Tourist Places in Tripura: Northeast India has always been one of our favorite destinations, drawing us back time and again. The vibrant festivals, warm smiles of the locals, and breathtaking landscapes of the eight northeastern states never fail to enchant us. Our decision to visit Tripura was spontaneous. While exploring Mizoram, we found ourselves with a few extra days.
I was inclined towards Assam, but my curiosity was piqued by Tripura. Ultimately, my interest prevailed, and we embarked on a journey to uncover both the offbeat and well-known destinations in Tripura. By the end of our trip, we were thrilled with the discoveries we made in this hidden gem of Northeast India. Here’s a comprehensive Tripura travel guide to help you plan your visit.
Tripura intrigued me ever since I read “Rajarshi” by Rabindranath Tagore. Known as one of the oldest princely states in ancient India, Tripura still retains traces of its historic grandeur. The architecture and structures echo its regal past, and the people take pride in their heritage. Although our time in Tripura was limited due to our extended stay in Mizoram, we made the most of it, thanks to Tripura’s efficient transport system. The state boasts excellent local transport and railway connectivity. Our journey to Tripura began from Silchar, a charming town in Assam.
Where is Tripura located?
Tripura is situated at one of the farthest corners of Northeast India and has long been overlooked by mainstream tourism. As India’s third-smallest state, Tripura borders Bangladesh more than it does other Indian states. It is flanked on three sides by Bangladesh, with Mizoram and Assam bordering its eastern and northeastern edges. The state is connected to the rest of India by only one highway, which often isolates it from the rest of the country. Despite this, Tripura is home to stunning palaces, temples, and archaeological sites, many of which remain relatively unknown. However, the state’s abundant forest cover and scenic beauty are truly remarkable.
Although small, Tripura is a treasure trove of natural beauty. It invites travelers with its picturesque landscapes, ancient palaces, monuments, museums, temples, archaeological sites, rolling hills, and tea gardens. There are numerous fascinating places to explore in Tripura, and we are excited to share them with you.
History of Tripura
The origin of Tripura is shrouded in myths, legends, and historical accounts. It is mentioned in the Hindu epic Mahabharata, various Puranas, and the edicts of King Ashoka. The blend of myth and reality plays a significant role in the state’s history and culture. Many scholars have tried to unravel the past of Tripura, but the search continues.
Tripura is claimed to be one of the oldest princely states in India. The royal lineage is said to trace back to King Yayati of the Lunar dynasty, who is featured in the Mahabharata. Successors like King Bavru, King Tripur, and King Trilochan followed Yayati. According to the oldest records, ‘Rajratnakar,’ King Bavru expanded his kingdom up to the Baitarini River in Orissa, including parts of Burma. King Tripur and King Trilochan were contemporaries of King Yudhishthira of the Mahabharata.
Historically, the land was governed by the Tripuri Kingdom of the Tripuri people, whose history dates back before 65 AD, when they migrated from western China. The Rajmala chronicles the reign of 186 kings up to the present time, with the earliest records dating back to the 1400s.
The tales of earlier kings are steeped in legend. It is believed that King Ratnamanikya began using the royal title “Manikya” in the 13th century. The last king was Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, who ruled from 1923 to 1947. He was well-regarded by his people and passed away on May 17, 1947. Maharani Kanchan Prava Mahadevi, his wife, signed the Tripura Merger Agreement on September 9, 1949, on behalf of her son Kirit Bikram Kishore Manikya, following her late husband’s wishes. Thus, the princely state of Tripura merged with India on October 15, 1949.
Tripura Tourism | Tourist Places in Tripura
Before visiting Tripura, we knew little about the state beyond Unakoti, Agartala, and Udaipur. Once we arrived, Tripura revealed its charm gradually. We had only four days to explore and wished for more time. Here’s a guide to some must-visit places in Tripura.
Agartala
As the capital of Tripura, Agartala is the second-largest city in Northeast India after Guwahati. However, it has a relaxed pace that sets it apart from other Indian capitals. Despite its congestion, life here moves slowly, and the city’s heritage is evident in its buildings and structures. A major highlight of Agartala is the Ujjayanta Palace, located centrally in the city.
Built by King Radha Kishore Manikya in 1901, Ujjayanta Palace is a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture and served as the royal residence of the Tripura kings. Today, it houses the state museum with a variety of fascinating exhibits.
The palace is flanked by four temples: Laxmi Narayan Temple, Durga Bari, Jagannath Temple, and Umamaheshwar Temple. It is said that the King used to visit these temples each morning.
In Agartala, you can also visit Chaturdash Devta Temple, Gedu Miyan Mosque, and the Heritage Park, which features miniatures of significant attractions in Tripura.
Udaipur
Formerly known as Rangamati, Udaipur was once the seat of power for the Tripuri kings. Today, it is celebrated as the “City of Lakes” and the “City of Temples.” The main attraction in Udaipur is the Tripura Sundari Temple, or Matabari, built by King Dhanya Manikya Dev in 1510. This revered temple is considered one of the 51 Shakti peethas in Hindu worship.
Kalyansagar Lake, situated behind the temple, enhances its beauty. In Tripura, temples are often accompanied by lakes, and this one is home to tortoises, cherished by locals.
Other notable sites in Udaipur include the Bhubaneshwari Temple, the ruins of Rajbari, and the newly constructed Udaipur Railway Station, which is modeled after the Tripura Sundari Temple.
How to reach Udaipur: You can reach Udaipur from Agartala by bus or train, with buses available from Nagerjala Bus Stop in Agartala.
Neermahal
Neermahal, a magnificent water palace located in Melaghar, about 25 km from Udaipur, is a must-visit. The palace, which means “water palace” in Bengali, is situated in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake. Access to Neermahal is by boat, and its striking white structure with a red base is impressive from afar.
Built by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya in 1930 as a summer residence, Neermahal showcases Mughal architectural influences. You can visit Neermahal from Udaipur or stay in Melaghar.
How to reach Neermahal: Melaghar is 23 km from Udaipur, with buses available from both Udaipur and Agartala.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Ticket Cost: Rs.80
Boat Ride Cost: Rs.20 per person
Unakoti
Unakoti was a major draw for me due to its enormous stone sculptures carved into mountain faces. The name “Unakoti” means “one less than a crore,” reflecting the many legends associated with the site.
Unakoti is a revered Shaivite pilgrimage site featuring numerous rock-cut bas-reliefs, including the notable 30-foot image of Lord Shiva known as Unakotishwar Kal Bhairav. Other significant sculptures include those of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga. The site is surrounded by lush greenery and forests, making it a highlight of our Tripura visit.
How to reach Unakoti: You can travel to Unakoti from Agartala by train or bus. Take a train to Dharmanagar, a small town 20 km from Unakoti, or a bus to Kailashahar, 10 km away.
Both Dharmanagar and Kailashahar offer decent accommodation options.
Unakoti is open from 8 AM – 5 PM daily.
Chabimura
Chabimura, also known as Devatamura (mountain of Gods), is located in Amarpur, Gomati district. This site features rock carvings on steep cliff faces along the Gomati River, offering a unique blend of nature and history. The carvings are positioned 250 meters high and are best viewed from a boat ride on the river.
The boat ride through dense vegetation is a memorable experience, revealing impressive panels, including the Devi Durga as Mahisasurmardini. Chabimura was a pleasant surprise, adding to our love for Tripura.
How to reach Chabimura: Travel to Amarpur from Agartala or Udaipur by bus, then take a local auto or car to Devatamura
. Boat rides can be arranged from nearby locations.
Timings: Boat rides are available from 6 AM to 5 PM.
Jampui Hills
Jampui Hills, a serene hill station in the North Tripura district, is famous for its stunning orange orchards, lush greenery, and pleasant weather. The area is dotted with picturesque spots like Vanghmun, the town’s largest lake.
Jampui Hills is home to the vibrant Orange Festival, celebrated in winter when the hills are adorned with orange blossoms. The local Mizo population is known for its agricultural practices and warm hospitality, contributing to the region’s charm.
How to reach Jampui Hills: From Agartala, travel to Kanchanpur or Vanghmun by road and then proceed to Jampui Hills.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Tripura boasts several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including:
- Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary: Located 25 km from Agartala, this sanctuary is renowned for its biodiversity, featuring primates, birds, and a butterfly park. It offers an exciting jungle safari experience.
- Rupsiabari Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated near the Bangladesh border, this sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna.
- Khowai Wildlife Sanctuary: Known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants and tigers, Khowai is located in the Khowai district.
- Dumboor Lake: A picturesque lake in the Gomati district, ideal for boat rides and nature enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Tripura may not be as widely known as some other destinations, but its hidden gems make it a worthwhile visit. The state’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage offer a unique travel experience. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, admiring rock carvings, or enjoying serene hill stations, Tripura is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Have you visited Tripura or are you planning to? Share your experiences or ask any questions about this intriguing state!
