Tripura: Wonders of the hidden gem of Northeast India
Home to 19 tribal communities, Tripura boasts a cultural heritage brimming with diverse rituals, beliefs and festivals (Photo: Tripura Tourism)
Nestled in the far reaches of North Eastern India, on the eastern border between Bangladesh and India, Tripura is a hidden gem surrounded by lush evergreen forests and stunning mountain ranges. This erstwhile princely state boasts breath-taking natural splendour, vibrant culture and a rich heritage that captivate all visitors.
Home to 19 tribal communities, Tripura boasts a cultural heritage brimming with diverse rituals, beliefs and festivals. Its relatively poor accessibility from other parts of the country means fewer tourists, allowing visitors to explore its pristine landscapes and experience its unique treasures away from the crowds.
Must-visit attractions
Start your journey in the captivating city of Agartala, nestled on the banks of River Haorah. The capital of the state offers visitors a chance to experience a blend of rich heritage and natural beauty in a laidback setting, far away from the hustle of cities.
Agartala is known for its heritage sites dating back over a century, including the former royal palace, Ujjayanta (Photo: Tripura Tourism)
Agartala, second largest city in North East India, is known for its heritage sites dating back over a century, including the former royal palace, Ujjayanta. Today, the palace-turned-museum houses a magnificent display of art, cultural and lifestyle artefacts. Agartala also boasts numerous temples noted for their stunning architecture and unique traditions, such as the Laxminarayan Temple, Uma Maheswar Temple and the Jagannath Temple.
In Agartala you can also visit Malancha Niwas, a beautiful bungalow constructed on a hillock where Nobel Laureate and the National Poet of India Rabindranath Tagore stayed in 1919, and the Tripura Heritage Park which is home to a wide variety of indigenous plants and trees and miniatures of nine heritage sites of the state including the Neer Mahal, Tripurasundari Temple, Debtamura hill sculptures, archaeological relics of Pilak and Chandrapur Mosque, amongst others.
From Agartala, head out to Jampui Hills, a scenic five-hour drive through lush green landscapes dotted with tea, coffee and rubber plantations. This picturesque route promises a refreshing experience, perfect for those seeking to connect with nature.
In addition to the beautiful plantations, stowed away in the hills lies one of the most iconic and revered sites of Tripura, Unakoti, which means one less than a crore or 10 million. Unakoti is known to be the pilgrimage site of Shiva, a Hindu deity. The site is said to have 9,99,9999 stone images and carvings beautifully landscaped by the surrounding forests and waterfalls.
Every year in April, Unakoti comes alive with hundreds of pilgrims flocking to the site to attend Ashokasthami, a religious festival that involves pilgrims taking a dip in the Ashtami Kund, a natural spring-fed reservoir. The celebration also includes a grand carnival decorated with colourful arches, gates, and stalls showcasing Tripura’s culture. A stage is also set up for local troops to perform for visitors.
Unakoti is known to be the pilgrimage site of Shiva, a Hindu deity (Photo: Tripura Tourism)
Pilak is another must-visit attraction in Tripura, located about 110 km south of Agartala. This archaeological site features relics of Hindu deities and images of Mahayana Buddhist dating back to the 8th century nestled in the forests of Jolaibari district in southern Tripura.
Other notable attractions of Tripura include the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the rare dusky leaf monkeys, and Neer Mahal, an erstwhile palace which bears striking resemblance to the Jag Niwas Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
Tripura’s culinary delights
Much like its stunning landscapes and rich heritage the unique cuisine of Tripura also remains relatively unexplored. The cuisine generally mild in flavour is heavily influenced by the regions fishing traditions, its neighbour Bangladesh along with Bengali and Chinese flavours.
Bhangui, a unique recipe of Tripura’s delectable cuisine (Photo: Tripura Tourism)
Some of Tripura’s delectable dishes include Mui Borok, a traditional dish prepared with berma or fermented fish and sautéed vegetables, Bhangui, sundried rice cooked with ginger, onions and ghee cooked inside a tender banana leaf, and Mosdeng Serma, spicy tomato sauce which is a perfect accompaniment to pork dishes and steamed rice. Another one of Tripura’s culinary highlights is its authentic, freshly brewed rice beer, Chauk.
Whether drawn to rich culture, breath-taking landscapes, thrilling adventures, heritage, wildlife, or delectable cuisine, the hidden gem of Tripura promises visitors a diverse and unforgettable travel experience.
