Tucked amidst forested hills and the confluence of the Raima and Sarma rivers lies Dumboor Lake, one of Tripura’s most enchanting destinations — 41 square kilometres of glassy water dotted with 48 emerald islets, wintering migratory birds, and a gentle, unhurried vibe. The lake sits near Tirthamukh, where the Gomti River originates beside the hydro project, and every 14th January the area comes alive with the famed Tirthamukh Mela.

The lake is about 120 km from Agartala city and it takes around four and a half hours to get there. We started early, and by nine in the morning I was already in my taxi. It was going to be a long journey, so I carried a change of clothes in case we had to stay near the lake. This time, I truly experienced the forests and wilderness of Tripura as we drove through dense woods and green villages, with their wide paddy fields and ponds everywhere. The real rural heartland of the state was bare for me to see.

Dumboor Lake

We passed through local markets and small shanty shops while people rode bicycles and auto-rickshaws. The villagers looked poor and thin, dressed in very simple clothes, but there was enough hustle and bustle as this was Durga Puja time and many were out celebrating. I paused often to take photos along the way, wanting to document my journey and capture the raw feel of nature as we climbed hills and passed through forested stretches on our way to Dumboor Lake, said to be shaped like Lord Shiva’s damru.

From Agartala city, one has to drive on NH 8 to Bishalgarh and then on to Bishramganj. This is a key junction in Sepahijala district, well connected by both highway and railway.

Bagma is a smaller stop before Udaipur. One can get the taxi tank filled here, and there are enough shops selling chips, water, and chocolates. I would suggest eating less and keeping the stomach light — the best way to avoid giddiness as the road climbs uphill towards the lake. Once you reach Amarpur, you start entering the Dumboor region. From there, the road leads to Jatanbari, where one can stock up on snacks and take a rest.

There are jetties on the lake’s edge, and for around ₹500 they will take you all around the water, showing you the islets and giving you time to click pictures. A must-see is Narkel Kunja, a landscaped island inside the lake. There is also a dam nearby on the Gomti River, because of which this huge water body was formed — now known as Dumboor Lake. One can simply take a boat ride, watch the birds, and soak in the ecology of the place.

After spending a few hours chatting with the local tribes and enjoying the lake, we returned to Agartala — another long four-hour journey back. All in all, Dumboor Lake was an enriching experience for me, a soothing spectacle that lingered in my memory.