I didn’t expect Tripura to surprise me — but it did, at every corner. This small state in the northeast may not be on every traveler’s radar, but it should be. It has the charm of history, the calm of forests, and the warmth of people. I went in search of something offbeat, and came back with a heart full of stories.

🛬 First Impressions — Calm, Clean, and Understated

As I landed in Agartala, the capital city, I was struck by how calm everything felt. No traffic chaos, no loud horns — just clean roads, green surroundings, and polite people. It was refreshing.

The city had an old-world feel but with a gentle pace. Everyone I met — from cab drivers to café staff — was soft-spoken and welcoming. I knew I had picked the right destination.

🏛️ What I Explored — Palaces, Temples & Nature

Ujjayanta Palace:* A beautiful white structure that now serves as a museum. The halls echo with history, and the royal furniture and artifacts speak of Tripura’s regal past.*

Neermahal:* This was the highlight. A water palace right in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake. I took a boat to reach it and explored its corridors while the sun set behind it — magical!*

Unakoti:* An archaeological wonder with massive rock carvings of Lord Shiva and others, dating back to the 7th-9th century. It felt like an open-air temple lost in time.*

Jampui Hills:* Perfect for a break from the heat. Cool breeze, orange orchards, and stunning hill views.*

Photo by Manasa Putnala on Unsplash

Tripura Sundari Temple:* One of the 51 Shakti Peethas. It’s spiritually powerful and emotionally grounding.*

🌮 Food in Tripura — Simple, Spicy, and Straight From the Heart

Tripura’s food scene is underrated but super unique. Influenced by tribal traditions, their dishes are fresh, often smoked, and full of flavour.

1 Mui Borok* — the traditional dish of Tripura, usually includes fermented fish called “Berma”. Strong taste, but I ended up loving it.*

2 Chuak* — local rice beer offered during festivities. Slightly sweet and refreshing.*

3 Bamboo shoot pickle* — spicy and crunchy.*

4 Panch Phoron Tarkari* — a vegetable dish cooked with a five-spice mix. Very comforting.*

🍢 Street Food You Must Try

1]Bamboo Chicken Kebabs* — cooked inside bamboo tubes. Smoky, juicy, and absolutely unforgettable.*

2]Local momo stalls* — different from the usual Tibetan ones. These are smaller and packed with local spices.*

3]Puffed rice with spicy chutney and pickled veggies* — street-side comfort food.*

4]Tripuri sweet buns* — soft, slightly sweet, served with tea. Light and satisfying.*

Photo by Cesar Carlevarino Aragon on Unsplash

🏨 My Stay — Thanks to CheQin.ai

Booking stays in lesser-known places is always tricky. Big platforms don’t always show smaller local properties, and I wanted something close to the palace area but quiet and clean.

That’s when I tried CheQin.ai. I typed:

“Peaceful hotel in Agartala, close to Ujjayanta Palace, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, good breakfast.”

I received 5 local hotel offers with real-time prices. One was a boutique stay run by a local family — traditional wooden décor, morning chai in the courtyard, and even help with travel planning.

I didn’t need to scroll endlessly or call anyone. Just posted my need, and the offers came to me.

🧳 Final Thoughts — Tripura Is a Whisper You’ll Want to Hear Again

Tripura isn’t loud. It doesn’t shout to get your attention. It gently invites you in — through its misty hills, quiet temples, humble people, and honest food.

I didn’t just visit places — I experienced the rhythm of a region that still lives at its own pace. And I was lucky to have a smooth, peaceful stay that let me enjoy this feeling without stress.

CheQin.ai* didn’t just find me a hotel — it gave me time. Time I used to explore the hotels , and then made my choice and conformed my stay.*

If you want a trip that’s not rushed or overcrowded — where the tea is hot, the people are kind, and the history whispers to you from the walls — Tripura is waiting.

Just go with open eyes, a soft heart, and maybe CheQin.ai

From Agartala to Unakoti: My Real Tripura Experience