Hidden like a divine secret in the Jampui Hills, Unakoti (“one less than a crore”) is Tripura’s ancient rock-carving wonder – a 7th–9th century open-air gallery of 99,99,999 massive basalt reliefs dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a 30-ft Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava at its heart. Located 180 km from Agartala near Kailashahar, this ASI-protected site features colossal Ganesha, Durga, Nandi, and countless smaller faces emerging from the cliff like a frozen army of gods. The name comes from a legend: Shiva cursed 99,99,999 devotees to stone for failing to reach Varanasi. A mystical contrast to Neermahal’s floating elegance, Unakoti offers short jungle treks, hidden waterfalls, and the annual Ashokastami Mela. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, this is Tripura’s spiritual masterpiece. With 2025 night illumination and the Unakoti Rock Festival, this “Valley of Stone Gods” is an unmissable destination for history buffs, trekkers, and photographers.
Key Attractions
Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava – 30-ft Shiva face with 10-ft crown
Rock-Cut Ganesha – 20-ft seated elephant god
Three-Headed Shiva – rare Nataraja form
Hidden Waterfalls – 3 seasonal cascades behind cliffs
Ashokastami Mela Ground – fair site with 1 lakh pilgrims
Nandi Pavilion – carved bull facing Shiva
Jungle Trail – 1 km loop to upper carvings
Things to Do
Trek the 1-km jungle loop at sunrise
Attend Ashokastami Mela – bathing ritual & fair (Apr 13–15, 2026)
Photography of Kal Bhairava with golden light
Spot rare carvings in hidden crevices
Picnic near the waterfall (monsoon only)
Try mui borok & bamboo chicken at mela stalls
Local Culture and History
Carved by Shaivite artisans between 7th–9th century, Unakoti was a pilgrimage stop en route to Kailash. The 2025 LED illumination, promoted by Tripura Tourism and X posts, lights the main faces nightly.
Best Time to Visit
Open 8 AM–5 PM, with April (Ashokastami) and November–March (winter, 15–28°C) ideal. July–September (monsoon) for full waterfalls.
How to Reach
By Air: Agartala (180 km) → Kailashahar (20 km)
By Train: Kumarghat (20 km)
By Road: Agartala → Kailashahar → Unakoti (180 km, 5 hrs)
Local Transport: Shared jeep (~₹100), taxi (~₹4000 return)
Travel Tips
Booking: Entry ~₹20; guide ~₹300
Cost: Food ~₹100–300
Dress: Trekking shoes; modest at site
Safety: Watch slippery rocks in monsoon
Respect Local Culture: No touching carvings
Connectivity: Patchy 4G
Environment: Carry out trash
Accessibility: Steps to main site; not wheelchair-friendly
Nearby Attractions
Kailashahar (8 km)
Jampui Hills (40 km)
Debtamura (80 km) – river rock carvings
Pechardwip (nearby)
Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary (30 km)
Explore More
Discover other Tripura wonders like Neermahal or Ujjayanta Palace on our Northeast destinations page. Plan your rock-god pilgrimage with indiatourisminfo.com today!
