Agartala city is located in the state of Tripura in India and is an exotic travel destination. It is a fascinating place to visit, beaded with natural beauty. The city boasts of being historically important and is thronged in large numbers by travelers, tourists, and visitors from all over the globe. The tourist attractions in Agartala comprise splendid palaces, stunning wildlife hangouts and resorts, and charming historical and anthropological spots.
Some of the many popular tourist spots in Agartala are given and described here.
Neermahal
- Location: 53 km from Agartala.
- Built in: 1930 as a summer retreat for the king.
- Unique Feature: Situated in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake.
- Architecture: A blend of Muslim and Hindu architectural styles.
- Attractions: Migratory birds, serene surroundings, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Neermahal, also known as the Water Palace, is situated about 53 kilometers from the city and was constructed as a summer holiday retreat for one of the past rulers of the city in 1930. It is located exactly in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake and is a glorious and splendid example of technical building methods, techniques, and expertise. The palace is a unique mix of Muslim and Hindu sculptural structures and constructions and is an uncommon and delightful view.
The palace was built according to the internal preferences and designs of the sovereign ruler of the city and is surrounded by vibrant flower beds and lush green fields. Its ambiance boasts of being very gentle and beautiful and is appropriately adorned by the beautiful variety of nature. Different types of migratory birds visit Rudrasagar Lake and add to the charm and majestic beauty of the whole site. These birds also add further resplendence and glory to the palace.
Kunjaban Palace
- Location: Agartala city.
- Built in: 1927.
- Purpose: Built as a leisure palace for the king.
- Current Use: Office of Tripura’s politicians and officials.
- Attractions: Unique architectural design, beautiful moldings, and historical significance.
The Kunjaban Palace is a palace from the past and was also called the Pushbanta Palace. This palace was built in 1927 for one of the rulers of the city and was used as an entertainment, leisure, and resting palace by him. It is a fantastic memorial and is a sample of the affluent and aesthetic sensibilities of the historical king. This palace was presented to the government after the disintegration of the sovereign state into a democratic country and is currently serving as the office of politicians and officials of Tripura.
A portion of the palace is accessible to tourists and visitors. The unique, beautiful, and delicate moldings and the creative design and development of the palace are a delight and pleasure to watch. This palace is one of the must-see tourist attractions in the city and is a treat for history and architecture lovers.
Ujjayanta Palace
- Location: Central Agartala.
- Built in: 1901.
- Architecture: Indo-Greek style with three stories.
- Highlights: Fountains, Mughal-style gardens, intricate woodwork.
- Current Use: The state assembly house.
Ujjayanta Palace is situated in the center of the city and is an attractively designed Indo-Greek-style, well-known imperial house. Built by one of the sovereign rulers of the city in 1901, it lies in a decent location within the premises of large gardens and is adorned with fountains and water tanks.
The palace was built within a budget of 10 lakh rupees and has a total of three stories. This monument has three dominant and elevated attics with two large storage tanks on either side. The dance and music fountains are arranged similar to the Mughal Gardens. Both these fountains must not be missed by the tourists and are stunning and magnificent in nature.
Lovely lights illuminate the structure at night, making it appear marvelous. The interiors of this palace are finely and delicately designed, with its wooden roofs and floors, being very advanced and modern in nature. The doors are intricately carved and add to the majestic and imperial beauty of the palace. The palace is currently serving as the gathering house of the state.
Jampui Hills
- Location: 240 km from Agartala.
- Nickname: “Eternal Hills of Spring.”
- Famous For: Orchids, oranges, and mild weather throughout the year.
- Main Attraction: Scenic views of hills and valleys; cable car rides.
The Jampui Hills are also called the ‘eternal hills of spring’ and are located about 240 kilometers from the city. They are home to a wide variety of orchids, oranges, and a celestial blend of beautiful colors and brightness. The spot of eternal spring lives up to its name, owing to the fact that the weather conditions never get too harsh over these hills.
The seasons around and in these hills are always pleasant and never cause discomfort to anyone throughout the year. Stunning views of the vibrant hills and their slopes covered with oranges, orchids, and tea are available to all visitors and are something that stays engraved in their minds. A trolley connected to the hills nearby offers spectacular and panoramic views of the valleys below and is the main tourist attraction when traveling up this hill.
Chittagong Hills
- Location: Across a large land area.
- Notable Feature: Seven rivers that flow through the valley.
- Scenic Views: Stunning landscapes with hills, rivers, and green valleys.
The Chittagong Hills are spread over a large land area and truly take the tourists and spectators by surprise. These hills and valleys leave them wanting for more and very fascinated. These hills are essentially a naturally arranged system of small hills. They are intense and remotely extended valleys, with a tiny ravine formed by the confluence of seven rivers.
These seven rivers are very famous in the city and run across the valley, creating an enthralling and captivating dance of water through the hilly regions. The views of the surrounding hills, the lively rivers, and the pleasant green valleys are lifetime travel opportunities and are sure to captivate everyone.
Raima Valley
- Location: Tripura.
- Nickname: “Mother of the Tribals.”
- Key Feature: Home to the Gumti Water Project.
- Famous For: Beautiful flora, peaceful environment, and scenic landscapes.
Raima Valley is also referred to as the ‘mother of the tribals of the state’ and is essentially a large land area formed by a bend within the mountainous crags, enabling the construction of the Gumti water project on the Raima River.
This project helps meet the power needs of the state and consists of large water reservoirs in the Raima Valley. This region, in general, and Raima Valley, in particular, have witnessed significant growth in tourism over the past ten years. These areas have become popular tourist sites and attract visitors from all parts of the world. The valley is beautifully decorated with estates and gardens of abundant flora.
Gondacherra Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Tripura.
- Famous For: Dense forests and variety of wild animals.
- Animals: Home to bison, tigers, deer, wild horses, and more.
- Activities: Wildlife tours and nature walks.
The Gondacherra Wildlife Sanctuary is a nice spot to relax and immerse oneself in nature. It is a place where tourists can forget their worries and enjoy the serene forests and fresh surroundings. This wildlife sanctuary offers a chance to embark on a relaxing trip into nature. It is home to many wild animals like deer, bison, tigers, and more.
Additionally, the park is home to a few wild horses, where they can live undisturbed and enjoy their privacy and comfort. They are free to roam within their territories in the sanctuary. This entire sanctuary includes forests and water streams that attract animals and migratory birds.
A visit to this wildlife park is sure to delight visitors and refresh them for the lives ahead.
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: 35 km from Agartala.
- Area: Over 18 square kilometers.
- Wildlife: Home to 5 species of primates and over 150 types of birds.
- Features: Boating, toy train rides, and nature trails.
The Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is situated about 35 kilometers from the city and is a fun place to be. It covers an area of about 18 square kilometers and is home to abundant wildlife, birds, and primates. The sanctuary also features a zoo, a botanical garden, a lake, and various types of trees. The surroundings of the park remain green throughout the year, and the weather conditions are pleasant, except in the months of March and April when the summers are quite hot. Therefore, visiting during these months should be avoided.
The park is home to five different species of primates and also has the unique crab-eating mongoose. The park has become both an educational and research center as well as a wildlife sanctuary. It serves both purposes and is a must-visit. This sanctuary is home to around 150 different types of birds.
It was established in 1972 and is visited by migratory birds in the winter. The sanctuary is divided into five sections and includes two important lakes within its premises. Both of these lakes offer boating and are popular spots for tourists. The sanctuary also has a toy train, providing fun rides for visitors. The lakes are perfect picnic spots.
Unakoti
- Location: 175 km from Agartala.
- Significance: An ancient site dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Unique Feature: Rock-cut sculptures and carvings.
- Historical Period: Believed to be from the 8th or 9th century.
Unakoti is situated about 175 kilometers from the city and is known for its stunning rock-cut sculptures and carvings made from gemstones. According to archaeologists, this site was a sacred place around the 8th or 9th century. It is especially dedicated to the devotees of Lord Shiva and holds great historical and mythological significance.
It is home to a large number of gemstone sculptures. Ancient mythological tales surrounding this place are very captivating and keep visitors intrigued.
Buddha Temple
- Location: Central Agartala.
- Religious Significance: Important Buddhist site in India.
- Features: Statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva.
- Origin: Statues are believed to be of Burmese origin, brought in 1946.
The Buddha Temple, located in the center of the city, is also referred to as the Buddha Mandir. It is one of the most important religious centers in India and serves as proof of the power and presence of Buddhism in the world. The temple houses two stunning statues of Bodhisattva and Buddha. These beautiful and serene idols are believed to be of Burmese origin and were brought from the royal palace in 1946.
The atmosphere around the temple is peaceful, and the beautiful flower beds and lawns that surround it attract visitors to relax, refresh, and spend quality time.
Thus, the tourist attractions in Agartala consist of temples, palaces, wildlife sanctuaries, and scenic hills that draw the attention of thousands of tourists throughout the year.
