Happy TravellerWelcome to Kailashahar, the fourth largest urban area in the north eastern state of India, Tripura. Located near the northwest Bangladesh border, this charming city is surrounded by the Unakoti hills and flows through Tripura’s longest river, Manu. Kailashahar is a municipal council and the administrative center of the Unakoti district. Let’s explore what this hidden gem has to offer.
== History ==
Kailashahar was the ancient capital of Tripuri Kingdom and its history is intertwined with Unakoti. It is well known for its stone and rock carvings dating from the 7th – 9th centuries AD. A Shiva disciple who started the Tripuravada (Tripuri calendar), prayed for Lord Shiva at Chambulnagar village on the banks of the Mau (Manu) river. It is assumed that the Chambulnagar mentioned in the Rajmala was situated near the Unakoti Hills. The prince prayed for Mahadev in Unakoti. Kailashahar may be the legendary Chambulnagar. Hara (Shiva) lived in Kailasa, which influenced the name of the region to Kailasa Hara, which later transformed into Kailashahar. King Adi-Dharmapha of Tripura ruled there in the 7th century, he performed Yajna with pomp and joy.
== Local Attractions ==
Kailashahar has a lot to offer for tourists. One of the major attractions is the Unakoti hills, an ancient Shaivite place of worship with huge rock reliefs celebrating Shiva. Here we find one less one crore idols and statues of gods and goddesses carved in stone. It is situated 8 km away from Kailashahar town. Various small vehicles are available from Kailasahar Motorstand to reach Unakoti hill. Next to Unkoti, there is a park called Unkoti Eco Park. This park is a natural area with a great deal of beauty. Unakoti is best visited during the festival of Ashokastami. During this festival, a fair is held at Unakoti, and many peoples and devotees come to participate in this festival.
Another attraction is the Lakhi Narayan Bari, which is about 45 years old and is counted as an antique monument in India. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and the idol of the lord was installed by Krishnananda Sevayet. Tirupati Balaji temple is a Hindu temple situated in bilashpur, Dolugaon, which is 10 km away from the main urban area of Kailashahar. The town also has beautiful scenic views, tea gardens, parks, and more.
== Culture ==
The majority of the population of Kailashahar practice Hinduism (90.10%), the Town hosts many temples and religious sites, notably Lakshmi Narayan temple, 14 Deities Temple of Rangauti, New Kali temple and Sringeri Sharada Peetham or Tirupati temple. Besides Hinduism, many residents practice Buddhism and Sikhism. Muslims constitute the largest minority with 8.30% of the total population. There are several mosques in the Town near the main bazaar, in Kubjar and in Khowrabil, as well as many maktabs and madrasas in the areas of Kubjar, Baburbazar and Tillabazar. Christianity is followed by 0.60% of the population.
In Kailashahar, the majority of the population is Bengali, making up 85.61 percent of the total population. In addition, there are a number of tribal populations as well. At present, the culture of Kailashahar is a mixture of Sylheti and tribal influences. Kailashahar has diverse groups of tribal communities, including Tripuri, Manupuri, Chakma, Riang, Jamatia, Noatia, and more; 5.12% of the population is Manipuri or Bishnupuri, and 2.66% is Tripuri.
== Festivals ==
As the majority of the population of the Town is Bengali, Durga Puja is one of the major festivals of the Town, which is celebrated every year between the months of September and October. After Durga Puja, Diwali is celebrated throughout the state as well as in Kailashahar around October and November. Asokastami festival is celebrated in the month of February every year, in Kailashahar as well as in the Unkoti hills. Also, Gariya Puja is celebrated for seven days from the seventh day of the month of Baishakh (3rd week of April).Apart from the mentioned festivals, the Town also celebtate Ganesh Puja, Eid, Muharram and Christmas simultaneously.
== Climate ==
Kailashahar has a warm, humid tropical climate with five indistinct seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and winter. The spring season begins in late February and lasts until mid-March. Winter returns in mid-February with fresh rain. Mid-March marks the beginning of the summer season, and April–May marks its peak. The pre-monsoon rains always occur in March and April.
== Education ==
Kailasahar has a total of 26 schools, including rural areas
