One less than a Koti (crore or 10 million), this is the Unakoti, a most famous Shaiva pilgrimage destination in the district Unakoti of the North-East Tripura. It is a historical spot and evidence of the cultural heritage of ancient Tripura dating back about the seventh to ninth century AD. Numerous rock carving sculptures and stone idols of Hindu Gods and Goddess exposed in the open atmosphere are the main attractions at Unakoti, which was created after cutting on the Raghunandan hills, nowadays it is known as the Unakoti Hills or Belkom Tila.

Unakoti: A Story of Magic Number and Myth

According to legend, once Lord Shiva along with one crore (ten million) Gods and Goddesses including himself had traveled from Kailash to Kashi. On the way, they reached Raghunandan Hill at night. So they decided to take rest and shelter on this hill. Lord Shiva alerts all Gods and Goddesses to arise before sunrise of the next day morning and proceed for the journey to Kashi. Unfortunately, none of them except Lord Shiva himself could get up early in the morning. The ungrateful angry Shiva left alone on the way to Kashi and cursed all slept Gods & Goddess to become stone and stay there forever. As a result, we have one less than crore stone sculpture on the Hill, and it is called Unakoti.

According to another legend, the local sculptor Kalu Kamar had a dream, if he can create ten million sculptures of Gods and Goddesses in one night, this place will be considered with equal status to Kashidham. Efficient sculptor Kalu Kamar worked tirelessly throughout the night to complete the task. It was just one short of a crore image of deities and the sculptor wished to create the last one for his own sculpture, rather than another god, where the artist and creation of the artist will get the same importance in the future. But the artist's self-conceit might not have been loved by the absolute creator. Therefore, the idol of the last deity was left behind, and similarly, Unakoti had not achieved its status as Kashidham — the locals say, why not give in to ahankara or pride.

According to another belief, a local sculptor & potter named Kalu Kamar was a devotee of Goddess Parvati who wishes to accompany Shiva and Parvati to their abode on Kailash. After acknowledging Parvati, Lord Shiva agreed with a condition, if Kalu Kamar would sculpt a Koti image of Shiva idols in one night, he would fulfill Kalu Kamars' wish. Kalu Kamar had worked tirelessly to complete the task, but unfortunately, he sculpted one less than a Koti idol before sunrise. So, Kalu Kamar leaves behind the place named Unakoti, a Shaiva pilgrimage destination in Tripura.

Attraction of Unakoti

Although apart from the legendary stories which raise curiosity; history and authenticated information of Unakoti verify that the construction of these sculptures and idols might be created between the eighth and nine centuries or before, which was originally known as the Shaiva pilgrimage destination. So there have a number of Shiva idols. The Raghunandan Hills' sides and stone had been carved and give the form of different Hindu Gods and Goddess idols which are located in a beautifully landscaped forest area with green vegetation all around. The statue of Unakotiswar Shiva is 30 feet tall including a 10 feet crown on the head of Lord Shiva. One side of the crown has a sculpture of Goddess Durga standing on a lion and Goddess Ganga is on the other side. In addition to this huge statue of Unakotiswar, there have many sculptures of other Gods and Goddess like Kalbhairava, Chandrashekhar Shiva, Kamdev with arrows & bow, Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwar all-together), Nrisingha, Radha-Krishna, Hanuman, Saraswati, Uma-Maheshwar, Shani, Nandi, etc. Some other important sculptures at Unakoti are a gigantic Ganesh and a quadrature Vishnu idol. Large statues engraved on the stone are really astonishing. To see these idols spread over a large part of the hill, you have to walk around the road of hilly terrain. Guidance of a recognized guide may be helpful for a short tour at Unakoti.

A large fair is held on the occasion of the Ashokashtami festival in March-April in Unakoti every year. Thousands of pilgrims come from far and near to worship here. Other smaller festival takes place in January. Not only at the festive time, but tourists gathered at Unakoti throughout the year from different parts of the country.

Around Kailasahar 

Jampui Hills (100km) | Situated at an altitude of 915m above sea level, Jampui Hills is the highest hill station in Tripura. Traveling up to Jampui Hills makes you feel like you are in paradise – with flourishing forests, beautiful orchids, verdant landscapes, and beautiful orange groves. The panoramic views of its misty valleys, orange-scented hilltops, and unique climate have rightly made it more popularly known as the ‘Permanent Seat of Spring’. To the east of this hill range lies Mizoram and to the south lies the Chittagong hill tract of Bangladesh.

On one hand, adventurous and awe-inspiring trek routes await you and on the other, there are captivating sunrises and sunsets. From the watchtower on the highest peak – Betlingchip – the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, the Kanchanpur -Dasda valley, and other hill ranges of Tripura and Mizoram unfold an enigmatic scenic vista. You could even try the popular Village Tours to the indigenous tribal villages of Lushai and Reang tribes which comprise very warm, hospitable, and colorful Mizo communities.

The orange plantation started in Jampui Hills in the early 60s. It began as a private fruit plantation for self-consumption. Later on, new gardens were created and more families joined the plantation business. In order to promote tourism, the Information and Culture Department of Tripura started the unique Orange & Tourism Festival which takes place every year in the month of November. A large number of tourists, both domestic and foreign, attend this festival. During this time, the hills are wrapped in floating clouds and make for a thrilling experience. The formation of clouds at the bottom of the hill range and their gradual ascent to the top, thus slowly engulfing the whole hill range in its mystic wrap is an experience one shouldn’t miss.

If you wish to stay here you can opt for the Eden Tourist Lodge (Tariff: ₹805, dorm ₹490) in Vangmun village. The lodge has 42 rooms and three dorms. Don’t expect anything fancy in terms of the services and facilities available here.

How to Reach Unakoti?

Unakoti is about 178 km northeast of Agartala, the capital city of Tripura. The nearest airport is also situated at Agartala and flight is the best bet to reach at Tripura from the other parts of India (except northeast India). From Agartala, you may hire a car for traveling to Unakoti. On the way, you may also visit Chhabimura, Dumburu, and Jampui Hill. It may cost around INR 2,000 to INR 2,500 for a small car (Indicia, Wagoner, or Ecco) and around INR 3,000 to INR 3,500 for a big car (Tata Sumo or Bolero) for a full-day booking.

Public transports are also available to reach Unakoti. From Agartala, you may travel by bus or train to reach Kumarghat of Kailashahar. It is about 8 km driving distance from Unakoti and also serves as the district headquarters. Thereafter it is another half an hour's journey. Silchar of Assam is located about 148 km northeast of Unakoti. It is another access point for Unakoti.

Best Time to visit Unakoti

The best time of year to visit Unakoti would be between the months of October and April. Guests who visit the Unakoti Caves during the monsoon season can experience nature’s beauty to the fullest. If you are looking to enjoy the Ashokastami Mela, then the absolute best time to visit it would be during the month of April. You could also visit this place during the month of January when a smaller festival takes place.

Guests who are looking to explore this unique blend of culture and natural beauty at Unakoti can stay at Hotel Polo Agartala. This is a 5-star hotel in Agartala that is ideal for both solo travelers and families. We look forward to welcoming you to our hotel soon