bigtravelbuzzAgartala is the capital city of the northeastern Indian state of Tripura. It is situated on the banks of the Haora River and is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant local markets.
Places to Visit in Agartala
Agartala has a number of attractions that showcase its rich culture and natural beauty. Some popular places to visit in Agartala include:
- Ujjayanta Palace: A beautiful palace with a mix of Mughal and European architecture, now a museum with a collection of royal artifacts.
- Neermahal Palace: A stunning palace built in the middle of a lake, it is a popular tourist attraction in the nearby town of Melaghar.
- Tripurasundari Temple: A revered temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Tripurasundari.
- Jagannath Temple: A colorful temple with a unique design, it is one of the most popular temples in Agartala.
- Heritage Park: A park showcasing the state’s rich heritage with various installations and sculptures.
- Malancha Niwas: A beautiful colonial-style bungalow built by Rabindranath Tagore, which is now a museum.
- Umananda Temple: A revered Shiva temple located on a small island in the middle of the Haora River.
- Sipahijala Wildlife Sanctuary: A wildlife sanctuary located on the outskirts of the city, known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty.
These are just a few of the many places to visit in Agartala, and there are many other attractions that are worth exploring.
Best Time To Visit Agartala
The best time to visit Agartala is during the winter months of October to March, as the weather is pleasant with cool breezes and clear skies. It is also a good time to explore the cultural festivals and events in the region.
Things to Do in Agartala
Agartala offers a range of interesting activities and places to explore, some of which are:
- Visit Ujjayanta Palace, a former royal residence, which now serves as a museum and cultural center.
- Explore the nearby Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a range of bird and animal species.
- Take a trip to Neermahal Palace, a beautiful water palace built in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake.
- Visit the Unakoti Hill rock carvings, which feature ancient rock-cut sculptures and murals.
- Experience the local culture and cuisine by visiting the numerous markets and food stalls in the city.
- Visit the Jagannath Temple, which is one of the most famous and sacred temples in the city.
- Enjoy a leisurely walk around the picturesque Kunjaban Palace and its gardens.
- Take a boat ride on the Gomati River to explore the nearby natural beauty and local culture.
- Learn about the history and culture of the state at the Tripura State Museum.
- Attend the annual Durga Puja festival, which is a major cultural and religious event in the region.
How to Get Around in Agartala
Agartala is a small city, and it is easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle rickshaw. Auto-rickshaws, local buses, and taxis are also available for travel within the city. You can also rent a car or motorcycle to get around the city and explore nearby areas. Some hotels may also provide transportation services to their guests.
Where to eat in Agartala
Agartala is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine. Some of the best places to eat in Agartala are:
- Udaipur Machhi Ghar – Famous for its fish dishes.
- Gomati Hotel – Serves authentic Bengali and Tripuri cuisine.
- Royal China – One of the best Chinese restaurants in Agartala.
- Mughal Darbar – Offers delicious Mughlai cuisine.
- Dheera’s Cafe – Popular for its coffee and breakfast options.
- Hari Ganga – Famous for its chaats and street food.
- Shree Krishna Bhandar – Serves mouth-watering sweets and snacks.
- Madras Hotel – Known for its south Indian cuisine.
Famous street stalls in Agartala
Agartala is known for its delicious street food. Some of the famous street stalls in Agartala are:
- Gandacherra Food Market – Known for its diverse variety of street food.
- Puchkas and Chaat Stalls – There are several stalls in Agartala serving delicious puchkas (gol gappas) and chaat.
- Bhut Jolokia stalls – Bhut Jolokia is one of the spiciest chillies in the world, and it is widely used in the cuisine of Northeast India. There are several stalls in Agartala that serve dishes made with bhut jolokia.
- Ice cream stalls – There are several ice cream stalls in Agartala that serve unique and delicious flavors.
- Chakum Chukum Tea Stall – This is a popular tea stall in Agartala, known for its delicious tea and snacks.
- Samosas and Kachoris – There are several stalls in Agartala that serve delicious samosas and kachoris.
- Momos Stalls – Momos are a popular street food in Northeast India, and there are several stalls in Agartala that serve delicious momos.
Where to stay in Agartala
Luxury accommodation
Agartala has limited luxury accommodation options, but some of the popular ones include:
- The Royal Retreat: a 4-star hotel offering comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant.
- Ginger Hotel: a budget hotel chain by Tata group that offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and an in-house restaurant.
Other luxury options can be found in the nearby city of Guwahati, which is approximately 600 km away.
Budget accommodation
Agartala has a variety of budget accommodations to choose from. Here are some popular budget hotels and guesthouses in Agartala:
- Ginger Hotel Agartala
- Hotel Sonar Tori
- Hotel Welcome Palace
- Hotel City Centre
- Hotel Jaipur Palace
These budget accommodations offer comfortable rooms and basic amenities at an affordable price.
Travel Tips Agartala
Here are some travel tips for Agartala:
- Plan your trip during the winter season (November to February) as the weather is pleasant during this time.
- Don’t miss out on the local delicacies like fish, bamboo shoots, and local fruits.
- Bargaining is a common practice in the local markets, so don’t hesitate to bargain.
- Visit the Ujjayanta Palace, a famous tourist attraction, in the evening to see it lit up.
- Don’t forget to carry insect repellent as mosquitoes can be a nuisance.
- Respect the local customs and traditions and dress modestly while visiting religious places.
- Public transportation is limited in Agartala, so it’s best to hire a private vehicle or taxi to get around.
- Carry a copy of your identity proof and travel documents at all times.
- Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (June to September) as heavy rainfall can cause inconvenience.
- Always carry a water bottle with you and stay hydrated.