Tripura is a hilly state in northeast India, bordered on 3 sides by Bangladesh, and home to a diverse mix of tribal cultures and religious groups. In the capital Agartala, the imposing Ujjayanta Palace is set among Mughal gardens, and Gedu Mia’s Mosque has white marble domes and towers. South of the city, Neermahal summer palace sits in the middle of Lake Rudrasagar and blends Hindu and Islamic architectural styles.
To the southeast, the tortoise-shaped Hindu Tripura Sundari Temple sits just outside the city of Udaipur on the shores of the large Kalyan Sagar lake. Farther south, Mahamuni Pagoda with its golden towers are a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. Halfway between Agartala and Udaipur, spectacled monkeys and clouded leopards can be spotted among the greenery of Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. To the east, elephants and primates including gibbons and slow lorises live at the Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary. Neighboring Dumboor lake is home to many species of water birds.
When to visit: Tripura has a tropical savanna climate. Oct–Apr, with dry and mild weather and wildlife viewing, is a popular time to visit. May–Sep is the monsoon season, with heavy rainfall, flooding and a chance of cyclones. Hindu festivals are held throughout the year. In Unakoti, the Ashokastami Fair (Apr) hosts a mass pilgrimage to its holy river and rock carvings. In rural areas, Garia Puja (Apr) is a traditional harvest festival. Agartala’s Kharchi Puja (Jul) features traditional temple ceremonies and public festivities.