Top 5 Must See Tourist Destinations in Tripura, India

Nestled in the remote northeast hills of India, bordering Assam (Asom) and Mizoram, Tripura is one of the most romantic tourist spots that India can offer to both domestic and global tourists. While quaint mist-clad hills are ubiquitously found in all northeastern states of India, the rolling verdant valleys of Tripura are refreshingly different. The tiny state, covering a physical area of 10,491Sq Kilometers, is replete with a host of enchanting tourist attractions and a visitor will begin to feel he/she has been transported to a different planet.

Agartala is the capital of the state of Tripura and Ujjayanta Palace, which is one of the prime tourist attractions of Tripura, is located here. This royal residence of the Manikya Kings of Tripura features massive Mughal style gardens, splendorous tile floor, lofty ceilings and aesthetic doors of curved wood. In the grounds of the palace, there are two temples - Umanneshwar and Jagganath - both of which are in somber ochre color. The city is also home to State Museum, Tribal Museum, a number of temples and Buddhist sites.

Another major place of attraction is the Kunjaban Palace that is located at a distance of 1 km from the Ujjayanta Palace on a picturesque hillock. The Palace is the official residence of the Governor of Tripura. The exquisite southern part of the Palace is open to the public and has been named as Rabindra Kanan.

Located about 55 km from Agartala is Neermahal, the water palace, which is arguably Tripura's most important tourist destination. It is a summer resort built in the middle of a lake named Rudrasagar, spread over a physical area of about 5.35 sq km. It is the only lake palace in Eastern part of India and reflects a curious blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles.

Deotamura is a salubrious spot on the banks of River Gomati, renowned for its rock-cut images. The locals fondly call the place as Devtamura. Deotamura - meaning, the peak of God's. This place has an interesting series of images carved on the hills facing the river Gomati amidst lush green vegetations. The images of all major Hindu deities like Shiva, Ganesh, Vishnu, Kartikeya, Mahishasur Mardini Durga and other gods and goddesses are skillfully carved out of stone. The massive images on the vertical rocks are exceptionally grand. There are about 37 rock cut images located on the hill and boat travel is available for tourists to visit the place and partake in the scenic view of the hill and its sculptures.

Situated in the lush green valley amidst rich paddy-fields, Pilak with scanty human habitation and occasional uplands, holds the key to Tripura's ancient history. Pilak is indeed a place of attraction for its archaeological remains of 8th and 9th centuries AD. Located at a distance of 100 km from Agartala, Pilak seems a combination of shrines of Hindu and Buddhist faiths. The Hindu and Buddhist Sculpture are remarkably beautiful and worth all the strains you may take to reach there. The plethora of images found here testify the peaceful coexistence of different creeds and sects. Recently, further excavation has been taken up by Archaeological Survey of India to know more about the region and its quaint history.

The Unakoti Tirtha is a unique tourist place, unmatched by any other in the entire country – particularly for its absolute grandeur. Unakoti is widely known for its rare stone and rock cut images of the 7th - 9th century AD. The place is rich with many rock-cut sculptures and while most of them are of massive rock-cut sculptures, there are quite a few made out of sandstone. Green vegetation all around further enhances the aesthetic value of the place.

In addition three enormous images of Nandi Bull are found half exposed and half buried in the ground. Another three-eyed figure presumably that of Surya or Lord Vishnu is also present. Most archeologists opine that although the impact of the Shiva cult is obvious, the sculptures must have also been influenced by several other cults like Tantric, Shakti, and Hatha yogis.

Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is a vast forestland, rich in various flora and fauna. You can spot the rare breeds of spectacled monkeys, deer and as many as 150 species of birds. Ujjavanta Palace is spread across an area of almost one sq km and this majestic palace was reflects Indo-Saracenic architecture built during 1899-1901. It presently houses the State Legislative Assembly.

The romantic lake, Kamala Sagar is abundantly popular with the picnickers while the Kali Temple atop the hillock, that draws streams of devotees, dates back to the 17th Century. Jampui Hill in Tripura is the highest hill range of Tripura - situated at an altitude of 3000 ft above sea level. Various view points in the Jampui Hill range provide awe-inspiring views of the valley. The sunrise and sunset from different points on the Jampui Hills is an optic feast that no tourist should miss.

Tripura boasts of various species of migratory birds that are noticed during the winter and it has rich reservoir of natural and cultured fishes. The state of Tripura is a heavenly place and a veritable paradise on earth. The natural beauty, the pleasant weather, the rich flora and fauna, orchids and orange gardens, grand architecture and rich cultural heritage makes it an ideal destination for both domestic and foreign tourists to India.