Tripura

Tranquil Tripura, tucked away in the extreme Southwest corner of the North Eastern States, between the river valleys of Myanmar and Bangladesh is one of the least known parts of the region. This ancient land of a mysterious past has a unique tribal culture and a fascinating folklore. The 'Rajmala' Chronicles of an ancient King Tripura, after which the region is said to be named as Tripura and writings of other Mohammedan historians reflects the glorious past of the land. According to 'Rajmala', the rulers were known by the surname of 'Fa' meaning father'. They defeated the Mohammedan Sultans of Bengal in several battles.

A new era dawned on Tripura in the 19th century, as Maharaja Birchandra Kishore Manikya Bahadur modelled his administrative set-up on the lines of British India and brought about several reforms. Tripura never came under direct British rule and the Maharaja's successors ruled over the State till it acceded to the Indian Union on 15th October 1949. It became a centrally administered Union Territory in 1956 and attained full fledged Statehood in the year 1972.

Tripura literally meaning 'three worlds', is strategically located, as it is bounded on the North, West, South and South-east by the international boundary of Bangladesh and is connected with Assam and Mizoram in the North-east. Sixty percent of its total area is covered with gently rolling hills and lush forests Although there are no towering peaks or major rivers, but the serene and lush landscape has lured people over the centuries. Rabindranath Tagore, an honored guest of the Royal Court of Tripura is said to have compiled some of his works in the tranquil environs of the State. The picturesque land is inhabited largely by 19 hill tribes, of which Tripuri is the biggest tribe comprising 60% of the total tribal population. A large number of Bengalis also reside in the State along with several other ethnic groups.

The handloom and handicrafts of Tripura corroborate the creativity of its people as many homes in rural Tripura have a tradition of arts and crafts. Although, it is the smallest State in terms of area, among the seven sisters, but the attractions range from archaeology to antiquity; folk and tribal culture to religion; scenic grandeur to exotic wildlife. This virgin land, totally unspoilt, undiscovered and untouched is indeed one of the most delightful destinations of the North-East.