Agartala

Agartala is Tripura’s capital and the second-largest city in North-Eastern India, behind Guwahati. It is located on the banks of the Haora River, near the Bangladeshi border.

Maharaja Krishna Kishore Manikya created the city in 1838 AD, and in the 1940s, Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Bahadur transformed it into a planned city.The former Princely State Capital of Tripura joined with India on October 15, 1949.

History Of Agartala

Agartala’s historical significance is remarkable and centred on the Manikya Dynasty. According to Agartala historical events, the region of Tripura was formerly controlled by almost 179 Hindu rulers, ranging from the fabled King Druhya to the last King of Tripura, Kirit Bilram Kishore Manikya.
In 1733, the State witnessed the splendid dominion of the Mughals.

The state came under the British in 1808. Much later, the ancient capital of the then princely kingdom ‘Swadhin Tripura’ was at Rangamati (Udaipur, South Tripura) on the banks of the Gomati River. In 1760, Maharaja Krishna Chandra Manikya Bahadur of the Manikya Dynasty relocated it to present-day Agartala on the river Haora/Saidra bank and christened it ‘Haveli’.

Due to frequent Kuki invasions and the need for easy communication with the British Bengali, Maharaja Krishna Chandra Manikya began shifting the capital from Old Haveli to New Haveli (present Agartala) in 1849, resulting in the establishment of Agartala as Tripura’s capital city. This was one of Agartala’s key historical occurrences.

Culture of Agartala

Agartala’s culture is alive. This picturesque place is home to 19 different tribal clans, as well as Manipuri and Bengali communities, all of which contribute to its unique culture. The state’s dynamic culture is shaped by a diverse population of many races. Every community has its own set of traditions and rituals that are passed down to newer generations.

The City’s culture is defined by its communities and traditions. Tribals such as Kuki, Garo, Uchoi, Mizo, Manipuri, Tripuri, and Rang still prefer to live in the jungle. The majority of Bengali Hindus live in Tripura and have a significant impact on the local culture. The state’s culture has impacted numerous mythology, legends, puzzles, songs, and folktales.

The City’s cultural heritage is rich in multidimensional qualities. Music, folk dance, and festivals are the distinguishing features here.

Agartala tourism

The city boasts stunning architecture and a rich cultural legacy. From towering palaces to calm lakes, green hills, and colourful markets, Agartala tourism offers a memorable experience.

Top 5 tourist places in Agartala, Tripura

Ujjayanta Palace: Built-in 1901 by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya, these majestic The City Historical Monuments were the royal palace of the Tripura Kings. Its building combines Indo-Saracenic and Neoclassical styles, with gorgeous domes, lush gardens, and rich artwork. Today, it houses the Tripura State Museum, which displays antiquities, royal relics, and archaeological finds.

Neermahal: Neermahal, which translates as “Water Palace,” is a stunning example of Rajput-Mughal architectural fusion located on Rudrasagar Lake. It was built in the 1930s by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya and served as a royal summer resort. Neermahal, with its gorgeous surroundings and superb design, appeals to both tourists and history buffs.

Kunjaban Palace: Located on a hillock, Kunjaban Palace was used as a summer getaway for the royals during the colonial era. It has panoramic views of the city and is surrounded by lush foliage, making it a popular location for walks and picnics.

Agartala City Centre: This spreading park celebrates independence warrior Bhagat Singh and serves as a hub for the city’s recreational and cultural activities. It includes a statue of Bhagat Singh, landscaped gardens, and walking routes, offering a peaceful retreat in the centre of The City.

The Tripura Government Museum: The Museum located in the Ujjayanta Palace, displays a varied collection of items, including sculptures, coins, tribal crafts, and rare manuscripts. It provides insights about Tripura’s history, art, and culture over time and across civilizations.

The City not only preserves the region’s tradition, but it also serves as a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over to appreciate its architectural splendour and learn about the rich City’s cultural heritage.

Climate and Weather In Agartala

In Agartala, the summer season is hot, humid, and mainly overcast, whereas the dry season is warm and mostly clear. Over the course of the year, the temperature normally ranges from 52°F to 91°F, rarely falling below 47°F or rising over 96°F.

The hot season runs from March to July, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 88°F. The hottest month in The City is June, with an average high of 89°F and a low of 78°F.

The cool season runs from December to February, with average daily high temperatures below 79°F. The coldest month in The City is January, with an average low of 53°F and a high of 77°F.

The best time to visit

From October to February, winter is the best time to explore Tripura. With nice weather, you can easily enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Population of Agartala city

The current population estimate for Agartala city in 2024 is 567,000. The current forecasts for The City are based on past growth rates. According to preliminary Census India data, The City’s population in 2011 was 400,004.

Religion: Hinduism is the majority religion in Agartala, accounting for 94.09% of the population. Islam is the second most common religion in the city , with roughly 4.37% of followers. In The City, Christianity is followed by 0.99%.

Transport in Agartala

The nearest airport to The City is Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, 12 kilometres northwest of the city centre. The airport has a single terminal with two boarding gates, which handles all aircraft to and from The City.

The City is served by Agartala Railway Station. The station is connected to major Indian cities such as Kolkata, Guwahati, and New Delhi, and it has a regular train service.

The City has a well-developed bus network that connects it to other sections of the state and surrounding cities. Travellers can pick from many bus services, including government-run buses and private operators.

Local Transportation in Agartala Auto-rickshaws are a prominent means of short-distance transportation in the city. The city also has a state-operated bus network.