No roads, only boat rides: India's 'Little Amazon' hides ancient rock carvings and dense forests. Travellers can enjoy a magical experience where every turn feels like a page from history

India is a breathtaking treasure trove of natural wonders, hiding landscapes so surreal they challenge the imagination. From frozen high-altitude deserts to ancient, whispering rain forests, the subcontinent offers untamed beauty around every corner. Tucked into the Gomati district of South Tripura, Chabimura remains one of the most genuinely under-the-radar heritage sites anywhere in Northeast India. Did you know this destination is also called India’s "Little Amazon"? This nickname is well-earned due to its dense, canopy-covered waterways, where the absence of roads forces you to explore purely by boat, navigating past towering rock cliffs carved with centuries-old historical deities.

Recently, IAS officer Arushi Malik shared a post on her X handle where she marvelled at the beauty of Chabimura. Her side note read, ‘If this place were in Europe, millions would visit every year. Hidden in Tripura, Chabimura combines a river cruise on India’s own “little Amazon” and awe-inspiring huge ancient rock carvings into one unforgettable experience.’ The best time to visit Chabimura is between October to March.

All about Chabimura

Living up to its poetic moniker, which translates to the “mountain of pictures,” this archaeological wonder showcases a spectacular gallery of rock-cut sculptures chiseled directly into the sheer cliff walls of the Devtamura Hills. Looming dramatically over the rippling Gomati River, these historic reliefs feature prominent Hindu deities including Shiva, Vishnu, and Kartikeya, with origins tracing back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

The crown jewel of this vertical canvas is an immense depiction of Goddess Durga slaying Mahishasura, revered by local communities as Chakrak-ma. According to official records from Tripura’s tourism department, this masterpiece stands as a colossal relief measuring roughly 10.7 meters in height and 7.7 meters in width. Suspended nearly 10 meters above the shifting riverbed, the ten-armed deity captivates onlookers with her distinctive round-faced artistry and wildly flowing tresses.

Beyond the timeless artistry, the surrounding emerald gorge serves as a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts. The pristine Devtamura canopy shelters a vibrant ecosystem of avian species, turning the river cruise into a paradise for birdwatchers. Lucky adventurers might even catch a glimpse of rare spectacled monkeys leaping through the dense riverside foliage, seamlessly blending historical exploration with raw ecotourism.

Chabimura: Boat journey

What truly sets this hidden gem apart from conventional historical landmarks? There are no concrete footpaths, viewing decks, or paved highways here. Because the rugged cliffs plunge straight into the watery depths beneath a thick blanket of jungle, a boat ride is the exclusive ticket to unlocking these ancient secrets.

Voyagers embark from the Rangamati boarding point near Amarpur, drifting downstream through a shadowed, narrow canyon flanked by steep hills. Travelers frequently liken the expedition to navigating a miniature Amazonian rainforest, capturing that rare, exhilarating feeling of gliding through untouched territory far away from commercial crowds.

The tranquil voyage lasts anywhere from 40 to 60 minutes, often halting at a mystical cave system known as Swarger Daar, or the "Path to Heaven," a spot steeped in indigenous folklore regarding royal treasures. While boat fees fluctuate based on the choice between a shared vessel or a private charter, securing a local guide at the docks is highly recommended to breathe narrative life into the silent, enigmatic stone faces along the way.

How to reach Chabimura

By Air: Fly into Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala, which connects directly to major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. From there, you can hire a private taxi or catch a bus for the remaining 3-hour (approx. 90–110 km) drive to Chabimura.

By Rail: The closest railway station is located at Udaipur, roughly 30 km away from the destination. Once you arrive, hop onto a local bus heading toward Amarpur, and then charter a private auto-rickshaw or jeep to reach the river boarding point.

By Road: Chabimura is highly accessible by road from Agartala via Udaipur and Amarpur town. Regular state buses and private rental vehicles run up to Amarpur, from where you can take a local vehicle through beautiful rubber plantations straight to the banks of the Gomati River.