Agartala is the capital of one of the Seven Sister states of India, Tripura. It is located close to Bangladesh border which accounts for their diverse and mixed cultural influences. Agartala has a sizeable tribal population which strong Bengali influences in their food, language and culture. Like their cuisine, the mixed cultural influence is prominent in their lifestyle. Gorgeous natural beauty, historical monuments, art, craft and food makes Agartala a preferred tourist destination in Tripura. Here is a snippet of travel guide in Agartala city.

By Air:

Agartala boasts of a domestic airport also known as Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport. It is located about 12 km from the city centre and is well connected by flights with neighbouring cities like Kolkata and Guwahati and other major cities of the country like Delhi, Mumbai etc. Tourists can take a connecting or direct flight to Agartala. From the airport cabs and buses can be hired to reach the city.

By Rail:

The Agartala Railway Station is located 5 km from the city and apart from Guwahati it is the second city to have been connected by rail in the north-eastern part of the country. The railway station is critical for establishing rail connectivity with adjacent cities, districts and states. From the station tourists can take cabs or bus to reach their preferred destination.

By Road:

NH 44 is the lifeline of the state that connects different parts with adjacent states and cities. Agartala has a well developed bus service. Private and public bus service providers operate luxury coaches that run on regular basis connecting city to different parts of the state and with neighbouring cities and states.

Getting Around:

Bus is a preferred and commonly used means of the transportation in the city. They are frequent and run on well connected routes. Car rentals are also very common here and tourists can hire cars for sightseeing and for travelling to areas in and around the city.

Summer (March to June): 

Summer in Agartala lasts from March till end of May with April and May being the hottest months. Temperature tends to rise steadily as does humidity and related discomforts. Temperature reaches as high as 35°C and the pre-monsoon showers tend to increase the humidity considerably. Summer is not a preferred time to visit Agartala.

Monsoon (July to September): 

Agartala experiences quite a long-drawn monsoon. Rains continue from July to September and rainfall is quite considerable. The temperatures fall and the weather becomes cooler and pleasant. Monsoon is considered one of the best times to witness the natural beauty of Agartala and its vicinity areas. The surroundings get a fresh and rejuvenated look and everything looks to have received a new lease of life.

Winter (October to March):

Winter sets in Agartala by November and lasts till February. By December it is full-fledged winter. Skies clear up, rains are intermittent but not very frequent. Weather is extremely pleasant and comfortable. Humidity falls significantly and the chill in the air is refreshing and welcomed by all. Temperature tends to range between 10°C and 18°C which makes it the best time to explore and enjoy Agartala.

Trip to Ujjayanta Palace:

Ujjayanta Palace was built more than a century before and also underwent reconstruction due to damage caused by earthquake. The Palace was then used to serve the Legislative Assembly of Tripura from 1972 till 2012. Post 2011 the palace has been converted into Tripura Government Museum and is one of the biggest museums in the region. A trip of the palace to view its architectural splendour and a tour of the museum is one of the best things to do while in the city.

Trekking in Jampui Hills:

Jampui Hills is the highest range in the state and borders the state of Mizoram. It is a beautiful place where the weather remains favourable throughout the year and is today popular for its orange plantations producing some of the best oranges in the region. Jampui Hills also boasts of a gorgeous trekking trail which is not very tough and can be attempted by all visiting Agartala. The trek takes the trekkers through meandering streams, valleys and hills and allows a glimpse of the fascinating natural beauty of the surroundings.

Wildlife Photography:

If you are a wildlife enthusiast then a trip to Sipahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is highly recommended the sanctuary is home to diverse species of wild animals including Clouded Leopard and crab-eating mongoose. There are different types of flora and fauna too to explore. Winter is a good time to visit the sanctuary as it is easy to sight animals. There is a Forest Bungalow where tourists can stay for the night.

Visit Temples:

There are a number of temples in Ujjayanta Palace grounds including Jagannath Temple and Ummeshwar Temple. Jagannath Temple is unique for its architectural style which is a blend of Islamic style on the outside and Hindu Temple style of architecture on the inside. The temple houses deities of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Devi Subhadhra. Ummeshwar Temple is another temple within the complex and has typical Bengali temple architectural style.

Agartala is a great place for foodies and there are ample options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Fish, rice, mutton, pork and chicken feature significantly in the cuisine of the people here. Due to its close proximity to Bangladesh, there is a strong influence of Bengali cuisine in the food of the people here. When in Agartala make sure to try their traditional cuisine Moi Borok. There are a large number of restaurants and eateries in Agartala for tasting different varieties of food.

For tourists who like to shop, Agartala is the best place to pick up some locally woven and handcrafted items. Bamboo and cane items are very popular and some of the stuff that tourists could take back with them is furniture, table lamps, mats etc. clay and palm leaves items are equally popular here. The tribal people of the state are involved in the making of these items. Tourists can visit Purbasa which is the state government emporium to purchase their merchandise. There are a number of private shops also where they can get good deals for their stuff.