:: :: :: H O L I D A Y S U N L I M I T E D ::: E A S T I N D I A -- A G A R T A L A - M E G H A L A Y A A M -- ::: :: :: :: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


	:: E A S T I N D I A > A G A R T A L A ::

	Brief -
	The picturesque capital of Tripura, Agartala with its beautiful palaces, gardens, hills, temples and lakes, is a laid back place, reminiscent of towns in Bangladesh, just 2 km away. It also has one of the loveliest State Assembly buildings (once the palace), similar to the Calcuttas Victoria Memorial. Quaint bricks bungalows, surrounded by bougainvillea hedges and bright cannas, golden laburnum trees lining the streets, gives the outskirts of Agartala, an attractive appearance.

	History -
	The history of Agartala, is not any different from the history of its state. After the independence of India, the Regent Maharani, signed an Agreement Of Merger of Tripura, with the Indian Union, on September 9th, 1947 and the administration of the state, was actually taken over by the Govt. of India on October 15, 1949. Tripura became a Union Territory without legislature,with effect from November 1, 1956 and a popular ministry was installed in Tripura on July 1, 1963. On January 21, 1972 Tripura attained statehood.

	Culture -
	Agartala in Tripura, owns a rich cultural heritage of a variety of dance forms, that come from 19 tribal communities, apart from the regular Bengali and Manipuri ones. These forms are also well known throughout the country. The tribals, with a rich and varied culture, belong mainly to the Reang, Chakma, Halam and Usai communities. Music and dance are an integral part of their lives. Long and intimate association of Poet Rabindranath Tagore with Tripura, has added luster to the rich cultural heritage of the state. The state has produced the famous musicians Sachin Dev Barman and Rahul Dev Barman.

	Climate & Geographical Location -
	Climate of Agartala, is characterised by moderate temperatures and highly humid atmosphere. Bangladesh binds Agartala in Tripura on the north, west, south and southeast. It has a common boundary with Assam and Mizoram in the east.

	How to Reach -
	Rail, Road and Air connect Agartala, the capital city of Tripura. By Air, Tripura has an air base and has regular flights connecting it from Calcutta and Guwahati, which are major domestic and international destinations. By rail, the nearest railway station is at Kumarghat 140 km away. Regular train services will be available till Agartala shortly. By road, Agartala is connected to Guwahati by National Highway no. 44 via Shillong.

	: T O U R I S T P L A C E S :

	Tripura Sundari Temple -
	This temple is one of the 51 pithasthans or sacred spots in India, as per the Hindu mythology. It is said that Lord Vishnu, had cut off the body of Mata Sati, into 51 pieces, by his Sudarshan Chakra, and all these pieces fell on different parts of the country, and her right foot fell here. Built by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, there are two idols of Maa Kali. The smaller idol called Chotti Maa, was carried by the Maharajas, during hunting and during war. On the eastern precincts of the temple, there is Kalyan Sagar, where fishes and tortoises of huge sizes are found and devotees feed them with muri (puffed rice) and biscuits. Fishing is not permitted in the Kalyan Sagar. Every year on Diwali, a famous Mela takes place, near the temple, which is visited by more than two lakhs pilgrims. One can reach by bus, from Agartala to Tripura Sundari Temple, which is at Udaipur. Visitors can stay at Matabari Pantha Niwas.

	Unakoti -
	Unakoti literally means, one less than a crore. It is famous for its stone images. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Siva, cursed his followers, who become stone images. That is why, we have one less than a crore stone images there. The images found at Unakoti are of two types: namely rock-carved figures and stone images. The famous rock cut carvings, are the central Shiva head and gigantic Ganesha figures . The central Shiva head, known as Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava, is about 30 feet high, including an embroidered headdress, which itself is 10 feet high. On each side of the headdress of the central Shiva, there are two full size images of goddesses - one of Durga standing on a lion and another female figure on the other side. In addition, three enormous images of Nandi Bull are found half buried in the ground. There are various other stone as well as rock cut images at Unakoti. Every year a big fair popularly known as Ashokastami Mela, is held in the month of April, which is visited by thousands of pilgrims. Visitors can stay at Uttarmegh Tourist Lodge. It is 178 km. from Agartala and 8 km from Kailashahar, district head quarter of North Tripura District. One can reach Kailashahar by bus from Agartala and then by Jeep upto Unakoti.

	Others -

	JAMPUI HILL - Jampui is famous for its charming landscape and bracing climate. The excellent climatic conditions, green forests, beautiful orange gardens, views of the rising and setting sun, are a wonderful sight for tourists.

	KAMALASAGAR - A vast lake, at the border of Bangladesh, Kamalasagar was excavated by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in the 15th century. On the banks of Kamalasagar, there is a famous temple of Goddess Kali, dating back to the 16th century.

	NEERMAHAL - A magnificent Lake Palace, which is a good combination of Hindu and Mughal architecture, was constructed as a summer resort in 1930, by the late Maharaja Birbikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, in the middle of a natural lake called Rudrasagar, This magnificent lake palace, is a good combination of Hindu and Mughal architecture.

	PILAK - The Hindu and Buddhist Sculpture, can be seen at its best here . It dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries. Beautiful images scattered in an area of about 10 sq.km. have been found.

	SEPAHIJALA - Covering an area of 18.532 km, Sepahijala houses more than 150 species of residential birds. Migratory birds make this a beautiful place for bird viewing. Orchid garden, boating facilities, wild life, botanical garden, zoo, elephant joy-rides, rubber plantation and many more facilities are here.

	UDAIPUR - Important temples of Hindus and Buddhists, including the famous Mata Tripureswari temple, or the Tripura Sundari Temple, popularly known as Matabari, (one of the 51 pithasthans or sacred spots in India as per Hindu mythology) are the main attractions in Udaipur.

	UJJAYANTA PALACE - This royal house, which stands in the city covering 1sq.Km. area was built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya, during 1899-1901, This two storied mansion, has a mixed type of architecture, with three high domes, magnificent tile floor etc.

	VENUBAN VIHAR - The shrine though small in size, preserves some beautiful metal idols of Lord Buddha and Bodhisatva. The idols are Burmese in origin. Here Buddha Jayanti, is celebrated on the Buddha Purnima day, followed by a big fair every year.