Today we went to the ancient Nartiang Durga temple- the sister shrine of Kamakhya. It’s in the Jayantia Hills, a 2 hours drive from Shillong. Incredible that so few know of this Shakti peetha, which locals believe is the permanent abode of Durga 3/n

The Jayantia Raja,who met us at the temple apologised as he couldn’t join us for our visit to the #NartiangMonoliths nearby. It was the local bazaar day,& he’d need to follow protocol to meet his people. So much diversity that needs respecting/preserving! 4/n

Guwahati does little justice to the beauty & diversity of #Assam . One has to pass through it for logistical reasons, & to visit #Kamakhya, one of our Shakti peethas,& an imp center of Tantric traditions. The Devi’s powers are legendary, her devotees many 5/n

Landed in Agartala,the capital of #Tripura. The laid back city reminds me of a Bengali version of Guwahati,from 10 years ago.The palace is lovely.

Our first meal was outstanding- the taste a mix of Bengali/Odia perhaps? Next,want to try the tribal cuisine.

Shakti peetha #TripuraSundari is in Udaipur,1.5 hour drive fm Agartala.Mornings are quiet so had peaceful darshan & enjoyed the flute.
Shrine has 2 deities-the Devi,& a small Chandi(called “Chhoto ma “),which the kings carried to battle,acc to legend 7/n

A few kms from Tripura Sundari lie the ruins of the old palace & a small,old Durga temple,build in traditional style.Tagore wrote a famous poem here.
About half an hour from there is the beautiful #NeerMahal,the king’s summer palace,accessible by boat 8/n.

Must say #Tripura held some good surprises:
1.Decent air/rail/road connectivity.Surplus electricity
2.Random statues of Kali ma,Vivekananda,Tagore everywhere.
3.Good food
4.Undermarketed tourism

Will return to see Unakoti & Chabimura rock carvings 9/n