Orange Gardens and Orange Festival, Jampui Hills: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Orange Gardens and Orange Festival

Orange growing began on the Jampui Hills in the early 1960s, and in the mid-1980s Jampui oranges took first place at a fruit exhibition in New Delhi. Disease and pests later destroyed about two-thirds of the orchards.

Useful facts

Orange Gardens and Orange Festival facts at a glance

Location

Jampui ridge, North Tripura

Altitude

Ridge at roughly 900-1,000 m

Experience type

Harvest festival and orchard visit

Known for

Jampui oranges and November festival

Time or schedule

November; confirm each year's dates

Why it matters

Why Orange Gardens and Orange Festival is worth your time

Oranges made Jampui's name. Since the early 1960s the hills have been known for their fruit, and in the 1980s Jampui oranges won top honours at a national exhibition in New Delhi. The festival grew out of that reputation as a thanksgiving for the harvest and a way to draw visitors.

The story is now one of decline and resilience. Disease, pests and changing weather have cut the orchards sharply, and many slopes now grow areca nut or rubber instead. Visiting the gardens, and the festival when it is held, supports the families still growing oranges and keeps a valued local tradition alive.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   Orange displays

   During the festival oranges are arranged into large, eye-catching displays.

2. 02

   Harvest stalls

   Stalls sell oranges, tea and coffee beans from the hills, alongside crafts.

3. 03

   Family gardens

   Growers on the ridge can show you their trees and explain the challenges facing the crop.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

If you visit in November, ask Tripura Tourism or your homestay whether the Orange and Tourism Festival is being held that year and on which dates. When it runs, oranges are arranged into large displays, and stalls sell oranges, tea, coffee beans and crafts, alongside cultural programmes and local food.

Outside the festival, ask your host to arrange a visit to a family orange garden. The orchards share the slopes with betel nut, ginger and coffee, and growers can explain how disease and changing conditions have affected the crop. Buying a bag of fresh fruit directly from a grower is the simplest way to support them.

Book lodging months ahead for festival dates, carry cash, and expect simple facilities. Combine the visit with the sunrise viewpoints and a walk round Vanghmun.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Jampui ridge, around Vanghmun and nearby villages

Time needed

Half a day to a day during the festival

Best time

November

Walking level

Easy

Senior comfort

Festival events and stalls are usually held in the village on fairly level ground, so older visitors can manage them with rest breaks. Garden visits involve short walks on sloping paths. Book lodging very early, as rooms are scarce during the festival.

Tickets and access

No ticket is published for the festival. Dates vary and reports differ on whether it is held every year, so confirm with Tripura Tourism before travelling.

Plan it with

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