Neermahal - The Largest Water Palace in India

Neermahal literally means ‘Water Palace’ and is situated in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake. The beautiful royal water palace is the largest in India and is located in Melaghar 53 kilometers away from Agartala, the capital city of Tripura.

History of Neermahal – Lake Palace of Tripura

The palace is one of a kind of tourist destination in northeast India. Neermahal is also known as the ‘lake palace’ of Tripura. The palace was built by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Debbarman as a summer residence for the royal family.

The Maharaja commissioned Martin and Burns a British real estate firm to construct the palace in the year 1921. The construction of the palace was completed in 1930, taking the company nine years to finish the work.

There are only two water palaces in India, the other one being the Jal Mahal in Rajasthan. Though the Jal Mahal is more popular and talked about, Neermahal is considerably larger in size as compared to the Jal Mahal.

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.

He was popularly known as the “Architect of Tripura” due to his contribution to educational institutions.

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Architecture

Neermahal is an example of architectural elegance, extensive marble and sandstone are used in the construction of the palace. The lake palace is a blend of Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture.

The palace is divided into two parts the western side and the eastern side. The western side of the palace is known as Andar Mahal and was made for the royal family.

The eastern side has an open-air theatre where drama, dance, and other cultural events were organized for the enjoyment of Royal families.

The Lake Palace has a total of 24 rooms and two stairways that lead down to a landing on the water of Rudrasagar Lake. The royal families used to visit the palace by hand-powered boat from ‘Rajghat’.

The palace houses one of the most beautiful terrace gardens in India. Neermahal – the lake palace of Tripura is a truly remarkable display of beauty and splendour.

Neermahal Water Festival

A three-day festival, Neermahal Water Festival is celebrated every year in August and again in December at Melaghar and Rudrasagar Lake.

Many colourful cultural programs and events are organized during the festival. The boat race competition in Rudrasagar Lake is the major attraction of the festival, and a swimming competition is also organized during the festival.

Moreover, tourists can enjoy light and sound shows every weekend and can go for motorboating.

How to Reach

The nearest airport is Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, Agartala which is almost 57 Km away.

The nearest railway station is Agartala Railway Station which is located approx 44 km.

Buses and private taxis are easily available from the Agartala Bus stand to the Melaghar market. From Melaghar market you will get the auto/Rickshaw for the Neermahal.