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Unakoti: A Hindu archaeological site of Bas Relief structures from the ninth century. A must visit tourist destination in Tripura state of India.

Tripura

Rock-cut Heritage

Unakoti a hindu archaeological site of bas relief structures from the ninth century. A must visit tourist destination in Tripura state of India.
Unakoti: A Hindu archaeological site of Bas Relief structures from the ninth century. A must visit tourist destination in Tripura state of India.
Unakoti a hindu archaeological site of bas relief structures from the ninth century. A must visit tourist destination in Tripura state of India.
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Major Airports :

Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (IXA), Agartala

Nearest Railway Station :

Kumarghat railway Station (AGTL)

Major Airports :

Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (IXA), Agartala

Unakoti's carved wonders

Hidden amidst the verdant hills of Tripura, the mystical rock-cut sculptures of Unakoti stand as sentinels of a forgotten era. This jaw-dropping archaeological wonderland is like a time machine carved in stone, where you can immerse yourself in the rich mythological sagas and cultural heritage of the region.

Unakoti, which means 'one less than a crore,' is said to house that many rock-cut carvings. This place is also a Shaivite pilgrimage site with a history dating back to the 7th century or even earlier. And guess what? Unakoti is home to the largest bas relief structures in all of India! These massive stone and rock-cut sculptures seem like they've been plucked straight out of a fantasy novel.

Every year, a large fair known as ‘Ashokastami Mela’ is held here in April, attracting thousands of pilgrims. So, if you're up for an adventure that transcends time and space, Unakoti Hills is the place to be!

Marvels of ancient artistry

As you wander through the meandering paths leading to Unakoti's rock-cut treasures, prepare to be filled with awe and wonder at every step. The site is adorned with towering stone figures, each intricately carved with symbolic representations and details, standing as silent guardians of this ancient place. Among the rock-cut carvings, the central Shiva head and gigantic Ganesha figures deserve special mention. The central Shiva head, known as ‘Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava’, stands at an impressive 30 feet high, including an intricately embroidered head-dress that itself reaches a height of 10 feet.

Flanking the central Shiva head-dress are two full-size female figures – one of Durga standing on a lion and another elegant female figure on the other side. According to legend, when Lord Shiva was travelling to Kashi with one crore of gods and goddesses, he made a night halt at this location. He asked all the gods and goddesses to wake up before sunrise and proceed to Kashi. However, in the morning, except for Shiva himself, no one else could get up, so Lord Shiva set out for Kashi himself, cursing the others to become stone images. As a result, there are said to be one less than a crore stone images and carvings at Unakoti.


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Explore the wonders of Tripura

While Unakoti's rock-cut heritage steals the spotlight, Tripura's surrounding landscapes offer a mesmerising tapestry of wonders waiting to be explored. Visit the historic lake of Khowrabil in Kailashahar, just a stone's throw away from Unakoti. For a serene spiritual experience, make your way to Bhabatarini Mandir in Kumarghat. And if you're seeking a refreshing escape from the heat, don't miss the chance to explore the pristine waterfalls and meandering streams that wind through the lush terrain, allowing you to connect with the untamed beauty of Tripura's wilderness.

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