One
of India's smallest states, Tripura lies in the extreme east of India.
Sharing a long international border with Bangladesh in its west, Tripura is
also bound by Indian states of Assam and Mizoram in the north and east.
Tripura is full of scenic hills, dales and green valleys. Infact, as regards
the geographic pattern, Tripura deviates slightly from other states of north
east. While north eastern states are basically hilly, Tripura's landscape is
a mixture of hill ranges and broad, elongated valleys. The main hill ranges
of Tripura are Jampoi, Sakham Tlang, Langtarai, Athara Mura and Bara Mura.
At a height of 3200 feet above sea level, Be-talang-Shiv is the highest peak
of the state. Khowati, Manu, Haorah, Muhuri and Gomati are the big rivers of
the state. The beautiful valleys of Tripura include Agartala, Udaipur,
Sabrum, Khowai, Teliamura, Amarpur and Silachari.Tripura is a land ruled by kings who were both aristocratic and benevolent. Known as the Manikyas, they ruled Tripura during the entire medieval period and even later. In 1586, after the defeat of Jasodhara Manikya to the Mughals, a portion of Tripura had to be ceded to Mughals. During the period 1760-1783, taking advantage of the internal bickerings of Manikyas, the British established a firm hold over the state. Notified as a princely state at the time of independence, Tripura formally joined Indian Union in October, 1949.
In order to promote tourism in a big way, the government has declared tourism an industry. Capital city Agartala stores many tourist attractions. Agartala preserves the legacies of the Manikya rulers in the form of beautiful palaces of Ujjayanta and Kunjaban. The temple of Chaturdasa Devata is built in Bengali architectural style but also has some Buddhist influences. Dedicated to 14 gods and goddesses, they are all represented by their heads. Situated at a distance of 55 kms from Agartala is Neermahal, a summer resort and another popular tourist attraction. Built in the middle of Rudrasagar lake, it occupies an area of about 5.35 sq. km. A combination of Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture, it is the only lake palace in eastern India. Unakoti Tirtha, a hillock in North Tripura is famous for rock murals. The shrine at Unakoti is regarded as sacred by people of the state. Jampui hills are the highest hill ranges of the state famous for orange cultivation and some rare varieties of orchids. Other places worth a visit in the state are Pilak, Udaipur, Sepahijala, Kamalasagar and Deotamura. Tripura also has beautiful Buddhist monasteries in Agartala, Pecharthal, Kanchanpur, Manu Bakul, Pilak and Boxnagar.
The majority of Tripura's population are Bengalis. However, the Tripuri tribes are the original inhabitants of the state. Other major tribal groups are the Reangs, Jamatis, Noatias, Kukis, Halams, Chakmas, Moghs and Lushais. The various tribal groups celebrate many different festivals in different times of the year. Some of the important festivals of the state are Kharchi Puja, Ker & Garia Puja and Ganga Puja. But it is Durga Puja that is celebrated in a big way in Tripura.
Among the best buys of Tripura are its exquisite bamboo, cane and wooden handicrafts including cotton silk and polyester.
Agartala has the only airport of Tripura. Flights are available to Agartala from Guwahati, Silchar, Udaipur, Melaghar and Unakoti. Kumarghat is the nearest railhead from Agartala. Regular bus services are available to Agartala from Guwahati. Recently, Agartala-Dhaka bus service was also introduced.
Tripura
