Also known as Ujjayanta Palace Museum, Tripura State Museum is one of the most picturesque museums in the world. The museum used to be a palace that was built by Maharaj Radha Kishore Manikya, in the year 1901 as the capital of his princely state. After freedom until 2011, it was the Legislative Assembly house of the Tripura state government. The palace museum holds on display artefacts that are extremely important to the history, and culture of India, especially Northeast India.
Tripura State Museum Location
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Tripura State Museum is a must-see sight, which is situated in the stunning city of Agartala, the state capital of Tripura. The Tripura State Museum address is easy to navigate. This museum is located by the tranquil Rajbari Lake and inside the grounds of the magnificent Ujjayanta Palace. You can get a fascinating look into the rich history and legacy of the area by visiting this cultural treasure trove.
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How To Reach
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By Road: When travelling by road, you can either get on a bus that will drop you off at the Ujjayanta Palace Museum or you can rent an auto or a taxi that will drop you directly at the gates of the museum.
By Air: The nearest airport to the museum is Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport. The airport is just 10 km away from the state museum. Flights from all major cities in India depart and arrive at this airport daily. From here, you can rent a taxi or book a cab to the museum.
By Rail: Just 5 km from the city centre is Agartala’s Railway Station. You can choose this option for a hassle-free experience.
Things To Do In Tripura State Museum
The State Museum is home to some extremely magnificent artefacts, ethnography and sights.
1. Witness The Grandeur Of Ujjayanta Palace
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Built by Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya, Ujjayanta is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The high ceiling, and wooden carvings, inspired by Indo-Saracenic designs, are a perfect blend of Mughal and European architecture. The palace is an architectural marvel. It is the first thing you will notice when you enter the gates of the museum. The splendid palace is one of the main tourist attractions in Assam that pulls travellers from all around the world to Agartala, Tripura.
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2. Enjoy The Display of Tripura’s History and Culture
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The museum is filled with exhibitions that display the rich history and tribal culture of Tripura. You can see various artefacts such as armour, weapons, portraits, costumes, coins and manuscripts belonging to the Manikya Dynasty. There is a special display that showcases tribal clothes, musical instruments and tools. There is also a separate department for terracotta sculptures and arts from different periods. These showcase the artistic traditions of Tripura and their evolution.
3. Explore The Ethnography Gallery
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Another gallery that you need to see inside the state museum is the Ethnography Gallery. It showcases the attire, weaponry, traditions and customs of various tribal communities in Tripura. You will learn about the lifestyle of tribes living in Tripura. Witness their customs, religious beliefs, and their tradition by walking through this gallery. They also have household tools and utensils from various villages on display.
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4. Stroll Through The Iconic Arts Gallery
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You can also visit the art gallery inside this museum. The art gallery holds paintings and murals showcasing various traditions, myths, cultures and heritage of the state of Tripura. Some of these paintings belong to tribes that have lived and are living in Tripura. And while being informative, these intricate paintings are also a sight to behold.
5. Marvel At The Palace Garden
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The palace that houses the museum has a beautiful garden. The garden is inside the premises of the museum and on the bank of the Rajbari River. You can stroll the garden and the lake, before or after completing the museum tour. It is important to remember that the museum staff puts a lot of effort into making the environment enjoyable, so it is the visitors duty to not loiter around the garden or the premises.
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Where To Stay
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Agartala offers a variety of lodging options, from deluxe hotels to affordable guest houses. Hotel Polo Towers in Khejur Bagan and Ginger Agartala at Airport Road, Barjala Mouja are high-end options with great services, wifi, modern facilities, bars, gyms, and more. Hotel City Center and Hotel Welcome Palace offer some great amenities at an affordable price. If you are on a tight budget, Hotel Sonar Tori and Hotel Rajdhani are good places to stay during your trip.
Where To Eat
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There are several food options near the museum. From local cuisines to international fast food brands, you can find all types of food in this area. Sherowali Sweets and Restaurants is a Bengali sweet shop near the old RMS Chowmuhani in Agartala that serves delicious Bengali sweets and savoury delights such as Mixed Veg curry, Paneer Butter Masala, Kosha Mangsho, and Macchi Bhaat. Hotel Rajdhani is famous for its Indo-Chinese menu.
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Best Time To Visit
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The museum is open all year round but the best time to visit it is in October as the weather is pleasant and chilly winds caress your cheeks.
Other Factors To Consider
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Tips For Travellers
- The museum has allotted an entire area for parking inside the premises. The museum has parking space for all kinds of vehicles from a school bus to a bicycle.
- There is a wheelchair accessible entrance to the museum for disabled people.
- Cameras are not allowed inside the museum. If you want to carry your camera or click Tripura State Museum photos it will cost you extra. Also, to carry your camera and click photographs inside the museum, you will need special permission from the officials.
- The museum is open between 10 AM – 5 PM. It is closed on Sundays and government holidays.
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Tripura State Museum, Agartala is one of the most iconic places in Agartala, Tripura. It houses some extremely important artefacts related to Tripura’s historical and cultural heritage. It is a must-visit place for history buffs who want to learn the culture and history of the state while soaking the panoramic views. If you want to explore the Tripura State Museum, then book your trip with TripXL for an unforgettable experience.
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