It is a hilly state in northeast India, bordered on 3 sides by Bangladesh and home to a diverse mix of tribal cultures and religious groups. In the capital Agartala, the imposing Ujjayanta Palace is set among Mughal gardens, and Gedu Mia’s Mosque has white marble domes and towers. South of the city, Neermahal summer palace sits in the middle of Lake Rudrasagar and blends Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. Here is a list of top 10 places to visit in Tripura.
1) Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala
The palace was constructed between 1899 and 1901 by the Tripura king, Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya, and stands on the banks of a small lake surrounded by Mughal gardens. It was the home of the ruling Manikya dynasty until the Tripura`s accession to India in October 1949. The palace was purchased from the royal family by the Tripura government in 1972-73 for Rs. 2.5 million, and was used to house the state legislative assembly until July 2011. Ujjayanta Palace is now a state museum and it showcases the lifestyle, arts, culture, tradition and utility crafts of communities residing in northeast India.
2) Neermahal, Melaghar
Known as ‘lake palace’ of Tripura, Neer-Mahal was constructed as a summer residence. It was Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Bahadur’s idea to build a palace in the beautiful Rudrasagar lake and in 1921 he accredited the British company Martin and Burns to construct the palace for him. The company took nine years to complete the work.
3) Sipahijola Wildlife Sanctuary, Bishalgarh
It is a woodland with an artificial lake and natural botanical and zoological gardens. It is famous for its clouded leopard enclosures. The sanctuary contains a variety of birds, primates, and other animals. The terrain is green throughout the year and the weather is temperate except for the two humid summer months of March and April. It gives shelter to about 150 species of birds and the unique bespectacled monkey, Phayre's langur.
4) Tripura Sundari Temple, Udaipur
Popularly known as Matabari, crowns in a small hillock and is served by the red-robed priests who traditionally, minister to the mother goddess Tripura Sundari. Considered to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, consists of a square type sanctum of the typical Bengali hut. It is believed that Sati's right foot fell here during Lord Shiva's Dance.
5) Mahamuni, Manubankul village
A beautiful pagoda was also built at Mahamuni. A famous week long fair is held every year in the month of March-April. The Temple attracts thousands of Buddhist and non Buddhist pilgrims from every corner of the state as well as from neighbouring countries like, Myanmar, Thailand, Srilanka and Bangladesh.
6) Gunabati Temples,Udaipur
It reveals that it was built in the name of Her Highness Maharani Gunabati (Wife of Maharaja Govinda Manikya), in 1668 A.D. The two other temples also bear contemporary look but their actual history is still to be unveiled. Architecture of these temples resembles other contemporary temples of Tripura except that the topmost parts are without Stupa.
7) Unakoti, Kailasahar
It means one less than a crore and it is said that these many rock cut carvings are available here. As per Hindu mythology, when Lord Shiva was going to Kashi along with one crore gods and goddesses he made a night halt at this location. He asked all the gods and goddesses to wake up before sun rise and proceed for Kashi.It is said that in the morning, except Shiva himself, no one else could get up so Lord Shiva set out for Kashi himself cursing the others to become stone images. As a result we have one less than a crore stone images and carvings at Unakoti.
8) Heritage Park, Agartala
Entrance to the park has an imposing gate, which depicts the rich tribal and nontribal cultural heritage of Tripura. The park has three parts, viz. (i) mini-Tripura located in about three acre of land at the entrance (ii) central area being raised as natural forest and (iii) a plain table land with medicinal plants, herbs and shrubs. There is also a walking track of 1.1 kilometer running along the periphery of the park.
9) Kamala Sagar Lake
A vast lake on the edge of the border with Bangladesh was excavated by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in 15th century. On the river bank of kamalasagar, there is a famous temple of Goddess Kali dating back to 16th century. It is one of the excellent picnic spots in the state with scenic beauty. A mela is held here every October during the Navaratri festival.
10) Jampui Hill
The average altitude of the hill range is approximately 1000 meters above sea level, The view of rising and setting sun from various view points in Jampui hills is a wonderful sight for the tourists. This hill has 11 villages which are occupied by various tribes that gives tourists a chance to see preserved life and tradition of tribal people.
