Introduction
In the hills of Tripura, India, chips in the dazzling region are our indication of the rich historical and cultural heritage, the Unakoti Rock Carvings. Standing a site of colossal rock-cut sculptures and carvings, the place is one of the most visited and mysterious archeological sites in India, which has the ability to attract even the most mundane tourist in the scantiness yet devotion in their hearts.
This unfinished work of art traces it history back to the 7th-9th century sculpting where stones are believed to be carved artistically by the ancient sculptors in which they dedicated their piece to the Hindu deities. The name Unakoti means one less than a crore (ten million) and is known for rock carvings and murals and as per legend it is said that it is cryptic with as many as 99,99,999 rock carvings and sculptures here. A myth explains the godly metamorphosis as a curse that turned these celestial figures to rock and this contributes to the mystique surrounding over the already fascinating place.
History and Importance of Unakoti
Key Attractions at Unakoti
Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava
One other highlight at Unakoti is the Gargantuan sculpture of Lord Shiva (Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava) about 30 feet height. Though largely in ruins, a grand, skillfully carved head resides high upon the mountain and stands out to those who visit.
Other Rock Carvings
No less majestic are the other rock-cut impressions of Hindu deities that are seen at the site, such as a larger-than-life figure of Goddess Durga seated on a throne, Goddess Durga standing on a lion, numerous representations of Lord Ganesha, etc. Indeed, these sculptures are a testament to the skill and devotion of the sculptors of old.
Visiting Unakoti
When to Visit: Unakoti can be visited between the months of October and April when the weather is pleasing and cool. If you happen to be in Chitrakoot during the annual Ashokashtami Mela in April, you’ll find the site teeming with pilgrims and tourists.
How to Reach:
By Air: Agartala is the nearest airport located 178 Kms from Unakoti. You can take a taxi or a bus from Agartala and reach the site.
By Train: The nearest railhead is Kumarghat which is 20km away. To get there by local buses and taxis are available from Kumarghat to Unakoti.
By Road: Unakoti is well connected to the cities of Agartala through roadways and regular busses and taxis ply between this destination and nearby cities.
Exploring the Area
Guided Tours: Getting a local guide is a perfect option to understand the historical and cultural values of Unakoti. Those guides can give background on the petroglyphs and tell great stories, bringing the carvings to life.
Photography: There are beautiful sites placed among the hills of France along the lines of pictures just waiting to be taken. The best light for photography is usually mid-morning or late afternoon.
Hiking: Land area around Unakoti is hilly, hence a wonderful destination for all who love to go hiking and see the natural landscape.
Nearby Attractions
Make sure to also take time away visiting other local attractions when you visit Unakoti:
Jampui Hills – Lush, Green and Covered in Orange Orchards, Jampui Hills make for a dreamy day trip with pristine nature walks and gorgeous views.
Kailashahar: Another city nearby you will get more historic sites, local markets & other knowledge to know about the culture of Tripura.
Conclusion
Unakoti Rock Carvings is still an unexplored treasure, indulges in the historic and religious motives rock carvings of the range settlement of India. Wether you are a history buff with a keen interest in archaeology or someone who just loves to explore lesser known places, Unakoti guarantees you a rich experience with stories from the past which you will remember forever. Follow the links, plan a visit to this remarkable site and uncover stories embedded in stone more than a thousand years ago.
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