It is one of only two water palaces in India, with the other being the Jal Mahal in Rajasthan.
The palace interior features a dedicated Durbar Hall used by the royal family for formal meetings.
Rudrasagar Lake, which surrounds the palace, is a designated wetland of national importance under the Ramsar Convention.
The structure includes a series of open-air theaters and gardens specifically designed to accommodate the breeze coming off the lake.
Construction was completed in 1938, taking approximately eight years to finalize.
The name 'Neermahal' translates directly to 'Water Palace' from Bengali.
Neermahal is an iconic water palace situated in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake in Melaghar, Tripura. Commissioned by King Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur in 1930, it was designed as a summer residence for the royal family. The structure uniquely blends Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, characterized by its numerous pavilions, balconies, and towers. Built with red sandstone and white marble, the palace is accessible only by boat. It sits in the center of a lake spanning approximately 5.35 square kilometers. The facility currently operates under the supervision of the Tripura Tourism Development Corporation.
The central landing platform offers the most symmetrical view of the palace's arched facade.
Hire a local boat operator at the shore for a round trip to the palace.
Carry drinking water and snacks as there are no food vendors available on the palace island.
Visit during the winter months to take advantage of migratory bird sightings in the surrounding wetlands.
Avoid relying on private vehicles for the last mile if roads are waterlogged; prioritize boat transit.