My recent trip to Agartala, Tripura.

mahmud

Last week while I informed my wife that we will start our journey to India by early morning & reach within 11 am, she just shouted “Don’t tell lie”. It was also unbelievable to me that within such a short time & low budget, I can travel another country from Dhaka.

I am talking about my recent trip to Agartala. I decided to pass my last weekend (Friday-Saturday)in Agartala. Friday morning we took train to Akhaura. The train reached Akhaura at 9.30 a.m (Fare was Taka 90). After that, we took a cycle Rickshaw to Akhaura border ( 20 mnts journey). The immigration (Quiet & Calm) took only 10 mnts & we entered India. After crossing the border, took a Auto to Agartala City (Only 10 mnts journey) & board at Hotel Shomraj (Rs. 450 for non air con double room). We were happy to find almost same countryside, people even language (I never found anyone in Agartala who speaks other language than Bangla).

H/ever, after taking rest, we went to see the City. The city is small but clean. Traffic is good. We took lunch in the famous Shankor Restaurant (While we were taking lunch, the hotel boy asked us whether we would take famous Bangladeshi Hilsha or not. We reminded him that we are Bangladeshi. So, just give us local foods). After we went to Ujjayonti palace but being this ancient palace is now Parliament building of Tripura, we could not get inside. Evening time, we went to Shokuntala area to buy some bamboo made products.

The next day we went to Seepahijala Sangtuary (25 k.m from Agartala) by 44 Natinal Road. The rod crossed many Tea estates, Coffee & Rubber Gardens. Passing whole day we returned Agartala at afternoon.
The next morning we return to Dhaka by same way.

I gave above in detail information, so that Indian travelers can Travel Agartala through Bangladesh. I met many Agartala people who used to go Kolkata via Bangladesh. If you need any kind info about this trip, may ask me

kshastry

Hi, I am planning to do the same in September, but from the other way. Agartala to Chittagong, then to Dhaka, then to do a Rocket for a day; I want to exit via Agartala. I have few questions.

1. Can I get one week visa to Bangladesh at Agartala? I am an Indian citizen. How long it may take?
2. Currency exchange. Can INR be freely exchanged to Taka at the border? What about within BD?
3. I don't speak Bangla. I am a vegetarian? Will there be a problem to get veg food in BD?

Thanks!

mahmud

Thanks for your planning to come Bangladesh.

1. Yes, you can get the Bangldeshi visa at least for 2 weeks at Agartala.

2. Better to exchange the money (INR----> BDT) from Agartala. Because you will not get enough chances to exchange INR inside Bangladeh. But if you carry USD, you cn exchange anyhere.

3. No prob. Many non Bengali speking tourists are traveling Bangladesh. Also vegetables & dals are available in Bangladesh. So dont worry.

By the way, if you need any kind of info about your ensuing trip, ask me. Also we my meet in Dhaka & have dinner together when you come Bangladesh.

kshastry

Thanks Mahmud for your reply. My trip is scheduled towards the end of September. I will get in touch then.

kshastry

A quick question on BD Visa for Indian nationals. If I get a double entry visa to BD, can I enter and exit from any crossing point that I wish to take? Ex: I enter from Agartala and may chose to exit from either Benapole or the one near Siliguri. Is it possible?

mahmud

Yes, it is possible. You can enter from any border & exit as per your choice.

machadinha

Is this for other nationalities than Indian as well?

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mahmud

Yes, for all the nationalities.

machadinha

Thanks, that's good to know. Just keeping my options open, and hopefully handy for others

I think it used to be much more restricted and/or matter of luck?, but that's some time ago. I thought crossing straight from Dhaka to Kolkata was the only sure-fire option then.

We may yet meet up for dinner some day, Mahmud

jodiac

Buddy --just wanted to make a slight adjustment here. It is an Assembly building and not Parliament building. No issue -as you are not supposed to know.

Also -- I should inform that --except during Assembly seating time (thrice a year) -you can go inside the area in the evening.
Yeahh--visited many ZOOS in India including the famour Alipur Zoo in Kolkata. But never found a natural setting like Sepahijala.

I have a brief travel guide about tourism in Tripura here--
definitely Tripura has much more to offer than just Agartala and Sepahijala.
Hopefully, next time you have much more time.


Believe me--all your quesries are of no problem. You getBD Multiple/double entry VISA from Agartala in 1 day--.
But I would suggest you to buy $$$ ans Indian Rs is quite high ATM.

You can get any-kind of food there in BD.

I visited there many times--but not with Passport --with Sixport (illegal entry )

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Amazing India

Khak

Mahmud
going through your album I could see all the places that we heard stories of from our grandparents.

Even today when two descendents of East Bengal meet for the first time, they will definitely ask from to which part of Bengal they belong to.

Seeing your pictures I feel like visiting Bangladesh.

Thanks a lot for the pictures

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~Khak~

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover

mahmud

Always welcome to this beautiful land. I will help you from every corner if you want to come. Please let me know when finalize.

slotek

hallo mahmud! i plan to go from agartala via dhaka to kolkata in february 08. I heared about political problems in dhaka. what do you think it's dangoures to go to bangladesh in next february?

i'm a german can i get a bd visa in agartala

You can recomand a accomodation in dhaka?

What are the importend things to see there?

thank you for your help
slotek

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sorry for my bad english
i did'nd learn it on scool
my scool was the streets of india and sri lanka

the main thing is
WE CAN TALK AND UNDTERSTAND TOGETHER!