Here is 10 Best Places to visit in Agartala in 2024 you must add in your Travel List

Agartala, the capital of the northeastern state of Tripura in India, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. With its blend of tribal heritage, regal history, and lush landscapes, Agartala offers a unique glimpse into the life and times of the North East. Here’s a guide to some of the must-visit places in Agartala, designed to give you a comprehensive overview of all that this vibrant city has to offer.

Ujjayanta Palace

The crown jewel of Agartala, the Ujjayanta Palace, is a former royal palace turned museum that stands as a testament to the grandeur of Tripura’s past. Built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya in 1901, this Neoclassical palace is set amidst Mughal gardens and features beautiful tile floors, curved wooden ceilings, and crafted doors. The palace grounds cover an expanse of lush greenery, complete with fountains and pools that add to its charm.

Key Highlights:

• The palace museum showcases the art, culture, lifestyle, and utility crafts of Northeastern India.
• The architecture is a mix of British and Mughal styles, with influences from local craftsmanship.
• The throne room, known as the Durbar Hall, is a major attraction within the palace.

Tripura Sundari Temple

Tripura Sundari Temple, also known as Matabari, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and is a significant pilgrimage spot for Hindus. The temple is set on a small hillock and is noted for its traditional Bengali roof. The idol of the goddess Tripura Sundari is revered here and is made of reddish-black stone.

Key Highlights:

• During Diwali, a famous Mela or fair takes place here, attracting thousands of devotees.
• The adjacent lake, known as Kalyan Sagar, is home to tortoises and aquatic life, which are considered sacred.

Neermahal

Neermahal, or the “Water Palace,” is another testament to the region’s royal past. This palace is the largest of its kind in Eastern India and was built as a summer resort by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake. It’s a stunning example of the blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles.

Key Highlights:

• You can take a boat ride to the palace, offering serene views of the lake and its surroundings.
• The palace lights up during the Neermahal Water Festival, which includes boat races and cultural performances.

Heritage Park

Situated behind the Ujjayanta Palace, the Heritage Park is a place where you can take a leisurely walk and enjoy the flora of the region. The park is divided into three parts: the mini-Tripura at the entrance, the central part with the natural forest, and the medicinal plant garden.

Key Highlights:

• A perfect spot for nature lovers and those looking to escape the city’s bustle.
• The park includes models of the various tribal houses found in Tripura, offering insight into local lifestyles.

Jagannath Temple

A replica of the famous Jagannath Temple of Puri, this temple was constructed by the Maharaja of Tripura in the 19th century. The deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are worshiped here, and the temple is known for its annual Rath Yatra, which attracts devotees from across the region.

Key Highlights:

• The temple's architectural style is a unique blend of Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist motifs, reflecting the syncretic cultural traditions of the region.
• The brightly colored carvings and spires are particularly striking against the backdrop of the city.

Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary is a haven for nature and animal lovers. It is home to a variety of fauna, including the unique spectacle monkey and abundant birdlife. There are also several lakes within the sanctuary, which offer boat rides.

Key Highlights:

• The sanctuary features a zoo, botanical garden, and several lakes.
• It’s a great spot for bird watching, with a dedicated aviary and viewpoint towers.

State Museum

The Tripura State Museum is a repository of the region's rich history and cultural heritage. With a wide range of exhibits that include archaeological findings, tribal artifacts, and local handicrafts, the museum offers a deep dive into the past and present of Tripura.

Key Highlights:

• The museum houses a significant collection of sculptures, coins, and fishery and forest products.
• The art and culture gallery depicts the lifestyle of the various tribes in Tripura.

Gedu Mian’s Mosque

This historic mosque is an important site for the local Muslim community and is known for its architectural beauty. It stands as a symbol of communal harmony in the region, with a history that goes back to the early 1940s.

Key Highlights:

• The mosque is named after a pious man, Gedu Mian, and was built with the support of the then Maharaja of Tripura.
• It is renowned for its striking white dome and tall minarets.

Chittagong Hills

Although not directly within Agartala, the Chittagong Hill Tracts are a short drive away and offer breathtaking natural beauty. The area is dotted with tribal villages, lush valleys, and dense forests.

Key Highlights:

• A great area for hiking and cultural exploration, offering a peek into the life of various indigenous communities.
• The hills provide a cool retreat from the plains and a chance to see some of Tripura’s most beautiful landscapes.

Unakoti

An ancient pilgrimage site, Unakoti is famous for its rock carvings and stone images. It is about 178 kilometers from Agartala but is a must-visit for anyone interested in archaeology and ancient art. The central Shiva head known as ‘Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava’ is about 30 feet high, including an embroidered headdress that itself is about 10 feet high.

Key Highlights:

• The site is known for its yearly Ashokastami Mela which sees a congregation of thousands of pilgrims.
• The rock carvings here are a mix of Shaivite and Shakta elements.

How to Reach and Travel Around Agartala

Agartala is well-connected by air with direct flights from major cities in India. The Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport is located just 12 km northwest of the city. Once in Agartala, auto-rickshaws and taxis are the most convenient modes of transport for getting around.

Cuisine and Culture

Tripura’s cuisine is a delightful blend of Bengali and tribal culinary traditions. Rice is a staple, often accompanied by fish, vegetables, and meats. Local dishes such as Mui Borok, a traditional Tripuri dish made with Berma (fermented fish), are a must-try. Bamboo shoots are also widely used in cooking here.

Cultural festivals like Kharchi Puja, Garia Puja, and the Boat Race during the Neermahal Water Festival are great times to visit and soak in the local culture.

Shopping in Agartala

Shopping in Agartala can be an interesting experience with local handicrafts, handloom fabrics, and tribal jewelry on offer. The Akhaura Road is a good place to start, with its numerous shops selling local arts and crafts. The Tripura Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd., known as Purbasha, is a government initiative that sells authentic Tripuri handicrafts.

Accommodation

From budget lodges to mid-range hotels, Agartala offers a range of accommodation options. There are also a few luxury hotels for those looking for a more comfortable stay. It's best to book in advance if you're visiting during peak seasons or festivals.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Agartala is from October to March, when the weather is relatively dry and cool. The monsoon season, from June to September, can bring heavy rains which might restrict outdoor activities and travel plans.

Tips for Visitors

• Always carry an ID proof, as you might need it for hotel bookings and at certain tourist sites.
• Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
• It's advisable to dress modestly, keeping in mind the conservative nature of the region.
• Learn a few phrases in Bengali or Kokborok (the local language), as it can enhance your interaction with the locals.

Tripura

Located in northeastern India, Tripura is a small state known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The state is bordered by Bangladesh on three sides, and its geography is marked by hills, forests, and rivers. The majority of the population is made up of indigenous tribes, including the Tripuri, who have their own distinct language, customs, and traditions. Agriculture and tourism are the main sources of income, and the state is known for its tea plantations, bamboo handicrafts, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Agartala

It is the capital of Tripura. It is a famous tourist destination. Lots of top attractions rest here. It is known for fresh production of rice, jute, tea and oil seeds. The best places to visit in Agartala are Ujjayant Palace, Kunjban Palace and Neramhal. These palaces reflect the simple architecture of the imperial era.

Pilak

It is 100 km away from Agartala. It is located between the valleys surrounded by paddy fields. You will find many archaeological relics here.

Ujjayanta Palace

Ujjayanta Palace is the royal palace of Tripura and is located in the state capital Agartala. It is believed that the palace was named by Rabindranath Tagore. It was built between 1899 and 1901 by the King of Tripura, Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya. This palace shining with white marble is located in the capital city of Agartala. The palace may have been constructed many years ago, but its beauty remains the same even today. The palace was built in 1901 by King Radhakishor Manikya. There are many small gardens and temples around this palace built in Indo-Greek style, including Lakshmi Narayana, Uma-Maheshwari, The Kali and Jagannath temples are prominent. Although this palace has been used for the state assembly meetings for some time, it has now been converted into a museum for tourists. Which is the largest museum in North-East India. Spread over 800 acres, the palace has a throne room, court hall, library and reception hall. This palace was designed by Alexander Martin. Architecture of different places is seen in the palace. The palace has three high domes. The height of the tallest dome is 86 feet. To enhance the beauty of the palace, musical fountains are located at the main entrance. It is said that around 10 lakh rupees were spent on making it at that time. This museum is located next to the customs and practices of various communities living in Northeast India, including lifestyle, art, culture, Demonstrates tradition and utility craft. It is the largest palace in North East India and you must see it when you visit this area.

Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary

For fans of all animals and plants in the world, Sepoyjala Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the exciting places to see in Tripura. The wildlife sanctuary spans about 19 kilometres and is home to some enchanting species of flora and fauna. There is a wide variety of local and migratory birds that can be found here.

Jampui Hill

Jampui Hills are located in the northern part of Tripura and are one of the most famous places in Tripura. These hills are located at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level. This place is equipped with beautiful valleys and magnificent science and is a land of juicy oranges. The top attractions of the city are Ujjayanta Palace, Sepoyjala Wildlife Sanctuary and Chittagong Hills. The best time to visit The Jampui Hills is in November. The sanctuary is full of a great variety of wildlife species and is also a research center. You can find more than 150 different species of birds in this sanctuary. How to reach: The nearest airport is in Agartala which is located 198 km away from the city. The place is well connected through roads and the nearest railway line is Dharmanagar which is about 70 km away.

Neermahal

One of the famous tourist destinations in Tripura, the Neharmahal Palace is located in the middle of rudrasagar lake. This palace not only gives a chance to see a magnificent structure, but also admiring the beauty surrounding it. The name was transformed into a water palace in English and t. Upheld the name of. When it comes to seven wonders of this country, the Neharmahal Palace found itself in the list. Founded by Martin & Burns Company, this palace has a royal Antar palace, a guest room, a playroom, a courtyard and more!