Tripura: The Land of Myths and Legends

Nestled in the greenery of hills, Tripura, a land of plentiful myths and legends, beckon tourists from across the globe.

This state, home to nineteen indigenous tribal groups, Bengali speaking non-tribals and a diversity of culture, resembles a tiny dot on the peninsular India's map dangling between Northeast India and Bangladesh. But the wealth of Tripura's traditional art, culture, history and archaeology, flora and fauna, biodiversity and flushing meadows always cast a magnetic spell on casual visitors and tourists. The state's rich handicrafts, traditional music, diversity of cultural streams and faiths, co-existing down the annals of history in pristine peace constitute its irresistible charm as a tourist destination. Any visitor or tourist in Tripura can trace the state's glorious history in its archaeological remains, cultural heritage, exquisite sculpture and architecture spread across its landscape and return, richer by a finer aesthetic sense and sensibility. Situated 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.

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. Another main attraction is Deotamura, a salubrious spot on the banks of River Gomati, renowned for its rock-cut images. The locals fondly call the place as Devtamura.

More facts:

Capital: Agartala
Official languages: Bengali, Tripuri, Manipuri, Kakborak

Top attractions:

Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary:

A vast forestland rich in flora and fauna, Sepahijala Wildlife sanctuary is home to rare breeds of spectacled monkeys, deer and as many as 150 species of birds. It is also southern Tripura's best sights. A local picnic and boating spot,

Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala:

Tripura's indisputable leading site and centerpiece is the Ujjayanta palace. This royal residence of the Manikya kings is a striking, dome-shaped palace built in 1901. It also features massive Mughal style gardens, lofty ceilings, and artistic doors of curved wood. It is also flanked by two reflecting ponds and looks impressive floodlit at night. It offers a feast to the stroller's eyes for just one hour daily.

Neermahal:

The water palace is Tripura's most iconic building and is the state's most important tourist destination. A summer resort built in the heart of the lake Rudrasagar; it spreads to over 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.

Built in 1930, the Neermahal, is a long, red-and-white water palace, empty, but shimmering on its own marshy island in the lake of Rudra Sagar. Like its counterpart in Rajasthan's Udaipur, this was a handsome exercise in aesthetics; the handpicked craftsmen building a summer citadel of extravagance in a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. The charming waterborne approach by speed boat is the most enjoyable part of visiting.

Deotamura:

Deotamura - meaning "the peak of god's" has interesting series of images carved on the hills facing the river Gomati. True to the name, it has images of all major Hindu deities like Shiva, Ganesh, Vishnu, Durga, Kartikeya and a few others are skillfully carved. There are around 37 rock-cut images on the hill and tourists can take boats to arrive at the place and share in the scenic view of the hill and its sculptures.

Unakoti:

Known for its rare stone and rock cot images of the 7th-9th century AD, the Unakoti Tirtha is an unmatched tourist site in its grandeur. Rich with numerous rock-cut sculptures, some of them are massive rock-cut while some others are made out of sandstone. Lush greenery around the place further enhances the beauty of the place.