Neermahal, Rudijala

location Tripura

Tangible

Overview

Neermahal (Water -palace), also known as Twijilikma Nuyung in kokborok, is a historic water palace in Tripura, India. Built in 1938 by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, it stands as the largest water palace in the country. Situated in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake, near Melaghar and 53 kilometers from Agartala, Neermahal was designed as a summer retreat for the royal family.

Architecture

Distinguishing itself with paramount significance, this palace stands as India’s foremost and sole representation of its kind in the eastern region. Notably, the country boasts solely two water palaces, with the Neermahal holding the distinction of being the largest, its counterpart being the renowned Jal Mahal of Rajasthan.

An annual Neermahal Water Festival takes place in August, featuring vibrant cultural performances, boat races, and swimming competitions. This festival celebrates the palace’s history and its significance to the region.

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE 

The architectural conception and realization of the lake palace were meticulously guided by explicit directives from the Maharaja. This harmonious synthesis entailed an amalgamation of Hindu and Mughal architectural sensibilities. The liberal utilization of marble and sandstone remains instrumental in the palace’s enduring distinctiveness, evidenced by its abundant array of balconies, turrets, pavilions, and spans.

Further accentuating its grandeur are the dome-shaped minars, visible from afar, which serve to bestow upon the palace an imposing semblance akin to a formidable fortress.

The palace exhibits a bifurcated structure. The western facet, identified as Andar Mahal, was exclusively fashioned for the regal family’s use. It encompasses an open-air amphitheater designed to accommodate dramatic, theatrical, and dance performances, as well as various cultural events aimed at the amusement of the Maharajas and their esteemed lineage. Contrarily, the eastern portion was designated for sentinel purposes. The palace encompasses a total of 24 chambers.

Neer-Mahal incorporates a pair of internal staircases that elegantly descend to a waterfront landing on Rudrasagar Lake. In the bygone era, the Maharajas would traverse to the palace through manually-propelled boats from ‘Rajghat.’ Notably, an exquisite terrace garden graces the palace’s ceiling, standing as one of its most splendid features.

How to Reach
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By Road
Taxis, rickshaw and local buses available from Agartala to Neermahal. By road from Kolkata and Assam - NH4 & NH108 through agartala can be taken.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Agartala Railway Station, 45 kilometers away from Neermahal Palace.
By Air
The nearest airport to Agartala is the Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, 53 kilometers away from Neermahal palace

Framed Grandeur: Highlights of Neermahal

SPIRIT OF TRADITIONS
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