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Tripura, the land of History and Legends


TOURIST PLACE IN TRIPURA

   The best season for touring in Tripura is October to March. Those who wants to enjoy the rain may travel in the months of June to August. Mode of reaching to Tripura: There are three ways to reach to Tripura. First is by Road ways.  From Guwahati via Shilong one can reach to Agartala, the state capital and main business center. Second mode is to travel by Indian Rail ways from Guwahati up to Dharmanagar-Kumarghat. From there by road up to Agartala.

 Third means of commuting is by Indian air lines. There are two approaches one is from Kolkata to Agartala and another is through Guwahati to Agartala. The flight fare is subsidized like most of the North-Eastern states. Air lines like Air India, Deccan, Kingfisher, Indigo, Jet Air, etc are flying every day with day above destination. 

For information and Reservation the contact address:

Tourism wing, information, cultural affairs and tourism Department, Swet Mohol.

Agartala, Tel : (0381) 22-5930/22-3893
Fax : 0381-32-5823

Important tourist destination:

Agartala:
Once a good hunting ground, Agartala became the capital of the state during the time of Maharaja Krishnakishore Manikya (1830-50). It has remained since then the seat of the state headquarters. A few places of interest in and around the town are:
It is the biggest town and business center and  the capital of the state of Tripura. the town is very beautiful and well planned. It is called Aguli by the Tripuris. The present Agartala was founded as the new capital of Tripura in the year 1844 by the king Maharaj Krishno Kishore Manikya from its earlier place of Old Agartala, which is located in the East and south bank of the rive Saidra(Howra). The palace of Manikya dynasty of royal of Tripura, the Ujjayanta Palace is one of the most beautiful palace of the than princely states of India though the palace is not so big as compare to other palaces. The palace was built in the year 1899 by the king of Tripura Radhakishore Manikya Bahadur. The architect of the palace was Sir Alexander Martin and built by Messer's Martin &co. The Centenary Celebration of the Ujjayanta palace  had been organized in the year 2001 from January the 26th –30th.

Ujjayanta Palace:
Situated in the heart of the town and covering an area of about half a square mile this palace is a two-storied mansion having a mixed architecture with three domes, the central one being 86 feet high. The construction of this beautiful, well-balanced royal palace was undertaken in 1899 and completed in 1901 at a cost of a little over Rs 10 lakhs. The two large tanks on two sides with the approach road in between them and the well-laid out gardens around the palace with water courses and fountains patterned on the Mughal gardens have added beauty to it. The main block of the palace covers about 80 acres and contains halls like the Throne Room, the Durbar Hall, Library, Study, the Reception Hall, etc. which were furnished with objects of art, curios, chandeliers, etc. A few old manuscripts, books, artistic hand I crafts, musical instruments and some old armouries like (lie historical sword presented to Govinda Manikya by Sultan Suja were some of the many collections that were once on display in different rooms of the palace. A few more blocks, viz., Swet Mahal used as the guest-house, the Banquet Hall, Lal Mahal etc. were subsequently constructed. The palace has been acquired by the state government and now houses the Legislative Assembly, besides a few government offices. This is going to be made states national museum as per the agreement by ATTF, when Assembly hall would be shifted to new Assembly hall being constructed at new capital complex in Khejur bagan.

   It has a great architectural assimilation of Greek, Roman, and Mogul style. It bears the Royal history Tripura, witnesses its glorious heritage.

Kunjaban Palace:
Within a mile of the Ujjayanta Palace and to the north stands a picturesque hillock known as Kunjaban. The palace there was built by Maharaja Birendrakishore Manikya (1909-23) who was a good artist and is said to have prepared himself the plan of the palace and the adjoining gardens. The spot-also selected by the Maharaja himself-was considered ideal for relaxation and pleasure strolls in those days. The palace constructed there was used as such, viz., for retreats and relaxation of the Maharajas and their guests. Rabindranath during his seventh and last visit to Agartala in 1926 stayed in the eastern apartment of this palace. One could get a distant view of the Baramura Hills on the eastern horizon from the round verandah, attached to this eastern part. This verandah has been the site where from a few popular songs (all incorporated in the Vaikali series) have been composed. The palace has since been taken over by the state government, and is now used as the official residence of the Governor of the state. Kunjavan Palace, the palace  is situated in the North side of the city in a small hillock. It is ovular shaped and it is housing at present the Governor of Tripura, it is also beautiful palace, on the East side of the palace is the famous Malancha Nivas. There are under ground rooms also in the Nivas.

Malancha Nivas:
This was a luxury resort cum rest house of the Manikya Dynasty, the Tripuri Kings. This is situated in the north-east side of Kunjavan palace. This nivas or resort have under ground tunnel surrounding it and the exit point of it is towards the east of the building for the safe escape in case of emergency. This was also used as the guest house for the royal guests. Famous poet of Bengal and philosopher Rabindra Nath Tagore visited six times in Tripura during his life time, more than any states or place ever visited by Gurudev. When he visited the state, it was this lonely isolated palace where he used to stay, as its serene beauty was utmost conducive atmosphere for creating various literary works.

 Jagannath Temple:
Situated near Kunjaban palace, the temple not only attracts the Hindus, but also many others because of its peculiar structure which is octagonal at the basement, and has an excellent pradakshinapatha round the sanctum. "Every pillar of the octagon is crowned by a square pyramidal cone rising above a multifoil niche which comes at the level of the terrace. The Sikhara is a stepped octagonal pyramid rising in four storeys above the vertical portion over the terrace. An elevation like this reminds one of a steeple which would throw down snow whenever it fell. A construction like this would perhaps suggest a snowy Himalayan origin, as in these parts it would have no meaning in the physical environment."

Among other places of interest in and around Agartala, mention may be made of the Maharaja Bir Bikram College campus, the Government Museum, the Craft Teachers' Training Institute, and the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan. Other important land marks for the tourist are the state Museum, situated in the center of the city. It contains the  many archeological findings of  Tripura, the Royal belongings,  dresses & uniforms,  weapon, coins, and many other  worth seeing.

 The M.B.B. College, founded by the last but one King of Tripura, Maharaja Bir Bikrom Kishore Manikya Bahadur. It is the biggest college of the state, located in the south part of the city, in the hillock. It is very beautiful and well maintained. It has all the discipline and post graduate courses.

Old or Puran Agartala:
It was the capital of Tripura since the time of Maharaja Krishna Manikya (1760-83) who shifted the capital from Udaipur to this place in the face of continued hostility with Samsher Gazi who attacked Udaipur in 1748. One, therefore, still witnesses the ruins of the old palace of the rajas and some Mathas erected on the pyres of the members of the royal family.

Chaturdasa Devata Mandir at Old Agartala :
The temple (popularly called Chaudda Devata Mandir) situated at a distance of about 8 km from Agartala town houses the fourteen god-heads identified with Siva, Durga, Han or Vishnu, Ma or Lakshmi, Vani or Saraswati, Kumar or Kartikeya, Ganapa or Ganesha, Brahma, Prithivi, Abdhi or Samudra, Ganga, Sikhi or Agni, Kamadeva and Himadri. They are regarded as the presiding deities of the royal house and worshipped by the Cantais, the priests of the Tripuris. But, in fact, the Chaudda Devata or fourteen gods have now become the presiding deities of the local people, including the immigrants. Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple each year on the occasion of Kharchi puja which usually falls in the month of Ashada (June-July), It is situated in old Agartala, the past capital of the state. Every year during the month of June-July the 'Kharchi' puja is celebrated in this temple. Lacks of people both Tripuris and non-Tripuris alike gather here to do puja and offerings. It is one of the festival which though is of Tripuris but had been turned as true Tripura festival. The fourteen Gods are worshipped during these seven days. Many He-goats ship, buffalo etc are offered here to  the gods.

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Shipahijola Forest Resort:
Half-an-hour drive from Agartala through an attractive forest, flowerage greenery and rubber plantation, the area now serves as a beautiful picnic spot. It holds various animals and birds, rare snakes, and big lakes around the animal sanctuary. This is a wild life sanctuary and beautiful picnic and tourist spot. There is also a lake surrounded by hills on both sides. This is about 22 km. from Agartala.

Brhmakunda:
It is about 48 km north of Agartala on way to Simna, the place has acquired prominence both as a holy place as well as tourist spot. A Shiva temple and a holy pool where devotees take their sacred bath are the two main centres of attraction. Besides Melas (fairs) held twice in a year, usually in April and November add further attraction to a large number of faithftils. On either side of the road leading to Brhmakunda lies the vast stretch of tea gardens adding a splash of greenery and making the road journey delightful and captivating.

Tirtharnukh: Dombur:
In Amarpur subdivision, Tirthamukha is so-called as it is near the Dumbur falls which is the source of the river Gomati- considered as the most holy river by the Tripuri. Every year thousands of pilgrims visit the place-about 117 km away from Agartala-on the occasion of Uttarayan Sankranti for a holy dip. A mela is held on this occasion, and the Tripuri make their annual purchases there. It is an important tourist and religious place of Tripura. there is a water fall called in the above name. Every year in the month of mid- January a fair is organized in this site for seven conteneous days. The Tripuis of all clans gather here to pay their last respect to their departed near and dear ones in the 'Hangrai' day which fall arround on 14th of January. The evening are full of cultural programmes which lasts through out the nights. There is also dam at Dombur hydroelectric power, a boating is a popular attraction for the tourists.
A hydro-electric power generating station has been set up there. Its reservoir-about 40 sq. km in size-is dotted with mini islands where coconut, orange, pine apple and lichi plants add beauty to them. It is enchanting to take voyage and go down for a while to the lake in boats in a moonlit night or in the evening. A tourist lodge has been built in the area.

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Jampui Hill:
Conspicuous for its highest peak Belting Sib and spread over in thick green undulations, Jampui Hill is better known for its enchanting landscape and bracing climate. To its north is Sylhet (in Bangladesh) and to the south lies the Langten range of Chittagong (also in Bangladesh). Jampui range stands as the natural boundary between the two adjoining states of Tripura and Mizoram.

The inhabitants of the hill are Riang subtribes of Tripuri people, Sikams who have settled there in ten villages, namely, Fuldang Sai, Chhabwal, Tiang Sang, Bangla Ban, Behhang Chhip, Vanghmun, Tlakshi, Hmunpui, Hmung huang and Bhai Sum. These villages are situated at different heights on the hill. Graceful and hospitable the Mizos are fairly educated (compared to other tribes of the state) and arc mostly Christians. Good quality oranges are grown here and they are in high demand for their taste and juice. Two important markets in the area are Kanchanpur and Dasda Bazar. From the latter the foothill is about 10 km and Agartala is 218 km. For its charming landscape and invigorating climate the area has earned the distinction of becoming one of the few tourist  spots in the state. The view of the landscape from its peak looks exceedingly beautiful. The famous bamboo dance of the  Mizos breaks the monotony of a humdrum life and lends warmth, colour and vigour to it.

The Betling Sib is the highest peak in Tripura and situated in the Jampui hill. There is a temple  of Siva once constructed by, Jhujharufa, Kings of Tripura some 1400 years back. It is a Linga, considered as Holy by the Tripuri people.

Pancharthal:
Developing fast as an important local market for jhum products as well as for Jampui oranges, Pancharthal is located on the Assam-Agartala road at a distance of about 128 km away from Agartala town. An important attraction to the visitor is a big-sized brass image of Lord Buddha in sitting posture.

Unakoti Tirtha:
Situated at a distance of about 177 km from Agartala and about five miles from Kailasahar, sub-divisional headquarter of the state, this holy shrine in the hilly part nestles in the lap of picturesque hills with an unending spell of luxuriant green vegetation around it. In its rocky walls are found numerous rock-cut images scattered on either side of the hill track. "Among the rock-cut figures, the Central Siva head and the gigantic Ganesa figures deserve special mention. The Central Siva head, known as Unakotisvara Kal Bhairava is about 30 feet high, including the embroidered head dress, which is 10 feet in height. Three enormous images of a bull are found half-buried in the ground. On each side of the head-dress of the Central Siva, there were two full-sized female figures. The figure of Durga standing on a lion and another female figure are found carved on the rocky wall above. Two other gigantic heads of Siva and Durga attract notice if one stands on the terminus of the new road leading to Unakoti. Among the images, particular mention of two Chaturmukha and one Trimukha lingas, the former found on the bank of the stream and the latter at some height on the hill, may be made for their fine execution. At the top of hill images of Vishnu, Panchamukha, Ravana, Hara-Gouri, Narasingha, seated Ganesa, Hanumana etc. are found.

Archaeologists maintain that these images may be dated sometime not earlier than the llth-l2th centuries. Many more images are, however, yet to be identified. A big mela (fair)-popularly known as "Ashokastami Mela" is held every year at Unakoti sometime in spring. Thousands of pilgrims gather to offer Puja at this tirtha which is considered one of the most sacred pilgrim centres in Eastern India.

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Nirmahal:
One of the finest beauty spots of the state, this once-beautiful lake is situated at distance of about 53km from Agartala.  The palace is situated in the mid of a big lake called Rudra Sagar. To approach the palace one has to ferry by boat. There is a state tourist lodge named 'Sagar  Mahal', situated in the East bank of the  Rudro Sagor, facing the palace. The palace and the lake is worth seeing and visiting. Night halt and spent on the site is desirable. The rent of the guest house is affordable. The palace is so called as it is surrounded on all sides by a big lake called Rudra Sagar. The scenic beauty of the lake attracted Bir Bikramkishore Manikya (1927-47) so much that he built a spectacular palace at the centre of the lake itself and named it as Nirmahal (or palace in water). Although the building is now in a dilapidated condition and requires immediate renovation if the area is to serve as an important tourist spot, even today the place looks attractive particularly on a moonlit night. The vast stretch of the lake reflects light which make it feel of dream land. Neermahal, Literally 'neermahal' means 'palace in water' or 'floating palace' and it is also one of the Tripura's Royal Heritage. Situated in the town of Melaghor, about 55 km. from Agartala. The palace was built by king Moharaja Bir Bikrom Kishore Manikyo Bahadur in 1939 A.D. It is 400 meter long palace and has 24 rooms. The palace was used as summer resort  by the King Bir Bikrom.

UDAIPUR

 It was the capital of Tripura for more than a millennium. It has lost its significance as the capital when the capital of Tripura was shifted to old Agatala by Maharaj Krishna Manikya about 240 years ago. The old name of Udaipur was Rangamati, which was changed to Udaipur by king Udai Manikya by his name.

The most important site of the city is Tripura Sundari Temple. The significance of the temple is both religious and historical. It has been accounted as pilgrimage by the  people of Tripura, had become a popular tourist attraction. The deity of the temple is Kali considered as one of the 51 pithas . The Tripuris called the deity as Ama. As per Hindu mythology, it is considered that the left leg of Kali fell at the site of the temple. Maharaj Dhonya Manikya built the temple in 1501A.D. There is a big pond 'Kalyansagar' on the East side of the temple.

   There are many ruined buildings, palaces, temples, lakes, scattered all arround the city.  Some of the ruins of the palaces were of Chharta Manikya or Nakshatra Manikya, Udai Manikya, and Hirapur.  Some of the important temples are Mohadev bari, Gopinath temple, Vishnu temple, Jagannath bari, Hari mandir, Nager dol, Dutyar bari, Bhuvaneshwar temple,  Gunabati temple, temple of fourteen gods. A fair number of the temple are in extinct, some are worn out conditions.

   The history of the Udaipur will remain incomplete unless the ponds are mentioned. It would not be over emphasized if Udoipur is termed as Lake town. Some of the important ponds are Amor Sagor, Dhonya sagor, Jagannath Dighi, Bijoy Sagor, Chondro Sagor, Chhotro Sagor,  Kolyansagor, Buria, Dhormo Sagor, Ram Sagor, Mohendro Sagor, Nanuar Sagor. Apart from these there are many small and medium sixe ponds still bearing the testimony of the golden  Royal history of Tripura of Manikya Dynasty. Some of them to name are Kumari Dhepa, Sotyo Nazirer Dighi, Maighya Dighi, Tal Puskuruni, Chontai Dighi, to name a few. Many of the ponds may have extinct today by the passage of time and unauthorised human occupation.

Since Udaipur was capital town of Tripura for a long time, many temples had been built there at various intervals in the past. On account of numbers there is no other town in Tripura consisting of so many temples. So, quite obviously Udaipur is also referred to as the Town of Temples'.

Wasn't there any temple at Udaipur prior to the Tripura Sundari Temple? Such a curiosity is quite natural. Because, Udaipur (formerly Rangamati)* came up as the capital 911 years before the temple was built. In this intermediary period many rulers had governed the state and there must have been temple for worship too, but no such evidences have been found. Though in the contrary, many evidences in the form of coins have been discovered that bear the testimony that the rulers of Tripura had always been very religious. Few Brahmins said to have come from Bengal during the reign of Ratna Manikya-I (according to Rajmala). But now one won't find a single temple of that era. Many historical evidences are at hand that testitj that Chaturdash Devta had been worshipped for many years in the state, but there is no existence of such an old Chaturdash Devta temple at Udaipur.

But, one must admit that only from the time of Dhanya Manikya, a new trend has been set in the history of temple construction. Thereafter, many more temples and places of worship had been raised by rulers at different period. Out of those, some are completely ruined and some are in dilapidated condition. Probably, few have become extinct in course of time. Nevertheless, it is true that the present day temples at Udaipur belong to the time of Dhanya Manikya and his successors.

 In 1464 AD. Maharaja Ratna Manikya renamed the capital Rangamati' to 'Ratnapur'. In 1567 AD., Suba Gopi Prasad endorsing the name Udai Manikya, ascended the throne and changed the name Ratnapur to 'Udaipur'. History of 'Udaipur' spans 434 years. and before that 'Ratnapur' had a history of 104 years. But even before that Rangamati' had a very old history.

Tripurasundari Temple (Udaipur):
The temple is considered to be one of the oldest Pithasthan, Tripurasundari temple at Udaipur consists of a square type sanctum of the typical Tripuri-hut-type above which rises a conical dome with a continuous series of low niches at the base simulating lotus leaves. On this rises the amalaka which has been made elongated in order to conform to the shape of a cone.

Built in A.D. 1501 by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, the temple was subsequently repaired by Maharaja Rama Manikya in A.D. 1681 when it was damaged by lightning, and again by Maharaja Radhakishore Mănikya in the beginning of the present century. The goddess Tripurasundari is the tutelary deity of the royal family. The temple is also called Matabari. A big fair is held at this place on the occasion of Diwali.

In and around Udaipur town are found the ruins of a few temples of which mention may be made of Jagannath temple, Bhubaneswari temple, Gunavati temple, Dutiya group of temples as well as Govinda Manikya' s (A.D. 1660-75) palace. Most of the temples were constructed during the 16th and 17th centuries on the south-west bank of Jagannath temple, which is a rare specimen of temple architecture in Tripura. Opinions differ about the time in which the temple was erected. One opinion based on the temple inscription is that it was built and dedicated to Lord Vishnu jointly by Maharaja Govinda Manikya and his younger brother Jagannath Deva sometime in A.D. 1661. Another opinion is that the temple was built at the time of Maharaja Vijay Manikya (A.D. 1529-60) who got the image of Lord Jagannath installed in the temple. On the right bank of the river Gomati are found the ruins of Govinda Manikya's palace as well as Bhubaneswari temple- both built by him. On the eastern part of the town of Udaipur lies the ruins of Gunavati temples named after the wife of Govinda Manikya, the queen Gunavati.

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