Dumboor Lake, Tripura: a guide to the 48-island reservoir

Dumboor Lake (also written Dumbur or Dumbur Lake) is one of the largest water bodies in Tripura, a broad sheet of water threaded with small green islands in the hilly interior of the state’s south-east. It sits in Gomati district, near the towns of Amarpur and Gandacherra, and most travellers reach it as a day trip or overnight halt from Agartala or Udaipur.

Dumboor Lake is a roughly 41-square-kilometre freshwater lake in Gomati district, Tripura, dotted with about 48 islands at the meeting of the Raima and Sarma rivers. According to the state’s district administrations, it lies near Tirthamukh, about 120 km from Agartala, and draws migratory birds each winter.

About Dumboor Lake and its 48 islands

Dumboor Lake covers a water area of about 41 square kilometres and holds roughly 48 islands, according to the Gomati and Dhalai district administration pages. The lake lies at the confluence of the Raima and Sarma rivers in the interior hills of Gomati district, Tripura, with the islands rising as low, forest-covered humps across the water.

The name is usually traced to its drum-like shape. District sources link it to the “dumboor,” the small two-headed drum associated with Lord Shiva. Because of the scatter of islands, the lake is sometimes described as the lake of 48 islands, though island counts shift a little as water levels rise and fall through the year.

This is a working landscape as well as a scenic one. District pages note that the lake is a rich reservoir of natural and cultured fish, and it has long been one of Tripura’s main inland fisheries. In winter, the district administrations record various species of migratory birds along the shallows and island edges, which is the main reason birdwatchers time their visits for the cold months.

A note on district naming. Dumboor sits where several administrative boundaries meet, so sources describe it slightly differently. A Tripura Tourism document places it across the Karbook and Gandacherra sub-divisions, in Gomati and Dhalai districts respectively; the Dhalai administration lists it under Amarpur sub-division; India Water Portal places it in the Gandatwisa sub-division. For planning, treat it as a Gomati-district destination reached via Amarpur and Gandacherra, and do not expect a single tidy address.

The Gumti dam and a lake shaped by people

Dumboor Lake is a reservoir, not a natural lake. It formed behind the Gumti Hydroelectric Project, which dammed the Gomati river; according to India Water Portal, the dam went up in 1974 and was commissioned in 1976, promising 15 MW of power. The same report says the rising water drowned the Raima–Saima valley, once described as Tripura’s granary.

The human cost is part of this place and deserves honesty. India Water Portal, in a 2025 report by Thomas Malsom, states that official records count 2,558 displaced families, while the activist Kabita Jamatia argues the true figure is between 8,000 and 10,000 families, affecting nearly 70,000 people, most of them from indigenous tribal communities. Many held customary land rights that, the report says, left them outside formal compensation. These are contested figures; we report them as attributed claims, not settled fact.

Today many families who once farmed the valley fish the reservoir instead. India Water Portal records fishing licences costing ₹10,000 and government-fixed fish prices in a band of ₹4–20 per kilogram. The lake remains one of the state’s largest inland fisheries, stocked over the years with carp and other species. The Gumti plant itself has had a hard recent run: the report notes it was shut after the 2024 floods, with the state corporation asking NHPC to prepare a restoration plan. Visit with this context in mind, and treat the surrounding tribal settlements as homes rather than sights.

Best time to visit Dumboor Lake

The best time to visit Dumboor Lake is October to March, the cool, drier stretch when the water is calm, the islands are green from the preceding monsoon, and winter migratory birds gather along the shallows. The district administrations specifically flag the winter months for birdlife, which makes this window the most rewarding for photography and boating.

Mid-January adds the big event. The Tirthamukh Poush Sankranti mela, a pilgrimage and fair near the lake, falls around 14 January and brings large crowds for a few days. Monsoon months (roughly June to September) bring heavy rain to Tripura, slippery hill roads and higher, siltier water, so most leisure travellers avoid them.

How to reach Dumboor Lake

Reach Dumboor Lake by road from Agartala or Udaipur, as it has no airport or railway of its own. The lake lies about 120 km from Agartala in Gomati district, and most itineraries route through Udaipur, Amarpur and the Jatanbari area before the final stretch to the water.

By air: The nearest airport is Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport at Agartala, about 12 km from the city, with flights to Kolkata, Guwahati and other hubs. From the airport, hire a taxi or continue by road toward Gomati district.

By rail: Agartala is the main railhead for the region; Udaipur also has a station on the same line and is the closer rail option to the lake. From either, travel onward by bus or shared cab toward Amarpur and Jatanbari.

By road: District and travel sources describe reaching Dumboor by going from Udaipur to Jatanbari by bus or cab, then about 40 minutes by local transport to the lakeside. Roads are hilly and winding, so start early and keep buffer time, especially in the wet months.

Things to see and do

The main things to do at Dumboor Lake are a boat ride among the islands, a stop at the developed Narikel Kunja island, winter birdwatching and a visit to Tirthamukh where the Gomati river rises. The lake is less about ticking off monuments and more about slow time on the water and the surrounding forested hills.

• Boating among the islands: District pages list water-sports facilities at the lake, and boat rides are the usual way to move among the scatter of islands. No verified official boating tariff was available this session, so confirm rates and safety arrangements locally before you set off.
• Narikel Kunja: One of the islands, developed as a tourist spot and commonly reached by boat. It is the natural first stop for a short lake outing.
• Winter migratory birds: The district administrations note various migratory species in winter; the shallow, island-dotted edges are the places to watch, best in the early morning light.
• Tirthamukh: Near the lake, the spot where the Gomati river originates beside the hydel project, and the site of the annual Poush Sankranti pilgrimage and fair.
• The dam and reservoir views: The Gumti dam and the wide reservoir give the long, open views that make the drive worthwhile.

The Tirthamukh Makar Sankranti mela

The Tirthamukh mela is a Poush (Makar) Sankranti pilgrimage held around 14 January at Tirthamukh, near Dumboor Lake, where the Gomati river rises. District and press sources describe it as one of Tripura’s major religious gatherings, drawing pilgrims for a holy dip in the river believed to wash away sins, along with pinddan rituals for ancestors on the banks.

According to NorthEast Now, the fair has typically been scheduled over two days around 13–14 January, with the state deploying security and the Border Security Force on alert because the site lies close to the Indo-Bangladesh border. Press reports describe tribal and non-tribal devotees alike, with pilgrims travelling from Assam, Bengal and beyond. Crowd estimates vary widely between sources, so treat any single attendance figure as approximate.

If you plan to visit for Sankranti, expect heavy footfall, basic temporary facilities and full lodges in the region. Book stays well ahead, carry cash, and follow the directions of local organisers and security staff. Dates shift slightly year to year, so reconfirm the exact mela dates before you travel; as of October 2026 the 2027 schedule had not been officially confirmed in the sources checked here.

Suggested itinerary

A one- to two-day trip covers the lake comfortably when paired with Amarpur and Chabimura. The simplest plan treats Agartala or Udaipur as a base and the lake as the centrepiece.

• Day 1 — Agartala/Udaipur to the lake: Start early, drive via Udaipur and Amarpur to the Jatanbari area, and continue to the lakeside. Spend the afternoon on a boat ride to Narikel Kunja and the islands.
• Day 1 evening: Stay overnight at a tourist lodge in the Amarpur or Jatanbari area, or return to Udaipur if you prefer more choice of rooms.
• Day 2 — Tirthamukh and Chabimura: Visit Tirthamukh and the dam in the cool morning for birdlife, then route back via Chabimura to see the rock carvings on the Gomati before returning to Agartala.

For a single long day, drop the overnight, focus on one boat ride plus Tirthamukh, and keep a close eye on daylight because the hill roads slow you down.

Where to stay

Stay options near the lake are modest and concentrated in the nearby towns rather than at the lake itself. The practical choices are a government tourist lodge in the Amarpur or Jatanbari area, basic guesthouses in Gandacherra, or a wider range of hotels back in Udaipur and Agartala.

• Near the lake (budget): District sources mention the Raima Tourist Lodge at Jatanbari and the Sagarika Tourist Lodge at Amarpur. These are simple, government-linked options close to the lake.
• Gandacherra (budget): Small guesthouses and lodges in this sub-divisional town, useful if you approach from the Dhalai side.
• Udaipur and Agartala (budget to mid-range): The widest choice of rooms, from basic hotels to more comfortable mid-range properties, best if you want a dependable base and shorter drives split over two days.

Rooms near the lake are limited, so book ahead, especially around the January mela when demand spikes. Indicative room bands are a planning estimate only and were not verified against live tariffs this session, so reconfirm current rates when you book.

Food to try

Eat local freshwater fish near Dumboor Lake, since the reservoir is one of Tripura’s main fisheries. Food options at the lake are simple, so plan to eat in Amarpur, Udaipur or your lodge, and carry snacks and water for the day on the water.

• Reservoir fish: Carp and other freshwater fish from the lake, usually served in a light curry with rice.
• Mui borok: The traditional Tripuri style of cooking built around berma (fermented fish), giving many local dishes their distinctive flavour.
• Chakhwi and bangui: Tripuri preparations of vegetables and meat or fish cooked with local herbs; ask what is available on the day.
• Bhaat and seasonal vegetables: Plain rice with seasonal greens is the everyday meal and the most reliably available option in small towns.

Budget breakdown

Budget roughly ₹3,500–6,500 per person for a simple two-day trip from Agartala, excluding the flight or train to Tripura. The figures below are planning estimates as of October 2026, assume two people sharing a room and a hired car, and should be reconfirmed, since boating and local transport rates are set locally.

Permits, rules and responsible travel

Indian travellers need no special inner-line permit for the lake, as Tripura does not require an Inner Line Permit; carry a government photo ID. Foreign nationals should check the latest Protected Area regime for the North-East with official sources before travelling, as rules change. Because the lake sits near the international border, follow any instructions from security personnel.

• Carry cash. ATMs are scarce near the lake and boating and local transport are paid in cash.
• Do not litter the water or islands; carry your waste back out.
• Treat the fishing and tribal settlements around the reservoir as homes, not attractions. Ask before photographing people, and respect privacy and local customs.
• Wear a life jacket on boats and avoid overloading; confirm the boat is safe before you board.
• During the Sankranti mela, follow organisers’ and security directions and keep to marked areas near the river.

Practical tips

Plan Dumboor Lake as a cash-first, early-start trip with limited connectivity. Mobile network and data can be patchy in the hills, ATMs are few, and most local payments, including boat rides, are in cash, so withdraw enough in Agartala or Udaipur before you set out.

• Connectivity: Expect weak or no signal around the lake; download maps and tell someone your plan.
• Cash and UPI: Carry cash; do not rely on UPI or cards near the lake.
• Health: The nearest larger hospitals are in the sub-divisional towns and in Udaipur or Agartala; carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medicines.
• Solo and women travellers: The area is generally calm, but services are thin; travel in daylight, pre-arrange transport, and keep buffer time for slow hill roads.
• Packing: For winter mornings, carry a light fleece; year-round, pack sun protection, a hat, insect repellent, sturdy shoes and a reusable water bottle.

For wider planning across the state, including permits, routes and seasons, see our Tripura travel guide, which puts the lake in context with the rest of the circuit.

Nearby places

Pair Dumboor Lake with Tirthamukh, Narikel Kunja, Chabimura, Amarpur and Gandacherra for a fuller Gomati-district trip. The table below lists the natural add-ons, most of which sit along the same route from Udaipur.

Within a longer Tripura trip, these pair naturally with Udaipur’s temples and lakes; our Tripura travel guide maps out how to string them together.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Dumboor Lake located?

Dumboor Lake is in Gomati district, Tripura, in the state’s south-eastern hills near the towns of Amarpur and Gandacherra. It lies at the confluence of the Raima and Sarma rivers, about 120 km from Agartala, and some sources describe it as straddling the Gomati and Dhalai district boundary, so treat it as a Gomati-district destination reached via Udaipur and Amarpur.

Why does Dumboor Lake have 48 islands?

Dumboor Lake has about 48 islands because it is a reservoir, formed when the Gumti dam on the Gomati river flooded a river valley and left higher ground standing as islets. According to India Water Portal, the dam was commissioned in 1976, submerging the Raima–Saima valley. District administration pages record the figure of roughly 48 islands.

What is the best time to visit Dumboor Lake?

The best time to visit Dumboor Lake is October to March, when the weather is cool and dry, the water is calm and winter migratory birds gather along the shallows. Mid-January adds the Tirthamukh Poush Sankranti mela around 14 January. Avoid the monsoon, roughly June to September, when rain makes the hill roads difficult.

How do I reach Dumboor Lake from Agartala?

Reach Dumboor Lake from Agartala by road, about 120 km, driving via Udaipur and Amarpur to the Jatanbari area and then on to the lakeside. The nearest airport is Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport at Agartala, and Agartala and Udaipur are the nearest railheads. There is no airport or railway at the lake itself.

Is there an entry or boating fee at Dumboor Lake?

No verified official entry or boating tariff for Dumboor Lake was available as of October 2026. District pages list water-sports facilities, and boat rides are arranged locally, so confirm current rates, timings and safety arrangements at the lakeside and carry cash, since card and UPI payments are unreliable in the area.

Is Dumboor Lake a natural lake?

No, Dumboor Lake is not a natural lake; it is a reservoir behind the Gumti Hydroelectric Project on the Gomati river. According to India Water Portal, the dam was built in 1974 and commissioned in 1976, and its waters submerged the Raima–Saima valley, displacing many families. Official records cite 2,558 families, while activists put the figure much higher.

Last updated and sources

Go to Dumboor Lake if you want a quiet, water-bound corner of Tripura with islands, birds and a strong sense of place; October to March is the window, and mid-January adds the Tirthamukh mela. Travel respectfully, especially around the fishing and tribal communities whose history is tied to this reservoir.

Last updated: 23 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.

Sources: Gomati district administration, Places of Interest (gomati.nic.in); Dhalai district administration, Places of Interest (dhalai.nic.in); India Water Portal, “Dumboor lake: When fields sank and farmers became fishers in Tripura” by Thomas Malsom (indiawaterportal.org); NorthEast Now, reports on the Tirthamukh / Poush Sankranti mela (nenow.in); Tripura Tourism (tripuratourism.gov.in). Accessed October 2026.