Situated in the northeastern state of Tripura, Agartala is a city that combines its rich cultural heritage with a variety of landscapes. As the capital city, it boasts a wide array of attractions for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers alike. For you to explore this city, here are the best things to do in Agartala and get enchanted. Whether one walks amidst the grand ambience of Ujjayanta Palace, relaxes amidst the serenity of Neermahal, or digs into the local cuisine. Agartala promises a journey through its colourful past and present.
10 Things To Do In Agartala
Here’s a list of 10 things to do in Agartala, the capital city of Tripura, known for its scenic beauty and spiritual significance:
1. Ujjayanta Palace
Photo: swarupskd.wiki / Wikimedia Commons
Built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya in the early 20th century, Ujjayanta Palace is a stunning white marble palace that beautifully blends Mughal and Indo-Saracenic styles. A huge set of stairs takes you inside the building, and a beautiful, lush green garden provides a serene view outside. Once inside, you will discover the history of not only this state but also the entire North Eastern history to date, displayed inside the various rooms, from the British colonisation to the lives of the local tribes. The evening light and sound show that happens here is one of the things to see in Agartala.
Timings: 10:15 AM – 5:15 PM, (Mondays closed)
Location: Palace Compound, Indira Nagar, Agartala, Tripura 799001
How to Reach: Taxis via Dim Sagar Road
Entry Fee: ₹20
Suggested Read: Water Parks In Agartala
2. Unakoti
Photo: Barunghosh/ Wikimedia Commons
Unakoti, also known as the Angkor Wat of the North-East, is a magnificent place among the mountains of Tripura that hosts a series of intricate rock carvings of gods and goddesses of the Hindu religion. “Unakoti” literally means “one less than a crore.” Common folklore says that Kallu, the devout worshipper of Shiva, was commissioned with the task of making one crore idols of the gods in one night, but he could only make 99,99,999 and thus could not accompany the god to his abode in Kailash. These carvings now testify to his hard work and devotion.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Location: Dharmanagar – Kailashahar Rd, Uttar Unakoti R.F., Tripura 799254
How to Reach: Taxis, private vehicles or helicopters are used to reach Unakoti
3. Neermahal
Photo: Mr Nimai Debbarma / Wikimedia Commons
A one-of-a-kind palace, Neermahal was the former residence of the royalty of the Tripura kingdom, built by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur in 1930. It is located in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake and boasts spectacular architecture that combines Islamic, Hindu, and European styles. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride on the way to the palace, and try out the delectable food in the cafeteria inside. You must add Neermahal when planning your itinerary as the best thing to see in Agartala!
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Location: Island in the middle of Rudrasagar lake off of Rudijala, Tripura
How to Reach: Accessible from Agartala by bus/taxi; take a boat once on the coast
Entry Fee: ₹5
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Tripura
4. Jampui Hills
Photo: Barunghosh / Wikimedia Commons
At a 5-hour drive from Agartala lies the highest hill range in Tripra, called the Jamia Hills. It is a part of the Northeast Himalayas and offers magnificent views of the town and surrounding peaks. The sunset and sunrise witnessed here are an out-of-the-world experience. It also is the starting point of a beautiful freshwater spring that flows at a height of 900 m above sea level. Every year during November, tourists flock here for the Orange festival, as the trees are lined with orange flowers and fruits.
Timings: 24*7
Location: Vanghmun, Tripura
How to Reach: Take a cab/personal vehicle or bus ride
Entry Fee: Free
5. Jagannath Temple
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Jagannath Temple is an exquisite and peaceful temple located on the banks of Jagannath Lake. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and thousands of devotees flock to Agartala every year to visit the temple and pray for their good health. It is the only temple in Tripura that is built entirely of stone. It is similar to other temples of Jagannath in India, with its grand entrance on the east side and a dome structure on the top. The temple premises shine with the light of a million stars as it is decorated for the morning and evening aarti (prayer).
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Location: Nazrul Sarani, Udaipur, Tripura, 799120
How to Reach: Accessible by auto-rickshaw/ taxi via Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar Rd
Suggested Read: Tripura State Museum
6. Buddha Temple
Photo: Julia Volk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Buddha temple is a prominent place of worship for Buddhists and serves as a cultural hub for the Buddhist community in Tripura. It is a centre for various religious and cultural activities. The temple features traditional Buddhist architectural elements, including a serene statue of Buddha and intricately designed interiors. The temple grounds are beautifully maintained with lush greenery, making it a tranquil retreat for meditation and reflection. The temple is especially vibrant during Buddhist festivals such as Buddha Purnima, when special prayers, rituals, and celebrations are held.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Kunjaban, Agartala, Tripura
How to Reach: Hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Agartala
7. Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Pritamg24 / Wikimedia Commons
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. The sanctuary is known for its population of clouded leopards, spectacled monkeys, and other mammals. It is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 150 species of birds. Visitors can enjoy boat rides in the artificial lake within the sanctuary. It also houses a zoo enclosure 3-4 km from the main sanctuary, where smaller animals are on display. Accommodation is provided near the forest in a bungalow called Abasarika.
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM, (Fridays closed)
Location: Bishalgarh, about 25 km from Agartala
How to Reach: Accessible by car/taxi, 28 km from Agartala
Entry Fee: ₹12 for adults, ₹8 for children
Suggested Read: Your Ultimate Guide to Clouded Leopard National Park
8. Heritage Park
Photo: Piyushozarde / Wikimedia Commons
Located at the heart of Agartala, Heritage Park is a beautifully landscaped park showcasing the cultural and natural heritage of Tripura. The park features beautiful sculptures and replicas of traditional Tripuri houses, giving visitors a glimpse into the local architecture and lifestyle. Even the benches here are laden with intricate clay/wooden carvings. Well-maintained gardens with a variety of flowers and plants provide a serene environment for relaxation and walks. It is the largest park in the city and offers trekking and hiking options as well.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Location: Agartala, near the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s House)
How to Reach: Taxis or auto-rickshaws from the city centre (3km)
Entry Fee: ₹10
9. Purbasha
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Purbasha is a state-run emporium that promotes and sells traditional handicrafts and handlooms of Tripura. It offers a wide range of bamboo and cane products, including furniture, decorative items, and everyday utilities. It also showcases traditional Tripuri textiles, including shawls, sarees, and other garments made on the handloom. This is a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts that represent the rich cultural heritage of Tripura. Some well-known crafts produced by the state include table mats, floor mats, room dividers, decorated wall panels, attractive furniture cane and various gift items.
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Location: Melarmath, Agartala
How to Reach: Buses/taxis/bikes operating from Agartala
Suggested Read: Popular Wildlife Sanctuaries In Tripura For A Scenic Retreat
10. MG Bazaar
Photo: Jnanaranjan sahu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A bustling commercial area in Agartala, MG Bazaar offers a variety of goods and a taste of local life. It has a wide range of products, including clothes, jewellery, electronics, and household items. There are also a number of street food stalls and small eateries offering local snacks and traditional dishes. The lively market with a vibrant atmosphere is perfect for experiencing the local culture. Visitors can indulge in local delicacies such as Mui Borok, bamboo shoot dishes, and fish preparations.
Timings: 4:30 AM – 11 AM, 5 PM – 8 PM
Location: Central Agartala, around Mahatma Gandhi Road
How to Reach: Easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw
One can find various things to do in Agartala. From exploring the regal Ujjayanta Palace and the serene Buddha Temple to the vibrant local markets like MG Bazaar and the diverse wildlife at Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, there’s something for every traveller. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, plan a trip with TripXL and have the perfect trip that fits your budget and preferences.
Cover Photo: PP Yoonus / Wikimedia Commons