Tourist Places in Tripura India
Tripura, tucked away in the extreme corner of the North-eastern States, amidst the river valleys of the Myanmar and Bangladesh is endowed with amazing natural beauty and rich cultural-historical heritage. This ancient land of mysterious past has a unique tribal culture and a fascinating folklore. The ‘Rajmala’ chronicles of king Tripura and writings of other Mohammedan historians reflect the glorious past of the land. The State never came under British supervision and Maharaja’s successors ruled here till it accede to the Indian Union on 15th October 1949.
Agartala Information
Agartala the capital of Tripura is set amidst scenic surroundings and is studded with beautiful palace, lake, well laid out gardens and official buildings built in red brick. Maharaja Bir Bikram Sigh built an airport over here in 1930’s.
Ujjayanta Palace
It is set in the heart of the town and was built by Maharaja Radhakishore Manikya in 1901. The three storyed palace resembling the Victoria Memorial of Kolkata is surrounded by beautiful Mughal inspired gardens. The palace is floodlit at night and is a sight to behold. It now houses the State Legislature.
Kunjaban Palace
The palace on the lush hillock was built in 1917 and is the official residence of the Governor of the State. In 1926, Rabindranath Tagore resided in the eastern apartment of the palace for some time and is said to have penned down many of his poems over here. The southern side of the palace known as Rabindra kanan, has been opened for public viewing.
Tripura Govt. Museum
It exhibits a fine collection of the archaeological finds of the region. The museum has 4 galleries Archaeological, Sculpture, Painting and Tribal Culture and has about 1645 artefacts.
Jaganath Temple
The 19th century shrine is noted for its 4 storeyed sikhara or tower.
Purbasha
It showcases the traditional handicrafts of the region and is an excellent place to shop cane and bamboo handicrafts and handlooms.
Places to Visit in Tripura
Temple of Chaturdasa Devata (8km)
The shrine near old Agartala is dedicated to 14 goddesses, which are represented by their heads only. It is a fine blend of Bengali and Buddhist architecture and is famous for the Kharchi Festival, held in every July and attended by thousands of pilgrims.
Kamalasagar kali Temple (27km)
The excavation of the Kamalsagar lake was initiated in 15th century by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya. On its banks is a 16thcentury shrine of goddess Kali.
Udaipur (52km)
The beautiful historic town famous for its lakes was the former capital of Manikyas and still retains the aura of its glorious past. Some of its attractions are, the Jagannath Dighi lake and relics of Jagannath temple on its banks, the 17th century Mughal Masjid and Bhuvaneswari Temple.
Tripurasundari Temple (3km)
The tortoise domed temple built in 1501, by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya atop a hill is the most important attraction of Tripura. It is one of the 51Shakti Peeths of Hindu pilgrimage and dedicated to Tripurasundari (Parvati). The adjoining Kalyansagar Lake has a large number of tortoises and fishes. The tortoises are held sacred by the devotees of the temple, which is also referred to as the Koorma (tortoise) Peeth. The temple is also known for Diwali celebrations.
Neermahal
The exotic lake palace set amidst Rudrasagar Lake is the only ‘water palace’ of eastern India. It was built by Raja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya in 1930 and is a fine example of Indo Saracenic architecture. The palace is reached by boat, near Melaghar. An annual boat race is held at the lake, which is also the hub of migratory birds.
Unakoti (178km)
This pilgrim centre 8km from Kailashahar is known for the tribal rock carvings during back to 7 – 9th century. Shiv Shakti has been worshiped here since time immemorial and is beautifully endorsed by the 30 feet high rock sculpture of Shiva’s head, the Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava, which is perhaps the largest bas-relief relic in the country, even bigger than the famous Mahabalipuram rock carvings.
Jampul Hills (200km)
The seat of “Permanent spring” is endowed with bracing climate all over the year and spectacular scenic beauty. It is known for exotic orchids, orchids, ornamental tree and fragrant orange groves. The tribal’s here are well to do and most of them speak fluent English and follow Christianity.
Sepahijala Wild life Sanctuary
It is 25km from Agartala and a delight for bird watchers. Large colonies of local and migratory birds sprawl over an area of 18.53 sq km. Important animals seen here are, unique spectacled monkey, crab eating mongoose and ‘sharmili billi’. There is also an orchid and botanical garden, zoo and a lake. Abasarika, the forest Dak Bungalow offers accommodation within the sanctuary.
Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary
It is about 100km from Agartala. The bison and golden langur are the main attractions. Local and migratory birds can also be seen here.