Unakoti

Unakoti, 178 kms 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 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-relief in the country, 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 ground.

Legend has it that Lord Shiva on his way to Kashi, present day Varanasi, with a crore of 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.

To See

• Ashokastami Mela
• Rock Carvings
• Stone Images

To Reach

• By Air – Nearest Major Airport is Agartala and is 180 kilometers. Agartala Airport or Singerbhil Airport (IATA - IXA, ICAO - VEAT) is located 12 kilometers north of Agartala, Tripura. It connects Agartala to Kolkata and Guwahati. Several flights in Agartala - Kolkata and Agartala - Guwahati routes operate every day Agartala, the capital city of Tripura, is connected by regular flights fro Delhi, Calcutta and New Delhi. It is the only airport in Tripura.
• By Rail - The two nearest railway stations are Kumarghat and Dharama Nagar. One can take a bus or taxi from Udaipur to reach the station.
• By Road – It is 180 kilometers from Agartala and 8 kilometers from kalishahar. Is well connected by bus with the major cities of North East India. Tripura State Transport Corporation buses ply towards different places of North East. Local Transport – Private taxis, auto rickshaws and city bus service are available from Agartala Airport.