Ujjayanta Palace stands as a magnificent symbol of Tripura’s royal heritage in the heart of Agartala. The gleaming white palace reflects the elegance and authority of the Manikya dynasty and offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the living legacy of the Tripura Maharajas. The name Ujjayanta Palace was bestowed by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, adding cultural depth to this iconic monument.
The palace was constructed in 1901 AD by Radha Kishore Manikya and is an outstanding example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Set amid expansive Mughal-style gardens along a tranquil lakefront, the structure creates a graceful blend of architectural sophistication and natural beauty. The palace features three imposing domes, each rising to a height of 86 feet, which dominate the skyline and enhance its majestic appearance.
Inside, the palace is equally impressive, with finely laid tiled floors, curved wooden ceilings, and beautifully crafted wooden doors that reflect skilled craftsmanship. The interiors reveal the refined tastes of the royal era, while the surrounding palace complex includes several temples that highlight the region’s deep spiritual traditions.
As evening falls, the palace is illuminated by floodlights, transforming it into a striking visual landmark and enhancing its architectural details. For many years, the palace played an important administrative role, serving as the seat of the Tripura State Legislative Assembly until 2011. Today, it has been repurposed as the Tripura State Museum, preserving the cultural and historical legacy of the state.
The museum houses an extensive collection of royal possessions, archaeological findings, traditional art, and ethnographic exhibits that showcase Tripura’s diverse heritage. A visit to Ujjayanta Palace is not only a journey through royal history but also an enriching cultural experience that connects the past with the present.