Unakoti
Open Time : 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry : free
Address : Unakoti Rock Carvings, Dharmanagar - Kailashahar Road, Uttar Unakuti R.F., Tripura, India
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Why to visit Unakoti
The carvings and sculptures of gods and goddesses from India's past are kept in Unakoti. The area is verdant and beautiful in its natural state. Many of the rock carvings in this area show scenes from Hindu mythology, including the story of Lord Shiva.
Here you may also see sculptures of the Nandi Bull, Lord Ram, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Ganpati. Given its topography and natural attractions, Unakoti is a fantastic location for hiking, trekking, and other activities.
There is a "Sitakund" cavern filled by a lovely spring that is flowing down the hillside terraces. People come from all over India and overseas to Unakoti to take a bath here. Also, there is a pond called "Cherra" that is cool and pleasant.
Significant Sites Near And Around Unakoti:
- Unokotiswara Kal Bhairava: This is one of the most interesting places to travel to in this area. Lord Shiva's enormous head is nearly 30 feet tall. Maa Durga is also seen on Lord Shiva's idol's headgear. The carving is a portion of a larger collection of sculptures and carvings on the hill.
- Udayan Buddha Bihar: The idol thought to be here is said to be 4.5 feet tall, 300 kg, and constructed of eight different kinds of metals. Every year, a large number of devotees travel here to see Maa Durga.
- Laxmi Narayan Mandir: This famous temple is highly regarded in the area. And in 1964, the temple's Lord Krishna statue was put in place. The Tripura royal family provided financial support for the construction of the main temple.
Ashokastami Festival:
The Ashokastami festival is celebrated on a grand scale, and a big fair is also held during this time. Every year, this celebration is observed in March or April. The fair and the holy bath at Sitakund are the two attractions that draw travellers from all over.
These festivities involve the performance of numerous rituals and traditions. From the Himalayas, a large number of saints or sadhus attend this fair and engage in various private religious rites.
FAQ on Unakoti
Can an elderly person visit the rock carvings at Unakoti?
Because there are numerous stairs to ascend in order to view the sculptures, it is not advised that elderly persons visit.
Does it cost anything to visit the Unakoti rock carvings?
You can go there whenever you like, and there is no entry cost.
How to reach Unakoti Rock Carvings?
By road, the NH44 leaves Agartala and travels northeast through Tripura, Assam, and Meghalaya before joining the NH40 close to Shillong. Bus Shillong, Silchar, and all of Tripura's districts and sub-divisional towns are all easily accessible from Kailashahar via regular bus services. Or, Kumarghat (160 km) and Dharamanagar are the two railroad stations that are closest to Agartala (200km).
Which is the closest place to stay in Unakoti?
You won't be able to stay here. However, both Dharmanagar and Kailashahar have plenty of options. Both locations have Tripura Tourism Lodges as well as numerous private hotels. You can stay at Hotel Sun in Dhamnagar, which has small but comfortable rooms for only INR 350.
What time of year is ideal for visiting Unakoti?
The ideal time to travel is from October to April. Thousands of pilgrims attend the annual Ashokastami Mela, a large fair that takes place in April each year. In January, there is even another smaller festival.
Do any restaurants exist close to Unakoti?
Near the Unakoti site, there are no real stores or restaurants. However, there is a tiny store offering tea and some snacks.
Special Tip
You may stroll around the rough road to observe these idols, which are dispersed across a sizable portion of the hill. For a quick tour of Unakoti, professional guidance may be useful. Close to the entrance, where the solitary tour bus is stationed, there are restrooms and drinking water.
By Atharva Yeshwardhan
