Neermahal is the largest of its manner in India and the only one in Eastern India. It is the earlier majestic palace built by King Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur of the former Kingdom of Tripura.
Location of Neermahal
Neermahal is situated in the middle of the lake Rudrasagar. It is located in Melaghar, 53 kilometres away from the Agartala, the capital of Tripura.
History of Neermahal
Neermahal was built by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya at 1930 A.D as his summer residence being inspired by Mughal style of architecture. It was Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Bahadur"s idea to build a palace in the beautiful Rudrasagar Lake and in 1921 he accredited the British company Martin and Burns to construct the palace for him. The company took nine years to complete the work. Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Bahadur belonged to the "Manikya Dynasty" which is supposed to be the second from a single line in the world today. The palace is the establishment of Maharaja"s great taste and his fascinating idea of blending Hindu and Muslim traditions and cultures.
Architecture of Neermahal
Neermahal incorporates Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. There are mainly two parts of the palace - one on the western side known as "Andar Mahal" which was used by the royal family and another on the eastern side which was used for the security personnel and servants. There are 15 rooms in the main "Andar Mahal". There is a beautiful garden laid in the western side of the palace. In the garden there is an open stage where drama, theatre, etc. use to be organized. The palace has 24 rooms in total. It has two stairways inside leading down to a landing on the water of Rudrasagar Lake. Maharajas used to go to the palace by hand powered boat from "Rajghat".
Attraction of Neermahal
Every year in the month of August, a big festival is observed by the local body and Government Department which is called "Neermahal Water Festival". The festival is observed for 3 days and many vibrant cultural programmes and events play in the evening. A big attraction of the "Neermahal Water Festival" is the boat race in Rudrasagar Lake. Different kinds of boats participate in that race. Apart from that swimming competitions are also organised in the festival. "Neermahal Water Festival" is organised for the second time in the month of December every year with some wonderful cultural event in a chilly environment of winter season.
