Agartala Sightseeings
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Museums, Local tours, Forts, Monuments, Historical places, Temples, Amusement Parks, Beaches. A complete Agartala sightseeing guide.

Historical

Neermahal

Neermahal, (Water Palace) located at a distance of around 50 km from Agartala was built as a summer resort for the erstwhile King Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya in 1930. The Palace situated right at the center of the Rudrasagar Lake (6 Sq Km water body) is a magnificent piece of Engineering feat. The amazing Hindu and Islamic architectural fusion is a rare sight and a pleasing one too. The Palace was constructed as per the rough design and interior tastes of the monarch. The Palace surroundings are aptly decorated with lush green lawns and colourful flower beds. Added attraction is the visit of Migratory birds to the Rudrasagar Lake enhancing the beauty of the entire location and taking the glory to new heights.

Ravindra Kanan

The King Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya was not only fond of constructing Palaces for himself but was also equally graceful when it came to his close knit circle of friends from the literary and academic societies. The King order construction of a palatial house for his friend Ravindranath Tagore. The house was called Ravindra Kanan and many old timers recall watching Gurudev Ravindranath Tagore lounging or strolling outside the Palace where beautiful stretches of green grass lawns, water fountains, gardens and a sit-out was specially created for the great poet to ruminate and come up with exquisite literary pearls.

Kunjaban Palace

The Kunjaban Palace (formerly known as the Pushbanta Palace) constructed in 1927 for the King Birendra Kishore Manikya (retreat/ recreation Palace) is a marvelous monument which reflects the rich and artistic taste of the erstwhile ruler. The Palace was handed over to the Government after dissolution of the monarch state into Republic India and is presently being utilised as the official residence of the Governor of the State of Tripura. A part of the Palace is open for public viewing and the exquisite carvings and innovative construction of the Palace is a treat for the sore eyes and is a must see.

Ujjayanta Palace

The heart of the city of Agartala presents the Ujjayanta Palace, the famous royal house, beautifully carved and sculpted in Indo-Greek style. Constructed by Maharaja RadhakishoreIan Manikaya in 1901 (cost Rs 10 lakh) the palace is nicely located within a huge gardens and adorned with pools and fountains. This three storied monument has three high domes with two large tanks on both side and the fountains (Musical Fountain or Dance of Fountain is a must see) laid out similar to the Mughal gardens. Beautiful lights splash various colours on the building during nights. The interiors are exquisitely created; the innovative flooring, wooden ceiling and minutely worked doors. The castle is being utilised as the Assembly House of Tripura.

Beaches, Lakes & Falls

Domboor Lake

Watching a lake break the green forest cover and carve a niche for itself is mesmerizing; imagine a lake of the gigantic proportions of water area of 45 sq.km. and paving way to 48 islands within it. That's Lake Domboor for you; a calm and serene lake replete with varieties of natural as well a cultured aquatic life and regular visits by Migratory birds from far countries. Water sports facilities enchanting gardens and entertainment facilities are an additional incentive for visiting this beautiful lake which boasts of a Hydel Project in the vicinity. 14th January every year witnesses a surge in crowd at the lake for the 'Pous Sankranti Mela'. The lake formed due to the convergence rivers Raima and Saima is a treat to visit and enjoy.

Wildlife

Gondacherra Wildlife Sanctuary

Gondacherra Wild Life Sanctuary is good place to forget all your past worries and get lost in the pleasing green forest and pure atmosphere of nature at its primitive best. The wildlife sanctuary, provides an opportunity to travel deep inside the park where untouched by the human interference the natural habitat of many inhabitant animal (tiger, Bison, Deers, various primates, even a few wild horses) has created a world straight out of Time Travel movies. Apart from the forestry few water bodies along the sanctuary act as the attracting magnets for the inliving as well as the Migratory birds. A trip to this part is sure to rejuvenate and recharge the batteries for world ahead (if at all you decide to leave this place).

Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary

The Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 35 km from Agartala. Spread over an area of 18.5 sq km the Sanctuary boasts of abounding congregation of wildlife, especially birds and primates. The Sanctuary also house Botanical garden, zoo, a lake and abundance of diverse species of trees. The terrain is absolutely green throughout the year and so is the beautiful weather except for the two humid summer months of March and April. The primate section consists of 5 species (Rhesus, macaque, Pigtailed macaque, Capped langur, and Spectacled langur). The crab eating Mongoose (last sighted about 75 years ago) has been resuscitated. The sanctuary has been developed both as a wildlife sanctuary and as an academic and research centre. The Sanctuary also boasts of about 150 species of birds and also migratory birds which visit the sanctuary in winters. Initiated in 1972 the Sanctuary has five distinct sections Viz. (i) Carnivores section (ii) Primate Section (iii) ungulate section (iv) Reptile section (v) Aviary section. Various lakes adorn the Sanctuary and also act as the thirst quenchers for the inhabitants. Infact the Abasarika and Amrit Sagar lakes have boating facilities.

Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary

The Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary spread over an area of 197.7 sq km, was officially notified in 1988. Rich in vegetation and fauna the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary Tripura boasts of forest reserve with abundant patches untouched by human presence. The sanctuary has been carefully premeditated to act as an educative and informative tools for the younger generation visiting the Sanctuary. The main attraction of the Park, is the Indian Gaur (Bison) in addition to many resident and migratory avian guests. Apart from a large collection f primates and animals the park plays host to several bird species viz. Pheasant tailed Jacana, Red Jungle Fowl, White breasted king Fisher, Indian Black drongo, etc. The park is also endowed with few water bodies within its premises and these spots have been marked as special zones for Animal and Bird familiarization and behavioral study.

Art & Museum

State Museum

The Tripura Government/ State Museum in Agartala was established in the year 1970. The museum holds a cache of some the rare stone images, historic old coins of various denomination and archaeological articles. The stone images and archeological articles have been excavated in Tripura and adjoining states. Special mention of Buddhist sculptures from Pilak (8th-10th century) and Bengal Kantha embroidery is relevant. The most interesting section is dedicated to the rich and varied culture of Tripura. The section aptly displays the progress and history of the state and the multifarious traditions and beliefs followed by tribes and erstwhile rulers. The museum must be complimented for the excellent job undertaken to preserve the ancient architectural and handicraft art and skills.

Religious

Buddha Temple

The Buddha Temple popularly known as the Buddha Mandir is located at the heart of the city. The temple is one of the important religious center and provides ample evidence regarding the influence of Buddhism on the populace. The shrine houses two beautiful idols of Buddha and Bodhisattva. The peaceful and serene idols are believed to have a Burmese origin. Shifted from the Royal palace, the idols adopted their new home, the Buddha Temple constructed in 1946. The atmosphere around the temple is as serene as inside the temple and the beautiful lawns and flower beds decorating the premises compels the visitors to relax and ruminate.

Jagannath Temple

The city of Agartala was chosen above Udaipur as the capital by the Manikyas. The Manikyas preferred to decorate the city and adorned it with specially created monuments and beauty spots. The jagganath Dighi lake is one such ornamental lake specially created. The shores of this pond play host to the Jagannath temple. The idol of Neelmadhav/ Lord Jagannath at Puri is believed to have been donated from this temple. The temple overlooking the Jagannath dighi lake shows heavy inclination towards Islamic style of architecture and design. The exteriors of the temple are a curious mix of Hemadpanthi and Arabic style. The interiors, however, are of typical Hindu flair.

Ummaneshwar Temple

The Ujjayanta Palace milieu houses various temples revered by the populace. The temples of Jagganath and Ummaneshwar are located opposite to each other on the green stretches of grass within the Palace yard. Culturally and geographically Tripura identifies itself more with West Bengal, than the other North East states. Thus it is common to find Gods, Goddess and temples resembling each other in these two states. The Jagannath and the Ummaneshwar temple are both Orange in colour (actually saffron mix of orange) and stand out against the lush green lawns and perfectly white backdrop of the Palace.

Venuban Vihar

At a distance of around 2 Km from the city of Agartala is located the Venuban Vihar where a Buddha shrine houses a metal idol of Lord Buddha. The idol was originally created in Burma and was later transferred to Venuban Vihar for installation into this shrine. The occasion of Buddha Poornima is annually celebrated with full colour and fervor. The celebrations are followed by a big fair. The atmosphere inside the shrine is serene and that outside is that of anticipation. Though the shrine is small in size the special idol and surroundings attract hordes of religious groups and tourists.

Scenic

Chittangong Hills

The hills and valleys have always enchanted the human minds however the spectacle presented by the Chittangong Hills spread over a vast region simply sweeps the onlooker off the feet. The hills (as they are inappropriately called) are actually a series of mini mountains deep and far stretching valleys and a mini canyon formed by the mishmash of seven rivers. The rivers, Feni, Karnafuli, Chengi, Myani, Kassalong, Sangu and Matamuhuri cavort and gambol across the valley presenting an enchanting dance of frolic and fun across the ranges. The sight of the surrounding hills, the beautiful green valleys and the playful rivers jostling for supremacy is an opportunity of a lifetime and is not to be missed at any cost.

Jampui Hill

The Jampui hills are also famously known as “the eternal hills of spring??. Situated at a distance of 240 kms from Agartala the hills are a treasure cove of a wide variety of Orchids, oranges and a heavenly mix of scenic splendor. The place of eternal spring proves worthy of its name due to the fact that the seasons never turn their uglier side towards the Jampui hills. The best comfort and weather is available throughout the year. The verdant green hills and slopes with Orange, Tea and Orchids is a sight to remember. A ropeway joining the nearby hills and providing a bird's eye view of the valleys beneath is the highlight of the entire trip to the Jampui hills.

Raima Valley

The Raima Valley, also known as the mother of the tribals of Tripura is actually a huge volume of enclosed space created due to the formation of a pleat within the mountain folds permitting the commissioning of the Gumti hydel project on the Raima river. This project caters for augmenting deficit power supply of the state and has a large catchments of water within the Raima valley. The area in general and the Raima valley in particular has seen development as a favored tourist spot over last decade. The valley has been tastefully decorated with Gardens and plantation of verdant vegetation.

Getaway

Unakoti

The amazing rock cut carvings and stone images at Unakoti (less than 10 million in Bengali) , are located at a distance of 175 kms from Agartala. The archaeologists claim that, Unakoti was a Shaivite holy spot in the 8th-9th centuries. The story is very interesting; Lord Shiva was going to Kashi with one crore gods and goddesses. During night halt at this location Shiva asked all gods and goddesses to wake up prior to sun rise. However, in the morning, except Shiva, no one else got up forcing Shiva to curse the others to become stone images and proceed on the journey alone. Now we have “one less than a crore?? stone images carvings at Unakoti.

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