Agartala Travel Guide

Plan a perfect trip to Agartala with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top tourist attractions, local food, best places to stay, and more. Read here!


Ultimate Travel Guide for Agartala, Tripura

Agartala, the capital city of Tripura, is a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. This small and serene city situated on the banks of the Haora River is an ideal destination for travelers seeking to escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Agartala is notable for its distinctive terrain bordering Bangladesh and a vibrant mix of people and culture. Over the years, the city has developed considerably, and it has a rich history to explore. If you’re planning a trip to Agartala, this comprehensive guide would serve as an excellent starting point for you.

List of Places to Visit in Agartala

Agartala is home to several landmarks, destinations, and cultural institutions that travellers should explore. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Agartala:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ujjayanta Palace The palace was once the seat of the Tripura royal family and today serves as a museum with galleries of tribal and cultural artifacts, paintings, rare and antique images, and beautiful gardens. The palace is a fine example of the fusion of Hindu and western architectural styles.

  • Tripura State Museum The museum displays a fascinating collection of artifacts from the state, including sculptures, coins, textiles, ornaments, and ancient manuscripts.

  • Jagannath Temple The temple is among the oldest and most revered temples in the city, and its architecture reflects the traditional Bengali style.

Natural Attractions of Agartala: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary The sanctuary is an ideal place to experience the biodiversity of north-eastern India. Visitors can enjoy boating, bird-watching, and hiking in this 18.5 square kilometre sanctuary.

  • Neermahal A picturesque palace-cum-lake, Neermahal was once home to the royal family during the summer months. With the calm lake and sprawling gardens, the palace is a beautiful sight to behold.

  • Heritage Park The park is an ideal choice for nature lovers seeking serene surroundings. The park is home to a colorful butterfly garden and other endemic plant species.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Agartala

Agartala has several routes for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Some of the popular hiking trails in and around the city are the trails in the Jampui Hills and the Barmura Eco Park. Visitors can also rent bikes to explore the countryside roads surrounding the city.

Best Things to Do in Agartala: Activities and Tours

Agartala offers a plethora of fascinating activities that visitors can enjoy. Some of the best things to do in Agartala include:

  • Boating in the Haora River Visitors can enjoy a relaxing boat ride in the Haora River and marvel at the beautiful landscapes surrounding the city.

  • Trekking through the Jampui Hills This trek takes visitors through the lush green mountains of Jampui, the highest hill in Tripura.

  • Attend a Durga Puja Festival Visitors must not leave Agartala without participating in the Durga Puja festival celebrated with great enthusiasm by the locals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Agartala

A week-long itinerary ensures that visitors cover most of the significant tourist destinations in Agartala. Here is a suggested itinerary for a seven-day trip to Agartala.

Day Itinerary
1 Visit Ujjayanta Palace, Jagannath Temple, and Benuban Bihari Museum
2 Explore the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary and the Tripura State Museum
3 Visit the Unakoti and Pilak archaeological sites
4 Go to Jampui Hills for trekking and exploring traditional villages
5 Visit Neermahal Palace and Heritage Park
6 Attend the Durga Puja Festival
7 Spend the day shopping and exploring the local cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Agartala

Agartala offers visitors a wide range of flavors and cuisines to choose from. The local cuisine of Tripura is known to rely heavily on herbs and spices. Some must-try dishes during your visit to Agartala are:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bhapa Pitha A steamed dish of rice flour, coconut, and jaggery is one of the most delicious sweet dishes in Tripura.

  • Chak-hao kheer A sweet pudding made from sticky black rice and sweetened with jaggery is a popular dessert in Tripura.

  • Wahan Mosdeng A fiery chutney made from red chillies and bamboo shoots is an excellent accompaniment to most meals.

Local Beverages

  • Chuak A traditional rice beer with a slightly sour taste is a must-try beverage in Tripura.

  • Tea Like most of India, the tea culture is thriving in Agartala. The city offers an excellent variety of tea, ranging from Assam tea to Darjeeling tea.

Where to Stay in Agartala: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Agartala offers many options for accommodation, including luxurious hotels, budget hotels, homestays, and guesthouses. Some recommended places to stay in Agartala are:

  • The Rajarshi Lodge Located in a tranquil location with well-furnished rooms and friendly staff, this is an ideal choice for budget travelers.

  • Ginger Hotel A popular and affordable hotel chain with proper hygiene and meal facilities.

  • Hotel Woodland Park A luxurious accommodation option in Agartala with amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, and spa.

What to Buy in Agartala: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Agartala is a hub for traditional handicrafts and locally produced goods. Some unique souvenirs to bring back from your trip to Agartala are the following:

  • Bamboo and Cane Products Tripura is known for its bamboo and cane products that can be used as home decorations or as daily usage items.

  • Handloom Products Traditional handloom products like shawls, stoles, and fabrics made by the tribal communities of Tripura are worth purchasing.

Local Culture and Customs of Agartala

Agartala is a culturally diverse city, with people of different religions and communities coexisting peacefully. The people of Tripura are proud of their rich cultural heritage and festivals, including the famous Durga Puja, are widely celebrated. Visitors should be mindful of local customs such as dress codes while visiting temples and must avoid smoking in public spaces.

Best Time to Visit Agartala

The ideal time to visit Agartala is between October and March as the weather during these months is pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Agartala

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.

  • Explore new flavors of food and drink popular in Tripura.

  • Dress modestly, especially while visiting religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Avoid smoking in public spaces and street corners.

  • Don’t carry plastic materials in the natural reserves.

  • Don’t indulge in disruptive activities that will harm the local cultural traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Agartala

Agartala is considered to be a safe city, with low crime rates. Visitors must take necessary precautions like avoiding late-night travels and carrying minimal cash during their trips.

Health in Agartala

Agartala has several medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics. Visitors must be aware of basic hygiene practices and should carry essential medications with them. Visitors should also avoid drinking tap water and prefer bottled water.

Getting to Agartala: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can reach Agartala through air, road, or rail.

Airports Near Agartala

  • Agartala Airport The airport is about 12 km from the city centre and has frequent domestic flights from Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati.

Bus Stations Near Agartala

  • Agartala Bus Station The bus station has regular services from different cities of North-East India like Guwahati and Shillong.

Other Options

  • Railway Station The nearest railway station is Kumarghat, about 160 km from Agartala. It has frequent trains running to all major cities of the country.

How to Get Around in Agartala

Agartala has several transportation options such as taxis and auto-rickshaws for getting around the city. Visitors should prefer pre-paid taxis and agree on the fare before starting the trip.

Where to Go Next from Agartala: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can explore different destinations in Tripura and neighboring states for a memorable trip experience.

  • Unakoti An archaeological site that has rock-cut relief sculptures, temple ruins, and rare designs, is a popular destination for adventure seekers.

  • Sipahijola Wildlife Sanctuary The sanctuary is about 20 km from Agartala and is ideal for nature walks and bird-watching.

  • Unnakoti Hill A charming hill station located about 180 km from Agartala where visitors can enjoy trekking, camping and sitting by the riverside.

Conclusion

Agartala is a vibrant city with a rich cultural history and natural beauty. Visitors to the city can experience its culture, heritage, customs, and flavors while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. Plan a perfect trip to Agartala with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top tourist attractions, local food, best places to stay, and more.

The Agartala Railway Station, opened in 2008, whose shape is clearly inspired by the Ujjayanta Palace The Agartala Railway Station, opened in 2008, whose shape is clearly inspired by the Ujjayanta Palace Tripura Government Museum Tripura Government Museum Ujjayanta Palace Ujjayanta Palace Ujjayanta Palace Ujjayanta Palace Laxminarayan Lake Laxminarayan Lake A view of a city street on a rainy day in 2006 A view of a city street on a rainy day in 2006