Agartala the
capital of Tripura is arguably one of the most diversely populated cities of
India. Tripura has always been a home to various mix of tribes and all these
tribal amalgamation has led to an influx of people representing their own clan.
Agartala, with its verdant forest cover, near perfect green backdrop, great
tourist sites and laid back attitude presents a sight of an ideal tourist
destination. The rich and varied tribal culture thriving on the high mountains
and vast and alluring green valleys adds its own charm to the attraction of the
state.
Tourist
Attractions in Agartala
The
Ujjayanta Palace, Jagannath Temple, Unkoti Tirtha, Neer Mahal, Tripura Sundari
Temple are the various tourist attractions in Agartala.
Unkoti
Tirtha
The oldest
ruins of Tripura are found at Unkoti Tirtha, 189 km. from Agartala. Huge
figures of the Hindu deities and epic characters have been found carved on both
sides of a meandering hill-track, emerging from bushes. An awesome atmosphere
fills the valley.
Ujjayanta
Palace
The
Ujjayanta palace was the palace of the last ruling dynasty, built in the Mughal
style by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya in 1901. The Ujjayanta Palace is now
the Legislative Assembly. It is a lovely and one of the largest building in the
state covering 1 square km, which once stood amidst formal Mughal gardens with
pool and fountains. The magnificent tiled floors, ceiling of the Chinese room
and the beautifully carved front doors are particularly notable. The old palace
is only eight kilometers away, at old Agartala.
Jagannath
Temple
The
Jagannath Temple is across one of the artificial lakes in front of the palace.
It rises from an octagonal base to a striking orange four-storeyed 'Shikhara'
or tower.
Tripura
Sundari Temple
Tripura
Sundari Temple is situated about 67 kms. from Agartala. This temple is also
known as Matabari and located in the ancient capital, Udaipur on the top of
hillock Dhanisagar in the middle of the 16th century. The deity is Goddess
Kali. This is one of the 51 Pithas mentioned in the Tantras. The temple is
served by red robed priests and is the location of the large fair during Diwali
festival in October-November. Beyond this age-old temple there is a big tank
called Dhani Sagar, the abode of old tortoises, sacred to pilgrims for food
offerings. It is said that when any of these wise tortoises is to die, it
approaches the altar of the temple and breathes its last.
Chowda
Devta Temple
Agartala has
a famous temple dedicated to 14 deities – Chowda Devta. The 14 deities are
represented only by their brass heads, a combination of Hindu faith and tribal
cults. It is built in the Bankura style of Bengali temple architecture but has
a Buddhist Stupa type structure on top. They are attended upon by tribal
priests and not Brahmins. In July, worshippers come from all over Tripura for
Kharchi Puja which has evolved from a tribal festival.
Dumbur
Falls
The famous
“roaring” Dumbur Falls is 100 kms. from Agartala, near Tirthamukh, a holy spot.
Neer Mahal
Neer Mahal
or the Palace in Water, is about 60 kms from Agartala. It is a water palace
built for one of the Maharajas at the centre of Lake Rudrasagar, it is an
attractive sight. This palace looks like a fairytale castle with tower and
pavilions, moats and bridges. You can always respond to its appeal by hiring a
rowboat.
About PRABISH BISHUNGKHE
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