Nestled on the banks River Haorah (Howrah), the laid-back city of Agartala, the capital of Tripura, offers a fine blend of royal heritage, rich cultural traditions and natural splendour. Once the power centre of mighty rulers, Agartala is known for spectacular palaces like the Ujjayanta Palace, stunning lakes and several beautiful temples. The city, which is the second-largest in Northeast India after Guwahati, is surrounded by pristine forests, beautiful valleys and roaring waterfalls. The rich flora and fauna, the vibrant handloom bazaar and the hospitality of its residents, all come together to make Agartala a perfect holiday destination. The city also holds a key to recreation and adventure for those who want to explore its trove of natural bounty. The name Agartala is made up of two words 'Agar' and 'tala'. 'Agar' refers to a kind of oily valuable perfume of agaru tree and the suffix 'tala' means a storehouse. Located close to Bangladesh, the city is also known for the patriotic flag-lowering ceremony organised at the Akhaura border. Akhaura Border Inaugurated in 2013, the Agartala - Akhaura check post is the second-largest Indian trading centre with Bangladesh. It divides the countries of India and Bangladesh, along the border state of Tripura. Lying about 6 km from the city of Agartala, the border boasts infrastructure that is similar to that of the famous Wagah Border in Amritsar. The place is a popular tourist spot as visitors come here to witness the ceremony in which the flags of the two countries are lowered by security personnel with a mutually coordinated performance. Created with the aim of easy facilitation of goods and passengers beyond borders, it also helps foster the Indo-Bangladesh relations. Some other tourist attractions nearby include the Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal etc. Benuban Vihar Benuban Vihar is one of the most prominent Buddhist attractions of Tripura. It is known for housing metal idols of Lord Buddha and Bodhisattva, which were created in Burma long ago. The origin of the temple is, however, unknown. The highlight of the vihar is the festival of Buddha Purnima that is celebrated with a lot of energy and vigour. Apart from that, the place is surrounded by a thick grove of trees that offer a sense of serenity to visitors, making a visit to the temple all the more rejuvenating. The structure of the temple has a typical Tripuri style architecture and its red-coloured sanctum is dedicated to Lord Buddha. Benuban Vihar is located in the Kunjaban area. Bhuvaneshwari Temple Bhuvaneswari Temple is a popular spiritual site in Agartala that finds mention in Rabindranath Tagore's novel, Rajarshi, and drama, Bishorjon. Located about 55 km from Agartala on the bank of River Gomati, it is dedicated to Goddess Bhuvaneswari. Perched upon a 3-ft elevated porch, the structure of the temple includes a four chaala roof, stupas on the entrance and a core chamber. The highlight of the architecture is flower-patterned motifs that adorn the pillars and the stupas. Today, the temple is under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). While approaching the temple, one will come across the ruins of the palace of Maharaja Govinda Manikya of the Manikya dynasty, who is believed to have built it in the 17th century. Boxanagar Boxanagar lies about 40 km from the city of Agartala in the north-western part of Sonamura sub division on the edge of the border with Bangladesh. For history lovers, this site holds special appeal as there is much to fascinate them. The site was subjected to excavation during 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04. The excavations laid bare a massive brick-built stupa, a chaityagriha and a monastery. This discovery reflects the art, architecture and religious aspects of ancient Tripura. After the depletion of natural forest cover, remains of an ancient temple of Manasaa (Goddess of Snake) were also found near Boxanagar market. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) stated that the site was in poor condition and needed proper preservation. In July 1997, Dr Jitendra Das, Superintending Archaeologist, visited this site and discovered an idol of Lord Buddha and confirmed that it had once been a Buddha Temple. At present, the site is well protected by barbed wire fencing and preservation work is in progress. Dumboor Lake Dumboor Lake is located in the Amarpur sub division, about 120 km away from the capital city of Agartala. It is shaped like a tapered drum and thus has been named after the damroo (small tapered percussion instrument) of Lord Shiva. This place is no less than a paradise for nature lovers as it is spread across an area of 41 sq km and is surrounded by 48 small islands lined by beautiful hills and lush green landscape. It lies at the confluence of Rivers Raima and Sarma and is home to various species of migratory birds, visible mostly during the winters. Near the lake is a Hydel Project, from where River Gomati originates. It is called Tirthamukh and is popular for the Pous Sankranti Mela that takes place here annually on January 14. Heritage Park Spread over an area of 12 acre, Heritage Park portrays tribal and non-tribal cultures of Tripura. It is divided into three parts, namely, mini-Tripura that is located in about three acre of land at the entrance, the Central area that comprises a natural forest, and a plain table land with plantations of medicinal plants, herbs and shrubs. A walking track of about a kilometre runs along the periphery, from where tourists can explore the premises. The highlight of the park is the miniature versions of Unakoti sculptures, Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal, Tripura Sundari Temple, stone relics of Pilak etc. Indigenous trees and exotic flowers are well-preserved and add to the beauty of the park. Heritage Park was inaugurated on November 30, 2012, by the then chief minister of the state. Jagannath Temple The Jagannath Temple is a famous pilgrimage site in Agartala, located next to the Ujjayanta Palace. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra and his sister Goddess Subhadra, the temple attracts thousands of visitors from across the country. It is said that the idol of Lord Jagannath or Neel Mahadev at Puri has been donated from this shrine. The architecture of the temple that is an amalgamation of Hindu and Arabic styles is also noteworthy. The structure is decorated with bright orange structured shikharas (spires) and the pillars are crowned by square and pyramidal cones. Another attraction is the lovely decorations from the life of Lord Krishna and many statues of Hindu gods and goddesses scattered across the temple. The temple offers accommodation facilities in its complex for devotees who come from outside Agartala. The Jagannath Temple was built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya of the Manikya dynasty in the 19th century. Jampui Hills Jampui Hill is a popular hill station in Tripura, situated at an altitude of 3,000 ft above sea level. Also known as the land of eternal spring, the place offers panoramic views of the Chittagong Hills, the Kanchanpur-Dasda Valley and the sundry hill ranges of Tripura and Mizoram. Comprising orchard farms, tea plantations and lush greenery, the spot will leave you enchanted. It attracts a multitude of domestic and foreign tourists as it is one of the best camping spots and ideal for trekking. The slopes of the hills are great for orange plantations, where visitors can smell the sweet aroma of the fruit in the air while exploring the area. Winter is the best time to visit Jampui Hill as the Orange and Tourism Festival is held here every year in November. During the festival, oranges are artistically arranged in the form of wildlife and various forts of the country. Tibetan handicrafts, tea leaves, oranges and coffee beans are some of the items sold in stalls. Jampui Hill is located about 200 km away from Agartala. Kamlasagar Kali Temple Kamlasagar Kali Temple, also known as Kasba Kali Bari, is situated on a hillock overseeing a wide pool of water called Kamala Sagar. The idol of Mahishasurmardini (Goddess Kali) made of sandstone has been consecrated here. Another interesting facet of this temple is the shivling at the feet of Goddess Dasabhuja Durga. Thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the country and neighbouring countries like Bangladesh visit this temple during various festivals. Kamalasagar Lake, alongside the temple enhances the beauty of the place, making it the perfect spot for relaxing and spending some family time. The temple was built by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya of the Manikya dynasty in the 15th century and was finally completed in the 17th century by local rulers. It is about 27 km from Agartala. Neer Mahal The name 'Neermahal' literally translates into water palace. It is a royal mansion located in the middle of the Rudrasagar Lake, 55 km from the capital city of Agartala. Built by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Debbarman in 1930 as his summer palace, it has one of the finest incorporations of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture and design. The palace has been made in marble and sandstone and is one of the largest palaces of its kind in the country. Its beautiful and well-laid gardens and flood lights add to the charm of the structure. Other highlights of the palace include water sport facilities and migratory birds that can be spotted over the Rudrasagar Lake. The palace becomes particularly attractive during the water festival that takes place annually in August. A boat race is held during the festival that invites visitors in droves. Moreover, cultural programmes and plays, along with a swimming competition are also held. Neer Mahal Water Festival Neermahal, meaning the water palace, floats in the middle of the Rudrasagar Lake. It is a picturesque spot that invites many for its beauty. The palace has been built in marble and sandstone and reflects both Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture. One of the largest palaces of its kind in the country, it is said that it took around nine years to build it. The palace hosts a three-day festival in the month of August every year. A boat race is held during the festival that invites visitors in droves. Moreover, cultural programmes and plays are also held at the festival, along with a swimming competition. The palace was the summer residence of the Maharaja of Tripura, Bir Bikram Kishore Debbarma Manikya (1908-1947). It lies about 53 km from Agartala. Pilak Nestled amidst lush green paddy fields, Pilak in South Tripura's Belonia sub-division, is a popular tourist stopover. It is noted for its archaeological relics and art-like statues, carvings, stone stupas and terracotta plaques that bear resemblance to moulded plaques recovered from Paharpur and Mainamati; all reminiscent of the history of 8th and 9th centuries. The styles followed in the making of the images and the sculptures appear to have a resemblance to the architectural style of the Palas and Guptas of Bengal, Arakan and Myanmar. Pilak holds a key to the history of Tripura and displays an amalgamation of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. An Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team found out brick built stupas during an excavation in the late 60s and since then the site has been under their care. Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary Located around 25 km from Agartala, Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over an area of 19 km and houses more than 150 species of resident and migratory birds. Sepahijala has been developed both as a wildlife sanctuary and as an academic and research centre. Over the years, this place has caught the eyes of tourists and wildlife enthusiasts for its natural, botanical and zoological gardens. Its green terrain and temperate weather of the place offer an unadulterated shelter to animals like the unique bespectacled monkey, Phayre’s langur, rhesus macaque, pig-tailed macaque, capped langur and spectacled langur. There are several lakes in the periphery, among which Amrit Sagar Lake is one of the most popular. It also offers boating facilities to visitors. The sanctuary was set up in 1972 and has been divided into five sections: carnivores section, primate section, reptile section, ungulate section and aviary section. Tripura Sundari Temple The Tripura Sundari Temple is located at a distance of 55 km from Agartala. It was constructed by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya Dev in 1501 AD, and is regarded as one of the 51 shaktipeethas (devotional shrines where the severed body parts of Goddess Sati fell) of Hindu pilgrims in India. The religious significance of this place is quite strong as it is believed that Goddess Sati's right foot fell here during Lord Shiva's dance of cosmic destruction. The temple consists of a square type sanctum of the typical Bengali-hut style construction with a conical dome. It stands gloriously on a hillock possessing two identical images of the same deity inside the temple. The idol of Goddess Kali is worshipped at the temple of Tripura Sundari in the form of Soroshi. Every year a famous Diwali mela near the temple attracts more than two lakh pilgrims. Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary enjoys a diverse topography that boasts a number of perennial water rivulets, water bodies, grasslands and virgin forests that are rich in rare vegetation. Spanning across an area of 197 sq km, its main wildlife attraction is the Indian gaur (bison). Apart from it, there are varieties of birds, deer, hollock gibbon, golden langur, capped langur, pheasant and various other animals and reptiles. One can undertake a jeep safari to explore the sanctuary, which is one of the best conserved forest reserves inviting people both for educational and sightseeing purposes. The sanctuary was set up in 1988 and is located about 18 km away from the sub-divisional town of Belonia. It is connected to Agartala by a state highway. Udaipur Nestled in the southern fringes of Tripura, about 50 km from Agartala, the quaint city of Udaipur is known for its temples. Just like its namesake city in the desert state of Rajasthan, Udaipur is home to many lakes, including the beautiful Mahadev Dighi, Dhani Sagar, Amar Sagar etc. The landscape of the city is cut by the Gomati river. The most popular attraction is the Tripura Sundari Temple, dedicated to the presiding deity of the city, Goddess Tripura Sundari. Built in 1501, it is one of the shaktipeeths (devotional shrines where the severed parts of Goddess Shakti fell). After paying homage at the temple, tourists can visit the serene Kalyan Sagar, a large lake that lies adjacent to the temple. The Bhuvaneshwari Temple devoted to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari and a public library called Nazrul Granthagar are also popular points. Ujjayanta Palace Ujjayanta Palace, standing at the heart of the city, is a famous royal house that was named by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, a regular visitor to Tripura. It boasts beautiful tiled-floors, lovely doors and curved wooden ceilings that make you marvel at the skill of the architects of that time. The palace houses public halls, a throne room, a Durbar hall, library, a reception hall and a Chinese room. Ujjayanta Palace is now a state museum, popularly known for its display of lifestyle, arts and cultural artefacts, and utility crafts of communities residing in Northeast India. The three-storeyed mansion has a mixed architecture and is surrounded by serene Mughal gardens. This palace provides a unique experience and allows visitors to witness the royal history amidst tranquil gardens. The palace was built by Tripura king, Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya of the Manikya dynasty, between 1899 and 1901. It was purchased from the royal family by the Tripura government in 1972-73 Unakoti Located around 178 km from Agartala, Unakoti’s ‘Lost Hill of Faces’ is a centuries-old Shaivite pilgrimage spot, which is dissimilar to any other place in the country in sheer grandeur and artistry. It has several majestic sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses possessing earthy rawness of the tribal school of the classical Indian style. The most revered of them is the Unakotishwara Kal Bhairav, a 33-ft-high carving of Lord Shiva’s head. What makes it more attractive is the 10-ft-high intricate headdress that is flanked by warrior-like Goddess Durga on one side and Goddess Ganga sitting atop Capricorn on the other. The agreement among archaeologists is that although the predominant influence of the Shaivism is obvious, the sculptures were also influenced by several other cults like tantric, shakti, and hatha yogis. It is believed that the site dates back to the period between the 12th and 16th centuries and that the sculptures belong to two different periods of art.
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