Neermahal Palace, often referred to as the “Water Palace,” majestically rises from a marshy island in Rudrasagar Lake. This architectural marvel is undoubtedly a point of pride for Tripura, boasting a breathtaking beauty that captures attention from afar. You don’t even need to step inside to appreciate its splendor—the striking contrast of its white walls against a red base makes it stand out vividly against the lake’s backdrop.
Located around 53 km from Agartala, the capital of Tripura, in Melaghar, Neermahal quickly became one of our favorite destinations in Tripura. (We truly fell in love with the place!) After visiting Unakoti and Udaipur, we made our way to Neermahal. Udaipur itself has many interesting sites, particularly temples and lakes, and Neermahal is just 25 km away, making it a convenient visit during your stay there.
Who Built Neermahal?
Neermahal Palace was constructed as a summer retreat for the royal family of Tripura, commissioned by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya, the last ruler of the princely state of Tripura. The state’s royal heritage is still evident in its grand architecture, particularly in Agartala. The Tripuri people maintain a strong sense of their historical legacy.
View from the Terrace of Neermahal, Tripura
The Manikya dynasty governed Tripura from 1463 until 1949 when the state joined the Indian Union. Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya was known for his progressive vision, commissioning structures that reflected his forward-thinking approach. Neermahal Palace is a testament to his refined taste and aesthetic sensibilities.
The Maharaja engaged the British firm Martin & Burn Co. for the palace’s design and construction, which began in 1921 and was completed nine years later. Set in the midst of Rudrasagar Lake, the location was ideal for a summer residence. Whether this project was seen as extravagant is debatable, but Neermahal is undoubtedly a prime example of Hindu and Mughal architectural fusion and a key attraction of Tripura.
View of the Water Palace from Afar
The Maharaja was closely involved in the palace’s design, sending detailed instructions to ensure its perfection. The result was spectacular, with extensive use of marble and sandstone, and an array of bridges, galleries, balconies, and towers. The palace’s dome-shaped minars give it a fort-like appearance from a distance. Surrounded by flower gardens and lush green lawns, Neermahal Palace is truly grand.
Our Visit to Neermahal Palace, Tripura
We traveled from Udaipur to Melaghar by bus, arriving at a bustling market area and asking for directions to Rudrasagar Lake. Despite a small signboard pointing to the lake, the view was obscured by the shops and crowd. Eventually, we reached the expansive Rudrasagar Lake, where the palace appeared as a striking white and red structure. Boats are available for the trip to Neermahal Palace, and we quickly purchased our tickets and boarded a nearly full boat. As we approached, the reflection of Neermahal in the lake provided beautiful photo opportunities.
Upon arriving at this water palace, we were informed we had 45 minutes to explore before the boat would depart. If we wanted to stay longer, an additional fee of Rs150 per hour would apply. There is also an entry fee for the palace.
Architecture of Neermahal
Neermahal Palace is vast. While its size was apparent from afar, the true scale became clear once inside. The palace features expansive courtyards, spiral staircases, spacious terraces, and gardens. The architecture blends Hindu and Mughal styles: the minarets and domes reflect Mughal influence, while the balconies, inner courtyards, and rooms exhibit Hindu architectural traits.
Architecture of Neermahal Showcasing Both Hindu & Mughal Styles
The palace is divided into two sections. The western side, known as the Andar Mahal (inner chamber), contrasts with the open eastern side, which includes open-air theaters and entertainment areas. It has 24 rooms, including a visitor’s room, bedroom, dance hall, amusement hall, dining room, and kitchen, along with a guard room and watchtowers.
Watchtower in Neermahal Palace, Tripura
The palace also features a Boat Ghat, where the royal family would disembark from their boats. Positioned at the back of the palace, this area was once always filled with water but now only retains water during the rainy season. When we visited, it was nearly dry.
Ghat Inside the Palace
After exploring the rooms, we headed to the upper floor. The terrace offered a stunning view of the lake, and we wandered across bridges and courtyards. Our 45 minutes passed quickly, and we had to return to the waiting boat.
Threat to Rudrasagar Lake – A Call for Responsible Tourism
Recently, Water Palace appeared freshly painted and renovated, reflecting the care taken for heritage sites. However, the same cannot be said for Rudrasagar Lake. Over the past 50 years, human activity has drastically affected the lake’s water level. From just 12 families living near the lake in the Maharaja’s time, the number has grown to nearly 200,000 people today, leading to a significant reduction in the lake’s area.
Boat Ride on Rudrasagar Lake
Rudrasagar Lake is home to various migratory birds and is considered an Important Bird Area, attracting numerous waterfowl in winter.
Lack of public awareness has led to pollution and degradation of the lake. Tourism has also contributed to these issues, with many visitors using the lakeside as a picnic spot without regard for the environment.
Neermahal Water Festival
Every August, Melaghar and Rudrasagar Lake host the Neermahal Water Festival, featuring boat races and cultural events.
How to Reach Neermahal?
To visit the Palace, travel to Melaghar. You can take a bus from Nagerjala Bus Stop in Agartala or a train to Udaipur followed by a bus to Melaghar. From Melaghar, follow signs to Neermahal.
At the lakeside, purchase a boat ride ticket to Neermahal. A ticket for a motorboat costs Rs20, while a private country boat costs Rs300.
Best Time to Visit and Timings of Neermahal
Neermahal can be visited year-round, but avoiding the summer months is advisable due to the tropical climate. We visited in October and found the weather quite warm during our exploration.
Palace Timings:
- March to September: 9 AM to 6 PM
- October to February: 9 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fees
- Boat Ride Fee: Rs20 per person
- Palace Entry Fee: Rs80
Neermahal Palace Entry Fees
Places to Stay Near Neermahal
You can stay at the Tripura Government Tourist Lodge, Sagarmahal Tourist Lodge in Melaghar, the main accommodation option by the lake. Alternatively, you can stay in Udaipur and visit Neermahal as we did. In Udaipur, the Government Tourist Lodge, Gunabati Tourist Lodge, is located beside Kalyansagar Lake behind Tripura Sundari Temple, and there are other hotels and guesthouses available.
