The short answer
Rabindra Kanan and Pushbanta Palace: what visitors should know first
Yes, for a calm hour of walking with a literary link. Go only for the garden and the exterior of the palace; the building itself has been used as a residence and is being developed as a museum, so confirm what is open.
History and context
The story behind Rabindra Kanan and Pushbanta Palace
Pushbanta Palace was built in 1917 by Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya on the Kunjaban hillock. After independence it served as the chief commissioner's residence and then the Raj Bhavan, until 2018. The foundation stone for a digital museum project was laid in October 2022, and the southern grounds are open to the public as Rabindra Kanan.
Useful facts
Rabindra Kanan and Pushbanta Palace facts at a glance
- Location
- Kunjaban, about 1 km north of Ujjayanta Palace
- Experience type
- Public garden and palace exterior
- Known for
- Tagore's stay in 1926
- Architect/Built
- Palace built 1917 for Birendra Kishore Manikya
- Time or schedule
- Daytime; confirm opening hours locally
Why it matters
Why Rabindra Kanan and Pushbanta Palace is worth your time
Kunjaban is the part of Agartala most tied to Rabindranath Tagore. The poet visited Tripura several times at the invitation of the Manikya kings, and during his final visit in 1926 he stayed at Pushbanta Palace. The palace also hosted celebrations for his 80th birthday in 1941, organised by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya.
That history gives the hillock its place on a cultural itinerary. The public garden is a rare green space in central Agartala, and the palace is being turned into a national-level cultural museum, which could change what visitors can see in future.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Rabindra Kanan garden
A public garden on the southern grounds of the palace hillock.
- 02
Pushbanta Palace
The 1917 palace where Tagore stayed in 1926; check access.
- 03
Kunjaban setting
A hillock with trees and a calmer feel than the city centre.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Plan Rabindra Kanan as a slow walk. Enter the public part of the grounds and follow the paths along the hillock, with trees and views over the city. Take the time to read any signage about Tagore and the Manikya family, and sit in the shade when the weather is warm.
The palace itself was built in 1917 by Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya about one kilometre north of Ujjayanta Palace. It served as the chief commissioner's residence and later as Raj Bhavan until 2018. Treat the exterior as the highlight and check locally whether any section is open.
Combine this with the Benuban Vihar, which is also in Kunjaban, for a quiet half-day to complement the busier palace and temple compound.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Check opening hours and what is open
- Go in the morning or late afternoon
- Carry water and a hat
- Pair with Benuban Vihar
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Kunjaban, north of Ujjayanta Palace
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Garden paths are gentle with a few slopes since it is a hillock. Shaded spots exist, but benches are limited, so carry water and avoid midday.
- Tickets and access
- The southern part of the grounds is open to the public as Rabindra Kanan; check current hours and fees. The palace building may not be open to visitors, so confirm before you go.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Rabindra Kanan and Pushbanta Palace
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Garden paths are gentle with a few slopes since it is a hillock. Shaded spots exist, but benches are limited, so carry water and avoid midday.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Can I go inside Pushbanta Palace?
Access can change; check locally. The public garden is open as Rabindra Kanan.
Why is it linked to Tagore?
Tagore stayed here on his last visit to Tripura in 1926.
How far is it from Ujjayanta Palace?
About one kilometre to the north.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
