Rising like a mirage from the glassy expanse of Rudrasagar Lake, Neermahal (“Water Palace”) is Tripura’s most romantic landmark – a 1930 summer retreat built by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya with 24 rooms blending Mughal domes and Hindu pavilions. Located 55 km from Agartala, this 4-acre island palace is reached only by boat, offering serene lake views, a royal durbar hall, and the annual Neermahal Water Festival. Surrounded by lotus blooms and migratory Siberian birds, it hosts a dazzling evening light-and-sound show. A watery contrast to Ujjayanta’s urban grandeur, Neermahal is pure lakeside royalty. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, this is Tripura’s floating dream. With 2025 glass-bottom boat tours and the Neermahal Boat Carnival, this “Jewel of the Lake” is an unmissable destination for history lovers, couples, and photographers.
Key Attractions
Royal Durbar Hall – teak ceiling & Belgian chandeliers
Andar Mahal – queen’s private wing with lake balcony
Mughal Garden – island topiary & fountains
Rudrasagar Lake – 5.3 sq km, lotus & migratory birds
Light & Sound Show – nightly 7 PM (English/Hindi)
Boat Jetty – colourful wooden ferries
Sunset Deck – western side of palace
Things to Do
Boat ride to palace island (~₹50 return)
Watch light & sound show on palace history
Try 2025 glass-bottom boat for lake fish view
Attend Neermahal Boat Carnival – races & music (Aug 15–17, 2026)
Photography at golden hour with lake reflection
Picnic on the garden terrace
Spot Siberian cranes (Dec–Feb)
Local Culture and History
Built in 1930 for ₹1.5 crore, Neermahal hosted royal boat races. The name means “water palace” in Sanskrit. The 2025 glass-bottom fleet, promoted by Tripura Tourism and X posts, reveals the lake’s ecosystem.
Best Time to Visit
Open 9 AM–5 PM (boat till 4:30 PM), with October–March (winter, 15–28°C) ideal for Boat Carnival and birdwatching. July–September (monsoon) fills lake but limits access.
How to Reach
By Air: Agartala Airport (55 km)
By Road: Agartala → Melaghar → Jetty (55 km, 2 hrs)
Local Transport: Shared van (~₹100), taxi (~₹2000 return)
Boat: Melaghar jetty to palace (~15 min)
Travel Tips
Booking: Boat on-spot; light show free
Cost: Boat ~₹50; food ~₹100–300
Dress: Light jacket; water shoes
Safety: Life jackets on boats
Respect Local Culture: Silence during show
Connectivity: Good 4G at jetty
Environment: No plastic on lake
Accessibility: Palace has steps; jetty flat
Nearby Attractions
Melaghar (jetty town)
Sepahijala Sanctuary (30 km)
Ujjayanta Palace (55 km)
Matabari Temple (50 km)
Rudrasagar Bird Hide (lake edge)
Explore More
Discover other Tripura wonders like Ujjayanta Palace or Mokokchung’s Ao culture on our Northeast destinations page. Plan your lake palace escape with indiatourisminfo.com today!
