In a pioneering move to enhance tourism and connectivity, the Tripura government has initiated plans to introduce seaplane tourism in the state. Announced by Tripura Tourism and Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, the initiative aims to leverage the state’s abundant water bodies to attract both domestic and international tourists with a unique aerial and aquatic travel experience.
The proposed seaplane services will operate over key aquatic destinations such as Narikel Kunja and Chabimura in the Gomati district. Narikel Kunja is a vast water body, while Chabimura is famed for its ancient rock carvings etched into the steep cliffs along the Gomati River. These sites, along with others like Rudrasagar Lake—which houses the famous Neermahal water palace—offer scenic and cultural allure that the seaplane tours intend to showcase from a novel vantage point.
Minister Chowdhury highlighted that seaplane tourism is a globally popular mode of travel that can add a new dimension to Tripura’s tourism portfolio. The initiative is expected to provide quick and hassle-free access to these water-based locations, significantly enhancing the travel experience. It also holds promise for boosting the local economy by increasing tourist footfall and related business opportunities.
The government has already engaged in feasibility discussions with a private seaplane service provider through virtual meetings involving senior officials from the Tourism and Transport departments. If viable, the seaplane operations will be jointly managed by these departments to ensure smooth implementation.
This initiative complements other tourism development efforts in Tripura, including a recent Memorandum of Understanding with Indian Hotels Ltd (part of the Tata Group) to convert the historic Pushpabanta Palace in Agartala into a luxury hotel, further elevating the state’s appeal as a travel destination.
With the seaplane tourism project, Tripura aims to position itself as a unique adventure and water tourism hotspot in Northeast India, offering travelers an innovative way to explore the state’s natural and cultural treasures.
The government will conduct detailed studies before finalizing the launch, signaling a significant step toward modernizing and diversifying Tripura’s tourism landscape.
