Tripura might be small in size, but when it comes to culture, beauty, and warmth, it’s larger than life.

Nestled quietly in the lap of Northeast India, this state remains unexplored by many but unforgettable to all who do.

From royal palaces surrounded by lakes to ancient rock-cut carvings in jungles, Tripura is a blend of royalty, history, and natural peace.

Let’s explore the Top 10 places to visit in Tripura that reveal the soul of this enchanting state.

 

🏰 1. Ujjayanta Palace – The Royal Heart of Agartala

Built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya in 1901, this grand palace is the face of Tripura’s royalty.

Stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture with domes and gardens

Now houses the Tripura State Museum, showcasing tribal heritage, arts, and weaponry

Illuminated beautifully at night – perfect for photography

🏛️ Walk through its corridors and feel like you’ve time-travelled to a royal era.

 

🏝️ 2. Neermahal – The Palace on Water

Often referred to as the “Lake Palace of the East,” Neermahal is situated in the centre of Rudrasagar Lake.

A perfect mix of Hindu and Mughal architecture

Boat rides are available from the shore to the palace

A light and sound show narrates the story of Tripura’s royal past

🌅 Best visited at sunset when the palace reflects golden light over the lake.

 

🪨 3. Unakoti – Rock Carvings Lost in Time

Imagine a forest with giant rock faces carved with Hindu deities — that’s Unakoti.

Over 1,000 years old, with massive carvings of Shiva, Nandi, and Durga

Located on a hill with waterfalls and dense forest

Every year, thousands visit during the Ashokastami Mela

🔱 One of India’s most mysterious and underappreciated heritage sites.

 

🧘‍♀️ 4. Tripura Sundari Temple – One of the 51 Shakti Peethas

Located in Udaipur, this temple is spiritually powerful and architecturally stunning.

Dedicated to Goddess Tripura Sundari, an avatar of Durga

A red-colored idol sits in a sanctum surrounded by a sacred fish pond

Pilgrims visit from across Eastern India

🕉️ Come here for blessings, peace, and divine connection.

 

🛶 5. Rudrasagar Lake – Tranquillity & Birdsong

This lake near Neermahal is a Ramsar Wetland Site, known for its biodiversity.

Home to migratory birds, especially between November and February

Boating is available during the day

Surroundings are perfect for nature walks and photography

🦢 A quiet moment here can refresh your soul.

 

🪔 6. Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary – A Forest Full of Surprises

Located just 25 km from Agartala, this sanctuary is a favourite among families and nature lovers.

Home to rare species like spectacled monkeys and clouded leopards

Boating, bird watching, and a botanical garden

Visit the zoo section and the deer park

🌳 A great day out for kids and nature enthusiasts alike.

 

🛤️ 7. Agartala – Culture, Cafés & Calm

The capital city is clean, charming, and welcoming.

Visit Heritage Park, ISKCON Temple, and Jagannath Bari

Try local cuisine: Mui Borok, Bamboo shoot curry, and fish dishes

Explore local markets for handwoven Risa, tribal jewellery, and bamboo crafts

🍲 Agartala is more than a city — it’s a cultural experience.

 

⛰️ 8. Jampui Hills – The Roof of Tripura

Known for its orange orchards and sunrise views, Jampui Hills sits at 1,000+ meters above sea level.

Cool weather all year round

Stay at local homestays and wake up to cloud-covered valleys

Visit during the Orange Festival in November for scenic beauty and music

🍊 Ideal for couples, writers, and anyone seeking solitude.

 

🪶 9. Pilak – Buddhist and Hindu Relics Together

A lesser-known archaeological site, Pilak, showcases ancient harmony.

8th to 12th-century relics of Buddhist stupas and Hindu shrines

Located in South Tripura, surrounded by rice fields and forests

Ideal for offbeat history lovers

🧭 A true blend of spirituality, history, and rural charm.

 

🌳 10. Dumboor Lake – The Untouched Paradise

A magical lake shaped like a “dumboor” (drum), with 48 islands!

River Gomati originates from here

Boat tours to visit islands and bird sanctuaries

Visit nearby Tirthamukh for the famous Poush Sankranti festival

🏞️ Still off the tourist map — and that’s what makes it special.

 

📅 Best Time to Visit Tripura:

SeasonMonthsExperience
WinterNov – FebBest time for sightseeing & festivals
SummerMar – MayWarm, good for hill areas like Jampui
MonsoonJun – SepLush greenery but heavy rainfall

 

✈️ How to Reach Tripura:

By Air: Agartala Airport (Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport) connects to major Indian cities

By Train: Agartala railway station is linked to Guwahati, Kolkata, and Delhi

By Road: National highways connect Tripura to Assam and Mizoram

 

💡 Travel Tips:

Carry cash when heading to interior areas like Pilak or Unakoti

Local transport includes autos, shared jeeps, and buses

Try local tribal cuisine, but ask about spice levels

Best souvenirs: bamboo crafts, handwoven textiles, Tripuri jewellery

 

🌟 Final Thoughts: Tripura – India’s Best-Kept Secret in the East

Tripura doesn’t shout for attention.
It whispers stories through carvings, shines with palace reflections, and sings softly in tribal tunes.

“To visit Tripura is not to tick a box. It’s to discover something real, raw, and rooted.”

So, if you’ve been to Goa, Manali, or Kerala already, maybe it’s time to head east.
Tripura is waiting. Quietly. Beautifully.