The first day of 2025 saw Tripura’s tourism sector flourish, with key destinations such as Neermahal, Rajghat, and Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary drawing record numbers of visitors. The state government’s recent promotional events and infrastructure upgrades added vibrancy to the celebrations, ensuring a memorable start to the year.
Neermahal: A Magnet for Tourists
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Neermahal, the architectural jewel on Rudrasagar Lake, was teeming with activity as over 3,720 tourists thronged the site by 5 PM. The influx generated ₹1,85,700 in revenue from motorboat fees, according to the Rudrasagar Udvastu Matsajibi Samabay Samity.
Visitors, many from across the state, arrived in the early hours, with picnic parties adding to the festive atmosphere. Speaking to the media, Pabitra Kumar Das, president of the Samity, expressed delight over the turnout.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure a safe and delightful experience for every visitor. Our focus remains on crowd management and preventing any untoward incidents,” he stated.
The overwhelming response is credited to “Promo Fest 2024,” a tourism promotion campaign organized by the state government. The festival, held recently at Rajghat, reignited interest in Tripura’s picturesque locations. Tight security measures were implemented, with Melaghar Police and local volunteers ensuring safety and order throughout the day.
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
The Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary also saw a substantial increase in footfall. Approximately 5,000 visitors arrived, contributing ₹1,35,000 in ticket revenue. This marked a significant rise from the 3,800 visitors and ₹1,05,000 in revenue recorded on January 1, 2024.
Renowned for its sprawling 18.53 square kilometer expanse, the sanctuary has become a prime destination for nature enthusiasts. Upgrades led by Zoological Director Biswajit Das have enhanced the sanctuary’s appeal.
Visitors arrived as early as sunrise to explore the sanctuary’s diverse flora and fauna. A police assistance center at the ticket counter ensured safety, while 250 vehicles were registered and thoroughly checked. ASI Uttam Kumar Deb confirmed the seizure of some illegal narcotics, ensuring a secure environment for all.
New Year’s Gift: Enhanced Tourism Facilities
Adding to the excitement, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury inaugurated new facilities to improve the travel experience for both domestic and international tourists. During a ceremony at Ujjayanta Palace, he flagged off two state-of-the-art Force Urbania AC buses and launched 10 FRP pedal boats.
The buses, procured at a cost of ₹57.86 lakh, can accommodate 17 passengers each and feature modern amenities, including air conditioning. These vehicles will enhance connectivity to major tourist destinations, making travel more convenient and enjoyable.
The minister also announced the acquisition of 50 modern boats to boost water-based tourism across the state. “This initiative is part of our broader vision for sustainable tourism development and creating new employment opportunities,” he said.
He further emphasized the government’s commitment to innovative planning and infrastructure development to make Tripura a premier tourist destination. “Our efforts aim to ensure that visitors not only enjoy the state’s natural beauty but also have access to world-class facilities,” he added.
A Day of Celebration and Optimism
As the sun set over Rudrasagar Lake, visitors departed with cherished memories, signaling a promising start for Tripura’s tourism in 2025. With growing visitor numbers, enhanced infrastructure, and government-backed initiatives, the state is poised to emerge as a preferred destination for travelers.
Senior officials, including Tourism Director Prashant Badal Negi and Joint Director Aniruddha Roy, expressed optimism about the future of tourism in Tripura, ensuring continued efforts to
sustain the momentum gained on this remarkable day.d
