An eastern beauty

Situated in the laps of hills in the north-eastern part of India, Agartala is a spectacular natural beauty. Lying on the banks of the Haroa river, Agartala, the capital city of Tripura, is close to the Indo-Bangladesh border and cradles diverse cultures. The city spellbinds its visitors with its rich flora and fauna, beautiful palaces and temples which are carved to perfection.

Once a part of a Hindu kingdom, Agartala was given the status of a princely state under the British regime. The city was later on declared as the capital of the state after Tripura gained statehood. Agartala still holds the heritage of the Manikya dynasty.

The twin palaces of the Manikya kings — Ujjayanta and Kunjaban  — are a popular tourist attraction. Neermahal or the Lake Palace built in the middle of lake Rudrasagar is just 53km from Agartala. The city also boasts of a well-maintained State museum and tribal museum (a memorabilia of nineteen tribal groups), busy bazaars, and colleges affiliated with the University of Calcutta. The temple of fourteen gods in Old Agartala is a favourite destination of Hindu pilgrims.

Though not heavily industrialised, Agartala is one of the busiest cities in the north-east. Natural gas, rubber, tea, handicrafts are some of the focal business activities of Agartala. The handicrafts prepared here are in great demand in the country and abroad for their variety and structure. Handloom weaving is another growing industry in the city. Well connected by land and air, the city is accessible from anywhere in the country.