Agartala, the capital city of Tripura, lies barely 2 km from the Bangladesh
border and 3 hours by road from Dacca. The city has beautiful palaces, gardens,
hills, temples and lakes, which fascinate visitors with their perfection.
The red government buildings are a study in contrast against the remarkably
white old British buildings still in existence, notably the Maharaja’s
Palace. Agartala is struggling to keep pace with its essential services vastly
outstripped by an increasing population.
History
Agartala was once part of a Hindu kingdom, until the state was taken over
by the Mughals in 1733. The British took over the reigns of governance in
1808 and Tripura was a princely state until 1956, when it became a Union Territory.
When Tripura gained statehood in 1972, Agartala became the state capital.
Places to See
Ujjayanta Palace
Queen of Mahmud Shah Begda built this beautiful mosque in 1514. After the
death of Rani Sipri, she was buried in the premises of the mosque. This small
mosque is also known as the Masjid-e-Nagira (Jewel of a Mosque) because of
its extremely graceful and well-executed design. Its slender minarets blend
Hindu and Islamic style. It is said to have been commissioned in 1514 by the
wife of Sultan Mahmud Begada after he executed their son for some minor misdemeanor.
Kunjaban Palace
The Pratap Villas built as the residence of the royal family, is an extravagant
and flamboyant building in the Indo - Sarcenic style, housing a collection
of old armory and sculptures in bronze, marble and terra-cotta. It was built
according to foreign architecture, but the carvings on it are very much Indian.
It was built as a mimic of Victoria Memorial Building of Calcutta but the
domes built on it are according to Indian architecture, out of which 3 domes
are made of glass. Carvings of creepers, flowers, leaves, birds and animals
on the columns make the palace lively. To add to its beauty are the balconies
in the palace.
Fourteen Goddess Temple
The temple is located about 14 kms from Agartala at a place called the old
Agartala, thus called because the capital was temporarily shifted to this
place while Maharaja Krishna Manikya was at war with Shamser Gazi. The famous
Kharchi Festival celebrated here, annually, during the month of July attracts
thousands of pilgrims.
Sepahijala
25 kms from Agartala on Agartala-Udaipur main road. This sanctuary located
amidst the Charilam Reserve Forest, covers 18 sq kms area and is now a national
park. A reservoir of about 150 species of birds, the spectacled monkey is
the major attraction of this area and a drive through the dense forest, ride
on the toy train and pedal boating in the expansive lake make this a unique
tourist spot. It is thickly vegetated with a variety of forest species. There
is also a lake inside which is spread over an area of 3 sq. km. with boating
facilities. Deers are also spotted here. A Zoo, lake, botanical garden, boating
facilities are other attractions of this area. A forest Dak Bungalow within
the premises of the sanctuary called Abasarika offers fine accommodation.
The Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary is also a place of tourist attraction. Bison
is a good sight of this place, apart from the other animals in this zoo.
Excursion
Neermahal
53km to the south of Agartala is the water-palace, Neermahal, built in 1930
in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake. Singing boatmen will row you across the
lake to the palace, which is a fairy tale delight in striking white and red.
The palace has towers, open pavilions, summerhouses and little bridges, making
it a great place to explore. Presently being restored, this palace is particularly
beautiful at night with the floodlights lit. There is a tourist lodge on the
lake that provides basic accommodation and has a decent restaurant.
Debtamura
It is located at a distance of about 75 km from Agartala, on the banks of
the river Gomati, between Udaipur and Amarpur. These are carved with images
of Hindu Gods like Shiva, Vishnu, Kartik, Mahisasur, Mardini Durga and other
deities. These images date back to the 15th and 16th century.
Unakoti
Located at a distance of about 178 km from Agartala and is a pilgrimage site
for Shiva worship. It dates back to the 8th and 9th century. It is surrounded
by waterfalls on all sides. In the center is a 30-feet-high statue of Lord
Shiva who is called Unakotishwara Kal Bhairava. The main attraction of this
place is the Ashokasthami festival, held every year in the month of April.
Pilak
Located at a distance of about 100 km from Agartala and is famous for its
carvings in stone and terracotta plaques. These belong to the 8th and 9th
century and are spread within an area of 10 sq. km. There are mammoth stone
images of Narasimha and Avlokiteshwara to be seen here.
Mata Tripureshwari Temple
An important pilgrimage point for the Hindus is the Mata Tripureshwari Temple,
which is among the 51 pitha stalas according to the Hindu mythology. It is
situated at a distance of 58 km from Agaratala. It houses the statue of Goddess
Kali. Since it is in the form of a tortoise, it is also called the Kurma Pith.
Chaturdas Devta Bari Temple
At a distance of about 14 km from Agartala is located the Chaturdas Devta
Bari Temple. The famous tribal festival of Karachi is a major attraction of
this temple and is held in the month of July annually.
Maa Bhubaneshwari Temple
The Temple was built on the right banks of the Gomti River by Maharaja Govinda
Manikya in the 17th century. The Buddha Vihar on Airport Road is in the North
of the city and houses the Burmese statues of Lord Buddha. Other important
temples of Agartala are Lakshmi Narayan temple, Jagannath temple, Uma Maheshwari
temple, and Durga temple.
Jampui Hills
Located at a distance of about 200 km from Agartala and is famous as the land
of the permanent spring. It is at a range of about 300 ft above sea level.
The place is known for its natural splendor and serene atmosphere.
Udaipur
Located 55 km south is the city of lakes, Udaipur, which is known for its
Mahadev temple and Tripura Sundari temple.
Also nearby Agartala are the Sepajhila wildlife sanctuary and Krishna wildlife
sanctuary. Dumboor, a locale of abundant natural gaiety, is 100 km from Agartala
and is famous for its lake and Sankranti Mela held in January. In the vicinity,
one can find the temple of Lake Kamlasagar.
Dining Out
There is little choice as far as eating out is concerned. Hotels have restaurants
attached to them and primarily serve Indian food. There are no bars or pubs
– drinking is restricted to one’s home or exclusive clubs.
Shopping
Agartala is renowned for its excellent hand woven cotton fabrics; indeed weaving
is a widespread, household occupation among the tribal people. This is the
place to buy all sorts of woven material with colourful and unusual tribal
motifs. The other worthwhile products are cane and bamboo furniture, woodcarvings
and decorative handicrafts like lampshades, toys and tribal jewelry.
Visiting
Agartala is best visited from October to May. Rains from June to September
often disrupt life and vital communications.
How to get there
By Air : There are flights from Kolkata (daily) and Guwahati
(tri-weekly) to Agartala. The airport is 5 km away from Agartala city and
taxis and autos transport you to the city.
ByTrain : Kumarghat, 140 km away, is the nearest rail station.
But Kumarghat is insurgency prone so check the current situation before going
there. From Kumarghat you can take a bus to Agartala. Buses usually travel
in convoys with armed escorts.
By Road : It takes 3 hours to drive from Dacca, the capital of Bangladesh,
to Agartala. The checkpoint between the two countries of India and Bangladesh
is at Akhaura Junction, 2km from Agartala.
Roads link the neighbouring states to Agartala. Direct buses from Guwahati
(25 hours) and Silchar (12 hours) ply regularly. You may even hire 4WDs but
buses are definitely safer because they move with armed escorts.
