| The beauty of the erstwhile princely
state of Tripura is a gentle one, No great peaks punctuate
the skies, nor are its major rivers - the Khowai, Manu and
Gomti - any match for the mighty Bramhaputra. Yet its verdant
expanses and rich forestlands have been a great attraction
to people down the centuries. Rabindranath Tagore, an honoured
guest is supposed to have compiled some his works its' tranquil
environs. Blending into the hills and valleys the villages
are a tapestry of rich ethnic traditions.
A series of low ranges running in a northwest
to southeast direction dissect the state, with elevations
progressing gradually from 100 to 3000 feet from south west
to northeast. Bangladesh is tucked around it from three
sides.
Of the 19 hill tribes who dominate its terrain,
the Tripuri are the largest while the Reangs, who came in
from Chittagong, are the second largest. Other tribes include
the Jamatia, and Noatia with a sundry mix of Mizos, Kuki,
Garos.
For the visitor, Tripura is a bundle
full of surprises. Its cross-cultural ethnic diversity,
its ancient temples, its vast tracts of natural beauty and
its rich tradition of handicrafts make it an attractive
holiday destination, even for the most discerning of holiday
makers.
|
 |