Agartala

Agartala, the state capital of Tripura, is set amidst vast expanses of tranquil beauty making it an ideal base for exploring the ancient palaces, temples, lakes and wild life sanctuaries of this erstwhile princely state. Sitting astride great Mughal- inspired gardens, with a pool and gurgling fountains, the Ujjayanta Palace was built by Maharaja Radhakishore Manikya in 1901. Located in the heart of town, its interiors are embellished with magnificent tiled floors, delightfully curved wooden ceiling and beautifully crafted doors.

Jampui Hills

The entrancing verdure of the Jampui Hills (the premiere hill range of the six in Tripura) is enhanced by the equable climatic conditions giving visitors reason enough to call them "the seat of permanent spring". Clamber up those gentle heights to enjoy panoramas tinged by spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Jampui is home to some very exotic species of orchids, ornamental trees and fragrant orange groves. The abundance of oranges has, in fact, given wing to the Orange Festival held in November when they surrounding hills are heavy with the fruit and a riot of colour. The cobweb of picturesque trekking trails, punctuated by friendly brooks and serene lakes, along the Jampui Hills are a treat for the outdoor enthusiast.

Village tours are becoming increasingly popular, as the Lushai and Reang (of Mizo stock) community here is welcoming and hospitable. It's magical in the monsoon too. Especially when the gentle mists lifts intermittently to reveal pretty vignettes of neighbouring Mizoram.

Water sports facilities are available around Sabual village. From Betalongchip point you get great views of Aizawal, the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the Kanchanpur-Dasda Valley on clear days. Agartala is about 250 km away.

Udaipur

At Udaipur (not to be confused with the one in Rajasthan!) Tripura's lovely lake palace on Lake Rudrasagar, Neermahal, is Eastern India's only water palace. The palace was the dream castle of Raja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya, who quite obviously had keenly aesthetic sensibilities. Built in 1930 this floating castle took nine years to be executed to his specifications of luxury and beauty. A blend of Hindu-Muslim architecture, and about 400 mts in length, it has 24 rooms with provisions for private quarters (Andarmahal) for the king and his family and retinue of servants. It also has a dance hall and an assembly hall. The tracts of green fields edging the lake come alive with birdsong during the annual arrival of the migratory birds. Access to the palace is by boat, which leads directly to the rooms. Neermahal is just 53 km from Agartala. A boat festival is held at the lake annually. Visitors can stay at the picturesquely located Saharamahal tourist lodge. Referred to the city of lakes, Udaipur has a string of popular lake such as Jagannath Dighi, Mahadev Dighi, Dhani Sagar, Amar Sagar and Kalyan Sagar, apart from Lake Rudrasagar.

Tripurasundari Temple

One of the most important (and much venerated) attractions of Tripura is the ancient temple of Tripurasundari located on a hilltop 3 km from Udaipur. Also known as Mata Bari (Mother Goddess) locally, it is regarded as one of the 51 piths (holy sites) of Hindu pilgrimage. Goddess Tripurasundri is an avtar of Parvathi, the consort of Lord Shiva, the principal deity of the state.

A curious legend surrounds its origins. Tripura's King Dhanya Manikya of the 15th century is said to have had a dream ordering him to establish Tripurasundari at this hilltop temple. But the king knew that it was already dedicated to Lord Vishnu and he knew he could not obey the signs in the dream, because Lord Vishnu and the consort of Lord Shiva could not share the same abode. But the divine command was repeated to him the next night. Giving in the king did as he was bid.

The Kalyansagar Pond that he built close by is home to tortoises who are deeply revered by the devotees of the temple; This venerable temple is also referred to as the Koorma (tortoise) Pith. The temple is 500 years old. Diwali is celebrated with great pomp here.

Kamalasagar Kali Temple

Maharaja Dhanya Manikya also initiated the excavations of Lake Kamalsagar, 27 km from Agartala. There's a popular 16th century Kali Temple on the edge of the lake.

Unakoti

Unakoti, 178 km from Agartala, is deservedly reputed for its 7-9th century stone and rock cut images, deep in the forests near Kailashahar. The worship of Shiv-Shakti (Shaivism) is an old tradition in Tripura and this is beautifully endorsed by the 30' high Shiva head (the Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava) which forms a part of one of the largest bas relief's in the country, at Unakoti. The annual Ashokastami Mela is held in the month of April.

Bhuvaneswari Temple

One of Bengal's great luminaries, Poet Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, is said to have penned some of his writings near the pretty location of the Gomati River. The Buvaneshwari Temple located here also finds mention in these works. Another interesting temple in the vicinity is the Jagannath Temple. On the hills facing the river are the Chabimura rock panels. Carved into the hillside are images of Shiva, Vishnu, Kartik, Mahisasur and other deities, said to belong to 15th-16th century.

Pilak

About a 100 km away from Agartala is Pilak, famous for its great 8th-9th century archaeological remains. The main attractions here are the massive stone sculptures of Avolokiteswara and Narasimhan and the numerous carvings in stone and in terracotta plaques. The site is still being excavated- who knows what else the earth will reveal!