Location:
Remotest Part Of The Northeast
Region
Capital:
Agartala
Tourist
Attractions: Neer Mahal,
Tripurasundari
Best Time
To Visit: October To May |
Tourism in
Tripura
The erstwhile princely state of Tripura
joined the Indian Republic as a state on
January 21, 1972. Bounded on the north,
west, south and southeast by Bangladesh, it
has a common boundary with Assam and Mizoram
in the east. Tripura is mainly a hilly
territory with altitudes varying from 50 to
3,080 ft above sea level, though the major
population of the state lives in the plains.
Places Of Interest
Agartala, the picturesque capital, with its
beautiful palaces, gardens, hills, temples
and lakes is best place to start the tourist
journey of the state. Scenic Tirthamulkh
with its lakes, waterfalls and reservoir is
worth a visit. Pilak Pather and Lungthung
are virtual treasure troves for those,
historically inclined. Jampol hills,
Rudrasagar and Neer Mahal - the lake cities,
Sepahijala - the wildlife sanctuary, and the
temples in and around Udaipur, are the other
major places of interest in this tiny state.
Agartala
Agartala, is a laid back place reminiscent
of towns in Bangladesh, just 2-km away. This
capital also has one of the loveliest State
Assembly buildings (once the palace) similar
to Kolkata's Victoria Memorial. Quaint brick
bungalows surrounded by bougainvillea hedges
and bright cannas, golden laburnum trees
lining the streets give Agartala's outskirts
an attractive appearance.
Ties With Bengal
The reason Tripura is a different
Northeastern state is dictated by its
history. Tucked away in a corner of the
northeast, its closest ties are with Bengal.
Maharaja Birchandra Manikya, who came to the
throne in 1870 and was heavily influenced
both culturally and spiritually by Bengal -
and by his close relationship with
Rabindranath Tagore - established Bengali as
the language of the court. Today, the
majority of the population is Bengali,
despite the 19 Scheduled Tribes forming a
major chunk.
Tribal Culture &
Lifestyles
The tribals, with a rich and varied culture,
belong mainly to the Reang, Chakma, Halam
and Usai communities. Music and dance are an
integral part of their lives. 'Garia' dances
held for the prosperity of the people;
dances of the Reang community; 'Bizu' dances
by the Chakmas denoting the end of the
Bengali calendar year; 'Hai Hak' dances of
the Halams and the Cheraw dance associated
with the confinement of Lusai woman, are
examples. 'Basanta Raas' is the charming
dance of the Hindu Manipuris, in Tripura.
Handicrafts Galore
Simple materials such as bamboo, cane, palm
leaves and ordinary yarn are used to create
a fascinating variety of handiwork.
Intricately designed handlooms and silk,
cane and bamboo works are the main
industries. Furniture, toys, objects of
daily utility such as lampshades, baskets,
calendars, ivory work and Tripuran tribal
jewellery, make shopping here a fantastic
experience.
Festivals
The main festivals of Tripura are the Durga
Puja (at the time of Dussehra), Karchi Puja,
Diwali, Dol Jatra (Holi), Pous Sankranti,
Ashokashtmi and Buddha Jayanti, Id,
Christmas and New Year. The 'Garia', 'Ker
Ganga' and 'Gajan' festivals are important
tribal festivities. During Ashokashtmi there
are special celebrations at Unnakoti. The
Fourteen Goddess Temple in Old Agartala
attracts a lot of visitors for its Karchi
Puja, and so does Tirthamukh on the occasion
of the Pous Sankranti Mela. Other festivals
are the Rabindra/Nazrul Festival in May, the
Boat Race at Melaghar in August, the Orange
and Tourism festival in the Jampui Hill
range in November.
CLIMATE
Characterised by moderate temperatures and
highly humid atmosphere, Tripura is best
visited after the southwest monsoons in
October. Temperature varies between 10°C to
35 °C; Average Annual Rain Fall 2,100 mm;
Highest Rain Fall 2,855 mm (Kamalpur);
Lowest rainfall 1,811 mm (Sonamura).
TOURIST INFORMATION
State Resident Commissioner, Tripura Bhavan,
Kautilya Marg, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi.
Tripura Tourism, Ujjayanta Palace, Eastern
Wing, Agartala
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India
Travel Guide / States / Tripura Travel Guide
