Tripura

Beautiful scenery, crystalline waterfalls, awe-inspiring mountains, deep forests, and a healthy sprinkling of history and tradition make Tripura a popular tourist destination in North-East India. Tripura, which is bordered by Bangladesh on three sides, was previously home to the legendary Manikya tribe, who left behind a plethora of archaeological sites and constructions.

Tripura is the smallest state in India and is noted for its unique culture, archaeology, handicrafts, and music. Nineteen indigenous tribes live there, as well as a Bengali-speaking non-tribal minority. Forest covers more than half of the country, with bamboo and cane tracts widespread. Tripura has the greatest number of primate species.

The exquisite rock cut carvings and stone pictures in Unakoti, Debtamura, and Pilak make Tripura stand out among the north eastern states. The majority of these carvings are big and carved into vertical surfaces.
Agartala, the capital of Tripura, is the northeast's second-largest metropolis. The state is proud of the Ujjayanta Palace in this town, which is an architectural gem.

Tripura, home to nineteen tribes and a plethora of art and culture, is hidden in the lush green hills and gifted with natural beauty and attractive spots that attract travellers from all over the world. Tripura has all you need to revive and refresh your soul and spirit: religious festivals, colourful costumes, imaginative cane and bamboo handicrafts, multilingual people and wonderful food, spectacular scenery, exciting trekking, and a vibrant shopping experience.
 

Main Attractions

The central Shiva head, Unokotiswara Kal Bhairava, is a 30 foot tall rock carved figure with a 10 foot long crown. A female figure and Goddess Durga can be seen on the headgear. This carving is one of the many carvings and sculptures found on the hill.

Popularly known as the Water Palace, Neermahal Palace is another gorgeous palace in Tripura. It is located on the banks of Rudrasagar Lake and requires the use of a boat to get to it. By boating on the lake, tourists may combine this fun outdoor activity with a visit and tour of the palace, which is another great piece of architecture.

It is located on the banks of a lake, immediately across from the famed Jagannath Temple, and is named after Rabindranath Tagore. The palace is a stunning example of architectural excellence that continues to loom above the city. From 1972 to 2011, the palace housed the State Legislative Assembly before being converted into a museum.

The Jampui hills, also known as the eternal hills of spring, live up to their name, with a pleasant environment throughout the year and ample possibilities for each visitor to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. The beautiful green hills, with tea, orchid, and orange plantations on the slopes, provide a great view.

It is a magnificent temple in Udaipur, some 55 kilometres from Agartala, Tripura. This beautiful temple, which was built 500 years ago, is the oldest in the Udaipur district. Sati's right foot toe fell at the Tripura Sundari Temple, which is one of the 51 Sakti Peethas.

Jagannath Bari is a temple in Agartala that is also known as Jagannath Bari. It is located near the Raaj Bari or Royal Palace. The temple houses idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram, and Devi Subhadra. The temple's architecture, which combines Islamic and Hindu architectural elements, is particularly noteworthy.

The state capital of Tripura, Agartala is one of the largest cities in the state and a renowned tourist destination. The lush green meadows, rolling hills, and scenic valleys of the area are well-known. Ujjayanta Palace was erected in 1899 as a royal house by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya. Three domes, tiled floors, carved oak ceilings, and elegantly constructed doors distinguish the palace's architecture. On the outside, this royal palace boasts a Mughal-style garden. Chaturdasha Devta Temple in Old Agartala; Heritage Park, which has a mini-Tripura exhibition among other things; Benuban Vihar Buddhist Temple in Kunjaban neighbourhood; and Purbasha, which sells locally created handcrafted bamboo items, are all noteworthy places in the city.

Located less than 30 kilometres from Agartala, the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary will provide you a peek of the indigenous flora and fauna. The moist deciduous forest is home to animals such as the pig-tailed macaque, spectacled monkey, slow loris, and others. There is also a zoo and a botanical garden here. You can go boating in the pool. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Friday.

The Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the Indian bison and is located in Belonia, around 100 kilometres from Agartala. Other species include the capped langur, spectacled monkey, hoolock gibbon, and others. The Rajbari National Park is one of India's most well-known national parks, located within the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kailashahar was formerly the capital of the Tripuran empire, and remnants of its royal past may still be found here. It is a town whose identity is mostly derived from a regal and important history, traces of which can still be found throughout the city. Kailashahar is renowned for its temples and is a popular trekking destination. The 16 tea estates are also worth visiting.

Udaipur is a town in Tripura notable for its Sundari Temple, which is one of the state's religious attractions. Artificial lakes in his city include Dhani Sagar, Bijoy Sagar, Jagannath Dighi, and Amar Sagar. The city, which is located on the banks of the Gomati River, is home to numerous temples. The most notable is the Tripura Sundari Temple, which is also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Another well-known temple in the area is Bhubaneshwar Temple. The Nazrul Granthagar library in Udaipur, named after Nazrul Islam, is a mecca for bookworms.

Tradition & Culture

Tripura has a rich culture, with around 19 tribes who choose to live in the woods. They can be divided into two categories: I Ab-unique individuals and (ii) Immigrants. All of Tibet's indigenous tribes have been relocated to this domain from a location in the centre of the country. Village life is also preferred by the Tripuri, Rang, Dodge, Garo, Kuki, Uchoi, Manipuri, and Mizo tribes.

Each tribe has its own set of cultural activities that it participates in. They have their own folk-based dance and music. The indigenous of Tripura should surely be at the forefront of unravelling the state's culture. It's a joy to interact with the Tripurans. As quoted by frequent visitors who have visited this wonderful area, Tripurans are well-known for their warm and helpful character.

Tripura's population is dominated by the Bengali ethnicity (70 percent) and the remaining Tribal community (30 percent). Kokborok is the language of the main tribal group. Kokborok is made up of the dialects Koloi, Tripura, Noatia, Rupini, Debbarma, Uchoi, Jamatia, and Murase. People follow a wide range of religious beliefs, including Christianity, Hinduism, and Animism. Nonetheless, Hinduism is practised by the vast majority of Tripura residents. Because of the state's large Bengali population, non-tribal areas of Tripura have adopted Bengali culture. Tripura's kings were ardent promoters of Bengali culture. They were also huge Bengali literary fans. Bengali is also said to be the official language of the court.

The Tripuri Tribe of the state makes up a significant share of the state's total tribal population. Lebang Boomani and Garia are the two most popular traditional dance forms among the Tripuri people. Despite their enormous population, the Tripura Reang tribe lacks educational and economic opportunities. Since the 15th century, this civilization is said to have existed in Tripura. The Chakma tribal people of Tripura follow the Buddhist religion. The Chakma tribe is divided into several groups in Tripura. The Mog tribes of Tripura came to the state in 957 AD. The Mog culture is observant of Buddhist rites.

Both historically and culturally, Tripura is recognised as a rich state. In this realm, folklore, mythology, songs, tales, and puzzles abound. The goddess, angel, demon, witch, history, flora, fauna, and the galaxy are all described in these stories, which are all based on true events.

Both historically and culturally, Tripura is recognised as a rich state. In this realm, folklore, mythology, songs, tales, and puzzles abound. The goddess, angel, demon, witch, history, flora, fauna, and the galaxy are all described in these stories, which are all based on true events.

Tripura's official language is Bengali. Bengali is one of Tripura's most widely spoken languages, also known as Bangla, Banga-Bhasa, and other names. It's worth mentioning that Tripuri is also written in Bengali script. Another major language in Tripura is Tripuri. The community's language, Tripuri, is spoken largely in the subdivisions of Khowai, Kailashahar, Sadar, and Amarpur. It's worth mentioning that Tripuri is also written in Bengali script. Tripuri is also spoken in the adjacent parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The people's mother tongue is Halam, and they speak Rankhal as a dialect. Halam is said to be the origin of Rankhal. 

Risa, Rignai, and Rikutu are traditional Tripura outfits that display bright fabric creativity. The 'Rignai,' a long, wide piece of fabric that wraps around the waist and reaches the knees. The upper torso is enveloped in a 'Risa,' a comparably short fabric with excellent embroidery. Each clan in Tripura has its own variation of rignai in terms of design and patterns. The male counterpart wears 'rikutu' for the loin and 'kanch wlwi borok' for the upper body. Rikutu is paired with Kubai, a men's shirt style. They wear a turban or Pagri on their heads to protect themselves from the sun.

Tripura is noted for its architectural features, stone carvings, and rock sculptures. The greatest spots to visit are Unakoti, Devtamura, and Pilak.
Tripura's culture includes a lot of dance and music. The most commonly used musical instruments are the Samui, Sarina, and Chong Peng. At all religious events, marriages, and celebrations, folk songs are performed.

Beautiful cane and bamboo handicrafts are a specialty of the state's tribes. Bamboo is commonly used, and handcrafted goods are popular. The most popular items in the markets include jewellery, cane furniture, lamps, a bamboo dining table, floor mats, and ornamental accessories.
 

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs and Festivals of Tripura:

Religious as well as cultural events are held during the Tripura Festivals. The celebrations of Tripura are similar to those in India because Hindus make up the majority of the population. Aside from that, the state of Tripura hosts a number of unique events. The following are noteworthy:

  • Ganga Puja- Tripura Tribals worship the River Goddess at Ganga Puja, a religious event held in the state of Tripura. The event is conducted to pray for pregnant women's health and safety, as well as to keep them safe from epidemics. For the occasion, a bamboo temple is built in the middle of a river or a water stream. The well-known festival takes place throughout the state.

 

  • Pous Sankranti Mela- On January 14th, hundreds of devotees flock to Tirathmukh for the annual Pous Sankranti Mela, and the Gomati River becomes the focal point of Uttarayan Sankranti. Thousands of tribal and non-tribal people travel to Tirathmukh, the river's birthplace, to take a ceremonial bath.

 

  • Garia Puja- Garia Puja is one of the most important celebrations for the indigenous people of Tripura. A bamboo pole represents Lord Garia, widely known as the god of animals and wealth. Lord Garia is worshipped with flowers, garland, cotton thread, rice, rice beer, wine, earthen pots, eggs, traditional richa, and fowl chicks.

 

  • Kharchi Mela- The Kharchi Mela was started by the rulers of Tripura to worship 14 Gods and Goddesses in the Chaturdash Devata temple. Every year, the people memorialise it on a large scale. Thousands of worshippers flock to Chaturdash Devata temple in Old Agartala for the week-long celebration, which begins on the eighth day of the new moon in July.

 

  • Diwali- Diwali is a festival celebrated with tremendous zeal in Tripura. Near Udaipur, at Tripurasundari Temple, a big mela is held, followed by a cultural programme.

 

  • Neer Mahal Water Festival- The Neermahal Water Festival takes place every year in Neermahal, near Rudrasagar Lake in Tripura. The festival lasts three days, featuring evening events such as plays and cultural programmes. The primary event of the water festival is a boat race on the Rudrasagar lake. The festival also includes a swimming competition in addition to the boat race.

 

  • Ker Puja- Two weeks following the Kharchi Puja, the celebration honours Ker, Vastu Devata's guardian deity. During the Puja, offerings and sacrifices are offered to protect the people from catastrophes and external violence. The Tripura Rajas initiated this Puja. The Halam tribe must participate in the Puja. Participants, including the current monarch, are not able to wear shoes, start a fire, dance, or sing during the celebration, which is held in the capital.

 

  • Orange & Tourism Festival- Every year in November, on Jampui Hill, Tripura's lone hill station where the succulent fruit grows abundantly, the colourful Orange and Tourism Festival takes place.

 

  • Durga Puja- It is a four-day festival in which the Goddess Durga is worshipped with zeal and jubilation in the state in September/October. For the puja, large pandals are beautifully decorated, and the event is marked by shopping sprees and good times.
     

Cuisines

Cuisines

Tripura, like the rest of India, offers wonderful and savoury local food. It does, however, offer a wide range of options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, with non-vegetarians having a few more selections. Because of its proximity to Bangladesh, there is a significant Bangladeshi influence, as well as Chinese food.

You should not pass up the opportunity to try the following:

  • Mui Borok- Mui Borok is a popular Tripura dish. Mui Borok, as their people call it affectionately. Berma is a common element in the Tripurian people's traditional cuisine. Berma is a dried, aged fish that is widely available in Tripura. The dish is regarded as quite powerful because it is prepared without the use of oil. Berma will stimulate your taste buds.
  • Chauk and Chuwarak- Chauk is a type of rice beer that is popular in various places of the North East. It is only consumed by Tripurians on special occasions or during festivities. Another well-known drink from this region is Chuwarak. It's simply a combination of scotch and champagne. This drink can be made with rice, pineapple, or jackfruit, among other ingredients. This is regarded as one of the best alcoholic beverages available.
  • Bhangui- In several Indian states, including Tripura, rice is a staple diet. They are meat eaters that eat rice with their meat meals. They prepare rice in a unique technique that gives it the perfect aroma and texture. They put a lot of effort and time into serving the greatest rice plate they can. Tripurians add a little ghee, ginger, and onions to produce the right flavour.
  • Gudok- One of Agartala's most well-known meals is Gudok. Bamboo pipes are used to create this cuisine. It has a distinct and distinct flavour due to its scent and bamboo pipes. This dish is now served in a container in today's modern age. This is a popular meal in the area. 
  • Kosai Bwtwi- Berma, fermented fish, chopped onions, green chilies, tofu chunks, garlic cloves, salt, and turmeric powder go into making Kosai Bwtwi. Khundrupui leaves are used to enhance the flavour of Kosai Bwtwi.
  • Bhangui- In several Indian states, including Tripura, rice is a staple diet. They are meat eaters that eat rice with their meat meals. They prepare rice in a unique technique that gives it the perfect aroma and texture. They put a lot of effort and time into serving the greatest rice plate they can. Tripurians add a little ghee, ginger, and onions to produce the right flavour.
  • Gudok- One of Agartala's most well-known meals is Gudok. Bamboo pipes are used to create this cuisine. It has a distinct and distinct flavour due to its scent and bamboo pipes. This dish is now served in a container in today's modern age. This is a popular meal in the area. To acquire a flavour of Tripuri cuisine, it's only reasonable to try it once.
  • Wahan Mosdeng- It is a famous Tripura meal made with pork, onion, coriander leaves, and green chillies. With the addition of green chilli and local spices, this meal became even more delectable and mouthwatering.

Excursion

Shopping

Tripura's marketplaces offer a broad assortment of things native to this small Indian state, making shopping an adventure in and of itself. Tripura is well-known for its bamboo and cane craftsmanship.

The following are the best sites to buy them:

  • Government Emporium, Agartala- This emporium sells woven fabrics, indigenous jewellery, bamboo and cane room dividers, floor mats, wall panels, furniture, table mats, and other gifts. Crafts and workmanship from other northeastern states are also available.

 

  • Battala Fish Market, Agartala- It is a renowned shopping destination in Agartala, the capital of Tripura and one of India's northeastern states. The enormous amounts and diversity of fish on offer, as well as the affordable costs, make this market stand out.

 

  • Golbazar, Agartala- This is a bustling local market where you can buy a variety of wholesale commodities such as rice, pulses, lentils, spices, dry fish, vegetable oil, and so on.

 

  • Jagat Bazaar- It is a popular local bazaar that sells a wide range of items, including gadgets, ornaments, high-quality books, handicrafts, and ready-to-wear apparel. A variety of tiny stores providing moderately priced things fill the market. These businesses sell a wide range of colours in dupattas, earrings, salwar kameezes, bangles, and bindis.

 

  • Purbasha- Purbasha is known for its beautiful bamboo, cane, and wooden handicrafts, as well as cotton, silk, and polyester. Visitors can see the artists at work before shopping at 'Purbasha' or any of the Handloom & Handicrafts sales emporiums in any tourist location, including Agartala.
     

Things To Do

Getting There

By Air – The closest airport is in Agartala, Tripura. This airport has direct flights to Kolkata and Guwahati. A taxi or an automobile can be used to go to the destination.

By Railway – The nearest railway station is Kumarghat, 140 kilometres from Tripura. The Kumarghat station serves Kolkata, Delhi, Indore, Chennai, and Bangalore. Taxis are available near the station to take you to Tripura.

By Road – Buses, both public and private, provide excellent service to guests. Teliamura is 44 kilometres, Manu is 109 kilometres, Kumarghat is 133 kilometres, Silchar is 295 kilometres, Aizawl is 300 kilometres, Dwarband is 313 kilometres, Shillong is 459 kilometres, Imphal is 557 kilometres, and Guwahati is 558 kilometres.

Shown Map