Tripura covers about 10,486–10,492 sq km and is the third-smallest state in India by geographical area, after Goa and Sikkim. The state became a full-fledged state of India on January 21, 1972.
Tripura at a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Capital | Agartala |
| Date of formation | 21. Jan. 1972 |
| Governor | Shri Indra Sena Reddy Nallu |
| Chief Minister | Manik Saha |
| Tourist attractions | Ujjayant Palace, Chaturdas Devata Temple, Neer Mahal, Sipahijala |
| Festivals | Kharchi Puja, Jer and Garia Puja, Ganga Puja |
| Major dance and music forms | Bihu dance, Sarinda, Sumui music |
| Arts and crafts | Bamboo mats; clothes with snakeskin designs known as Ponmongvom; garments called the risa and the rignai |
| Languages | Kok-borok, Bengali, Manipuri |
| Size | 10,486 sq. km |
| Population (Census 2011) | 3,673,917 |
| Rivers | Gomti |
| Forests and wildlife sanctuaries | Shepahijala WS, Trishna WS, Rowa WS |
| State animal | Phayre's langur or spectacled langur |
| State bird | Green imperial pigeon |
| State flower | Nageshwar |
| State tree | Agar |
| Major crops | Paddy, wheat, sugarcane, potato |
| Factoids | Singers are usually accompanied by instruments like the sarinda, chongpreng, bamboo flute or sumui. |
| Lake Rudrasagar is the only lake in eastern India with a palace in it; Neermahal was built by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur as a summer resort. | |
| No. of District | 8 |
Location and Boundaries
Tripura is situated in the north-eastern part of India, between latitudes 22°56′ N and 24°32′ N and longitudes 91°10′ E and 92°20′ E. It is a landlocked state, with a substantial international border. Tripura is surrounded by Bangladesh in the north, west, and south, and Assam in the north-east and Mizoram in the east.
Its geographical position gives Tripura a distinctive shape and makes it an important link between the northeastern region of India and neighbouring Bangladesh. The state's location can be clearly identified on an India map, while a detailed Tripura map shows its districts, roads, settlements and physical features.
Physical Features and Geography
The topography of Tripura can be summarized as hilly and undulating with intermixed valleys, plains and forests. There are several hill ranges, which lie roughly in the North-South direction, such as the Jampui, Longtharai, Atharamura and Baramura ranges. The terrain is generally flat, with parallel ridges and valleys and low-lying areas.
Betlingchhip is the highest point in Tripura in the Jampui Hills. Hilly regions are more distinctive in the eastern and northern sections of the state, but plains and valleys are more extensive in the west.
Forest is an important geographical feature of Tripura. As per the assessment done by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the state has an area of 7,832.33 sq km under forest and tree cover in 2023.
Hills, forests, valleys and rivers provide an environment in Tripura, which is quite different from the plains of neighbouring Bangladesh.
Rivers and Lakes
The rivers flowing in Tripura are predominantly from the hill ranges, flowing through the valleys before reaching Bangladesh or confluencing with larger rivers. Gomati is one of the most significant rivers of the state and has great geographical and cultural significance.
Other significant rivers are Khowai River, Manu River, Dhalai River, Muhuri River and Feni River. The rivers serve farming purposes and provide habitation in the upland and lowland areas of the state.
Tripura is also famous for a number of lakes and water bodies of importance. Rudrasagar Lake near Melaghar is especially famous as the Neermahal, a historic palace located in the middle of the lake. Another notable natural feature of the State is Dumboor Lake.
Districts of Tripura
Tripura is divided into eight districts for administrative purposes. These districts cover the state's hilly, forested and plain areas and help in the administration of its towns and rural settlements.
| District | Headquarters |
| Dhalai | Ambassa |
| Gomati | Udaipur |
| Khowai | Khowai |
| North Tripura | Dharmanagar |
| Sepahijala | Bishramganj |
| South Tripura | Belonia |
| Unakoti | Kailashahar |
| West Tripura | Agartala |
West Tripura contains the state capital, Agartala, and is one of the state's major administrative and urban areas. Gomati has its headquarters at Udaipur, while Unakoti is centred around Kailashahar and is famous for its historic rock carvings. South Tripura has its headquarters at Belonia, close to the international boundary with Bangladesh.
Major Cities and Towns
Tripura's capital and biggest urban town is Agartala. It is the main administrative, educational, trading, transport, and services hub of the State.
Other noteworthy towns are Udaipur, Dharmanagar, Kailashahar, Ambassa, Belonia, Khowai and Bishramganj. Udaipur is famous for its temples and lakes, and Dharmanagar is a significant town in Tripura's north. Kailashahar can be reached to the renowned archaeological site of Unakoti. A detailed Tripura map shows these cities and towns, roads, district boundaries, and other key settlements.
Climate of Tripura
Tripura has a tropical monsoon climate characterized by warm summers and a distinct rainfall season and relatively cooler winters. The forests, rivers, and agriculture of the state rely on heavy rainfall during the southwest monsoon.
According to a state profile by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the average annual rainfall in the region is around 2200 mm and the average temperature is about 25 °C.
Climate is somewhat different at different elevations, and the hill areas are comparatively cooler than the lower valleys and plains.
History and Formation of the State
Tripura has been under the tenure of the Manikya dynasty as a princely state for a long time. It continued to be a princely state till 15 October 1949 when it joined the Union of India. Tripura was then made a Union Territory on 18th July, 1963 and was granted full statehood on 21st January, 1972.
The state has close ties with its royal past, native communities, and cultural exchanges with its neighbouring regions of Bengal and other Northeast India. The historic palaces, temples, and archaeological sites today illustrate different phases of the history of Tripura.
Culture and Festivals
Tripura has a diverse cultural identity shaped by its indigenous communities and Bengali cultural influences. The other major languages spoken in the State include Kokborok and Bengali, in addition to English.
Traditional festivals are an integral part of the cultural life of the state of Tripura. Some of the major festivals are Garia Puja, Kharchi Puja, and Ker Puja. The traditional music, dance, handloom weaving, and bamboo and cane crafts are also closely linked with the cultural heritage of Tripura.
The state's indigenous traditions are particularly visible in rural and hill areas, where local communities continue to maintain distinctive customs, crafts and forms of artistic expression.
Economy and Agriculture
Agriculture remains an important part of Tripura's economy and supports a large section of the rural population. Rice is an important crop, and potatoes and vegetables, particularly pineapple, are also grown.
Tea and fruits are also specialities of Tripura, with the major one being the cultivation of natural rubber. Bamboo and cane are natural resources and can be used for handicrafts and other small industries.
Agriculture is possible due to the geographical conditions and heavy rainfall in the state, with fertile valleys; tourism and forest-based livelihoods are possible due to the forest and natural landscape.
Tourist Attractions
Tripura is a state that has a natural landscape and royal, archaeological, and religious heritage. One of the prominent landmarks of the state is Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala, now home to the state museum. Neermahal is another must-see and is known for its lakeside setting and palace architecture at Rudrasagar Lake.
Other tourist spots include Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura Sundari Temple at Udaipur, Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Unakoti (monumental rock-cut carvings), Dumboor Lake, Pilak and Chabimura rock carvings.
The places reflect the archaeological, religious, ecological and cultural diversities of the state.
Transport and Connectivity
Tripura is linked to the mainland of Northeast India with road, rail and air links. The state's main airport is Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala, which connects the state to major cities in India via air. The airport is set around 12 km northwest of Agartala.
There has been significant development in railway connectivity, with Agartala linked to the rest of the railway network through Assam. Road transport is still vital for access to the districts, towns and rural areas of the state.
The state's location on the border with Bangladesh also adds to its importance in the sphere of cross-border connectivity and trade. It is connected by road and rail and has some significance as a route into the state from Northern Ireland.
FAQs
1. Where is Tripura located?
Tripura is located in Northeast India. It is bordered by Bangladesh to the north, west and south, while Assam and Mizoram border it to the northeast and east.
2. What is the capital of Tripura?
Agartala is the capital and largest city of Tripura.
3. How many districts are there in Tripura?
Tripura has eight districts: Dhalai, Gomati, Khowai, North Tripura, Sepahijala, South Tripura, Unakoti and West Tripura.
4. Which states border Tripura?
Tripura shares its domestic boundaries with Assam and Mizoram. Bangladesh shares an international boundary with the state.
5. What are the major rivers of Tripura?
The Gomati, Khowai, Manu, Dhalai, Muhuri and Feni are among the major rivers of Tripura.
6. What is Tripura famous for?
Tripura is known for its palaces, temples, archaeological sites, forests, hill landscapes, indigenous culture and attractions such as Neermahal and Unakoti.
7. When did Tripura become a state of India?
Tripura became a full-fledged state of India on January 21, 1972.
Last Updated on : November 13, 2026
