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Tripurasundari Temple

One of the most important (and much venerated) attractions of Tripura is the ancient temple of Tripurasundari located on a hilltop 3 km from Udaipur. Also known as Mata Bari (Mother Goddess) locally, it is regarded as one of the 51 piths (holy sites) of Hindu pilgrimage. Goddess Tripurasundri is an avtar of Parvathi, the consort of Lord Shiva, the principal deity of the state.

A curious legend surrounds its origins. Tripura's King Dhanya Manikya of the 15th century is said to have had a dream ordering him to establish Tripurasundari at this hilltop temple. But the king knew that it was already dedicated to Lord Vishnu and he knew he could not obey the signs in the dream, because Lord Vishnu and the consort of Lord Shiva could not share the same abode. But the divine command was repeated to him the next night. Giving in the king did as he was bid.

The Kalyansagar Pond that he built close by is home to tortoises who are deeply revered by the devotees of the temple; This venerable temple is also referred to as the Koorma (tortoise) Pith. The temple is 500 years old. Diwali is celebrated with great pomp here.

Kamalasagar Kali Temple

Maharaja Dhanya Manikya also initiated the excavations of Lake Kamalsagar, 27 km from Agartala. There's a popular 16th century Kali Temple on the edge of the lake.

Unakoti

Unakoti, 178 km from Agartala, is deservedly reputed for its 7-9th century stone and rock cut images, deep in the forests near Kailashahar. The worship of Shiv-Shakti (Shaivism) is an old tradition in Tripura and this is beautifully endorsed by the 30' high Shiva head (the Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava) which forms a part of one of the largest bas relief's in the country, at Unakoti. The annual Ashokastami Mela is held in the month of April.

Bhuvaneswari Temple

One of Bengal's great luminaries, Poet Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, is said to have penned some of his writings near the pretty location of the Gomati River. The Buvaneshwari Temple located here also finds mention in these works. Another interesting temple in the vicinity is the Jagannath Temple. On the hills facing the river are the Chabimura rock panels. Carved into the hillside are images of Shiva, Vishnu, Kartik, Mahisasur and other deities, said to belong to 15th-16th century.