Tripura

Tripura (Bengali: ত্রিপুরা Tripurā, Kokborok: Twipra/Tui Pra), one of the seven north-eastern states of India, is one of the least explored regions of India by tourists, but it offers immense natural beauty and an intriguing cultural heritage. A mix of Bengali and tribal populations, Tripura is bordered by Bangladesh in the south, west, and north, Assam in the northeast, and Mizoram in the east.

• 23.83333391.2666671 Agartala (আগরতলা Āgartalā) — capital of Tripura
• 23.67396491.2816712 Bishalgarh (বিশালগড় Biśālgaṛ) — home to the ruins of a Buddhist civilisation, as well as a Hindu temple at the border to Bangladesh
• 24.3792.173 Dharmanagar (ধর্মনগর Dharmanagar) — home to the Unakoti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut sculptures
• 23.7991.444 Khumulwng (ক্ষুমুলুঙ Kṣumuluṅ) — largest tribal city of Tripura
• 23.4991.335 Melaghar (মেলাঘর Melāghar) — home to the Neermahal, India's largest water palace
• 2391.736 Sabroom
• 23.5391.487 Udaipur (উদয়পুর Udaẏpur) — third-biggest city

• 23.11747291.3771 Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Udyan — One of the base camps of Bangladeshi freedom fighters and Indian soldiers during the second Indo-Pakistani war
• 23.54195991.605722 Chabimura (Kokborok: Chakwrakma) — Famous for its panels of rock carving on steep mountain wall on the bank of the Gomati River
• 23.4791.843 Dumboor Lake —
• 23.6023991.767584 Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary —
• 23.96591792.2773475 Jampui Hills —
• 23.81666791.8166676 Montang Valley (Mountain of Peace) —
• 23.42166791.3130567 Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary – Known for its population of gaur (Indian bison), extensive grasslands, perennial streams and unusual diversity of primates.

The Hindu epic, the Mahabharata; ancient religious texts, the Puranas; and the Edicts of Ashoka – stone pillar inscriptions of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka dating from the third century BC, all mention Tripura. An ancient name of Tripura (as mentioned in the Mahabharata) is Kirat Desh (English: "The land of Kirat"). However, it is unclear whether the extent of modern Tripura is coterminous with Kirat Desh.

The region was under the rule of the Twipra Kingdom for centuries, but when this dynasty began is not documented. The boundaries of the kingdom changed over the centuries. At various times, the borders reached south to the jungles of the Sundarbans on the Bay of Bengal; east to Burma; and north to the boundary of the Kamarupa kingdom in Assam. There were several Muslim invasions of the region from the 13th century onward, which culminated in Mughal dominance of the plains of the kingdom in 1733, although their rule never extended to the hill regions. The Mughals had influence over the appointment of the Tripuri kings.

Tripura became a princely state during British rule in India. The kings had an estate in British India, known as Tippera district or Chakla Roshanbad (now the Comilla district of Bangladesh), in addition to the independent area known as Hill Tippera, roughly corresponding to the present-day Tripura state. Udaipur, in the south of Tripura, was the capital of the kingdom, until the king Krishna Manikya moved the capital to Old Agartala in the 18th century. It was moved to the new city of Agartala in the 19th century.

Following the independence of India in 1947, Tippera district – the estate in the plains of British India – became Comilla district of East Pakistan, and Hill Tippera remained under a regency council until 1949. The Maharani of Tripura signed the Tripura Merger Agreement on 9 September 1949, making Tripura a union territory of India. Full statehood was conferred in 1971.

The partition of Bengal that coincided with the independence of India (and Pakistan) resulted in major economic and infrastructural setbacks for the state, as road transport between the state and the major cities of the newly independent India had to follow a more circuitous route, around East Pakistan.

After the partition of India, many Bengali Hindus migrated to Tripura as refugees fleeing religious persecution in Muslim-majority East Pakistan, especially after 1949. Settlement by Hindu Bengalis increased during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.

Ethnic strife between the indigenous Tripuri tribe and the predominantly immigrant Bengali community led to scattered violence, and an insurgency spanning decades, including occasional massacres such as the 1980 Mandai massacre. This gradually abated following the establishment of a tribal autonomous district council and the use of strategic counter-insurgency operations.

Spread over 10,491.69 km² (4,050.86 sq mi), Tripura is the third-smallest among the 28 states in the country, behind Goa and Sikkim.Tripura is bordered by the country of Bangladesh to the west, north and south; and the Indian states of Assam to the north east; and Mizoram to the east. The physiography is characterised by hill ranges, valleys and plains. The small isolated hillocks interspersed throughout the state are known as tillas, and the narrow fertile alluvial valleys, mostly present in the west, are called Doóng/lungas. A number of rivers originate in the hills of Tripura and flow into Bangladesh.

The state has a tropical savanna climate, but the undulating topography leads to local variations, particularly in the hill ranges. According to a United Nations Development Programme report, the state lies in "very high damage risk" zone from wind and cyclones.

The evergreen forests on the hill slopes and the sandy river banks are dominated by flowering plants. Grasslands and swamps are also present, particularly in the plains. Tripura hosts 90 land mammal species. Out of 15 free ranging primates of India, seven are found in Tripura; this is the highest number of primate species found in any Indian state. The wild buffalo is extinct now. There are nearly 300 species of birds in the state.

Official websites:

• Government of Tripura
• Tripura Tourism

Bengali, English and Kokborok (Tripuri) are official languages of Tripura. Bengali is understood in and around major cities like Agartala, Dharmanagar and Udaipur, whereas Kokborok, the native language of the Tripuri people, is spoken mainly in rural areas.

As with most states in the Northeast, Hindi and English are not widely understood, and few people speak the languages proficiently.

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.

There is a direct bus service Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala.

Agartala IXA ^IATA is connected by air from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Silchar. Foreign citizens must register at the airport on arrival.

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).

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.

• 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

Visit the State Museum in Agartala, which is housed in the Ujjayanta palace, a piece of history itself.

For Tripurans, food is shaped by local ingredients like bamboo shoots, fermented fish, herbs, and freshly harvested rice.

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.

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.

Drinking in open is banned here, and there are no bars in the state. Beware of pirated alcohols, available in plenty. On the other hand, soft drinks of eminent brands are available in almost all shops.

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.

	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 travelling 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.

• Assam — The only way out for Indian citizens without a permit. The Barak Valley region bordering Tripura shares the same language.
• Mizoram — If you have a valid permit to enter Mizoram, you can explore the less-known gems of the tribal state.