The main attractions in Agartala are Ujjayanta Palace, StateMuseum, Tribal Museum, Sukanta Academy, M.B.B. CollegeLaxminarayan Temple, Uma Maheswar Temple, Jagannath Temple, Benuban Bihar, Gedu Mian Mosque, Malanch Niwas, Rabindra Kanan, Purbasha, Handicrafts Designing Centre, Fourteen Goddess Temple, Portuguese Church etc.
Ujjayanta Palace
This royal house, which stands in the Capital city Agartala covering one sq.Km. area was built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya during 1899-1901.It is a two storied mansion, having a mixed type of architecture with three high domes, the central one being 86' high. The magnificent tile floor, curved wooden ceiling and beautifully crafted doors are particularly notable. The palace is set with huge Mughal style gardens,beautified by pools and gardens and tiled floors. Flood lighting and fountains have also added to its beauty.The magnificent tiles floors, ceiling of the Chinese room crafted by artisans brought from China, of the palace which now houses the State Legislative Assembly, may give some idea of the opulence and splendour of the original setting of the building. It has recently been adorned with a spectacular musical fountain at its foreyard.
Kunjaban Palace
A picturesque hillock that Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya Bahadur constructed ( 1909 -1923 ) as his country palace for private retreat, now serves as the Raj Bahavan, official residence of the Tripura Governor. Rabindra Nath Tagore stayed there in his seventh and last visit to the state. Poet Rabindranath Tagore stayed in the eastern apartment of this palace during his 7th and last visit to the state in 1926.This palace was the mute witness to many of the great poet's creations including a number of popular songs. There are well laid gardens and lawns inside the palace which is the official residence of the Governor of Tripura now. The southern side of the garden has been made open for the public and has been named as 'Rabindra Kanan'
Malancha Niwas
The Bungalow adjacent to Kunjaban palace situated on a hillock was originally a kaccha house where Tagore stayed during his visit in 1919. The pucca construction was subsequently built and given the name of Malancha Niwas.
Unakoti
170km away from Agartala. There is a profusion of rock-cut images, belonging to 11-12th century A.D., intricate and finely executed. This is as such, and open air art gallery.It is Shaiba pilgrimage and dates back to 7th - 9th centuries if not earlier. The marvelous rock carvings, murals with their primitive beauty, waterfalls are not to be missed. Unakoti 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 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.These carvings are located at a beautifully landscaped forest area with green vegetation all around which add to the beauty of the carvings. The images found at Unakoti are of two types namely rock-carved figures and stone images.
Among the rock cut carvings, the central Shiva head and gigantic Ganesha figures deserve special mention. The central Shiva head known as 'Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava' is about 30 feet high including an embroidered head-dress which itself is 10 feet high. On each side of the head-dress of the central Shiva, there are two full size female figures - one of Durga standing on a lion and another female figure on the other side. In addition three enormous images of Nandi Bull are found half buried in the ground. There are various other stone as well as rock cut images at Unakoti. Every year a big fair popularly known as 'Ashokastami Mela' is held in the month of April which is visited by thousands of pilgrims.
Pilak
Treasure house of Hindu and Buddhist Sculpture. It dates back to 8th and 9th centuries. Beautiful images scattered in an area of about 10 Sq.Km. have been found. The images, terracotta plaques and sealing found here reflect survival of heterodox creeds and sects representing both Hinduism and Buddhism. Colossal stone images of Avolokiteshwar and Narasimha have been found here. A good number of gold coins, rock-cut inscription, seals of burn clay, images of Buddha obtained in excavation indicate the place had a close contact with Mainamoti, an ancient Buddhist center. Recently a colossal image of the Sun God has been unearthed from the site. The place no doubt, remains a place of historical interest for the generation after generation.
Tripura Sundari Temple
This temple is one of the 51 pithasthans in India as per Hindu mythology. As per mythology, Lord Vishnu had cut off the body of Mata Sati into 51 pieces by Sudarshana Chakra and all these pieces fell at different places throughout the country and these places are known as pithasthans. It is said that 'right foot' of Mata Sati fell at Matabari. One of the 51 pithas of Hindu pilgrims was built by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in 1501 A.D. It consists of an squere type sanctum of the typical Bengali hut type. The lake in front of the temple added to it's beauty. It is located 55km from Agartala. This pithasthan is also known as Kurma Pith because the shape of the temple premises resembles to that of "Kurma" namely tortoise. Inside the temple, the idol of Maa Kali is kept which is made of 'reddish black Kastic pathar.' Maa Kali is worshipped in her 'Soroshi' form in this temple. There is an idol of smaller size of Maa Kali called 'Chotto Maa 'and this image used to be carried by Maharajas of Tripura during "Mrigaya" namely hunting and also during war. In the eastern side of the temple there is a famous Kalyan Sagar where fishes and tortoises of huge size are found and devotees feed them with "muri" and biscuits. No fishing is permitted in the Kalyan Sagar. The most exclusive thing here are the TORTOISE present in the lake in huge numbers specially worshipped by the local persons .You can feed them with food and if you are lucky then you can worship them when they are on the bank of the Saagar i.e. river. Every year on Dewali, a famous Mela takes place near the temple which is visited by more than two lakhs pilgrims.
Fourteen Goddess Temple
It is located about 14 Km. away from Agartala at a place called Old Agartala. In the face of continued fight with Shamser Gazi, Maharaja Krishna Manikya had shifted the capital from Udaipur to Old Agartala. It continued to be the capital till it was shifted to Agartala. Near the sacred 14 goddess temple during the month of July every year a Kharchi festival is organised and thousands of pilgrims and devotees visit this festival. It is a local saying that one who visits Tripura Fourteen Goddess Temple once comes in Agartala fourteen times more.
Neermahal
It is a place, which has been a vital historical center for the outgoing century, to see what it tells us of its builders, their aspiration, achievements and their sense of values. You may discover a heritage, if all this does not interest you; choose this place as a summer resort. No problem at all. This magnificent lake palace was constructed as a summer resort in 1930 by late Maharaja Birbikram Kishore ManikyaBahadur in the middle of a natural lake called Rudrasagar having an area of 5.35 Sq.Km. The construction was undertaken by Martin & Burn Co. and it is the only lake palace in the entire eastern India. A good combination of Hindu and Mughal architecture is noticed on the domes of the palace. There are mainly two parts of the palace - one on the western side known as Andar Mahal which was used by the royal family and another on the eastern side which was used for the security personnel and servants. There are 15 rooms in the main Andar Mahal. There is a beautiful garden laid in the western side of the palace. In the garden there is an open stage where drama, theatre, etc. use to be organised. Maharajas used to go by motor boat to the palace from Rajghat. There is a motor boat ghat inside the palace upto which the motor boat could go and there are two ,stairs at the motor boat ghat - one for Maharaja and one for Maharani.
There are two main parts of this palace, mainly the Andarmahal in western side and a block in the eastern side used by the security men and servants of the King, In the main building there are two parts which the King and Queen used whenever they visited the palace. At the Andarmahal, there has been a waiting room for the visitors and next to thatdancing hall. All around the dancing hall there are five rooms: bathroom, leisure room, bedroom, treasury room and the room for playing chess in then western side, six more rooms are found which are reported to be used by the Queen and Royal kith and kins. The storeroom has been placed in the backside. In the middle of the two parts, there is a big room, which was used by the king and his royal friend and kinks as a meeting hall.
It is learnt that royal family could enter the Andarmahal by motor Boats. It seams at present all rooms are together, however, at that time glass doors covered by curtain separated them with each other. At present you find all the 15 rooms in the main Andarmahal in the west side there are also some rooms including a garden was actually open stage-cum- garden for open drama and theater. There are also three rooms including kitchen room and the toilet for the motor boatmen to rest. There was a big garden in the northern side of the palace. After the entrance there was also one garden and inside this garden there did the guests use one room. In the east side there were also two rooms including then watch tower and bath ghat for the securities an servants. There are two more rooms this side out of which one was generator room.Flood lighting of the palace has been arranged in the evening. In addition, water sports facilities are being extended. The palace is going to be renovated and a museum depicting the royal life style will be set up inside the palace. In addition Light & Sound show on the historical past and cultural heritage of Tripura will be organised in the palace. In water number of migratory birds are found in the lake surrounding Neermahal.
Udaypur
Situated at a distance of 35km and 45km from Sepahijola and Agartala respectively. City had been built by the KingUday Manikya and it was named as Rangamati earlier. The city has been famous for it's lake and temple. The town had many temples at the earlier times; today many of them has been destroyed or ruined.
Jampui Hill
The permanent seat of eternal spring is situated at an altitude of 3000 above sea level. Jampui is famous for its charming landscape and bracing climate. The excellent climatic condition, green forests, beautiful orange garden, view of raising and setting sun are wonderful sight for tourists. The erstwhile princely State of Tripura claims a prominent place in North East India for her exquisite natural beauty spots punctuated with lush green sylvan treasure. The luxuriant forests of 'Jampui Hill', the premier one among the 6 principal hill ranges of Tripura provides a lifetime's exhilarating experience for the tourists. Jampui Hill "the permanent seat of spring" is situated at an altitude of about 3000 ft above the sea level and about 250 Km away from Agartala, the capital of Tripura. In the eastern side of the hill range lays Mizoram and in the southern part lays Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh. Jampui is famous for its charming landscape and bracing climate. The hill range consists of cluster of tribal villages and is the home for colorful Lusai and Reang tribal communities. The excellent climatic condition, green forests, beautiful orange garden on the both side of hill slopes, variety of floral tapestry including a large range of enchanting orchids, panoramic view points, adventures awe-inspiring trek routes, placid lakes with boating facility, hospitable Mizo population and meditative tranquility of nature makes it an ideal destination for which any tourist would yearn for. The neat and clean traditional wooden houses of the local inhabitants combined with greenery all around provide excellent opportunities for eco-friendly tourism in this hill rangeThe hill range has 11 villages inhabited by Mizo (Lushai tribes) and also by Reang tribes .The Lushai tribes mainly inhabited in the hill range have a very strikingly distinct cultural identity. The sun rise and sun set in the hill range is a delight worth seeing.
The natural beauty, the pleasant weather, various species of trees, orchids and orange gardens, hospitable people and rich cultural heritage makes it an ideal destination for the tourists. There is an 'Eden' Tourist Lodge in Vangmun village where tourists can go and stay comfortablyAfter withdrawal of Restricted Area Permit for the foreign nationals, the hill range is attracting a large number of foreign tourists. The highest peak of Tripura 'Betalongchhip' falls in this hill range which is 3600 feet high and from where tourist can see the panoramic view of Mizoram, Chittagong hill tracts and various other hill ranges of Tripura. There are good trekking routes in the hill range for tourists. State Government is planning to develop village tourism in Jampui hill and sports complex and cultural complex will be constructed shortly.
Lepchas live on rearing large number of cattle and milch cows besides cultivation of Agricultural and Horticultural crops.
Originally Lepchas were the nature worshiper and had belief in witch-craftship and spirits. But in due course they embarrassed Buddhism. In Tripura they are known as Nepalees and their social and community relationship also bounded with Nepalees.
Bhuvaneswari Temple
On the right bank of river Gomati at Udaipur is found the ruins of a big palace built by Maharaja Govinda Manikya (1660-75 A.D.). The Bhuveneswari temple is situated adjacent to this palace. It finds close literary reference in Great poet Rabindranath Tagore's novels and drama namely 'Bisharjan' and 'Rajarshi'
Sepahijala
Sepahijala is covering an area of 18.532 km. More than 150 species ofresidential birds, migratory birds, orchid garden, boating facilities, wild life, botanical garden, zoo, elephant joy-rides, rubber and coffee plantation attracts the visitors. The famous spectacled monkey is found here. For possession of which endangered wild species the state boast of that spectacle Monkey or Chasma Badar is only found in this sanctuary. The sanctuary that houses a zoo, recreation ground, and botanical garden enriched with a verity of flora, orchid house etc is about 30km away from Agartala. It covering an area of 18.53 Sq. km is a natural habitant for 53 species of carnivores, herbivorous and reptiles. In winter Sipahijala Lake wears a fabulous look with floating flocks of local and migratory birds including moorhen, water cork, cranes, whistling teal etc. beyond this, a ride on elephant back, a ride on a toy train and boating will make one spending a splendid weekend.
Trishna Wild Life Sanctuary
Trishna Wild Life Sanctuary is located at about 100 Km. away from Agartala in Belonia Subdivision of South Tripura District. Bison is the main attraction in this sanctuary, in addition to the resident and migratory birds.
Situated at a distance of 18km from Belonia. The jungle is spread over a sprawling area of 190.7sqkm. The specialty of this jungle is different species of monkeys.
Kamalasagar
Kali temple atop the hill of hillock dates back to the 15th century. Vast lake at the border of Bangladesh with scenic beauty, a good picnic spot. It is located 30km from Agartala. Vast lake at the border of Bangladesh was excavated by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in 15th century. On the 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 statewith scenic beauty.
Deotamura
Deotamura is famous for its panels of rock carvings on the steep mountain wall on the bank of Gomati. There are huge images carved of Shiva, Vishnu, Kartika, Mahisasur Mardini Durga and other gods and goddesses. This is also called Chabimura. These images date back to 15th-16th centuries. A panel of crude images engraved on the face of hill facing the river Gumati will welcome one in Deotamura, a hill range 75 km from Agartala. To approach Deotamura you have firstly to land up at Rangamati by bus from Udaipur and thereafter have to journey by boat to arrive at Deotamura.
Dumboor Lake
A water area of 41 sq.km. with an un-ending spell of luxuriant green vegetation all around stands majestic for her exceedingly charming beauty and 48 islands in the midst of the lake. Migratory birds, Water sports facilities are additional attractions. 115 km away from Agartala, the place is connected by bus from Agartala and Udaypur. The panorama of transparent weaving water cover the vast span and the deep green dots of island in their midst are fascinating. There is a Hydel Project near the lake from where River Gomati originates and this is called Tirthamukh where on 14th January every year famous 'Pous Sankranti Mela' takes place. The lake is the confluence of rivers Raima and Sarma. Various species of migratory birds are noticed in the winter and it has rich reservoir of natural and cultured fishes. Nearby is Tirthmukh, a popular pilgrim center where tribal and non-tribal people assemble there to take bath during Uttarayan Sankranti.
Government Museum
A small museum where sculptures are displayed as imaginatively as if they were in an art gallery. On display are somerare stone images, old coins, Bengal kantha and archaeological findings from Tripura and adjoining areas. Also interesting are the life size portions of the former rulers of Tripura. Closed Sundays and Government holidays. Timings: 1000 to 1700 hrs.
Rudrasagar Lake
Rudrasagar lake, about 55 Km. away from Agartala near Melaghar having 5.3 Sq.Km. water area is another big attraction In the centre of the lake the famous lake palace of Tripura namely Neermahal is built. The lake witnesses alarge number of migratory birds in every winter. Every year a boat race is organised in July/August. The visiting tourists can enjoy boating facility in the lake.
Amarpur
Bus service is available from Agartala via Udaypur to reach this place.This sub-divitional town was once the capital of King Amar Manikya. One can take a visit of this place to watch the fort, temple and the King's palace and different historical ruins. There is also two lakes: Amarsagar and Fatiksagar in Amarpur.
Purbasha T.H.H.D.C. Ltd
Hanks of newly dyed yarn hang on bamboo racks, drying in the sun, while craftspeople work at their trade in large sheds in this place. The showroom here is an Alladin's cave of handlooms including some woven in polyester; woodcarvings and a wonderful display of stools, chairs, room dividers, basket and wall plaques made of bamboo and cane. Here, again, visitors should make it a point to look up at the ceiling of cane woven in interlacing patterns.
Durgabari coperative Tea Estate
Postoffice Tebaria Agartala , West Tripura --- This Tea Garden is very nicely maintained with the factory processing unit. A must watch Tea Garden for the Nature Lover . It is approximately 25 K.Ms from Agartala.
Temples
Tripura has rich cultural heritage of 19 different tribal communities, Bengali and Manipuri communities. Each community has its own dance forms which are famous in the country.
Tripura University
Tripura university epitomizes the aspirations of the state's people for academic excellence at the highest level and questfor knowledge. It is axiomatic that knowledge alone forms the basis of progress and development in the present internet-driven world. What, however, is of crucial importance is successful dissemination of knowledge and making it easily accessible to learners. With its cryptic motto 'pursuit of excellence' Tripura university has dedicated itself to this noble task ever since it had been launched on October 2 1987. The dream of the state's people had come true on the birth anniversary day of the 'Father of the Nation'. A flash-back to the historical background of the university sheds fascinating light on the series of developments that culminated in the setting up of the university. The state's first institution of higher education, MBB college, had commenced functioning from 1947 with affiliation from Calcutta University but in the immediate aftermath of partition the population of the state registered a steep growth and so did the number of students aspiring for higher education.
Akhura Check Post / Experience of Routine BORDER PARADE
Akhaura checkpost , standing in pastoral seclusion on the western edges of Agartala,handles the largest number of visitors to and from neighbouring Bangladesh . Till the partition of the sub-continent in 1947 the narrow strip of seven kmroad from Agartala to Akhaura and the train services from the railway junction there would provide the people of Tripura access to the mainstream of India across the vast plains and waterscape of Eastern Bengal .The partition of 1947 created a permanent barrier and the Assam-Agartala national highway No-44 had to be built in the early fifties of last century to secure Tripura's link with the Indian heartland. But since the momentous partition Akhaura has emerged as the nerve centre of legalized cross-border movement and , of late, a hub of border trade. A visit to the quiet environs of around Akhaura checkpost is an eye-soothing experience for all tourists.
Sukanta Academy
It is a science museum located in the heart of Agartala town. A small planetarium has also been set up within the complex to attract students, research scholars and scientist.
Jagannath Temple
Famous not only from the pilgrims point of view, this temple is also a remarkable architectual feat with its octagonal baseand its impression pradhkshin patha round the sanctum. The pillars are crowned by square and pyramidal cones.
Laxmi Narayan Temple
Icon of Lord Krishna was installed by Krishnananda Sevayet of Laxmi Narayan temple more than 45 years ago. The temple is also registered under Indian antiquitity act like monument. The main temple was constructed with some financial assistance of the royal family of Tripura. According to the legendary tale of the Bhagavata Tamal tree is closely associated with the life sport of Lord Krishna, probably considering this aspect, the sevayet planted Tamal tree in front of the temple about 35 years back. The branches of the Tamal tree have spreaded so nicely forming like a Canopy, which is indeed attractable. Every year, the Janmasthami festival is observed with great sublimity.
Nagicherra Rubber Wood Processing Centre
Tucked away in splendid isolation from the heat and dust of urban life, Nagaicherra ,a sleepy hamlet 12 KMs southeast of Tripura's capital town , symbolises the state's rapid and confident march along the fast highway of development and enterprise sponsored by the government . Long seven years ago Tripura Forest Development and Plantation Corporation (TFDPC), a susidiary of the forest department, had launched a rubber wood processing centre. With prudent investment and management the project has already achieved unblemished success, providing bread and butter to hundred odd people including skilled carpenters who contribute to the growth and development of the Centre. Disposing rubber wood at the end of the life-cycle of the plants had long been a headache for public and private planters because till recently rubber wood was considered useless. But from Kerala, India's premier rubber-producing state, the TFDPC officials had come to know that rubber wood could be converted into excellent raw materials for durable furnitures, boards and doors through processing.
M.B.B College
Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishor Manikya Bahadur, the last illustrious king of Tripura was the architect and founder of this pioneering institution of higher learning in the state which was established in the year 1947. Affiliated with the University of Calcutta, the college, since its inception, has maintained a high standard of academic excelle nce establishing itself as one of the prominent members of the Calcutta University family. The college, which once served as the nucleus of the states own university as a center of Post-Graduate teaching, is now affiliated with the Tripura University.
Purbasa
Tripura is noted for its exquisite and beautiful bamboo, cane and wooden handicrafts including cotton, silk, polyester. Visitors can watch the craft persons at work and end up shopping at 'Purbasha' and any of the Handloom andHandicrafts sales Emporium in any of the tourist centres including Agartala.
Nehru Park
Nehru Park Is Situated at the Northern part of the Town situated on a high Tilla Land . It is developed and maintainedby the state Govt. It is the most beautifull park covered with natural beauty,fountain,stream, pond . This Park is the most beautifull park among the parks of the North-Eastern states full of flower & rare species of plants.
Agartala Railway Station
Newly Constructed. It is Just 8K.ms from the Heart of the City. It has a resemblance of the Ujjayanta Palace, so don't get confused. The Rail Route Covers places which are full of natural beauty and worth seeing.
ROSE VALLEY AQUA PARK:
The said Park is one of its kind in the entire North-east. It is promoted byROSE VALLEY. At AMTALI. The park provides great entertainment including fun- Games, Water Games, various rides etc. A must visit place for Tourists visiting Agartala.