A green hillock known as Kunjaban ( a bower) for its scenic beauty stands to
the north of Ujjayanta palace at a distance of about 1 Km. Maharaja Birendra
Kishore Manikya (1909-1923) selected this beautiful place for building a suburban
palace for retreat and constructed a palace in 1917 which was named as Pushbanta
Palace. The Maharaja himself being gifted artist is said to have drawn
the plan of the palace and its adjoining garden. Though not far away yet being
a palace came to be regarded as ideal for relaxation and pleasure strolls in
the past for its green beauty, green gardens, orchard and a small zoo. Poet
Rabindranath Tagore stayed in the eastern apartment of this palace during his
7th and last visit to the state in 1926. This palace was the mute witness to
many of the great poet's creations including a number of popular songs. There
are well laid gardens and lawns inside the palace which is the official residence
of the Governor of Tripura now. The southern side of the garden has been made
open for the public and has been named as Rabindra Kanan.
Around varandh attached to this eastern part, named as Gol Varandah was
the most favourite place for its distant view of Baramura Hills on the eastern
horizon. This varandah had been the mute witness of many a dear moment when
the poet composed a number of popular songs which were in corporated in Vaikali
series, or remained obsorted in silence. This palace has been taken over by
the Government of Tripura and is being used as the official residence of the
governor-Raj Bhavan.
Location :
Agartala
How to Reach :
By air from Calcutta/ Guwahati.
By Train upto Dharmanagar/ Kumarghat and then by road.
Distance from Dharmanagar is 192 km.
Distance from Kumarghat - 170 km.