Chabimura is one of Tripura’s most striking heritage sites: a river gorge where a near-vertical cliff of sandstone has been carved with large images of Hindu gods and goddesses. The panels look down on the Gomati river in Gomati district, and the usual way to see them is a slow boat ride from the town of Amarpur, winding through forest until the carved rock face rises on the bank. This guide covers what the reliefs are, when to go, how to reach them, and what a trip costs.
Chabimura is a river gorge in Gomati district, Tripura, where a near-vertical sandstone cliff on the Gomati river carries large rock reliefs of Hindu deities, including a giant image of Mahishasuramardini (Durga), reached by boat from Amarpur, about 80 km from Agartala.
Key takeaways
- Chabimura (also spelt Chhabimura, and known locally as Chakrakma) is a cliff of rock carvings on the bank of the Gomati river in Gomati district, Tripura, in the Amarpur subdivision.
- The carvings show Shiva, Vishnu, Kartikeya, Ganesha and Mahishasuramardini (Durga), and are dated to the 15th–16th century; the artist is unknown, according to the record on the site.
- Tripura Tourism describes the main Durga relief as one of the largest reliefs of the goddess in the country, measuring 10.70 m high and 7.70 m wide.
- Reach it by road from Agartala to Amarpur (about 80 km, roughly 2.5 hours), then hire a boat on the Gomati; the nearest airport is Agartala.
- Best season is October to March, when the weather is cooler and the river level suits boats, as of October 2026.
About Chabimura
Chabimura is a rock-carving site on a steep hill wall beside the Gomati river, in the Amarpur subdivision of Gomati district, Tripura. It is also written Chhabimura, and is known by the names Chakwrakma or Chakrakma. The cliff is part of the Devtamura (also Debtamura) hill range, which runs between Udaipur and Amarpur.
The carvings face the river, so the setting is as much about the gorge as the art: forested slopes drop to the water, and the panels appear on the rock as the boat rounds the bend. According to the record on the site, the purpose of the carvings and the identity of the artists are both unknown.
The name “Chabimura” is often read as the hill of images or pictures. Local Tripuri communities, including Debbarma families, have long associated the main carved goddess with the name Chakrakma; this is a matter of local belief and worship, and the site is treated as a place of reverence rather than only a monument.
| Location | Bank of the Gomati river, Amarpur subdivision, Gomati district, Tripura |
|---|---|
| What it is | Rock reliefs of Hindu deities carved into a near-vertical sandstone cliff |
| Dated | 15th–16th century (artist unknown) |
| Main image | Mahishasuramardini (Durga), ten-armed; 10.70 m high and 7.70 m wide per Tripura Tourism |
| Access | Road to Amarpur, then boat along the Gomati |
| From Agartala | About 80 km (sources give 75–90 km) |
| Best season | October to March |
The cliff reliefs and the Durga image
The reliefs at Chabimura are large figures of Hindu gods and goddesses cut into a sandstone cliff that stands close to vertical above the Gomati. According to the record on the site, the panels include Shiva, Vishnu, Kartikeya, Ganesha and Mahishasuramardini (the form of Durga slaying the buffalo-demon Mahishasura), along with other deities. The record counts 37 rock-cut images in the Devtamura range, and dates the work to the 15th–16th century.
The showpiece is the Mahishasuramardini relief. Tripura Tourism describes it as one of the largest reliefs of the goddess in the country, carved 10.70 m high and 7.70 m wide, showing the goddess with ten arms. Local communities worship this image as Chakrakma. Some older sources give the figure’s height in round terms as about 20 feet, so reported dimensions vary; the Tripura Tourism measurement is the more detailed one, as of October 2026.
Because the cliff is sandstone and exposed to the river, parts of the rock have slipped over time, and some images are damaged or lost. Seeing the carvings well depends on light and water level, which is one reason the dry winter months are the usual season.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Deities depicted | Shiva, Vishnu, Kartikeya, Ganesha, Mahishasuramardini (Durga) and others |
| Largest image | Mahishasuramardini (Durga), ten-armed |
| Durga relief size | 10.70 m high, 7.70 m wide (Tripura Tourism) |
| Total rock-cut images | Recorded as 37 across the Devtamura range |
| Material and date | Sandstone; 15th–16th century; artist unknown |
| Local name for the goddess | Chakrakma (local belief and worship) |
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Chabimura is October to March, the cool dry season, when the river level suits boats and the forest banks are pleasant. This is the standard travel window for Tripura and for a river trip in particular, as of October 2026. The monsoon, from roughly June to September, brings heavy rain to Tripura and a higher, faster river, which can affect boating.
Summer, from April to June, is hot and humid and less comfortable on open water. If you want the carvings clearly visible above the waterline, aim for the drier middle of the winter rather than straight after the rains.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (best) | October–March | Cool, drier; comfortable boat ride; the recommended window |
| Summer | April–June | Hot and humid; open water feels harsh midday |
| Monsoon | June–September | Heavy rain; higher, faster river; check boating status |
How to reach Chabimura
You reach Chabimura by road to Amarpur and then by boat on the Gomati. Amarpur is the usual launch point, and the river leg carries you to the carved cliff. Sources put the road distance from Agartala at roughly 75–90 km; the state tourism material cites about 90 km and a drive of around 2.5 hours, as of October 2026.
By air, the nearest airport is Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport at Agartala, the state capital, which has the region’s main flight connections. From the airport you travel on by road. By rail, Agartala and Udaipur both have railway stations on the Tripura line; Udaipur, the Gomati district headquarters, is closer to Amarpur than Agartala is.
By road, shared and private vehicles run from Agartala towards Udaipur and Amarpur. From Amarpur town you move to the river ghat and hire a boat for the gorge. For a wider view of getting around the state, see our Tripura travel guide.
| From | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Agartala | About 80 km (sources 75–90 km) | Road via Udaipur to Amarpur, then boat |
| Udaipur | About 30 km | District HQ; road to Amarpur through forest |
| Amarpur | About 7.5 km to the carvings | Boat launch point on the Gomati |
| Nearest airport | Agartala (MBB Airport) | Main air link, then road |
The boat ride and what to see
The boat ride is the experience at Chabimura: a quiet trip along the Gomati, between forested hills, until the carved cliff comes into view on the bank. The approach is on water because the panels face the river, so the reliefs reveal themselves gradually as the boat moves. The journey through the gorge is the main reason people make the trip, not only the carvings at the end.
Along the way the banks are thick jungle, part of the Devtamura range, and in winter the river draws migratory and resident birds; the wider Gomati wetlands are known for birdlife. Keep your eyes on the cliff for the large figures, with the ten-armed Mahishasuramardini (Durga) as the centrepiece. Give yourself unhurried time on the water rather than rushing the return.
| Experience | Why go | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Boat ride through the gorge | Forest-lined Gomati; the core of the visit | 1–2 hours return |
| The carved cliff reliefs | 15th–16th century panels of deities | 30–45 minutes at the face |
| Mahishasuramardini (Durga) image | The giant ten-armed centrepiece relief | Within the cliff viewing |
| Birdwatching on the river | Winter and resident birds along the banks | Through the ride |
Where to stay
Most visitors stay in Amarpur, Udaipur or Agartala, since Chabimura itself is a day trip. Amarpur is the nearest town to the ghat and suits an early start on the water. Udaipur, the district headquarters, has more rooms and sits close to the Tripura Sundari temple. Agartala has the widest choice of hotels and the air link.
Options range from basic lodges and guesthouses to mid-range hotels, with government tourist accommodation (such as Tripura Tourism lodges) in the main towns. Rooms are limited near the site, so book ahead in peak winter weekends. The bands below are planning estimates to reconfirm, as of October 2026.
| Type | Indicative per night | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Budget lodge / guesthouse | ₹800–₹1,500 | Amarpur, Udaipur |
| Mid-range hotel / tourist lodge | ₹1,500–₹3,500 | Udaipur, Agartala |
| Higher-end hotel | ₹3,500–₹6,000+ | Agartala |
Food to try
Eat Tripuri and Bengali-influenced food in the towns around Chabimura, as there is no restaurant at the site itself. Carry water and snacks for the boat. Local dishes worth trying include mui borok (traditional Tripuri cuisine built around berma, fermented fish), chakhwi (a mixed vegetable and meat stew), and mosdeng serma (a spicy tomato chutney).
Rice is the staple, served with fish, vegetables and bhortas (mashed sides). In Agartala and Udaipur you will also find Bengali sweets and everyday rice-and-fish meals. Simple tea stalls and small eateries operate in Amarpur; plan meals in town before or after the river trip.
Budget breakdown
A Chabimura day trip is inexpensive if you base in a nearby town, with transport and the boat the main costs. The figures below are a planning estimate per person for a one-day visit from Agartala or Udaipur, to reconfirm locally, as of October 2026. Boat charges are set by local operators at the ghat and vary with the size of the group and the length of the ride.
| Item | Indicative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Road transport (shared/taxi share) | ₹300–₹900 | Agartala/Udaipur to Amarpur and back |
| Boat hire (per head, shared) | ₹150–₹500 | Set at the ghat; varies by group and duration |
| Meals and water | ₹150–₹400 | In town; carry water for the ride |
| Miscellaneous | ₹100–₹300 | Buffer for guide/tips |
| Day-trip total | ₹700–₹2,100 | Excludes the night’s stay |
Assumptions: shared transport, a shared boat, and no overnight stay. A private car and a dedicated boat cost more. Add a room from the stay table if you overnight in Amarpur or Udaipur.
Entry, boats and rules
No Inner Line Permit is needed for Indian travellers to visit Tripura or Chabimura; the state does not require the permit that some other northeastern states do, as of October 2026. Foreign nationals should check the latest Protected/Restricted Area rules for the northeast before travelling, as these can change.
There is no widely published fixed entry ticket for the carvings; the real cost is the boat, hired from operators at Amarpur or the ghat. Treat any fare quoted here as indicative and reconfirm on site, as of October 2026, because boat charges are not fixed by a single official tariff I could verify. Follow any instructions from boat operators and local authorities, keep the river and banks clean, and carry litter back with you.
Because the carvings are objects of worship as well as heritage, behave respectfully at the cliff: do not touch or climb on the reliefs, avoid loud behaviour, and ask before photographing people. Drone use near a heritage site may be restricted, so check local permission before flying.
Practical tips and safety
The main safety point at Chabimura is the river: wear the life jacket the boat provides, stay seated, and do not stand or lean out to photograph the cliff. Avoid boating during or just after heavy rain, when the Gomati runs higher and faster. Children and weak swimmers need close watch on the water.
- Network and cash: Mobile coverage can be patchy in the forested stretch; carry some cash, as UPI and ATMs are reliable mainly in Udaipur and Agartala, not at the ghat.
- Timing: Start early so the boat ride and cliff viewing finish in good daylight; there is no lighting at the site.
- Health: The nearest larger hospitals are in Udaipur and Agartala; carry basic medicines, water and sun cover.
- Solo and women travellers: The route is a standard day trip; travel with a known operator, keep to daylight hours, and share your plan with someone.
- Packing: In winter, light layers and a cap; sturdy sandals for the ghat; insect repellent for the forest; a dry bag for electronics on the boat.
Nearby places
Chabimura pairs well with the lake-and-temple sights of Gomati district, so you can build a two- or three-day loop. Udaipur’s temple, Amarpur’s lake, and Dumboor Lake are the obvious additions, and all sit within the district or close to it.
| Place | Distance (approx.) | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Amarpur | At the boat ghat | Amarsagar lake, Mangalchandi temple, the launch town |
| Tripura Sundari temple, Udaipur | About 30 km (near Udaipur) | One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, built 1501, beside Kalyan Sagar |
| Dumboor Lake | Further into Gomati district | 41 sq km lake with 48 islands; winter birds and water sports |
| Udaipur (lake city) | About 30 km | District HQ; temples and lakes; good base |
For planning the wider state around these stops, our Tripura travel guide sets out routes, seasons and the main towns.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Chabimura and which district is it in?
Chabimura is in Gomati district, Tripura, in the Amarpur subdivision, on the bank of the Gomati river. It is a cliff of rock carvings about 80 km from Agartala by road (sources give 75–90 km), around 30 km from Udaipur and about 7.5 km from Amarpur, the usual boat launch town, as of October 2026.
What are the Chabimura carvings and how old are they?
The Chabimura carvings are large rock reliefs of Hindu deities, including Shiva, Vishnu, Kartikeya, Ganesha and a giant Mahishasuramardini (Durga), cut into a near-vertical sandstone cliff. The record on the site dates them to the 15th–16th century and states that the artist is unknown. Tripura Tourism gives the Durga relief as 10.70 m by 7.70 m.
How do you reach Chabimura from Agartala?
You travel by road from Agartala to Amarpur, about 80 km and roughly 2.5 hours, then hire a boat on the Gomati river to the carved cliff. The nearest airport is Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport at Agartala, and Udaipur and Agartala have railway stations, as of October 2026. Shared and private vehicles run towards Udaipur and Amarpur.
What is the best time to visit Chabimura?
The best time to visit Chabimura is October to March, the cool dry season, when the weather is comfortable and the river level suits boats, as of October 2026. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain and a higher, faster river that can disrupt boating, while April to June is hot and humid on open water.
Is there an entry fee or permit for Chabimura?
There is no widely published fixed entry ticket for Chabimura, and Indian travellers do not need an Inner Line Permit for Tripura, as of October 2026. The main cost is the boat, hired from operators at Amarpur or the ghat; treat any quoted fare as indicative and reconfirm on site. Foreign nationals should check current area-permit rules before travelling.
Is the Chabimura boat ride safe?
The Chabimura boat ride is a standard tourist trip, but take normal river precautions: wear the life jacket provided, stay seated, and do not boat during or just after heavy rain when the Gomati runs high. Watch children and weak swimmers closely. Start early for good daylight, as the site has no lighting, as of October 2026.
Last updated and sources
Chabimura suits travellers who like heritage, quiet rivers and a short boat trip, and it fits a Gomati-district circuit with Udaipur and Dumboor Lake. Go between October and March for the best water and weather, and base yourself in Amarpur or Udaipur.
Last updated: 22 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Tripura Tourism, Government of Tripura (tripuratourism.gov.in — Chabimura); Gomati district administration, Government of Tripura (gomati.nic.in — Places of interest); encyclopedic cross-reference for the carvings and the Devtamura range via Wikipedia (Chabimura and Devtamura). Accessed October 2026.
