TripuraThings to do

Things to do in Tripura

  1. Tripura Sundari Mandir

    When Sati’s toes fell on Kolkata, her divine right leg dropped on Matabari. This gruesome legend is piously celebrated at the Tripura Sundari Mandir, a 1501 Kali temple where a steady stream of pilgrims make almost endless animal sacrifices that leave the grounds as bloody as the temple’s vivid-red shikhara (Buddhist monastery). Even more people come here at the big Diwali festival (October/November) to bathe in the fish-filled tank by the temple. The temple is 100m east of the NH44, 4km south of Udaipur.

    reviewed

  2. Neermahal

    Tripura’s most iconic building, the 1930 Neermahal, is a long, red-and-white water palace, empty, but shimmering on its own boggy island in the lake of Rudra Sagar. Like its counterpart in Rajasthan’s Udaipur, this was a princely exercise in aesthetics; the finest craftsmen building a summer palace of luxury in a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. The delightful waterborne approach by speed boat (passenger/boat Rs. 15/300) or fancy rowboat (passenger/boat Rs. 15/75) is the most enjoyable part of visiting.

    reviewed

  3. A

    Ujjayanta Palace

    Agartala's indisputable centrepiece is the striking, dome-capped Ujjayanta Palace. Flanked by two large reflecting ponds, the whitewashed 1901 edifice was built by Tripura's 182nd Maharaja. It looks particularly impressive floodlit at night, a spectacle that strollers can enjoy for just one hour daily, entering from the relatively grand south gate. To see the palace's comparatively unspectacular interior (now the Tripura state assembly chamber), sign in between 14:30 and 15:00, weekdays (admission free) then report to the caretaker.

    reviewed

  4. B

    Tripura Government Museum

    The small Tripura Government Museum has a variety of tribal displays plus some interesting musical instruments made from bamboo. Several royal mausoleums are decaying quietly on the riverbank behind Batala market. Be discreet as it’s also the burning ghats (crematorium).

    reviewed

  5. Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary

    Southern Tripura’s best known sights can be combined into a long day trip from Agartala. All transport passes the gates of Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, a local picnic and boating spot famous for its spectacled monkeys.

    reviewed

  6. C

    Jagannath Mandir

    Of four Hindu temples around the Ujjayanta Palace compound, the most fanciful is Jagannath Mandir. Its massive sculptured portico leads into a complex with wedding-cake architecture painted in ice-cream sundae colours.

    reviewed

  7. D

    Restaurant Kurry Klub

    Very tasty food served in a small dining room whose decor would be rather striking if only the lighting was improved. If you’re staying in the Hotel [Hotel Welcome Palace] , room service is faster and beers can be acquired.

    reviewed

  8. E

    Chaturdasha Devata Mandir

    Nothing much remains of Tripura's second capital, Old Agartala, 7km east down AA Rd (the NH44) at Kayerpur, though the small, pointy Chaturdasha Devata Mandir hosts a big seven-day Kharchi Puja festival in July.

    reviewed

  9. F

    Abhishek Restaurant

    Reliable food served either on an inviting outdoor terrace or in a marine-themed dining room with good AC. A prawn curry comes with one large prawn. ‘Very expensive, sah’, the waiter explained.

    reviewed

  10. G

    Restaurant Rajdhani

    Playful fake-forest décor and a birds-eye view on the palm-framed palace add to the pleasure of fine Indian and Chinese cuisine. The chicken dopiaza includes half a hen.

    reviewed

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  12. H

    Shankar Restaurant

    Provides some of Agartala’s best food; nothing fancy just straightforward rice and veg in an AC street cafe. It is situated on Netaji Subhash (NS) Rd.

    reviewed

  13. I

    Gedumian Mosque

    The curious, mosaic-fronted Gedumian Mosque looks like a mini Brighton Pavilion.

    reviewed

  14. J

    Jnan Bichitra Bookzone

    Welcoming, well-stocked bookshop selling postcards and music.

    reviewed