Agartala, Jan 4: The first Sunday of the New Year 2026 saw a massive surge of tourists at two of Tripura’s most popular attractions—Neermahal in Melaghar and the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary—giving a significant boost to local tourism.
At Neermahal, visitors flocked to Rajghat on the eastern bank of Rudrasagar Lake from early morning, braving chilly winds and dense fog to enjoy picnics and boat rides. The picturesque surroundings and the historic Neermahal palace drew families and tourists in large numbers, creating a festive and lively atmosphere rarely seen in recent times.
Officials of the Rudrasagar Fishermen Udvastu Samabay Samiti expressed delight at the turnout. Society president Pabitra Kumar Das and secretary Parameswar Das reported that boat rental collections for the day reached Rs. 1.67 lakh, surpassing the previous record of Rs. 1.26 lakh on December 25, 2025. The event marked one of the highest single-day footfalls at Neermahal in recent years. While the record turnout brought cheer to local stakeholders, concerns over periods of low tourist inflow still remain.
Meanwhile, Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary also experienced heavy visitor traffic on the fourth day of the New Year. Spanning 18.53 sq km, the sanctuary attracts tourists with its rich biodiversity, boating facilities, and scenic beauty. Forest officials reported that approximately 5,000 visitors arrived between 9 am and 5 pm, generating revenue of Rs. 1.52 lakh at the main gate. Security arrangements were strengthened, with police assistance centres at entry points, vehicle checks, and seizure of some illegal foreign liquor.
Authorities expressed optimism that tourist inflow would remain steady in the coming weeks, coinciding with the traditional peak season for Tripura’s tourism sector. Both Neermahal and Sepahijala have once again demonstrated their appeal as major attractions, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond and contributing significantly to local economic activity.
