Places to see in and around Melaghar – Location, timings, Distance and General FAQ’s (2024)
Melaghar is a small village in the Sipahijala district of Tripura. It is situated at a distance of around 50 Km from the capital city Agartala. Melaghar in Tripura is famous for its beautiful water palace Neermahal. A place endowed with beauty is a perfect weekend gateway for relaxation and recreation. A lot of festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement, and one must not miss a chance to experience the uniqueness of these festivals if you happen to visit Melaghar in Tripura during that time.
1. Neermahal
Neermahal, which means Water Palace, is one of the most incredible attractions located in Melaghar in Tripura. It is a very picturesque spot that is like no other. The beautiful architecture of the palace is worth noticing. The construction of the palace was initiated in 1930 A.D. and completed in 1938 A.D. Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya built it as their summer residence. The country hosts only two water palaces, the other one being the Jal Mahal in Rajasthan. Neermahal is built in the middle of the famous Rudrasagar Lake, which itself is a visitors delight. 
The attractive green lawns and flower beds that surround the palace add to its stunning beauty. A boat ride is required to reach the palace. The light and sound show that creates awareness of the place’s rich cultural heritage is displayed during the palace’s evenings. A very exciting thing about Neermahal palace in Melaghar is that it hosts some great water sports activities, making it a perfect place for some adventure and thrill.
Another reason for the palace being so famous is its ‘Neermahal Water Festival, which is celebrated for three days. Palace witnesses people in large groups to take part in the boat races. Apart from the boat race, a swimming competition is also organized during the festival. One can enjoy and relish the amazing food and events, which make for a memorable experience.
The palace is divided into two parts. The first part is the western side of the palace, known as the Andar Mahal, made for the royal family. The second part, its eastern side, is an open-air theatre where entertainment activities like theatre, dance, and other cultural events were organized to entertain the king and their royal families. The palace has 24 rooms. There is an entry fee for both boat rides and entry to the palace.
Location: Rudrasagar Lake, Melaghar, Tripura (53 Km from Agartala)
Boat ride – INR 30 (shared boat)
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Time required: 1-2 hours.
2. Rudrasagar Lake (Twijilikma)
Rudrasagar lake, located in Melaghar in Tripura, has been declared a wetland of national and international importance for conservation and sustainable use based on its bio-diversity and socio-economic importance. It is also known by the name Twijilikma. The Lake has been declared as a wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention.
The Rudrasagar lake is spread over approximately 2.5 Km square and is around 52 Km from the capital city Agartala. It is a natural sedimentation reservoir and receives flow from three streams: Noacherra, Durlavnaraya cherra, and Kemtali cherra. The lake’s water is fresh with negligible pollution, and its depth varies from 2 to 9 m.
The Rudrasagar lake in Melaghar is a major Bird area that attracts many waterfowl during the winters. Few rare species like the endangered Baer’s Pochard and near-threatened Ferruginous duck have been recorded. The Rudrasagar lake is significant as a tourist destination as the famous Neermahal (Water Palace) is situated on the banks of Rudrasagar lake.
One can enjoy activities like Boating at the lake. This majestic and exquisite sight is worth experiencing.
Location: Melaghar Tripura (52KM from Agartala)
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
3. Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of almost 25 Km from Melaghar city center and is situated in Bishalgarh in an area of approximately 18 Km, is the biggest wildlife sanctuary in Tripura. An artificial lake and natural zoological and botanical gardens are also a significant part of the sanctuary. This famous tourist destination near Maelghar in Tripura is popular for its clouded leopard enclosures. The Clouded Leopard National Park inside the sanctuary was established in the year 2007. The sanctuary is also home to a wide variety of birds, primates, and other animals. Almost 150 species of birds and the distinctive bespectacled monkey Phayre’s Langur are sheltered to this place.
It was started in 1972 and has five sections: carnivores, primates, ungulates, reptiles, and aviary. Lakes also form an integral part of the sanctuary, and one such lake is Amrit Sagar, where a boating facility is also available. The forest also has accommodation services, which are great for a night adventure. The Abasarika, a dark bungalow near the botanical garden, zoo, and boating lake are the major tourist attractions offering a thrilling and adventurous experience. The zoo is almost 3-4 Km and is an exciting place for all adventure seekers.
A separate fee is levied for the camera and parking. The sanctuary is open on all days except Fridays.
Location: Uttar Charilam, Tripura 799102
Timings: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Entry fee: INR 10
Distance from Melaghar to Sepahiajala Wildlife sanctuary: 28 KM
4. Tripura Sundari Temple
It is the Hindu temple where Goddess Tripura Sundari is the main deity. It is also widely and locally known as Devi Tripureshwari in Tripura. The temple is situated in Udaipur in Tripura and is also famous by the name Matabari. Tripura Sundari temple is at a distance of about 26 kms from melaghar and is a popular sight seeing destination in Tripura.
The holy shrine is on a small hill and the shape of which resembles that of a hump of a tortoise (Kurma) and due to this shape, it is also called as Kurmapṛṣṭhakṛti. It is believed that Tripura Sundari temple is the most sacred site for a Shakti temple, and so the name of Kurma Pitha. The traditional Brahmin priests perform daily worship rituals. This temple is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, and as per old beliefs, the little finger of Sati’s left leg (Hindu Goddess) fell here.
The temple consists of two similar but different sized black stone idols of the Goddesses. There is a larger idol, of around 5 feet, which is of Goddess Tripura Sundari, and the smaller one is called Chhoto-Ma (meaning Little Mother), which is around 2 feet tall, is of Goddess Chandi. As Legends say, during ancient times, the smaller idol was always carried to the battlefields by Tripura’s kings.
This temple was built by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in 1501 A.D. It has a square-shaped chamber built in a typical Bengali hut structure, having a conical dome. The beautiful temple has an amazing architecture and is very famous for the Diwali Mela that is held on Diwali’s occasion every year near the temple is a prime attraction for all pilgrims and tourists.
Location: Matabari, Udaipur, Tripura 799013
Entry fee: No fee
Distance from Melaghar to Tripura Sundari Temple: 26 KM
FAQ’s For Tourists Visiting Melaghar
How to Reach Melaghar?
Air – Nearest airport is Agartala airport and then a taxi from there to reach Melaghar.
Rail – Agartala railway station is nearest and then a cab/taxi to Melaghar.
Why is Melaghar Famous?
It is famous for the Water palace – Neermahal situated on Rudrasagar lake.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Melaghar?
November-February.
