Agartala is the capital of the State of Tripura. On the three sides of Agartala lie picturesque low hills and fourth side opens to the plains of adjoining Bangladesh. There are number of lakes in different parts of the city Sipahijala near Agartala has been specially developed with an artificial lake and botanical and zoological gardens for a restful holiday.

The eastern state of Tripura is a land of wooded hills, waterfalls and green dales.

Places of Interest:

1. Buddha Vihar: (1 km). This small shrine preserves some beautiful metal idols of Lord Buddha and Bodhisatvas. The idols are Burmese in origin.

2. Jagannath Temple: (1 km). Built in late 19^th century, the temple is dedicated to Jagannath, Lord of Universe. Its octagonal basement and the 4-storied stepped octagonal pyramidal (shikhar) seem to be influenced by the Himalayan style of architecture.

    

3. Kunjaban: (2 km). A picturesque hillock where Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya planned and constructed his suburban palace for privets retreats. Today the palace serves as the official residence of the governor of the state of Tripura.

4. Maharaja Bir Bikram College: (3 km). Situated on a hillock in the easternmost part of the town, it is a beautiful building built by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya. There is a lake in the Western outskirts of the hillock.

5. Old Agartala: (8 km). Purana-old Agartala or Purana Haveli, now in ruins, was once the capital of Tripura.

6. Ujjayant Palace: Within the heart of the city, this magnificence edifice of the former Maharajas of Tripura, covering an area of one square km was built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya in 1940. In front of the palace lie two large tanks amidst a beautiful Mughal Garden with small watercourses and artificial fountains. The palace now houses the State Legislative Assembly and is the largest building in Tripura.

7. Museum and Art Gallery: Museum contains some of the rarest stone images, old coins and Bengal Kanthas. Also many archaeological findings in Tripura and adjoining areas.

Open from: 10 to 17 hours. Closed on Sundays and Holidays.

Excursion:

1. Udaipur: (52 km). An ancient capital of Tripura, Udaipur is a small town housing a number of beautiful temples, many of which are in ruin now. Tripura Sundari temple or Matabari, a 450-year old temple, dedicated to the goddess Tripura Sundari, stands on a holy site on a small hillock called Dhanisagar. It is claimed to be one of the 51 pithas mentioned in the Tantras. A big fair is held here during Diwali in October / November. There are also several beautiful artificial lakes here.

2. Neer Mahal: (56 km). Neer Mahal or Palace of Water was build by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya amidst Rudrasagar Lake early this century. The lake provides good facilities for rowing and fishing.

3. Sipahijala: (60 km). A beautiful picnic spot specially developed with an artificial lake and botanical and zoological gardens Paddleboats are also available.

   A forest bungalow overlooking the lake offers accommodation.

4. Dumbur: (110 km). A serene and peaceful holiday resort at the source of the river Gumti. The waterfalls here are cascades of continuously splashing foamy water. Nearby is Tirthamukh, a pilgrim center for the tribal people of Tripura.

Conducted tour: Conducted tour of Agartala city, Sipahijala, Matabari, and Neer Mahal. Tour operates only on Sundays and Holidays.

Air: Nearest Airport is 12 km from City Indian Airlines Office.

Rail: Nearest Railway Station is at Dharmanagar (200 km)

Bus: Regular buses to Dharmanagar and Silchar etc.