Tripura (Bengali: ত্রিপুরা Tripurā) is one of the north-eastern states of India. It is bordered by Bangladesh in the south, west, and north, Assam in the northeast, and Mizoram in the east. It is one of the least explored regions in India by foreign tourists, but it offers immense natural beauty and an intriguing cultural heritage.
Cities
[edit]
- 1 Agartala (আগরতলা Āgartalā) — capital of Tripura
- 2 Dharmanagar (ধর্মনগর) — home to Unakoti, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut sculptures - 3 Khumulwng — largest tribal city of Tripura
- 4 Udaipur (উদয়পুর Udaẏpur) — third-biggest city
Other destinations
[edit]- 1 Chabimura —
- 2 Dumboor Lake —
- 3 Montang Valley —
- 4 Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary (সিপাহীজলা Sipāhījalā) —
- 5 Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary (তৃষ্ণা Tr̥ṣṇā) —
Understand
[edit]Tripura belongs to the politically volatile North-Eastern region of India. As in neighbouring states, ethnic and communal strife has claimed many lives over the past years. The current ethnic setup in Tripura is a consequence of the partition of India, when large groups of Bengali Hindus left the area that became East Pakistan (today Bangladesh). The previous majority population, the tribal, soon became a minority and disadvantaged in comparison to the new majority.
The changing demographic situation led to ethnic strife and an insurgent movement which lasted for decades. Following the establishment of an autonomous tribal council as well as the implementation of several counter-insurgency operations, violence and tensions have gradually abated, and the region has been peaceful.
Talk
[edit]The official languages of the state are Bengali, English, and Kokborok (alias Tripuri). Previously, Meitei (alias Manipuri) was also an associate official language but with its decreasing population, it eventually lost its official status.
As with virtually all states in North-East India, Hindi is not universally understood and very few people speak the language proficiently.
Get in
[edit]Tripura is mainly surrounded by the Bangladesh border. There is a border crossing point at the outskirts of the state capital, Agartala.
You do not require an Inner Line Permit by the Indian Government to visit Tripura.
By bus
[edit]There is a direct bus service Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala.
By plane
[edit]Agartala IXA IATA is connected by air from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Silchar. Foreign citizens must register at the airport on arrival.
By train
[edit]An express train runs daily between Agartala and Lumding, which enhances travelling in this princely state. As there is heavy rush, tickets should be booked well in advance.
Daily train service is also available from Agartala to Silchar and Lumding (Assam) and Dharmanagar (Tripura).
Get around
[edit]Buses run by CNG and diesel are the main transport between towns of the state. At Agartala, city buses are available in a regular interval. A small group can hire an autorickshaw, run by CNG, for getting around the city. If time is more of an issue than money, one can hire a vehicle with driver. Road conditions might be bad in rainy seasons, even by Indian standards. On some legs, vehicles travel in military convoys, moving extremely slowly through the countryside, especially on the National Highway which connects Agartala with Assam. Some rural areas are not safe to travel to or through after sundown.
The fastest way to travel internally in Tripura is a helicopter service that connects Agartala with the northern parts of the state.
See
[edit].JPG)
- Akhaura Border in Agartala
- Bhubaneswari Temple in Udaipu}
- Jampui Hills near Dharmanagar
- Kashba is an artificial lake near Agartala that is popular for picknickers and location of a mela (fair or gathering) during the Navaratri Festival.
- Maata Bari temple in Udaipur
- Malanchya Nivas in Agartala
- Neermahal Palace in Melagarh in Udaipur is a royal palace built in the middle of the lake Rudrasagar.
- Pilak is an archaeological site near Agartala. Buddhist and Hindu sandstone sculptures discovered here can be seen at the Tripura Government Museum.
- Rose Valley Park in Agartala (outskirt of the city)
- Temple of Fourteen Gods in Old Agartala was built in honour of fourteen deities worshipped during Kharchi Puja.
- Ujjayanta Palace near Agartala is a mansion built in 1901 that houses the State Legislative Assembly
- Kailasahar and Unakoti, near Dharmanagar. Unakoti is an historic site containing large and mysterious yet fascinating rock-cut and stone sculptures of Hindu deity Shiva
- SomTwisa Valley
Do
[edit]Visit the State Museum in Agartala, which is housed in the Ujjayanta palace, a piece of history itself.
Eat
[edit]For Tripurans, food is a cultural identity shaped by local ingredients like bamboo shoots, fermented fish, herbs, and freshly harvested rice. The state’s culinary style is simple yet bold, relying on natural flavors rather than heavy spices.
One of the most iconic dishes you’ll encounter is Mui Borok, the heart of Tripuri cuisine. It’s a wholesome combination of vegetables, bamboo shoots, and the famous fermented fish berma, which gives the dish its signature tangy depth.
Another beloved staple is Mosdeng, a fiery, refreshing chutney made with roasted chilies, herbs, onions, and seasonal vegetables. Variants like Mosdeng Serma add a smoky kick that pairs beautifully with rice.
For something hearty and traditional, Bhangui is a must-try. This dish features sun‑dried rice gently boiled with ginger, onion, and ghee, all wrapped in banana leaves.
If you’re curious about the state’s love for fermented flavors, Gudok is a standout. Made with berma, beans, and potatoes, it’s a dish often served at community gatherings and celebrations—especially among tribal communities. Its bold, pungent profile is a true expression of Tripuri culinary identity.
Meat lovers will appreciate Wahan Mosdeng, a traditional preparation that originally used wild boar but now commonly features pork, chicken, or beef. It is marinated with garlic, ginger, turmeric, and mustard oil.
Drink
[edit]Drinking of wine is banned in open. There are no bars. Beware of pirated alcohols, available in plenty. On the other hand, soft drinks of eminent brands are available in almost all shops.
Tripura offers a fascinating range of traditional beverages that reflect its tribal heritage, natural resources, and cultural diversity. If you're exploring the state, you’ll find that drinks here are more than refreshments—they’re part of daily life, rituals, and hospitality.
One of the most iconic beverages is Chuwarak, a traditional distilled drink made from rice, pineapple, jackfruit, or even local herbs. It’s often crafted by tribal communities using age‑old fermentation techniques, giving it a smooth, earthy flavor. Chuwarak is deeply woven into social gatherings and festivals, making it a cultural experience as much as a drink.
Tea lovers will enjoy Chaa, a simple yet comforting tea widely consumed across the state. Variants like Hara Chaa (green tea) and Kwai Chaa (tea infused with betel leaves) offer unique regional twists. These teas are often enjoyed throughout the day and reflect the influence of both tribal and Bengali traditions.
Tripura also has several indigenous fermented beverages such as Kaiphain, Zawlaidi, Sampa, Hariya, and Langhar. These drinks are typically made from rice or millet and vary in strength, taste, and preparation methods depending on the community. They are especially popular during festivals and communal feasts, showcasing the state’s rich tribal craftsmanship in fermentation.
If you're looking for something non‑alcoholic and culturally rooted, Kwai—a combination of betel leaf, areca nut, and lime—is not exactly a drink but is often consumed alongside beverages and plays a central role in hospitality. It pairs naturally with many of Tripura’s teas and is a staple in social interactions.
Stay safe
[edit]
|
Caution: There have been reports of violent communal and political clashes in Tripura. Check with local authorities before travelling in the state.
There have been skirmishes on the India-Bangladesh border. Travellers are advised to check with local authorities that it is safe to travel before visiting these areas. |
Most local people are quite honest and helpful, but beware of auto drivers charging more than normal rates, especially from Agartala Airport specifically to non-locals. For short journeys, always take three-wheeler rickshaws: they are convenient and easily available anywhere.
Sudden flareups and skirmishes may happen along inter-state borders in north-east India and there could be incidents of violence in some of the north-eastern states. Please check with local authorities before traveling in the region.
Protests, blockades and large gatherings are common in India’s north-eastern states. They can happen without warning and occasionally result in disorder. Blockades and protests may disrupt traffic along the national highways connecting them with each other
Avoid protests and leave as soon as possible if a crowd develops. Review your security arrangements carefully and follow the advice of local authorities.
Go next
[edit]There are three ways to get out from here. Firstly, one can opt for air transport; regular flights are available for Kolkata, Guwahati and some other parts of India. One can also opt for rail transport, though rails never run in this route on time. The state is connected with Assam through Meter Gauge Railway. If you plan to visit Bangladesh, you can choose road transport: state-run TRTC service is available for visiting Bangladesh, which is cheaper and reliable. From Dhaka, link bus service is also available for going to Kolkata. Only advance tickets are available in this route and the traveller requires a valid visa for this route (Kolkata via Dhaka).
For Bangladeshi visas, there is a Bangladeshi consulate in Agartala which runs a same day visa service; however, depending on the mood of the visa officer, the price of a tourist visa to Bangladesh may mysteriously rise and the length of your stay in Bangladesh also depends on this factor. Make sure you have a good idea of what you want to see in Bangladesh as this will usually enable you to be granted a longer stay.