Jampui Hills travel guide

The Jampui Hills are a north-south ridge in North Tripura district, on the state's eastern border with Mizoram. Part of the Mizo (Lushai) hills, the range sits at roughly 900 to 1,000 m, and its highest point, Betlingchhip, at about 930 m, is also the highest peak in Tripura. Along the crest are about ten small villages, mostly Mizo, strung out from Vaisam in the north to Phuldungsei in the south, with Vanghmun as the main village and block headquarters.

The hills are known for their mild climate, clean villages and wide views. From the viewpoints and the watchtower on Betlingchhip you look across the Kanchanpur-Dasda valley, other Tripura ranges, the hills of Mizoram and, on clear days, the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. From September to December clouds often form in the valleys and rise to wrap the ridge. Orange growing began here in the early 1960s, and although disease has since cut the orchards sharply, an orange festival is still promoted in November.

Jampui is remote. It is about 220 km and some six hours by road from Agartala, and the nearest railheads, Kumarghat and Pecharthal, are a long drive away. Accommodation is limited to the government's Eden Tourist Lodge at Vanghmun and a growing number of village homestays. No Restricted Area Permit or Inner Line Permit is needed.

For older travellers Jampui is a place to slow down rather than sightsee hard: drive along the ridge, sit at a viewpoint at sunrise, walk a little in a village and enjoy the cool air. The longer ridge walks and the climb to Betlingchhip are for fitter family members.