 Previously
a princely state, and subsequently a Union Territory
of Independent India, Tripura was elevated to
the status of a state on January 21, 1972.Tripura
is mainly a hilly territory with altitudes varying
from 50 to 3080 ft above sea level, though the
major population of the state lives in the plains.
Characterized by moderate temperatures and highly
humid atmosphere, Tripura is best visited after
the south west monsoons in October. Today, Tripura
is largely a Bengali community, in spite of the
19 Scheduled Tribes, that form a major chunk of
the population. Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism,and
Christianity are the main religions followed in
Tripura. The tribals, with a rich and varied culture,
belong mainly to the Reang, Chakma, Halam and
Usai communities. The majority of tribals live
in elevated houses of bamboo called 'Tong'. Music
and dance are an integral part of Tripura. Joy
and sorrow are marked by dances, that mirror the
myriad emotions of the people. Garia dances held
for the prosperity of the people during Garia
Puja; dances of the Reang community; 'Bizu' dances
by the Chakmas denoting the end of the Bengali
calendar year; 'Hai Hak' dances of the Halam community;
and the Cheraw dance associated with the confinement
of Lusai woman, are evidence of the Tripuran passion
for dance. 'Basanta Raas' is the charming dance
of the Hindu Manipuris, in Tripura. Tripura has
a lot to offer to the tourists. Agartala,
the picturesque capital, with its beautiful palaces,
gardens, hills, temples and lakes, scenic Tirthamulkh
with its lakes; waterfalls and reservoir
are all worth visiting. Pilak Pather
and Lungthung are virtual treasure
troves for those, historically inclined. Jampol
hills, Rudrasagar and
Neer Mahal the lake cities ,
Sepahijala the wildlife sanctuary,
are the other major places of interest in this
tiny state.
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