History:The ancient history of Tipperah or Tripura is shrouded with mystery. We come to learn from Rajamal that more than 150 tribal kings ruled Tripura since the legendary period and King Ratnapha got the title "Manikya" from the Lord of Gauda.

But recent readings of Tripura Coins have proved that Ratna had his two predecessors Maha Manikya and Dharma Manikya. Hence it is perhaps reasonable to conclude that with Mahamanikya, the historical period of the "Manikya" Dynasty started, which continued till 1949. The history of the rulers of Tripura in medieval period is the story of continual fights, particularly with the Sultans of Bengal.
During the British period, some English officials were eager to occupy Tripura, but it was opposed by others. However, the office of the British Political Agent of Tripura was created in 1871. After the death of Birbikram Kishore Manikya in May 1947, a Council of Regency under the leadership of his widowed wife Maharani Kanchanprava Devi took over the charge of the administration on behalf of the minor prince.
The Regent's rule came to an end on 9,September, 1947, when due to popular pressure; the agreement of Merger of Tripura with the Indian Union was signed by the Maharani on 15th October 1949. Finally, Tripura became a full-fledged State in January 1972.
The original inhabitants of the land, i.e. the hill people were noted for their tolerance and passive obedience. It is only in the 19th century that they started protesting against the oppressive Feudal System.
About TripuraOne of the seven states in the North East, Tripura is believed to be originated from "Tripura Sundari" - the supreme deity of the state remarkable in Hindus as one of the fifty one peeths of Hindu Pilgrims. In addition to this it is also maintained that primarily the land was called “Tuipra” which connotes “A land adjoining the water.” Tour to Tripura will be very exciting for you because of its ethnic cultural diversity, its bountiful natural purlieus, its temples, museums and palaces. Tourist attractions of Tripura inveigle flocks of tourists.
Tripura, the second smallest state in the country is the other attractive place in the Northeast. Its verdant expanses and rich forestland have a great attraction to the people. For tourist it offers a plethora of delightful attractions in its cavalcade of historic places, rock cut carvings, sculptures, holy places for Buddhist and Hindus, wild life sanctuaries and tribal people. The villagers are a embroidery of rich ETHNIC, racial traditions. The tribal with a rich and varied culture mainly belong to the Reang, Chakma, Halam and Usai community of the state.
Tripura has many wonders. The cultural and ethnic diversity, its ancient temples and its tradition of handcraft are appealing enough for the visitors.
Places of Interest in TripuraAgartala: The capital city, lying on the banks of Haora River, was the seat of the Kings of Tripura of the Debbarman dynasty. It is city full of temples and palaces. The Places of Interest in Agartala are the College Tilla (the college premises of Agartala), Ujjayanta Palace (a Greek styled palace built by by Maharaja Radha kishore Manikaya), Kunjaban Palace, Jagannath Temple, Venuban Vihar, Buddha Mandir, Ravindra Kanan, State Museum, Tribal Museum, Sukanta Academy, Laxminarayan Temple, Uma Maheswar Temple, Benuban Bihar, Gedu Mian Mosque, Malanch Niwas, Rabindra Kanan, Purbasha, Handicrafts Designing Centre, Fourteen Goddess Temple, Portuguese Church and Puratan Agartala.
Deotamura: This site is remarkable for the rock cut reliquary having antediluvian idols of Shiva,

Ganesh, Vishnu, Kartikeya, Mahishasur Mardini Durga and other gods and goddesses carved out of stone. The large images carved on vertical rocks are immensely beautiful. You can enjoy a boat ride here to enjoy the panaroma of lush green vegetations, picturesque sites of hills and the breath taking sculptures.
Pilak: Dating back to 8th and 9th centuries it is a treasure house of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures. Beautiful images of terracotta plaques and sealing scattered in a vast area here showcases the existence of skeptical classes, creeds and sects of people followers of both Hinduism and Buddhism. Gargantuan stone images of Avolokiteshwar and Narasimha are also worth seeing here.
Udaipur: Formerly called as Rangamati and Radha Kishorepur, the city of Udaipur in Tripura is a house of many temples. Tripura Sundri temple or Mata Tripur Sundri (Maa Kali) temple, Bhubeneshwari temple, Sepahijala-the wildlife sanctuary are must visit here.
Unakoti: It means “One less than a crore” and said that these many rock cut engravings are available here. According to the Hindu mythos Lord Shiva took a night halt at this location when he was going Varanasi / Kashi along with one crore God and Goddesses. The next morning he asked other God and Goddesses to wake up and proceed for Kashi but no except Shiva proceeded for Kashi. Lord Shiva cursed others and since then they have transformed into stone images. Thereby there are one less than crore images in a charming lush landscape.
Jampui Hill: It is home of eternal springs, beautiful land escape and soothing climate. The hill ranges shelters Mizo and Reango tribes. You will find different species of orchids and other wild trees wearing blossoms. You will enjoy sunset and sunrise here and good trekking routes.
Excursions
Unakoti The Rock-Cuts and stone carvings of Tripura are huge and have been carved on open vertical walls at Unakoti, Debtamura and Pilak. Unakoti is about 178 kms from Agartala. The name Unakoti means one less than a crore and legend. It is a Shiva pilgrimage site dating back to the 8th or 9th century. The central Shiva Carving known as the Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava is about 30 feet high; its head dress is 10 feet in height. Every year a big festival known as Ashokastami Mela is held here in the month of April.
Debtamura This is 75 kms from Agartala and is situated on the banks of the river Gomati between Udaipur and Amarpur. The rocks on the banks of the river are also called Chabimura and are images of Shiva, Vishnu, Kartik, Mahisasur, Mardini Durga and other deities. The images date back to the 15th and 16th Century.
Pilak The Stone carvings found here are mostly in stone and terracotta plaques. This is located about 100 kms away from Agartala.
Mata Tripureshwari Temple Located at Udaipur about 58 kms away from Agartala

and 3 kms from Udaipur, is considered one among the 51 pithasthans of India according to Hindu Mythology. It is also known as Kurma Pith because of the shape of the temple resembling the tortoise. The idol of Maa Kali is made of reddish black stone and is in the Soroshi form.
The Fourteen Goddess Temple Is situated about 14 kms from Agartala at a place known as the old Agartala. The famous Kharchi Festival is celebrated here during the month of July each year.
Bhuveneshwari Temple On the right banks of the Gomati River, was built by Maharaja Govinda Manikya, during 1660-75. It finds its reference in Rabindra Nath Tagore's poetry and drama.
Jampui Hills The luxuriant forests of 'Jampui Hill', the premier one among the 6 principal hill ranges of Tripura provides a life time's exhilarating experience for the tourist.'Jampui Hill' - the permanent seat of spring, is situated at an altitude of about 3000 above sea level and about 250 km away from Agartala. This hill range consists of cluster of tribal villages and is home for colorful Lushai and Reang tribal communities. The neat and clean traditional wooden houses of the local inhabitants combined with greenery all around provide excellent opportunities for eco-friendly tourism. During the month of November every year, the unique Orange Festival is celebrated in the Jampui Hill.
Museums and Palaces of Tripura
Ujjayanta Palace: Built by Radhakishore Manikya Bahadur in190, this Mughal and Indo Greek styled palace is located in the heart of city. The palace has been embellished with lush gardens, pools and fountains. You will see and enjoy the Musical Fountain on both sides of the domes of this three storied structure, Flood Lightings and the exquisite interiors.
Kunjaban Palace: This yet another imperial palace, built by Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya, is located nearby Ujjayanta Palace bears a testimony of affiliation of Rabindra Nath Tagore, the Nobel laureate poet, with it. The picturesque charm of this palace nestled in the emerald hillocks inspired him to compose many memorable songs. The lush gardens, lawns and yards are worth seeing which the official residence of Governor of Tripura is. “Rabibdra Kann” is the southern part of the garden which is open for public.
Neermahal Palace: This water – palace built on Rudra Sagar Lake is a royal Palace with influence of

Hindu and Mughal architecture. The castles, the whopping towers, the moats and the bridges here are simply breath taking. The two parts of the palace, one on Western side called “Andar Mahal (used by the royal family) and the other one on Eastern side (used by the security personnels and servants), flood lighting, open stage theater is very lovely here. How about the Light and Sound Show! Yes, it has even more to it – water sports. Great recreation indeed!
Malancha Niwas: It is a bungalow adjoining the Kunjban Palace located on a hillock. It was basically a Kachcha House where RabindraNath Tagore stayed in 1919. It was gradually developed as a Pucca House and named Malancha Niwas.
Tripura Government Museum: The museum preserves the arts and crafts of Tripura consisting of rare stone and bronze idols and images, ancient coins, archaeological items of Tripura and neighboring areas, Embroidery of Bengal (Kantha) and Buddhist sculptures from Pilak dating back to 8th to 10th century.
Temples of Tripura
Tripura Sundari Temple: This temple, regarded as one of the 51 pithas of Hindu Pilgrimage, has a construction of square type sanctum fashioned in unique Bengali styled conical dome in Udaipur. Two identical idols of the same deity, Tripura Sundari, one known as “Choti Ma” and the other “Tripura Sundari” is remarkable feature of this temple. It is also called “Karma Pitha” because of its tortoise shaped like affinity. Ma Kali's idol of “reddish black Kashti Patthar” in the temple is worshipped in “Sorosho Form”.
Bhavanneshwari Temple: Standing at the river banks of Gomti in Udaipur, this temple was built by Maharaja Govinda Manikya. The name of the temple got cannonized through the works of RabindraNath Tagore, Visarjan and Rajarshi.
Jagannatha Temple: In addition to many temples of Vishnu, many temples

of Siva and Sakta sect are also found in Udaipur. This temple is a specimen of Tripura exquisite architectural expertise. According to a belief Daityanaryana, the General-in Chief of Maharaja Bijaya Manikya had installed the idol of Lord Jagannatha brought from Puri.
Chaturdasha Devta Temple: This ancient temple located in Old Agartala has a historical importance. The temple has fourteen head images of Gods and Goddesses called 'Chaturadasha Devta' by the King Krishna Manikya which is ceremoniously worshiped during the 'Kharchi Puja'. The temple has a Nat Mandapa and a Grabhgriha.
Uma Mahesh war Temple: Located opposite to the Jagannatha Temple, Uma Maheshwar temple is expanded on the grass land of Ujjyanta Palace. The temple is Saffron in color as the Jagannatha temple and has lavish green yards.
Kali Temple: Also called Kasba Kali Bari, this temple is located on a mountain overlooking a water pool “Kamla Sagar”. You will find affinity between the images of Dasabhuja Durga or Mahishasurmardini with the images of this temple. The idol of Kali is made of sand stone and the Shivalinga, stalagmite, at the feet has given it the name of Kali Bari. During the festival season the place is abuzz with activities of infinite pilgrims.
Venuban Vihara: This Buddha shrine has a metal idol of Buddha made primarily in Burma but later brought to Venuban Vihara. Buddha Poornima is annually celebrated here with great zest and piety. The peaceful and composed ambience of the temple is very relaxing. This small shrine attracts many tourists and pilgrims.
Budha Temple: Located in the heart of city, Buddha Mandir is a much revered religious place. The two beautiful idols of Buddha and Bodhisattva here are believed to have Burmese origin. The environ of the temple is tranquil and so it tempts us to relax and refresh.
Benu Ban Bihari: This temple is a clincher of Tripura's hospitality and adoption of other cultures and religions. Tourists are attracted to the calm and peaceful temple and the monastery it has. It is located in the heart of city so going on foot is also possible.
Flora & FaunaSepahijala Wild Life Sanctuary is about 25 kms from Agartala covering an area of about 18 sq kms. It houses about 150 species of birds and the unique spectacled monkey. There is also a botanical garden, zoo, lake and boating facilities nearby. The Trishna Wild Life Sanctuary is located about 100 kms away.
Fairs and Festivals of TripuraGaria Puja- It is celebrated on the 7th of April to seek prosperity and enjoyment round the year. It is marked with sacrifices of cocks, hordes of devotees, both men and women.
Kharchi Puja: This puja held in July is an attraction for all people visiting the Chaturdas Deutas Temple in Old Agartala to worship the fourteen deities of head image.
Ker Puja: It is a tribal festival celebrated within particular boundaries which is not allowed to be trespassed by anyone else.
Durga Puja: During the month of October/ November, durga Puja is celebrated with great active participation. After the celebrations end, the idols of Durga are taken in a procession and immersed in water bodies.
Tirthamukh: It is celebrated in January / February during the Uttarayan Sankranti by a lot many devout. People gather and take holy bath irrespective of their caste, class, creed or race during the festival.
Faith & Culture:
There are only four predominant communities in Tripura professing different religious beliefs - Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians. Most of the tribal people have their own tribal customs and beliefs but in a broader sense of the religion they are believed to be followers of is Hinduism. They worship elements such as the god of water, the god of fire, the god of forests, the god of earth etc. A trace of their old faith is found in their present practice of striking a bamboo in the ground during religious festivals and worshipping it. Sacrifices form an important part of their religion; the buffaloes, pigs, goats and fowls being the animals ordinarily used for this purpose.
Most of the modern members of the ruling family of Tripura were great patrons of art and literature and had great regard for eminent scholars of the country. Maharaja Dharmamanikya is said to have inaugurated the rajmala, a verse chronicle of the royal house. Tripura, a neighboring state, have had a spiritual contact with Bengal for well over a few centuries and this contact became all the more significant during the period due to Tagore's continued association with the ruler and his benign influence over them.
Teachers were brought from Mithila for the spread of Music in the State. A flute made of Muli Bamboo of Tripura was very famous. There are also their own improvised musical instruments like Sarinda, Chougpreng and Samu (flute) etc. made of bamboo and strings. The songs are mostly related to their days work and different songs are sung on different occasions. Dancing in Tripura has always been in complementary lines with Music and it has always been a very popular aspect of cultural functions. The Garia dance is very popular among the Tripuris.
Handicrafts:Loin-loom indeed is the oldest and most developed cottage industry of Tripura. Among the traditional produces mention may be made of dubris (a piece of skirt to be wrapped twice over the body) riha or risa (breast garment); bed-covers, screens, asanas etc. Silk is another age old industry of Tripura. Next to weaving, cane and bamboo works occupy place of prominence. Bamboo is available in super abundance, and this typical forest wealth of Tripura is one material that is used in many ways from building homes to making toys. Many artistic things are made of bamboo or its roots for example toy, tray, vase, photo-frame, human figure, casket, calendar, pen-stand etc.
How to Reach Tripura
By Air: Agartala, the state capital has the main airport where many public and private airlines operate regular flights. The state has 3 more airports in Khowai, Kamalpur and Kailashahar where small chartered-planes can land easily.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kumarghat at a distance of 140 km. from Agartala. This railway station is connected to Guwahati which is well connected by other cities.
By Road: NH 44 connects Agartala to Guwahati via Shillong. But because of location reaching Tripura is easier from Bangladesh by road.