Tourism in Tripura

The erstwhile princely state of Tripura joined the Indian Republic as a state on January 21, 1972. Bounded on the north, west, south and southeast by Bangladesh, it has a common boundary with Assam and Mizoram in the east. Tripura is mainly a hilly territory with altitudes varying from 50 to 3,080 ft above sea level, though the major population of the state lives in the plains.

Places Of Interest
Agartala, the picturesque capital, with its beautiful palaces, gardens, hills, temples and lakes is best place to start the tourist journey of the state. Scenic Tirthamulkh with its lakes, waterfalls and reservoir is worth a visit. Pilak Pather and Lungthung are virtual treasure troves for those, historically inclined. Jampol hills, Rudrasagar and Neer Mahal - the lake cities, Sepahijala - the wildlife sanctuary, and the temples in and around Udaipur, are the other major places of interest in this tiny state.

Agartala
Agartala, is a laid back place reminiscent of towns in Bangladesh, just 2-km away. This capital also has one of the loveliest State Assembly buildings (once the palace) similar to Kolkata's Victoria Memorial. Quaint brick bungalows surrounded by bougainvillea hedges and bright cannas, golden laburnum trees lining the streets give Agartala's outskirts an attractive appearance.

Ties With Bengal
The reason Tripura is a different Northeastern state is dictated by its history. Tucked away in a corner of the northeast, its closest ties are with Bengal. Maharaja Birchandra Manikya, who came to the throne in 1870 and was heavily influenced both culturally and spiritually by Bengal - and by his close relationship with Rabindranath Tagore - established Bengali as the language of the court. Today, the majority of the population is Bengali, despite the 19 Scheduled Tribes forming a major chunk.

Tribal Culture & Lifestyles
The tribals, with a rich and varied culture, belong mainly to the Reang, Chakma, Halam and Usai communities. Music and dance are an integral part of their lives. 'Garia' dances held for the prosperity of the people; dances of the Reang community; 'Bizu' dances by the Chakmas denoting the end of the Bengali calendar year; 'Hai Hak' dances of the Halams and the Cheraw dance associated with the confinement of Lusai woman, are examples. 'Basanta Raas' is the charming dance of the Hindu Manipuris, in Tripura.

Handicrafts Galore
Simple materials such as bamboo, cane, palm leaves and ordinary yarn are used to create a fascinating variety of handiwork. Intricately designed handlooms and silk, cane and bamboo works are the main industries. Furniture, toys, objects of daily utility such as lampshades, baskets, calendars, ivory work and Tripuran tribal jewellery, make shopping here a fantastic experience.

Festivals
The main festivals of Tripura are the Durga Puja (at the time of Dussehra), Karchi Puja, Diwali, Dol Jatra (Holi), Pous Sankranti, Ashokashtmi and Buddha Jayanti, Id, Christmas and New Year. The 'Garia', 'Ker Ganga' and 'Gajan' festivals are important tribal festivities. During Ashokashtmi there are special celebrations at Unnakoti. The Fourteen Goddess Temple in Old Agartala attracts a lot of visitors for its Karchi Puja, and so does Tirthamukh on the occasion of the Pous Sankranti Mela. Other festivals are the Rabindra/Nazrul Festival in May, the Boat Race at Melaghar in August, the Orange and Tourism festival in the Jampui Hill range in November.

CLIMATE
Characterised by moderate temperatures and highly humid atmosphere, Tripura is best visited after the southwest monsoons in October. Temperature varies between 10°C to 35 °C; Average Annual Rain Fall 2,100 mm; Highest Rain Fall 2,855 mm (Kamalpur); Lowest rainfall 1,811 mm (Sonamura).

TOURIST INFORMATION
State Resident Commissioner, Tripura Bhavan, Kautilya Marg, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi.
Tripura Tourism, Ujjayanta Palace, Eastern Wing, Agartala