For an adventure seeker, distance is never a hurdle! So, if you are someone on a quest for unique experiences and want to take on a journey to the hidden gems of India, the places to visit in Tripura need to be on your bucket list.
Located at the end of Northeast India, Tripura is the third-smallest state and one of the least explored places in the country. It shares its borders with Assam, Mizoram and Bangladesh. With most of the area of the state covered with dense forests, there are some of the most incredibly beautiful places, temples and archaeological sites, which are lesser known to the people. Some of the significant places to visit in Tripura include the Tripura Sundari Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, Agartala and Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary.
Let’s start exploring these amazing places to visit in Tripura and learn about the best time to visit and how to reach these places to create memories for a lifetime.
Places to Visit in Tripura
Tripura Sundari Temple:
One of the 51 Shakti Peeths and Navratri special devine temples in India, Tripura Sundari Temple, is located on a hilltop in Udaipur, Tripura. Dedicated to Goddess Tripurasundari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the temple is also known as the Koorma (tortoise) Pith. It was built in 1501 AD by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, in a square-shaped structure, similar to a typical rural Bengal hut.
The temple is one of the key places to visit in Tripura that attracts both devotees and tourists, especially during the Diwali Festival. Furthermore, the backside of the temple has a serene lake called Kalyansagar Lake that adds charm to the temple complex.
Agartala:
The capital city of Tripura and the second-largest city in Northeast India, Agartala, is one of the best places to visit in Tripura for various reasons. The city offers a relaxing atmosphere, with a slow-paced lifestyle, lush green hills in the backdrop and heritage buildings.
The city has various scenic landmarks, including Ujjayanta Palace, Damboor Lake and Amarpur Lake. So, if you are looking for a refreshing break with the comfort of modern amenities, Agarta is a must-visit destination for you.
Ujjayanta Palace:
An architectural marvel, shining bright as new, stands as a symbol of the architectural grandeur of the age of the Tripura Maharajas. Ujjayanta Palace is one of the famous palaces in India. Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore gave the name Ujjayanta Palace, which was built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya in 1901 AD.
This Indo-Saracenic monument, situated in a large Mughal-style garden on a lakefront, has three domes with stunning tiled floors, a wooden carved ceiling and beautifully crafted door decor. At present, this royal palace houses the Tripura Government Museum with a vast collection of cultural and royal artifacts. The best time to visit the palace is in the evening when the floodlights enhance the beauty of the palace tenfold.
Kailashahar:
A famous tourist destination, located near Agartala, Kailashahar was once the capital of Tripuran kingdom. The town is situated on the banks of Tripura’s largest river, Manu and is surrounded by mesmerising Unakoti Hills. The word Kailashahar is derived from the Kailash (Mount Kailash) and Har (Shiva), signifying the spiritual importance of the place. For history enthusiasts, the town holds evidence of the royal history of the region.
Furthermore, it is also popular among nature lovers and adventure seekers. The place is filled with various treks and tea estates.
Unakoti:
Another famous religious site in Tripura is Unakoti, a Shaivite pilgrimage of the Hindus. Unakoti in Bengali means” one less than a crore”, but despite its name, it has nothing less than a crore rock art. There are various rock-cut stone sculptures on the face of mountains, which are the major attractions of the place. The most impressive of all is 30 feet image of Lord Shiva, known as Unakotishwar Kal Bhairav. Other impressive statues are of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Durga.
To reach Unakoti, you can take a train/ a bus from Agartala either to Dharmanagar or Kailashahar. From there, you can hire a taxi to reach Unakoti and witness these larger-than-life rock sculptures.
Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary:
For wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Tripura. Located around 111 kms from Agartala, the sanctuary, with an area of 194.704 sq km, is a part of the vital mission of conservation of nature, wildlife and biodiversity. It is filled with a variety of flora and fauna, making it an integral part of the region’s ecosystem.
The sanctuary is home to highly endangered species, including the only ape species of the Indian subcontinent, the Hoolock Gibbon and primates like the Capped Langur and the Golden Langur.
Rudrasagar:
Surrounded by lush greenery, Rudgrasar Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Tripura. Located 55 kms away from Agartala at Melaghar, the lake, covering more than 5.3 sq kms of area, holds an ecological, historic and cultural significance. The main attraction of the lake is the annual boat races held during the Neermahal festival (August and December).
Additionally, the lake and its surroundings capture the spirit essence of Northeast India’s scenic beauty, making it a perfect place for relaxing in a peaceful environment.
Neermahal:
A charming testament to architectural brilliance and India’s largest water palace, Neermahal has to be on your list of places to visit in Tripura. The palace was built in 1930 by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Debbarma of the Manikya Dynasty. Constructed with marble and sandstone, it was designed by the architects behind Kolkata’s iconic Victoria Memorial, Martin & Burns.
Visiting this majestic palace with its 24 rooms, graceful stairways, balconies, towers, pavilions and bridges, is a lifetime experience that leaves a lasting impression forever. So, don’t miss this on your trip at any cost!
Best Time to Visit Tripura
The climate in Tripura, like all north-eastern Indian states, is relatively humid yet cooler than the mainland temperature. However, due to the uneven terrain, the climate in each region and city varies considerably. Furthermore, the state experiences three distinct seasons, namely, summer, monsoon and winter.
The temperature in the summer months from March to May rises up to 33 degrees Celsius with 50% humidity. Unakoti, Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary and Neermahal are some of the best places to visit in Tripura during this time.
The monsoon season starts from late May to September and the state receives moderate to heavy rainfall during these months. The rivers may overflow and cause flooding, so it is best to avoid travelling to the state during the monsoon season.
The winter season from October to November is the best time to visit Tripura, due to its pleasant climate. The humidity is lowest, rainfall is intermittent but very little and the temperature remains between 10 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The post-monsoon lushness adds a magical touch to the region’s scenic beauty.
How to Reach Tripura
Although Tripura may lie in the fringes of the country, it is well-connected with the rest of the states through air, road and rail. Here are the different options to choose from based on your preferences:
By Road:
Tripura is connected by road with Guwahati via Shillong by National Highway No. 44. It takes about 24 hours to reach Agartala, the capital city of Tripura, from Guwahati. There are various private and public buses and taxis available to reach Tripura by road. If you wish to explore Shillong and Guwahati, then there are budget-friendly hotels in Shillong and hotels in Guwahati, located near the famous tourist attractions and transit points.
By Rail:
Tripura has recently been connected through the rail network with the rest of the country. You can take a train to Agartala Railway Station and Udaipur Railway Station from Guwahati, Delhi and Dharmanagar to explore the places to visit in Tripura.
By Air:
The major airport in Tripura is Agartala Airport, located 12 km from Agartala city centre. It is the second busiest airport in northeast India after Guwahati. The airport is connected to major cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi and Chennai. It takes just 50 minutes from Kolkata International Airport to reach Agartala.
You can also check out things to do in Kolkata, if you wish to explore the city before heading towards Tripura from Kolkata Airport or the railway station. There are plenty of hotels in Kolkata for a pleasant stopover.
Thus, there is no fun and adventure without exploring the unexplored! Start planning your trip and explore these enchanting places to visit in Tripura, which offer a unique experience like no other place.
