Currency: Indian Rupees

Official languages: Kokborok (Tripuri) & Bengali

The origin of the name of Tripura is still a matter of controversy among historians and researchers. According to the 'Rajmala", Tripura’s celebrated court chronicle, an ancient king named 'tripur' ruled over the territorial domain known as 'Tripura' and the name of the kingdom was derived from his name.

Many researchers explain the name 'Tripura' from its etymological origin: the word 'Tripura' is a compound of two separate words, 'tui' (water) + 'pra' (near) which in totality means 'near water'. The geographical location of the state with it's close proximity to the vast water resources of eastern Bengal coupled with the generic identity of the state's original inhabitants as 'Tipra' or 'Twipra' apparently justify this explanation of the State's name.

Mythology mingled with history:

The early history of the kingdom of Tripura is a complex blend of history with Mythology. According to 'Rajmala' Tripura’s royal house trace their origin to the celebrated 'lunar' dynasty, following in the footsteps of their counterparts in the Hindu royal houses of the rest of India who claim to have originated from the 'lunar' or 'solar' dynasty.

Tripura, nestled in a tip of the Northeast, flourishes on the bounties of nature but the beauty of the state is heightened by its human resources on the one hand and rich cultural tradition on the other.

Folk culture of the tribal and non-tribal people of the state forms the backbone of Tripura's cultural tradition. This is reflected as much in the delicately rhythmic physical movement of the 'Hoza Giri' dance of the Reang tribesmen as in the collective musical recitation of 'Manasa Mangal' or 'Kirtan' (devotional songs in chorus) of the non-tribals. Apart from this, the 'Garia' dance of the tribals, organized on the occasion of New Year festivities and worship of 'Garia', and 'Dhamail' dance of the non-tribals, organized on familial occasions like wedding ceremony in rural areas as well as musical duels (Kabi Gaan) between two rival rhyme-makers on public platforms form the staple of Tripura's folk culture. Enriched by myths and legends of tribal society over the past half a millennium.

Tripura's folk culture now confronts a major threat from so-called modernity. Gone are the days when rhythmic movement of artists in 'Garia' or 'Dhamail' dance would keep viewers awake all through the night.These forms of culture have been falling prey to invasion of modernity as western musical instruments like guitar, mandolin etc keep replacing the traditional instruments like indigenous drums and flutes and western 'break dance' push aside the pristine purity of the 'Garia' dance or 'Dhamail'. However, cultural programmes, marked by songs and dances, associated with birth anniversaries of great poets and lyricists Rabindra Nath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam add colour and charm to the state's multi-layered cultural mosaic enriched by contributions from many streams of sub-culture.

The climate of Tripura exhibits a strong seasonal rhythm. The state is characterised by a warm and humid tropical climate with five distinct seasons, namely, spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. Spring starts from late mid-February & continues till mid March.

Citizens of most countries, including the United States, need a visa to visit India which should be arranged in advance. Full details can be found at The Government of India website (http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/). Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa, while some nationalities may get them upon arrival.

A number of local buses ply in Tripura and these are the primary source of transport between towns in the state. In Agartala a few local buses ply within the city. Auto-rickshaws are also available as local transport in Agartala and you can even hire a car with a driver.

Before you leave on your holiday, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.

Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.

Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

We recommend avoiding packing any plastic bags in your luggage before flying to Kenya. You should also remove any items purchased at departure airports from their bags before boarding. Double check your luggage before disembarking in Kenya and leave any plastic bags on the plane.

DO

In case of need or desire to overstay, you are advised to contact the nearest Foreigners' Regional Registration Office.

It is advisable to avail of pre-paid taxi/auto-rickshaws or pay by meter or ask for the fare chart.

Advisable to shop at the Govt. Emporia/Fixed Price Shops to ensure quality and reasonable prices.

Check power voltage before using electrical instruments (220/240 V are available in India)

Keep your valuables in hotel lockers/safe deposit vaults

You are advised to contact the nearest India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office or Government approved Travel Agents/Tour Operators for local sight seeing and excursion tours.

Fast Trains/Intercity express are available between several tourist centers. Consult the Railway Information Office or India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office.

Always hire a Govt. approved tourist guide who invariably carries an identity card.

Check about photography permissions/video filming at any monument. Contact the nearest India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office

Change money only at the Authorised Foreign Exchange Outlets/Banks/Hotels and insist on receipt for money changed.

For guide map of the city/tourist information, contact the nearest India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office

STD/ISD/FAX facilities are available at small outlets in all parts of the country with yellow sign boards

Observe local tradition/customs while visiting religious places

There is prohibition on liquor in a few states. Check details from the nearest Tourism Office about the same.

Smoking not allowed in public places and vehicles in some states.

Do not buy goods from road side unless and until you feel satisfied

All state government has their own handicraft stall and all good tour operators include it in their itinerary. Try to buy from Government stall only for genuine handicraft.

DON'T

Don't encourage beggars

Don't accept food/drinks from strangers

Export of Indian Currency is banned

Don't be coerced into shopping by touts/guides/cab/taxi drivers or strangers

Don't bye articles made from rare/endangered species of animals which are banned