Unakoti

Unakoti, 178 km from Agartala, is deservedly reputed for its 7th-9th century stone and rock cut images, deep in the forests near Kailashahar. The worship of Shiv-Shakti (Shaivism) is an old tradition in Tripura and this is beautifully endorsed by the 30 ft high Shiva head (the Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava) with an embroidered headdress which forms part of one of the largest bas-reliefs in the county, at Unakoti. On either side of the headdress of the central Shiva are two life-size female figures. Three enormous images of the Nandi bull lie half buried in the group.

Legend has it that Lord Shiva on his way to Kashi, present-day Varanasi, with a crore gods and goddesses stopped at Unakoti for the night. Before retiring for the night he instructed them all to wake up before sunrise to continue on their journey. Finding he was the only one up at the prescribed time Lord Shiva left in a rage, turning his companions into stone images with a curse. There is thus one stone imageless amongst the crore that you will find at Unakoti.

The annual Ashokastami Mela is held here in March/April.

Tourist Attractions in Unakoti

The Images at Unakoti

How to reach Unakoti

By Air: The nearest airport to Unakoti is Kailashahar Airport. Kailasahwar town is connected with bi-weekly Indian Airlines flights from Agartala.

By Rail: The nearest station to Unakoti is Kishanganj Railway Station.

By Road: To get to Unakoti, one can hire a taxi from Agartala, the state capital.