The short answer
Tripura Sundari Temple (Matabari): what visitors should know first
Yes, this is the reason to come to Udaipur. Go early on a weekday, remove your shoes, and combine it with Kalyan Sagar. Avoid Diwali fair days unless you want a very large crowd.
History and context
The story behind Tripura Sundari Temple (Matabari)
Maharaja Dhanya Manikya built the temple around 1501. Tradition holds that he was told in a dream to worship the goddess on the hill, and that the hill already carried a Vishnu temple, which led him to see Vishnu and Shakti as forms of one divinity. Legend also places the fall of Sati's right foot here, which is why it counts as one of the 51 Shakta pithas.
The smaller idol is said to have been carried by the kings on campaigns and hunts.
Useful facts
Tripura Sundari Temple (Matabari) facts at a glance
- Location
- Matabari, Udaipur, Gomati district
- Faith
- Hindu (Shakta)
- Deity
- Tripura Sundari (Tripureshwari)
- Visitor note
- Remove shoes; modest dress; avoid Diwali crowds
- Built
- Around 1501, by Dhanya Manikya
Why it matters
Why Tripura Sundari Temple (Matabari) is worth your time
The state of Tripura takes its name from this temple, which makes it more than a local shrine. It is regarded as the holiest in the state and, by one account, draws more visitors than any other temple in North East India apart from Kamakhya.
For a traveller, it shows living Shakta worship in an unfussy setting, and it is the clearest link to the Manikya kings who made Udaipur their capital.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The tortoise-shell hill
The temple stands on a small hill known as Kurma Pitha.
- 02
Two black stone idols
The main goddess and the smaller Chhoto-Ma are in the sanctum.
- 03
Diwali fair
A huge fair brings crowds of more than 200,000 pilgrims.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Matabari sits on a small hill that is said to resemble a tortoise shell, which gives the site its name Kurma Pitha. Arrive at opening time, when the courtyard is cool and quiet, and join the line for the sanctum. The temple is a cube topped by a three-tiered roof in the Bengali ek-ratna style, and stands roughly 75 feet high.
Inside are two black stone images: the main goddess Tripura Sundari and a smaller one called Chhoto-Ma. Pilgrims commonly offer peda and red hibiscus. After the visit, walk down to Kalyan Sagar on the east side of the temple, where turtles come to the ghats to be fed puffed rice.
Avoid the Diwali fair, when more than 200,000 people may gather, unless you plan for it. At other times, a weekday morning gives time to sit in the courtyard and watch the rituals.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Arrive early and on a weekday
- Remove shoes and dress modestly
- Ask before photographing inside
- Pair with Kalyan Sagar
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Matabari, Udaipur, about 55 km south of Agartala
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Best time
- Early morning, weekdays; November to February
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The approach is short and mostly level, with some steps at the shrine and a long wait on busy days. Floors are bare stone and hot by midday; there is little shade in the queue.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket is known; it is an active temple. Remove shoes, dress modestly and ask before photographing inside the sanctum. Expect long queues at festivals.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Tripura Sundari Temple (Matabari)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
The approach is short and mostly level, with some steps at the shrine and a long wait on busy days. Floors are bare stone and hot by midday; there is little shade in the queue.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Why is it called Matabari?
Matabari is the local name for the temple of the Mother Goddess.
When is the Diwali fair?
It coincides with Diwali, usually October or November; it is extremely crowded.
Can non-Hindus visit?
The sources do not restrict entry; follow temple rules and ask staff.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.