Tripura At A Glance:——-
Capital:— Agartala, Area:—10491.69 square kms, Population:— 31,91,168. Only 0.31% of total population of India. Male — 1636138. Female — 1555030 as per census report of 2001. Growth of population (1991- 2001) 15.74 %, Females 950 against 1000 males. In area Tripura is 26th state and in population it is 21st state of India. Major Language — Bengali and Kokbarak. Manipuri is also spoken in some pockets specially— Dharmanagar, Kailashahar and Kamalpur subdivisions. Per capita income is annually RS. 2866 ( According to 1989-90 ).
Season Of Tripura— In summer light cotton and in winter woolen garments needed. Biting cold dominates during December – February. In winter temperature varies from 27º to 4.2º Celsius. In summer it varies from 38 degree to 16.6º Celsius. Rainfall 228.6 mm during June – August. 60% of area is hilly. Industries are not mentionable. It is rich in forest wealth. One can finish tour of Tripura in 8 days.
In the past it was an independent state. For 1300 years long it had been ruled by Indo-Mongalian Kings, though according to ‘RAJMALA’ History of Kingdom of Tripura – Rajputs was the ancestor of the kings of Tripura. In course of time Tripura gradually, surrendered to the Mughal and British. Udaipur— the ancient capital of Tripura was annexed by samser Gaji, as a result the Maharaja Krishna Manikya left Udaipur and settled at Agartala in 1844. In 1870 Maharaja Birchandra Manikya became the king of Tripura. He was famous for his cultural outlook and spread cultural Renaissance throughout the state of Tripura. Rabindra Nath Tagore came to Tripura several times . Tagore had deep respects to the Kings of Tripura. The history of Tripura has been written in details in ‘RAJMALA’.
Jajati, the sixth heir of the dynasty of Chandra, exiled his son Drujyu. Jajati’s kingdom was at a place called PRATISHAN near Allahabad. Drujyu defeated the king of Kiratland and dethroned him and built a new Kingdom called TRIBEG and created a new dynasty by the river side of KAPILI in the present district of Nowgaon of Assam. Later on, a King of this dynasty adopted a boy of Heramba of Cachar King. As a result, trouble started in the Kirat Kingdom. After the death of King Trilochan, his other son became the King of Tribeg Kingdom. By the time his eldest son became the King of Cachar. The king of Cachar started war with the King of Tribeg by dint of inheritance. The king of Tribeg was defeated and he settled in the southern most part of Cachar which was in north Cachar by the river side of Barak. He built his Kingdom at KHURUNMA at present. Relies had been discovered here. After a few generations, battle started again with the King of this dynasty by the King of Cachar. So the King PRATIT had to leave Kulungma and settled at Dharmanagar and established his Kingdom here. The heir of PRATIT annexed Bishalgarh in the first part of eight century. Bishalgarh is now in the district of west Tripura. Besides,. He annexed Rangamati which is now called Udaipur.
Beginning Of Historical Era In Tripura:——
Ratnamikya, heir of Jujharufa, of the 25th generation, ruled Tripura in the latter part of the 15th century. A coin of 1464 mentions this fact. Ratnamanikya is the first king in the history of Tripura. His father Dharmamanikya sent Ratnamanikya to the court of Gaur as surety. Dharmamaniky divided his kingdom among his other 17 sons. Ratnamanikya became favourite with the King of Gaur. With the help of King of Gaur, he invaded Jamirfort and annexed Rangamati and became the King of Tripura. The title ‘Manikya’ was bestowed on him by the King of Gaur. Since then, all kings of Tripura had used the title ‘Manikya’ as their Surname.
Dhanyamanikya (1490-1515) was a formidable King. Some parts of erst while Bengal was occupied by him. Husen Shaha, King of Gaur captured some parts of the Kingdom of Dhanyamanikya along with Chittagang. In the year 1514, Dhanyamanikya recaptured Chittagang. In 1501 he got built Tripureswari Temple at Udaipur. In the name of Queen Kamala Devi he got dug, a big pond at Kasba which is known as Kamalasagar. Bijoymanikya (1532-63) resisted onslaught of Bengal’s Sultan and attacked and plundered Sonargaon of Bengal. Udaimanikya (1567-73) changed name of Rangamati and named it Udaipur after his own name. Arakans of Chittagung increased their attacks on Tripura at the time of Amarmanikya (1577-86) ruling the state. At Amarpur the relics of his Palace in still in evidence. He got dug a very big pond after his name. European traveler Ralf Fitch toured Tripura on his way to Chittagung when Amarmanikya ruled Tripura.
Gobindamanikya and his brother Nakshatra Roy got involved in enmity with each other. As a result, the state got weak. On the basis of enmity between these two brothers, Rabindra Nath Tagore wrote the Novel ‘Rajarshi’ and ‘Bisharjan’ play.
During the reign of Ratnamanikya 11 (1685-1712) Ahom King Rudra singh sent envoys Arjun Das Bairagi and Ratnakandali Sarma respectively. In exchange Amarmanikya 11 sent pundit Rameswar Bhattacharjya and Uday Narayan Biswas to the court of Ahom King. Accounts of those two envoys of Assam are very important with regards to Tripura.
Samser Gazi (1748-60) a subordinate staff under the king of Tripura usurped power and annexed Udaipur and during the next twelve years he ruled Tripura. He used to collect money from the rich by taking resort to decoity. The rich made a complaint with Bengal Newabs. The Nawab of Bengal killed him with the canon.
In the meantime British spread their authority in India. At the time of Krishnamanikya, a tussle began between a person appointed by the Nawab of Bengal and Krishnamanikya(1760-83) over the right to collect revenue from the area of Chakla Rosanabad.
The British did not want to lose the opportunity to exert influence on Tripura. The Governor of Bengal, ordered the British Army to proceed to Tripura. The British flag was hoisted on the soil of plains of Tripura. Relf Leak was appointed as the first Resident in Tripura. Krishnamanikya made old Agartala as his capital coming from Udaipur in the year 1761.
Krishna Kishore manikya (1830-49) changed his capital from old Agartala to present Agartala. Since then Agartala is the capital of Tripura.
Birchandra Manikya (1862 - 96) abolished ‘Satidaha’( Burning of alive widow in the same pyre along with her dead husband). Modern thinking found a place in the state and cultural activities got a upper hand. He used to compose poems. As a child Rabindra Nath Tagore wrote a Novel named ‘Bhagna Hriday’( broken Heart ) which the king Birchandra Manikya liked very much. He bestowed Royal recognition on Rabindra Nath Tagore.
Radha Krishna Manikya was a patron of learning (1896-1909). He helped to build many education institutions. He opened many post offices with the help of the British in the state.
Bir Bikram Kishore manikya (1923-47 ) may be described as the last King in the history of Tripura. He is 176th King of Tripura. He wanted to build Agartala town as planned city. He made a big contribution to the field of education. With his sad demise in the year 1947 an era came to an end. Before his death he decided to join Tripura with Union of India.
Main Places of Tourists’ Interest in Tripura:—
Agartala:–Air Travel is the best way to visit Tripura. Air India, Indigo, Jet Airways, King Fisher Airlines have regular service to Tripura. From Kolkata a traveler can reach Agartala by above mentioned Airlines. The following is the time table of Air journeys to Agartala from Kolkata.
Departure from Kolkata Arrival in Agartala
IC-243 0940( Daily ) 1030
CD-7721 1500(mon,tues,wed,fri,sun) 1550
9W-619 1320(tues,thus,wed,sat,sun) 1405
9W-619 1615(mon,wed,fri) 1710
IT-2541 1515 (daily) 1610
6E-273 0825 (daily) 910
6E-360 1230(mon,tues,sat) 1330
From Guwahati to Agartala:—9W flies from Guwahati to Agartala daily and reach Agartala at 1700 hours. From Guwahati to Agartala IC thrice a weak flies and reach at 1720 hours (wed,fri,sun)
Distance:— Agartala is 10 kms way from Airport. Ph Nos – IC(AirIndia) 0381-2325470, Airport — 2342020, 9W- 2341400, King Fisher (IT) – 2341545, 6E( Indigo )—2341263.
Hotels— Hotel Radha International, 54 central Rd Agt. (2384530), DB- 400-650, A/C-750, Suit- 800-1200. Royal Guest House, Palace Compound, colonel chowmuhani, ph-2227523, A/C- 400-550. Hotel Rajdhani, B.K. Road, ph- 2223387,DB-375-650,A/C-DB-650-1500,Tripura Guest House, Mantribari Road, ph-22327994, A/C- 450, Hotel Star, ph-2203661, A/C-650-1050, Hotel Heaven, H.G.Basak Road, ph-2385737,A/C-450-650,Hotel WelCome Palace,H.G.Basak Road, ph-2384940,A/C-1200-1500, Minakshi-H.G.Basak Road, ph-2383430, A/C- 650.
For detailed information one can contact Directorate of information, Cultural Affairs and tourism, Agt. Ph-0381-2324688, Fax- 0381-2325823.
At Guwahati, Tripura Bhavan, Aganta path, Beltola, survey stoppage,Guwahati—0361-2223034, Fax—0361-2620186. At New Delhi—Tripura Bhavan, Chanakyapuri, Kautilya Marg, New Delhi—110021, ph- 011-23015157 / 23020968, Fax—011- 23793827. At Kolkata Tripura Bhavan , 1 pretoria steet , Kol- 71 ph- 033-22825703/0624/2792, Fax- 033-22826842.
It is the capital of Tripura. It is situated 12.8 metres above sea level. It is a picturesque city.
Conducted Tour— Tripura Tourism Department arranges different conducted tours. One can return to Agartala on the same day touring SIPHAHIJALA, MATABARI and TEMPLE OF BHUBENESWARI at Rs 150. SHIPAHIJALA, NIRMAHAL at Rs. 160. KAMALASAGAR, SIPAHIJALA at Rs. 110. KAMALASAGAR, NIRMAHAL at Rs. 150. SIPAHIJALA, UDAIPUR, NIRMAHAL at Rs. 180. UNOKUTI one night 2 days at Rs. 450. One night 2 days Jampui Hills at Rs. 600. 3 nights 4 days at Rs. 2000 PILAK TOUR. 7 nights 8 days at Rs. 4000 DISCOVER TRIPURA TOUR and 5 nights 6days at Rs. 3200 GREEN TRIPURA TOUR.
At the heart of the city is palace of Kings. From this palace three royal roads have gone to the city of Agartala. The royal roads are wide. On either side of royal roads buildings are architecturally very beautiful. The colour of these buildings is while having varandahs attached to all of them.
The Ujjayanta Palace:–Old Agartala was destroyed by earth quake in the year 1897 which was 10 kms away from present day Agartala. At the heart of the present city, on a area of 1 square km. this palace was built. It is three storey palace, on the top of it is a 80 feet high dome. It is huge in area and architecturally beautiful as well. Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya got built it in Greek design of architecture in 1901 spending Rs 10 lakhs. Wooden curved ceiling is superb. Two big ponds in front of the palace have increased the beauty of the palace. In Mughal design there are orchids inside the palace. There are Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Uma Maheswar Temple, kali Temple and Jagannath Temple around the palace. These temples attract a large numbers of tourist every year. Since 1972 Tripura Legislative Assembly has been holding its sessions in the Palace.
Maharaja Bir Bikram College:— This famous college is situated at College Tilla- outskirt of Agartala. A very beautiful lake surrounds the College. Migratory birds from Siberia come to this lake in winter. Its laboratory and library are very rich. Its architectural view is very decent. It is the nerve centre of Tripura’s education.
Fourteen Gods’ Temple:— 6 kms away from Agartala city- place called Khayerpur where old capital of Tripura still bears the impression by its relics. On the 7th day of the New Moon in the month of July a grand festival starts and continues for 7 days. This festival is called ‘Karchipuja’. Gods of tribals come here from far flung areas. They are fourteen in number, so the temple’s name is CHATURDAS DEBATA MANDIR. In Bengali design the temple is built with a sanctum. It has a dome over its head designed in the shape of a Buddhist mound. God Shiva and Buddha reside throughout the year in the temple.
Kunjaban:— In 1909 the King Radha Kishore Manikya got built a huge building at Kunjaban very near to palace for recreation. This huge building is called ‘MALANCHA NIWAS’. In the past this building was connected with the Palace with a underground road. At present Governor of Tripura resides in this building. On way to Kunjaban ‘BENUBAN BIHAR’—- Buddhist temple is situated. At post office area Government Museum remains open to the public all days except Monday.
Sipahijala:— 18 kms away from Agartala city and situated over a land area of more than 18.53 squire kms. Etmologically the word ‘Sipahijala’ means that in the past the Maharaja Bir Bikram manikya Bahadur gave away this land with the lake to a sepoy of his army. So the word means the lake of a Soldier. It is an embodiment of orchid, artificial lake, wild life sanctuary, zoological and botanical gardens in a natural environment. Zoological garden is rich in bears, spectacle monkeys, crab eating Mongoose, venomous Chameleons and the blue Sheeps of Tibet. Besides them, 53 kinds of mammals are found here. More than 150 of species of birds chat in the branches of trees. Migratory birds come here in winter. For the recreation of tourists toy trains and boating have been provided here. Deer park also has become an attractive place. On either side to the entrance the beautiful rows of rubber plants are attractive also. Government tourist buses ply to Sipahijala on Sundays and holidays. A thirteen bedded forest lodge is ready to accommodate tourist. If needed one can contact Chief conservator of forest, Kunjaban Ph—0381-2222234 or wild life sanctuary, Sipahijala Ph—0381- 225649.
Udaipur— 28 kms from Sipahijala and 52 kms from Agartala city, it is in the south Tripura District. In 1585 – 1596 Uday Manikya built this town. After his name he changed the name of this town from Rangamati to Udaipur. In the year 1783 the capital of Tripura was transferred from Udaipur to Agartala. Udaipur is a combination of big sized ponds and temples. Udaipur is famous as a town of temples. Though all the temples of the past are not in existence at present.
Tripuresundari Temple:– On a not very high hill is situated at a place called Matabari which is 5 kms, away from Udaipur town. The name Tripura is derived from the name of Goddess Tripurasundari. Other opinion is that the name Tripura has come from the word ‘TUIPRA’ which means ‘water available near’. Maharaja Dharnyamanikya got the temple built in 1501 AD. It is one of the 51st Satipiths. Right leg of Sati fell here being cut by the Bishnu Chakra. In Deepabali a grand festival takes place here with Government patronage. Any pilgrim may put up in different Government rest houses to enjoy the grand fare and festival of light on account of Deepabali.
Nirmahal:—53 kms from Agartala and 25 kms from Udaipur and 13 kms from Sonamura town on the Indo-Bangla border is situated the lake. The name of the Lake is Rudrasagar which has an island on which is built a palace called NIRMAHAL covering 5.3 squire kms area. The renowned architect Marlin and Burn contructed this place in 1930 working for 9 years. This floating palace was built after Indo-Mughal design. Nirmahal or ‘Palace of Water’ was the recreation centre of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya. The poet Rabindra Nath Tagore nmed it’ NIRMAHAL’. The Sunset is very beautiful from it. It is marvelous to sight the return of the white winged birds to their nests from the Palace. A tourist can put up near by SagarMahal tourist Lodge Ph-No- 03812225930.
Dambur Falls:— It attracts tourists in many ways. Cascade comes down from the hill and meets the river Gomti at the confluence. Falls sound like the tune of a ‘MR.DANGA’— a musical instrument of Indian origin. The sight is marvelous. The beauty of the road leading to the source of the falls is beyond description. The Hindu Pilgrimage centre ‘TIRTHAMUKH’ is 7 kms away from the Dambur falls. On the day ‘POUS SANKRANTI’ ( January 14 or 15 ) a big festival takes place here. This festival is mainly and solely organized by the tribals of Tripura. The place is as important as Gaya of Bihar as tribals perform rites for the emancipation the souls of their dead parents and other relatives. There is a belief that the foot prints of Lord Bishnu are clearly visible here. Since dawn Pilgrims start bathing in the ‘TIRTHAMUKH’ lake to perform worship. By any conveyance one can go to the main place of the lake- MANDIRGHAT. From there Motor Boat and Indigenous boats are available to reach coconut grove of the ‘DAMBUR LAKE’. A tourist can hire a taxi at RS. 650/700 from Agartala to visit ‘SIPAHIJALA’, ‘UDAIPUR’, ‘DAMBUR’ and ‘NIRMAHAL’ and may return to Agartala on the same day.
Tripura’s first Hydel project was built here. Many embankment were built and an artificial lake of 41 squire kms came into being. There are 48 Islands in the lake. A let of orchids has reisen their heads in those Islands. On the branches of the trees migratory birds nests in winter. The Sunset is very charming. In the moonlit nights boating is very attractive in waves. It is an up coming place of tourism in Tripura. Tourist may put up in Mandirghat Tourist complex C/O Deputy Director, Tourism, Agartala PH—0381—2225930. Night stay is also easy at Jatanbari. Tripura’s biggest Sanctuary (389.54 squire kms) –‘ Gomti Sanctuary’ is situated here.
Pilak—- It is the store house of archaeological relics on the Indo-Bangla Border. It is 61 kms from Udaipur, 113 kms from Agartala. Relics of architecture of 8-10 century have been excavated out Relics are of the Hindu and the Buddhists spread over the east and west Pilak. Invaluable terracotta is going into oblivion due to the indifference of the authority. The biggest Sun Image (10* 5.50 feet ) has been found here. In sculpture, Arakan and Burmese sign is found. Buses ply from Agartala. Pilak Panthaniwas ( Lodge ) is here.
Trishna WildLife Sanctuary — It is 15 kms from Belonia town. It spreads over an area of over 190.7 squire kms. Different species of Monkey are seen here. The world famous spectacle –Monkey are in good number here. Besides them, Golden Monkey, Sky Monkeys, Cave Monkeys, Gibbons are still here.
Unokuti:— Unokuti is situated in North-west of Tripura. Buses ply from Agartala at 8.30 am daily. It takes 8 hours to reach Unokuti. It is 188 kms from Agartala, 19 kms from Dharmanagar. Buses ply several times from Agartala at 6.00, 7.00, 10.00 in the morning. Invaluable pop icon of Hindu Dev Devis is seen here. Its previous name was Chambul. There are many sculptured icons of Hindu Dev Devis like Shiv, Horo Gouri, Lion ridder Durga, Bishnupada, 30 ft. high Kal Bhairav, the biggest
This place of pilgrimage came into being in 8th to 9th century A.D. It is a Shiva place of pilgrimage. 45 feet high Raghunandan hill was cut to use for sculpturing different images of Gods and Goddesses. A placid sculptured 3 meters long matted hair of Shiva called here Kal Vairab. The place is full of forests. There is also a hot water spring here. The Government of Tripura arrange festival here on the 8th day of New Moon in the Bengali month of Chaitra/ Baishakh (April). In the deep forest there is a four mouthed Shiva here.
There is no hotels in Unokuti. One is to put up in the hotels at Dharmanagar 19 kms away from the place. Hotel Panchabati, Hotel Sun, ph—03822-220079, hotel Unokuti ph—03822- 220619 or Tourist Lodge of Tripura at Dharmanagar town or at Hulf Long Cherra.
The Jampui Hills:— After visiting Unokuti, You may proceed to Kanchanpur from Dharmanagar by bus. Make a halt at night at Kanchanpur and start your journey to Jampui hills by hired taxies and jeeps to reach there by 3 - 4 hours. Or you can directly reach Kanchanpur from Agartala. It is 250 kms away from Agartala and less than 100 kms from Dharmanagar. Jampui hills is situated above 3000 feet sea level. It is a place of never- ending Spring . The Jampui comprises six hills. Lusais, a tribal group, reside there. In religion all are Christians. They lead westernized life. Marvelous scene and scenery, orchids of different colors, colored attire of females attract any tourist which is indiscernible. Jampui is unparalled in beauty. In the stairs cut across the hills grow the oranges. It is comparable with Tiger Hills of Darjeeling to see the Sunrise and Sunset from the Eden Lodge here. From the hills of Jampui one can have sight of Mizoram and Bangladesh. Beltong Shiv, the highest cliff of Tripura is situated here. Coming back to Dharmanagar you may proceed to Assam or Agartala.
There is no hotels in Unokuti. One is to put up in the hotels at Dharmanagar 19 kms away from the place. Hotel Panchabati ph- 03822-235121, Hotel Sun, ph—03822-220079, hotel Unokuti ph—03822- 220619 or Tourist Lodge of Tripura at Dharmanagar town or at Hulf Long Cherra.