The capital of Tripura, Agartala boasts a blend of ancient history, natural beauty and modern vibrancy. Located in the northeastern part of India, along the banks of River Haora, the city is filled with spectacular architecture and grand cultural heritage. From majestic palaces to serene lakes, lush hills, and vibrant markets, Agartala tourism promises an unforgettable experience. Let us uncover the Agartala travel guide to learn about various places to visit, food to try, things to do, and markets to shop from.
How to reach Agartala
- By air: The nearest airport to Agartala is Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, 12 km northwest of the city centre. There is a single terminal at the airport with two boarding gates, and handles all flights to Agartala and from it.
- By train: Agartala is served by the Agartala Railway Station. The station is well-connected to major cities in India like Kolkata, Guwahati, and New Delhi through regular train services.
- By bus: Agartala has a well-developed bus network that connects it to various parts of the state and neighbouring cities. Travellers can choose from a variety of bus services, including government-run buses as well as private operators.
- Getting around/local transport in Agartala: Auto-rickshaws are a popular transport mode for short distances within the city. The city also has a network of buses operated by the state government.
Places to visit
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Neermahal
A stunning water palace with beautiful architecture, Neermahal is surrounded by the Rudrasagar Lake.
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Ujjayanta Palace
Exploration time: Around 2 hours
Jagannath Temple
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Tripurasundari Temple
Exploration time: 2-3 hours
Kunjaban Palace
Exploration time: 1-2 hoursView All 6 places
Places to eat
Abhishek Prime Hotel and Restaurant
Abhishek Prime Hotel and Restaurant is a popular dining destination in Agartala, known for its delicious food and comfortable ambience.
Popular dishes: Chicken bharta, tawa mushroom, and crispy chilli baby corn.
Restaurant Kurry Club
Restaurant Kurry Club is a well-known restaurant in Agartala, offering North Indian, Chinese, and Bengali cuisine.
Popular dishes: Crispy chilli potato and vegetable steamed momos.
Neel Nod
Neel Nod is famous for its upscale meals. They have a wide variety of dishes from Indian and Thai cuisine.
Popular dishes: Bamboo shoot curry and bamboo shoot fry.
Bawarchi Restaurant
Bawarchi Restaurant is known for its North Indian and Mughlai dishes.
Popular dishes: Biryanis and kebabs.
Hotel Sonar Tori
It is a popular choice for traditional Bengali cuisine in a cosy setting.
Popular dishes: Caesar salad, mutton roganjosh, and Bangladeshi mutton kichuri.
Things To Do
Spiritual retreat
Wildlife sanctuary
Cultural tour
Local cuisine
Historical sites
Museum exploration
Best time to visit
Most commonly spoken languages
Shopping
Agartala has some excellent options for street shopping:
- Golbazar: From trendy fashion finds to traditional handicrafts, there's something for everyone at Gol Bazaar. Visitors can also try dishes like phuchka (pani puri), momos, jhalmuri, and more while here.
- Battala Market: Battala Market is a local favourite for fresh produce, spices, and street food. Visitors can sample delicious local delicacies and shop for fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Gurkha Basti Market: Gurkha Basti Market is renowned for its exquisite handicrafts, showcasing the region's intricate artistry and skilled craftsmanship. The place offers diverse traditional textiles, woven shawls, bamboo products and tribal artwork.
- Jagat Bazar: Jagat Bazar in Agartala is a lively marketplace buzzing with activity. You will find various clothes and electronics, enjoy local music, and try delicious street food.
Festivals
Agartala celebrates a variety of festivals with great enthusiasm. Some of the major festivals celebrated in the city include:
Ganga Puja
The Goddess of the River Ganges is worshipped for the well-being of people during the festival. A temple, made of three pieces of bamboo, is built and placed in the river for everyone to offer their prayers.
Garia Puja
Garia Puja is one of the most popular festivals celebrated for protection and prosperity. It usually occurs in April and lasts for several days. The festival is indigenous to the tribal members of the state, wherein dolls made of bamboo are worshipped. Additionally, makeshift bamboo huts known as 'Garia' are made and adorned with colourful decorations. Traditional dances, music, and cultural performances are also a part of the celebration, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the people.
Neermahal Water Festival
The Neermahal Water Festival is an annual celebration that is held at Neermahal, a stunning water palace. This festival is usually organised in winter when the palace and its surroundings come alive with cultural performances, traditional music, dance, and various water sports activities.
Buddha Jayanti
Buddha Jayanti is celebrated enthusiastically at the Venuban Vihar Temple in Agartala. Held annually in May, this festival draws people from across the country to join the festivities. Alongside religious ceremonies, a grand fair adds to the jubilant atmosphere.
Poush Sankranti
Poush Sankranti or Makar Sankranti, as it is called in other parts of the country, is celebrated in January wherein deities are worshipped, devotees take a holy dip in the River Gomati, and undertake rituals. On this occasion, a two-day Tirthamukh Mela is organised and visited by people across the country.
Durga Puja
Durga Puja is an annual four-day celebration of Goddess Durga in September/October. On the last day, an idol of the Goddess is immersed in the water.
More reasons to visit
There are several compelling reasons to visit Agartala. Here are some of them:
- Malancha Niwas: Malancha Niwas is a historical building which holds significance as the place where Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel laureate poet, stayed during his visit to Tripura. The building is now a museum and a cultural centre, showcasing artefacts related to Tagore's visit and his association with Tripura.
- Venuban Vihar: Venuban Vihar is a Buddhist temple and monastery in Agartala. It is known for its peaceful ambience and beautiful architecture. The temple complex includes a prayer hall, meditation centre, and residential quarters for monks. Visitors can explore the serene surroundings, offer prayers, or simply meditate in the tranquil environment.
- Adventure activities: Embark on thrilling activities like hiking, rock climbing, and zip-lining at locations like Chabimura, Pilak, and Kailashahar, which offer adrenaline-pumping experiences amidst stunning natural landscapes.
- Diwali Mela: Around 20 days after commencement of Durga Puja, the festival of Diwali is celebrated in October/November across the nation. A mela is held in Agartala to mark the occasion.
