On the banks of the Haora River, in the state of Tripura, the city of Agartala welcomes you for a stay filled with discovery and cultural immersion. Its architectural monuments and distinctive character make this city a treasure trove of history that should not be missed during your journey to India.

History

At the instigation of Maharaja Krishna Chandra Manikya Bahadur, old Agartala replaced Rangamati as the capital of the princely state of Sawdhin Tripura in the 19th century. The city was named "Haveli." However, to maintain communication with British Bengal and avoid repeated invasions by the Kuki tribe, the maharaja decided to relocate the capital once more to New Haveli in 1849, which became the present-day Agartala.

Administratively, the municipality of Agartala was established during the reign of Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya (1862–1896). The British subsequently rebuilt the city during the colonial period. From the introduction of new roads to the development of markets and the construction of new buildings, Agartala modernized throughout the 1940s.

Today

Situated on the banks of the Haora River, at the edge of the border with Bangladesh in northeast India, Agartala has retained its status as the capital of Tripura state. The city is home to 19 indigenous tribal groups and non-tribal Bengali-speaking communities.

Upon entering the city, palaces immediately stand out with their sumptuous architecture bordering on perfection. Lining the avenues, government buildings in scarlet hues subtly contrast with British constructions, which are predominantly white. Due to their history and authenticity, several of these monuments have earned their place in UNESCO's world heritage. Fine temples and beautifully landscaped gardens further enhance the city's charm.

Agartala also appeals to food enthusiasts seeking new flavors. The city brims with restaurants offering a variety of Indian dishes, largely inspired by Bengali cuisine. Moreover, menus here are remarkably affordable compared to other regions of India. During your gastronomic journey, be sure to taste the delicious seasonal fruits that have made Tripura famous: oranges, pineapples, lychees, and more.

Of course, arts and culture thrive throughout this multifaceted city. The Durga Puja festival in September and Saraswati Puja, celebrated in the first quarter of the year, offer remarkable discoveries.

Climate

Located in a humid subtropical zone, Agartala experiences particularly long summers, stretching from April to October with an average temperature of 28°C, strong daytime sunshine and frequent rainfall. From November to March, winter is marked by moderate dry conditions, with an average temperature of 18°C, making this the best season to visit the city.

Agartala has an airport with connections to major cities across India: Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Silchar, Chennai and Bangalore.

By road, the city is accessible via National Highway 44. Buses and car rentals serve as shuttles for the journey. Agartala is also served by a railway line, connecting it to Kumarghat, Lumding, Delhi, Dharmanagar and Akhaura (Bangladesh).

For getting around Agartala, you can choose between traditional rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, buses and taxis.

What to Do in Agartala?

• Visit architectural gems: Ujjayanta Palace, Venuban Vihar Buddhist Temple, Kunjaban Palace, etc.
• Shop at the city's markets: Gol Bazaar and Kaman Chowmuhani
• Experience football, a cherished sporting tradition in the region
• Visit Domboor Lake
• Taste local cuisine and seasonal fruits
• Discover artistic and cultural events, etc.