Tripura can be visited as a day trip from Shillong, but you'd also have to cover Meghalaya, Assam or Mizoram. For this reason, it makes sense only if the visitor is already headed in that direction.
Tripura is mostly composed of what are called 'old' hills, i.e. areas not subject to massive erosion by rain. The Manu, Krem Lymput and Jaintia hills fall under this category. While they are not as dramatic as the Khasi Hills or the Garo Hills, they still provide some amazing scenery.
Tripura is also an extremely green state, with more than two-thirds of its geographical area covered in forests. There are numerous waterfalls all over the hilly part of Tripura - these can be visited throughout the year except for a few days during heavy monsoon rains (June-August). In autumn (September-October) it is possible to see beautiful flower arrangements at many locations - often with religious significance.
History
Tripura was the first princely state to join the Indian Union after independence. Both Princely India and independent India have included it as one of their provinces at some point. In ancient times most of what is now Tripura was part of the kingdom known as 'Kamarupa'. This kingdom had its roots in tribal migrations into the region from northern Myanmar (Burma) sometime around 1000 AD.
Towards the end of British rule in India, there were small movements for self-determination by both ethnic groups in Tripura - namely the Uprajpas (Bengalis) and the tribals. During this time, there were some ethnic clashes between these groups - though perhaps nowhere near as many as in Assam. Eastern Bengal was also home to several movements for independence or greater autonomy during this period - particularly around Sylhet (now part of Bangladesh).
Geography
Tripura is separated from the rest of India by Bangladesh. It has an area of 10,486 square kilometres. The capital city of Tripura is Agartala, with a population of around 200,000 (2008 estimate).
Dance & Music
Tripura is internationally recognized for its vibrant dance culture. The folk dances are mainly concentrated in the tribal regions especially among girls who are taught these dances by their mothers at a young age. These include Ragatok (the most popular dance of Tripura), Chadar Nupur, Bapon, Japi etc... The men's dances tend to be less common - but include the Saila and Chanchari which are often performed at festivals or weddings. Folk music can be heard throughout Tripura with drums being played before the performance starts. Musical instruments used in performance include Kakari, Dangdunda, Ronjoni, Tomba-Taal Pani Tabla or the Bansi.
Folklore And Music Festival
The annual Tripura Folklore & Music Festival is held in the capital Agartala at the Rabindra Bharati University during the month of February. The festival features many traditional dances, music performances by tribal groups, drama etc. The 2017 edition featured 50 different performers in total - with dances performed over two nights to a packed crowd.
Sports
Tripura is home to several National Sports Centres including the Indira Gandhi Stadium which holds regular football events throughout the year. The game called “Kumar” is very popular in Tripura and is similar to Kabaddi. Other indigenous sports include Takrum and Chong Chirang. People from Tripura also participate in high-level sports including cricket, football and athletics.
Cuisine
Tripura is known for its delicious cuisine which mainly consists of a wide array of non-vegetarian dishes prepared using traditional methods and spices. The most commonly served dish is called "Chhotar Dalna" while some other common items include "phool bhaja", "biriyani rice", fish curry, mutton curry, chicken curry etc. Fish is often fried in oil to make "maachher jhol" which can be accompanied by steamed rice or Indian bread like naan or paratha. Alcoholic drinks are also frequently used especially among the tribal groups who brew their own rice beer which they call “Loh”. It is very common in Tripura for people to eat using their hands.
Climate & Weather
Tripura has a typical subtropical climate - with heavy rainfall and high temperatures. The average annual rainfall in Tripura is 2,192 mm, most of which comes during the monsoon season (June-August). However, there are often periods where rainfall can be low during other times of the year as well. The lowest temperature ever recorded was 5.8 degrees Celsius while the highest was 42 degrees Celsius. Even at its coldest, Tripuras climate remains warm enough to not require central heating or air conditioning throughout the year.
