Tourism in Tripura

  • Post last modified:30 September 2021
  • Reading time:7 mins read
  • Post category:Uncategorized

Tourism in Tripura

The origin of the name of Tripura is still a matter of controversy among historians and researchers. According to the ‘Rajmala”, Tripura’s celebrated court chronicle, an ancient king named ‘tripur’ ruled over the territorial domain known as ‘Tripura’ and thename of the kingdom was derived. Many researchers explain the name ‘Tripura’ from its etymological origin: the word ‘Tripura’ is a compound of two separate words, ‘tui’ (water) + ‘pra’ (near) which in totality means ‘near water’.

The geographical location of the state with it’s close proximity to the vast water resources of eastern Bengal coupled with the generic identity of the state’s original inhabitants as ‘Tipra’ or ‘Twipra’ apparently justify this explanation of the State’s name.

Mythology Mingled with History

The early history of the kingdom of Tripura is a complex blend of history with Mythology. According to ‘Rajmala’ Tripura’s royal house trace their origin to the celebrated ‘lunar’ dynasty, following in the footsteps of their counterparts in the Hindu royal houses of the rest of India who claim to have originated from the ‘lunar’ or ‘solar’ dynasty.

Places to See in Tripura

Buddha Temple

It is one of the most attractive Buddhist destinations of Tripura, located at Kunjaban area in northern part of Agartala town. The Buddhist shrine, namely “Benuban Vihar”-though small in size-preserves some beautiful metal idols of Lord Buddha. Buddha Jayanti or the day of Buddha’s advent is celebrated on Buddha Purnima day with great enthusiasm.

A visit to this monastery can be a peaceful experience. Benuban Bihar bears testimony to the fact that from remote past Tripura has been extending hospitality and patronage to the religion and culture of its neighbors. The quiet monastery is an abode of eternal peace and tranquility to all tourists and visitors.

The Royal Palace

This royal house, which stands in the Capital city Agartala covering 1(one) sq.Km. area was built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya during 1899-1901. It is a two storied mansion, having a mixed type of architecture with three high domes, the central one being 86′ high.

The magnificent tile floor, curved wooden ceiling and beautifully crafted doors are particularly notable. The palace is set with huge Mughal style gardens, beautified by pools and gardens. Flood lighting and fountains have also added to its beauty.

Gumti Sanctuary

Picturesque Gumti sanctuary having 389.540 square km is located at southeast corner of the state in the south Tripura district. What adds charm to the Gomati sanctuary is a vast. A very large variety of birds including winter visitors are found in the Gumti hydel reservoir.

The semi-evergreen, evergreen pockets of forest with a very large plant species of 230 varieties exist in this sanctuary. Of trees, more than 150 spp. of climbers and climbing shrubs, more than 160 spp. of shrubs and more than 400 spp. of herbs are available here. The sanctuary has virgin forests and are catchment areas of Gumti & Khowai rivers. The forests are also of critical importance to agriculture as they prevent soil erosion in the area.

Water reservoir covering approximately 300 sq. Kms. This huge water body attracts many resident and migratory waterbirds from far off places. It has elephants, bison, Sambar, barking deer, wild goat or sarow, apart from many other animals and reptiles.

A high concentration of primate species is noticeable in this sanctuary. Of them, the Hoolook gibbon , slow loris, the capped langur, and phayres langur are endangered. It is also home to elephants, leopards, barking deer, wild dogs, wild pig etc. amongst mammals. Large whistling teals and Burmese sub-species of sarus crane have also been sighted.

Bhubeneswari Temple

On the southern bank of river Gomati at Udaipur is found the ruins of a big palace built by Maharaja Govinda Manikya (1660-75 A.D.). The Bhubeneswari temple is situated close to this palace. This temple is an important historical episode of king Govinda Manikya’s rule form the plot of Rabindra Nath Tagore’s famous novel ‘Rajarshi’ and drama ‘Visarjan’.

Kamal Sagar Lake

A vast lake on the edge of the border with Bangladesh was excavated by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in15th century. On the river bank of kamalasagar, there is a famous temple of Goddess Kali dating back to16th century. It is one of the excellent picnic spots in the state with scenic beauty. From Agartala 35 Km.

Rudrasagar lake & Neermahal

Rudrasagar lake, about 55 Km. away from Agartala near Melaghar with 5.3 Sq.Km. water area is another big attraction. In the centre of the lake the famous lake palace of Tripura namely “Neermahal” is built Neermahal literally means Water Palace.

The Palace is a picturesque fairy-tale royal mansion located in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake which is 53 Km. south of agartala Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore manikya built the palace in 1930 A.D. as his summer residence being inspired by Mughal Style of architecture. The lake witnesses a large number of migratory birds in every winter Every year a boat race is organized. in July/August The visiting tourists can enjoy boating facility in the lake

Leave a Reply