Unakoti, also known as
the Angkor Wat of the Northeast, is vying for the UNESCO world heritage tag, and both the government and ASI are working to preserve lakhs of Shaivite rock carvings, figures, and images of gods and goddesses at the site.

It is called
the Angkor Wat of the Northeast as the structures of the rock-cut sculptures are gigantic and have distinct mongoloid features and display almost the same mystical charm as the spellbinding figures in the said temple.



Reportedly, the Centre has approached UNESCO to declare Unakoti a World Heritage Site, and has also granted INR 12 crore to the state to develop the place as a major tourist destination. The Tripura government has also been making all efforts to develop areas near the site to lure more and more tourists to visit this treasure of Northeast India.

If reports are to go by, this site dates back to the 7th-9th centuries, and it’s a
Shaiba (Saivite) pilgrimage site that features magnificent rock carvings, waterfalls, and beautiful murals. Unakoti literally means ‘one less to one crore’, and it’s believed that there are as many as 99,999,99 structures present here.

This spot also has a great mythological significance and, as per the legends, when Lord Shiva was going to Kashi along with one crore gods and goddesses, he halted here at night. He then asked his fellow gods and goddesses that they would need to wake up before sunrise and proceed for Kashi. However, as per the mythology, except Shiva, none of them could wake up, so he set out for Kashi alone, and cursed the other to become stone images. Thus, because of this curse, 99,999,99 stone images and carvings can still be seen at Unakoti.

You might or might not believe in the legends and lore surrounding Unakoti, the site is surreal and will leave you awed for sure.

1. What is the importance of Unakoti?
   Unakoti is a Shaiva pilgrimage site (dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva as the supreme being) and it dates back to 7th-9th centuries.
2. How many gods are there in Unakoti?
   The word ‘Unakoti’ literally translates to less than one crore. The myth behind these carvings tells of Lord Shiva and his famous wrath.
3. How to travel in Unakoti?
   Taxis, private vehicles or helicopters can be used to access Unakoti.