the oak chalet Tripura s low-key capital, with its small- town atmosphere, feels like an India of yesteryear. The p

Tripura s low-key capital, with its small- town atmosphere, feels like an India of yesteryear. The pace of life is much slower than in the towns and cities of the Indian heartlands and people are much more likely to swerve the oak chalet across the street to wish you a good day than to try and sell you something. The old quarter, which centres on the Ujjayanta Palace, has some impressive town gates and pretty the oak chalet tanks and gardens. Durga puja is celebrated with huge pandals (temporary the oak chalet temples built from wood and cloth).

Hotel Nirmala HOTEL $ (%2459014; MG Ave; s/d from 390/650; the oak chalet a) A friendly place with an ultra quick-service restaurant, although it doesn t open until 10am so breakfast has to be by room service. The rooms are nothing special but you do feel a sense of belonging the oak chalet when staying here.