The floating wonder of Tripura, Neermahal rises like a dream on a marshy little island located in Rudra Sagar Lake.
Think a grand palace seemingly afloat on a bed of shimmering water and your mind straight off goes to Jal Mahal in Jaipur. Set in the middle of the picturesque Man Sagar Lake, the architectural gem isn’t exactly a well-kept secret for travellers. But did you know that’s not the only water palace in India?
Neermahal stands shimmering on its own boggy island in the heart of Rudra Sagar Lake in Melaghar, 53 km from Agartala. Tucked away in the northeastern state of Tripura, far from its sandstone twin in Rajasthan, the multi-domed water palace was once a princely summer retreat for the state royals. Also called Twijilikma Nuyung, the palace was built by the former king Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya in 1930.
The Manikya dynasty ruled over Tripura from 1463 to 1949. A progressive ruler, Kishore Manikya was quite known for his taste, and Neermahal is a reflection of the same. It took nine years to get ready! The palace today stands as a fine epitome of Mughal architectural taste with European and Hindu influences, aesthetically done in red sandstone and white marble.
Sprawling over 5.4 sq km, Neermahal makes for an ethereal spectacle, as its imposing façade reflects on the glittering waters, looking particularly surreal during monsoon. If you are seeking to foray into Tripura’s rich heritage without having to rub elbows with touristy crowds must arrive here on a speedboat.
Marble and stone were used extensively in the palace, the profusion of balconies, minarets, bridges, and pavilions makes Neermahal an architectural splendour. The dome-shaped minars give a fort-like appearance to the palace from a distance, adding to the grandeur. The palace has a total of 24 rooms, with 15 in Andar Mahal, or ‘the royal residence’ on the western end. There’s also an open-air theatre in the eastern side, which used to be a venue for musical and theatrical performances.
When here, take slow strolls in and around the beautifully manicured gardens, marvelling at the cascading fountains and peaceful courtyards. Or sit by the lake at the back of the palace, looking at the rain pouring down on the quiet ghat, where the royal family would arrive with their boats back in the day.
Pack a picnic, and look out for migratory birds that call the place home in cooler months. Best yet, place your trip to Neermahal in August when a three-day eponymous water festival is held, featuring thrilling boat races, cultural shows, sports competitions, recalling the pomp and gaiety of a time long passed by.
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