked on three sides by the Gangetic basin of Bangladesh. The northeastern boundary of this state, also a part of the “Seven Sisters”, clings to the states of Mizoram and Assam. The five hilly ranges namely Jampui, Unokoti-Sakhantlang, Baramura-Deotamura, Atharamura-Kalajhari and Longthorai traverse through this historically and culturally rich Tripura state.
Tripura Tourism: Places To Visit
1. Agartala
There are many places to visit in Agartala, the capital city of Tripura, of which the Ujjayanta Palace built during 1910 A.D with its Indo-Saracenic architecture will definitely enthral you.
Three 86 feet tall domes with tiled floors, carved doors and a wooden ceiling house the Tripura State Museum overlooking the Mughal gardens. Exquisite sculptures from Pilak, Jolaibari etc and the Dasavatar Panels are highlighted exhibits.
Other attractions of Agartala city include Jagannath Temple with an octagonal base, Gedu Mia’s white marble Mosque, 35+ years old Tamal Tree of Laxmi Narayan Temple, planetarium and science exhibits of Sukanta Academy. The Portuguese Church, Malancha Niwas, Laxminarayan Temple, Tribal Museum and Uma Maheswar Temple are other places enlisted under Tripura tourism.
2. Kailashahar
The Shaivite pilgrim site Unakoti Hill is the highlight of Kailashahar where you will get to see magnificent rock reliefs and carved stone images depicting mythological figures namely Ganesha, Nandi Bull, Shiva, Durga and others. The Ashokastami Mela during April is something not to miss.
3. Jampui Hills
The Jampui Hills on Tripura map at an altitude of 3000 feet and are bewitching with verdant hilly forestry, orange orchards and ethereal sunrises and sunsets. It is also culturally significant for eleven tribal villages inhabited by Lushai and Reang.
4. Deotamura
Witness the 15-16th century rock carvings of Durga, Kartika, Shiva and Vishnu on the steep mountain wall by Gomati River.
5. Melaghar
One of the prime attractions of Tripura State, the Rudrasagar Lake in Melaghar is famous for the waterfowl and migratory birds as well as the Neermahal standing in the middle of it. A perfect blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, Neermahal with its magnificent interiors and gardens is magical.
6. Udaipur
The “Lake City” as depicted in Tripura tourism, Udaipur is famous for the artificial lakes namely Jagannath Dighi, Dhani Sagar, Amar Sagar and Bijoy Sagar. Also famous are the Shakti Peetha of Tripura Sundari Temple and the Nazrul Granthagar. This Udaipur is not to be confused with its more popular namesake in Rajasthan.
Tripura State: Things to do in tourist places
The Tripura state, which is so culturally and naturally rich, comes with lots of activities like:
- Visit Purbasha in Agartala city to watch the wooden, bamboo and cane craftsmen at work. Buy handloom silk, cotton and polyester or regional handicrafts.
- Attend the Kharchi Festival of Tripura during July at the Fourteen Goddess Temple and Chaturdash Debta Temple.
- Visit Benuban Vihra during Buddha Purnima. It houses beautiful Buddha idols and will leave one feeling at peace, as one does at most Buddhist shrines.
- Interact with local tribes like Mog, Barua and Chakma during Owha and Mahamuni Festivals in Mahamuni Pagoda.
- Feed the gigantic fishes and tortoises in the Kalyan Sagar Lake by the Tripura Sundari Temple where Goddess Kali in her incarnation of “Chotto Ma” and “Shoroshi” is worshipped. Don’t miss the fair held during Diwali.
- Explore the natural forest, herbs, shrubs and medicinal plants of Tripura state Heritage Park and the flowering plants of Nehru Park.
- Attend the Puppet Shows at Rabindra Kanan.
- Sight over 150 birds, four primates such as the Rhesus Macaque and Spectacled Langur, Crab-eating Mongoose and Clouded Leopard at Sipahijola. Photograph the Indian Gaur, Hollock Gibbon and Pheasant at Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Watch migratory birds and attend “Pous Sankranti Mela” on Dumboor Lake.
Cultural Aspects of Tripura State
The composite culture of Tripura state is dominated by Bengali and Tripuri that includes the ethnic groups like Mizo, Debbarma, Reang, Chakma, Koloi, Munda etc. While Bengali music is widely accepted, the Tripuri music with Sarinda, Sumui and Chongpreng is dominant along with tribal dance and celebrations of Jhum, Goria, Bizhu, Lebang etc. Along with Durga Puja, the worship of patron deity Tripureshwari and Ker, Kharchi etc are celebrated.
How To Reach
- By Air –Agartala Airport is nearest (5 min from the main city) and directly connected with Guwahati and Kolkata
- By Train – Kumarghat is the nearest train station (140km from Tripura) and connected to metro cities of India
- By Road – Private and state buses are available and connected via neighbouring states. The nearest cities to Agartala are from Silchar (195km), Guwahati (558km), Shillong (459km), Aizawl (300km), and Kumarghat (133km).
Where to stay
There are many cheap to affordable and upscale hotels in Agartala as well as other major cities in Tripura. You can look up government lodges, as well as, state recognised private accommodations here.
When to visit
It’s better to visit Tripura from October to May as most festivals are organized during that period and the weather is pleasant. Avoid travelling during monsoons.
Read more Travel guides to the northeastern states of India
