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Agartala
The main attractions in Agartala are Ujjayanta Palace, State Museum,
Tribal Museum, Sukanta Academy, M.B.B. College, Laxminarayan Temple,
Uma Maheswar Temple, Jagannath Temple, Benuban Bihar, Gedu Mian
Mosque, Malanch Niwas, Rabindra Kanan, Purbasha, Handicrafts Designing
Centre, Fourteen Goddess Temple, Portuguese Church etc.
How to Reach
:
Air : Regular flights from Calcutta
and Guwahati .
Train : The nearest railway
station is at Kumarghat 140 k.m away. Regular train services will
be available till Agartala shortly .
Road : Agartala is connected
to Guwahati by National Highway no. 44 via Shilong .
Places to Stay
:
- Rajarshee Yatri Niwas
- Yatrika
- Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel
- Private Hotels
Ujjayanta
Palace
This
royal house, which stands in the Capital city Agartala covering
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 and tiled floors. Flood
lighting and fountains have also added to its beauty.
Unakoti
'Unakoti' literally means one less than a crore. According
to Hindu mythology, when Lord Siva was going to Kashi through this
place , along with one crore other gods and goddesses, he spent
a night here. He had asked his followers to wake up before sunrise
and proceed for Kashi . But , unfortunately , no body woke up ,
except for Lord Siva himself . He cursed them to become stone images
. That is why we have one less than a crore stone images there.
The images found at Unakoti are of two types namely rock-carved
figures and stone images. The
famous rock cut carvigs are the central Shiva
head and gigantic Ganesha figures . The central Shiva
head known as ‘Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava’
is about 30 feet high including an embroidered headdress which itself
is 10 feet high. On each side of the headdress of the central Shiva,
there are two full size images of goddesses - one of Durga standing
on a lion and another female figure on the other side. In addition
three enormous images of Nandi Bull are found half buried in the
ground. There are various other stone as well as rock cut images
at Unakoti. Every year a big fair popularly known as ‘Ashokastami
Mela’ is held in the month of April which is visited
by thousands of pilgrims.
Places to Stay : Visitors
can stay at Uttarmegh Tourist Lodge.
How to Reach
: 178 k.m. from Agartala. 8 k.m. From Kailashahar, district
head quarter of North Tripura District.
From Agartala to Kailashahar by bus and then by Jeep upto Unakoti
From Dharmanagar to Unakoti by bus
Pilak
The Hindu and Buddhist Sculpture can be seen at its best here .
It dates back to 8th and 9th centuries. Beautiful images scattered
in an area of about 10 Sq.Km. have been found. The images, terra-cotta
plaques and sealing found here reflect survival of heterodox creeds
and sects representing both Hinduism and Buddhism. Stone images
of Avolokiteshwar and Narasimha
have been found here.
How to Reach
100 k.m from Agartala .By bus from Agartala to Julaibari in Belonia
Sub-Division ( fare Rs.27/- ) only. Then by auto rickshaw or rickshaw
( 5 km. ), fare negotiable.
Places to Stay
Visitors can stay at Pilak Pantha Niwas, Bagafa and Dakbanglow,
Shantir Bazaar.
Udaipur
The main attractions in Udaipur are Tripura
Sundari Temple, popularly
known as MATABARI, one of the 51 pithas of Hindu Puran, Bhuvaneswari
Temple, Gunabati group of Temples, Vast Lakes with scenic beauty.
Places to Stay
55 k.m. From Agartala. Visitors can stay at Wayside amenities at
Bagafa & Dak Bungalow at Santirbazar
Tripura Sundari Temple
This temple is one of the 51 pithasthans in India as per the Hindu
mythology . It is said that Lord Vishnu had cut off the body of
Mata Sati into 51 pieces by his Sudarshan Chakra , and all
these pieces fell at different parts of the country .
Her right foot fell here. This temple was built in 1501 A.D by Maharaja
Dhanya Manikya. There are two idols of Maa
Kali kept here. The smaller idol called 'Chotto Maa'
was used to be carried by the Maharajas during hunting and during
war.
In the eastern side of the temple there is a famous Kalyan Sagar
where fishes and tortoises of huge size are found and devotees feed
them with "muri" and biscuits. No fishing is permitted in the Kalyan
Sagar. Every year on Dewali, a famous Mela takes place near the
temple which is visited by more than two lakhs pilgrims.
How to Reach : 55 k.m. From Agartala.
3 k.m. away from Udaipur, district headquarters of South Tripura
District.
By bus from Agartala to TripuraSundari Temple at Udaipur .
Places to Stay : Visitors can stay
at Matabari Pantha Niwas.
Neermahal
This magnificent lake palace was constructed as a summer resort
in 1930 by late Maharaja Birbikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur in the
middle of a natural lake called Rudrasagar having an area of 5.35
Sq.Km.
A good combination of Hindu and Mughal architecture is noticed on
the domes of the palace. There are mainly two parts of the palace
- one on the western side known as Andar Mahal which was used by
the royal family and another on the eastern side which was used
for the security personnel and servants. There are 15 rooms in the
main Andar Mahal. There is a beautiful garden laid in the western
side of the palace. In the garden there is an open stage where drama,
theatre, etc. use to be organized.
How to Reach
: 53 k.m. From Agartala. Agartala to Melaghar in Sonamura
Subdivision by bus and then by rickshaw .
Places to Stay : Visitors can
comfortably stay at Sagarmahal Tourist Lodge.
Jampui Hill
Jampui is famous for its charming landscape and bracing climate.
The excellent climatic condition, green forests, beautiful orange
garden, view of raising and setting sun are wonderful sight for
tourists. The hill range has 11 villages inhabited by Mizo (Lushai
tribes) and also by Reang Tribe . Lushai tribes follow Christianity
and speak English .
Places to Stay : It
is about 250 k.m. From Agartala. Eden Tourist Lodge at Vanghmun.
Paying Guest accommodation is also available. Cottage at Phuldongsie.
Bhuvaneswari
Temple
On the right bank of river Gomati at Udaipur is found the ruins
of a big palace built by Maharaja Govinda Manikya (1660-75 AD).
The Bhuveneswari temple is situated adjacent to this palace.
Places to Stay :- 55 k.m. From
Agartala. Visitors can stay at Matabari Pantha Niwas.
Sepahijala
Sepahijala is covering an area of 18.532 km. More than 150 species
of residential birds, migratory birds, orchid garden, boating facilities,
wild life, botanical garden, zoo, elephant joy-rides, rubber and
coffee plantation attracts the visitors.The famous spectacled monkey
is found here.
Places to Stay
25 k.m. From Agartala on Agartala-Udaipur main road. Visitors can
stay at Abasarika (Forest Bungalow) and cottages run by Forest Department.
Kamalasagar
Vast lake at the border of Bangladesh was excavated by Maharaja
Dhanya Manikya in 15th century. On the bank of Kamalasagar, there
is a famous temple of Goddess Kali dating back to 16th century.
It is one of the excellent picnic spots in the statewith scenic
beauty.
How to Reach
30 k.m. From Agartala. Buses, private taxies and rickshaws are available
.
Deotamura
Deotamura is famous for its panels of rock carvings on the steep
mountain wall on the bank of Gomati. There are huge images carved
of Shiva, Vishnu, Kartika, Mahisasur Mardini Durga and other gods
and goddesses. This is also called Chabimura. These images date
back to 15th-16th centuries.
How to Reach :- 75 k.m. From
Agartala. Buses, private taxies and rickshaws are available .
Place to Stay
:- Visitors can stay at Raima Tourist Lodge at Jatanbari.
Dumboor Lake
A water area of 41 sq.km. with an un-ending spell of luxuriant green
vegetation all around stands majestic for her exceedingly charming
beauty and 48 islands in the midst of the lake. Migratory birds,
Water sports facilities are additional attractions. There is a Hydel
Project near the lake from where River Gomati originates and this
is called Tirthamukh where on 14th January every year famous 'Pous
Sankranti Mela' takes place. The
lake is the confluence of rivers Raima and Sarma. Various species
of migratory birds are noticed in the winter and it has rich reservoir
of natural and cultured fishes.
How to Reach
120 k.m. From Agartala. Buses, private taxies and rickshaws are
available .
Places to Stay
Visitors can stay at Raima Tourist Lodge at Jatanbari.
Buddha Temple, Venuban
Vihar in Agartala
The shrine though small in size, preserves some beautiful metal
idols of Lord Buddha and Bodhisatva.
The idols are Burmese in origin. Here Buddha Jayanti is celebrated
on the Buddha Purnima day followed by a big fair every year.
How to Reach
Air
Agartala, 12 km from the city.
Rail
Kumarghat, 140 km from Agartala.
Places to Stay
- Rajarshi Yatri Niwas
Phone – 225930
- Hotel Rajdhani
Phone - 223387
- Royal Guest House
Phone – 225539
- Hotel Radha International
Phone – 225430
- Hotel Haven
Phone – 225737
Buddhist Temple
at Pecharthal, North Tripura
This temple is one of the oldest Buddha temples in the state. It
was set up in 1931. The Idol was brought from Rangoon in 1931. This
Idol does not look enormous in consideration of its incredible weight
of 700 kg.
How to Reach
Agartala, is 165 k.m from Percharthal Kumarghat, 10 km.
Rail : Pecharthal, 2 km.
Places to Stay
Uttarayan Pantha Niwas, Kumarghat, 12 km.
P.W.D. Inspection Bungalow, Kumarghat, 10 km.
Fisheries Dak Bungalow, Kumarghat, 12 km.
Buddha temple
at Kanchanpur, North Tripura
The temple is situated at sub-divisional headquarter. It is about
80 years old. Buddhists from different parts of the country are
coming to visit and stay there.
How to Reach
Nearest Airport is at Agartala, 195 km ; Pecharthal, 30 km. Kanchanpur
is the nearest town .
Places to Stay
- Eden Tourist lodge, Vanghmun, 33 km.
- Forest Bungalow, Kanchanpur, 1 km.
- Revenue Dak Bungalow, Kanchanpur, 4km.
- Agriculture Dak Bungalow, Kanchanpur, 4 km.
- P.W.D. Inspection Bungalow, Kanchanpur, 4 km.
Buddha temple at Manu Bakul, South Tripura
The Idol of this temple was brought from Arakan long back . The
biggest week long fair is held every year in the month of April.
The Pilgrims from Mynamer ( formerly Burma ), Bangladesh, Japan,
Thailand and other places congregate during the fair.
How to Reach :- Nearest Airport
is at Agartala, 125 km. Nearest Railway Station is at Kumarghat,
265 km.
Places to Stay
- Pilak Pantha Niwas, Bagafa, 45 km.
- Forest Dak bungalow, Sabroom, 27 km.
- Revenue Dak Bungalow, Sabroom, 28 km.
Pilak – in Jolaibari,
South Tripura
The site of civilization
which flourished during 8-12 centuries of the Christian era has
been a cradle of culture of heterodox creeds and sects representing
both Hinduism i.e. Shiva, Surya, Baishnabi and Buddhism i.e. Hinayana,
Mahayana, Bajrayana which were found to exist side by side. The
important places are Shyam Sundar Tilla, Deb Bari, Thakurani Tilla,
Balir Pathar, Basudev Bari and Sagar Deba. The art form and site
followed in the making of the images and in the sculptures have
distance influence of Palas and Guptas of Bengal. Influence of Arakan,
Mynamer (formerly Burma) and local style is discernable in the form
and style of Pilak images and sculpture.
The number of rock-cut
images and terra-cotta plaques are lying scattered in various places
of the area. The site has been under the care of Archaeological
Survey of India. The rock-cut images and terra-cotta plaques still
speak of a unique glorious cultural past of Tripura. Some of the
important images found there are Avolokiteswar, Mahisasur Mardini,
bronze images of Buddha and Vishnu in addition to terra-cotta plaques,
sealing Coins etc. The molded terra-cotta plaques bear resemblance
with molded plaques recovered from Paharpur and Mainamati. The Buddhist
Complex here may be assigned a date between 9 and 10 century AD
During excavation in the late sixties, Archaeological Survey of
India team found out brick built stupas.
Archaeological Survey
of India has plans to do some more excavation to unearth the hidden
cultural heritage of the area. If may be presumed that these extensive
plains of Tripura were under the control of several dynasties who
ruled in Eastern Bengal and Samantha in ancient period. Some of
them were Buddhists and the others were Hindues. Most of these rulers
had their capitals near this region. The ancient kingdom of Pattikera
had its capital in Comilla region and Pilak is not very far from
Comilla.
How to Reach
Nearest Airport is at Agartala, 110 km.
Nearest Railway Station is at Kumarghat, 240 km.
Santibazar, 19 km, Jolaibari market, 2 km. are some near by towns.
Places to Stay
- Pilak Pantha Niwas, Bagafa, 20 km.
- Revenue Dak Bungalow, Santibazar, 19 km.
- Matabari Pantha Niwas, Udaipur, 50 km.
Boxnagar - in Sonamura, West Tripura
After the government decided to denotify the natural forest area,
a brick-built building was found, which was attributed to the
temple of Manassa - the goddess of Snake . The building was in
depleted condition.
In July'97 Dr. Jitendra Das, a renowned archiologist , confirmed
that the place was in fact a Buddha Temple .The site is still
being studied by the archiologist to find out the hidden story
.
How to Reach
Nearest Airport is at Agartala, 98 km ;
Nearest Railway Station is at Kumarghat, 220 km.
Sonamura, is the nearest town about 8 km. from the place .
Places to Stay
- Sagarmahal Tourist Lodge, Melaghar, 34 km.
- Abakash Tourist Apartment, Melaghar, 34 km.
Adjoining Places of Buddhist Interest
Mainamati ( In Bangladesh )
About 8 km to the west of Comilla town, which is situated 114 km
south east of Dhaka, lies a range of low hills known as Mainamati-Lalmai
ridge, an extensive centre
of Buddhist civilization (7-12 century AD).
At Salban in the middle of the ridge, excavations laid bare a large
Buddhist Vihar (Monastery) and imposing central shrine. It has revealed
valuable information about the rule of the Chandra and Dev dynasties,
which flourished here from the 7-12 century.
How to Reach
Nearest Airport is at Agartala, 70 km.;
Nearest Railway Station is at Kumarghat (in India), 210 km. And
Comilla (in Bangladesh).
Nearest Checkpost in India is at Sonamura, about 10 km., Akhaura
(in Agartala), about 60 km.
Places to Stay
Nearest town from Mainamati is Comilla , in Bangladesh , which
is about 8 k.m from the place .
Visitors can stay in no. of good hotels available in the town
.
Paharpur (in Bangladesh)
Paharpur is a small village in the Rajshai district (northern part
of the Bangladesh), 315 km from Dhaka, where the remains of the
monastery have been excavated. This 7-th century archaeological
find covers approximately an area of 10.8 hectors of land. The hugeness
of central cruciform temple of the monastery is an awe-inspiring
sight. It had taken its name from a high mound, which looked like
Pahar or Hillock.
How to Reach
Nearest Airport is at Agartala and Calcutta in India. Visitors should
have valid visas to travel to Bangaladesh.
Nearest Checkpost in India is at Akhaura (Agartala) about 450 km.
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