Water Palace in Tripura
Neermahal (নীরমহল) (meaning “Water Palace”) is a former royal palace built by King Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur of the erstwhile Kingdom of Tripura, India in the middle of the lake Rudrasagar in 1930 and was completed by 1938. It is situated in Melaghar, 53 kilometers away from the Agartala, the capital of Tripura. The palace is situated in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake and assimilates Hindu and Muslim architectural styles.
The palace is the largest of its kind in India and the only one in Eastern India. There are only two water palace in India another one is the Jal Mahal in Rajasthan.
Known as ‘lake palace’ of Tripura, Neer-Mahal was constructed as a summer residence. It was Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Bahadur’s idea to build a palace in the beautiful Rudrasagar lake and in 1921 he accredited the British company Martin and Burns to construct the palace for him. The company took nine years to complete the work. Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Bahadur belonged to the ‘Manikya Dynasty’ which is supposed to be the second from a single line in the world today.
The palace is the establishment of Maharaja’s great taste and his fascinating idea of blending Hindu and Muslim traditions and cultures.
The palace is divided into two parts. The western side of the palace is known as Andar Mahal. It was made for the royal family. The eastern side is an open-air theatre where drama, theatre, dance and other cultural events were organized for the enjoyment of Maharajas and their royal families. The palace has 24 rooms in total.
Neer-Mahal has two stairways inside leading down to a landing on the water of Rudrasagar Lake. Maharajas used to go to the palace by hand powered boat from ‘Rajghat’.
Neermahal, which means “Water Palace” in Bengali, is a magnificent palace built by King Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur of the erstwhile Kingdom of Tripura, India in the middle of the picturesque Rudrasagar Lake. It is located in Melaghar, 53 kilometers away from the capital city of Agartala in Tripura. The palace is known for its unique blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles and is the largest of its kind in India, and the only one in Eastern India.
Neermahal was constructed as a summer residence for the royal family, and it was the brainchild of Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Bahadur. In 1921, he commissioned the British company Martin and Burns to construct the palace for him. It took nine years to complete the palace, and it was finally finished in 1930. Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Bahadur belonged to the Manikya Dynasty, which is known to be the second-longest continuous line of rulers in the world today.
The palace is a testament to the Maharaja’s excellent taste and his vision of blending different traditions and cultures. The palace is divided into two parts, the Andar Mahal, which was made for the royal family, and the eastern side, an open-air theater, where cultural events such as dramas, dance performances, and other shows were organized for the enjoyment of the royal family. The palace has a total of 24 rooms and is built on an area of about 5.35 hectares.
One of the unique features of the palace is the two stairways inside that lead down to a landing on the water of Rudrasagar Lake. The Maharajas used to travel to the palace by hand-powered boat from Rajghat, which was a jetty near the palace. The palace is a beautiful example of how architecture can merge with nature to create a harmonious and breathtaking sight.
The palace is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and the best way to experience it is by taking a boat ride around Rudrasagar Lake. The lake is home to many species of fish, and the fishermen of the area still use traditional methods to catch fish. The palace is also a popular spot for bird watching, and many migratory birds visit the lake during the winter months.
Today, Neermahal has been converted into a tourist destination and is open to visitors throughout the year. It is a popular spot for tourists who are interested in history, culture, and architecture. The palace also hosts an annual water festival in August, where tourists can enjoy cultural programs and water sports.
In conclusion, Neermahal is a unique and beautiful palace that stands as a testament to the rich history and culture of Tripura. Its stunning architecture, blended with the natural beauty of Rudrasagar Lake, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Indian architecture and culture.
Neermahal, located in the town of Melaghar, Tripura, India, is easily accessible by train, bus, and airplane.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Neermahal is Agartala Railway Station, which is about 53 kilometers away. Agartala Railway Station is well connected to major cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, and Bangalore. From the railway station, tourists can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Neermahal.
By Bus:
The state-run Tripura Road Transport Corporation (TRTC) and private buses are available from Agartala to Melaghar, the nearest town to Neermahal. Buses operate at regular intervals throughout the day, and the journey takes around 2 hours.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Neermahal is Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala, which is about 58 kilometers away. The airport is well connected to major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, and Imphal. From the airport, tourists can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Neermahal.
Once you reach Melaghar town, there are several options available to reach Neermahal. The best way to reach Neermahal is by taking a boat ride from the jetty near the palace. The boat ride is an experience in itself, and tourists can enjoy the scenic beauty of Rudrasagar Lake while reaching the palace.
In conclusion, Neermahal is easily accessible by train, bus, and airplane, and tourists can choose the mode of transport that suits them the best. Once in Melaghar, tourists can take a boat ride to reach the palace, which is an experience that should not be missed.
