Manipur
About Manipur
The jewel city of India, Manipur in the north-eastern part of the country, is listed among one of the most beautiful places of India where Mother Nature has been extra generous in her bounty. Least touched and least discovered, Manipur promises to be a great tourist discovery as the state offers endless enjoyment and pleasure with its exotic landscape, undulating hills, green valleys, blue lakes and dense forests. The Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur is the only floating national park in the world. Manipur is well-known in the whole country for its Rasleelas and Manipuri, which is the classical dance of the state. Richly endowed with the natural beauty of waterfalls, lakes, streams, evergreen forests surrounded by nine sub-Himalayan ranges that attract tourists from all over the world, Manipur is beautiful, calm and serene with it’s most ecstatic simplicity. Its greenery combined with the pleasant climate makes it attractive to tourists. Loktak Lake, Sendra Island, INA Memorial, Keibul Lamjao National Park are some of the major tourist attractions in the state. Shopping in Manipur is all about local handicraft, handloom and jewellery which are all readily available at the Khwairamband Bazar, Tribal Emporium and Sangai Handloom and Handloom House apart from the colourful local shops in the various cities.
Imphal
Imphal has a untouched charm surrounding its natural beauty, sceneries and landscapes as well as a significant history leaving hints of the past around the city.The lust green landscapes, beautiful surroundings, unexplored territories and undulating rivers of Imphal make for a great tourist destination. This site of the battle of Imphal during the World War II, assumes a certain importance, derived from history. The two together give Imphal a number of tourist destinations which include INA memorial, Manipur State museum, Kangla Fort, Langthabal, war cemeteries, Shri Govindjee temple as well as the Waithou and Loktal lake. Manipur Zoological gardens and Keibul Lamjao National park are also places one might not want to miss.
Things to Do
Loktak Lake
The largest fresh water lake in the country, Loktak Lake and the Sendra Island on it, are one of the most beautiful attractions of the state. Situated about 50 km from Imphal, Loktak Lake is situated in the valley of Imphal and is home to all the rivers and rivulets that run in the state of Manipur.Loktak Lake and Sendra Island present a combination of beauty unmatched anywhere else in the country. One is the largest freshwater lake in India while the other a floating island made of organic waste on the very same lake, housing the only tourist home in the area. The Lake consist within itself many other floating islands which sustain fishermen villages and are also made of organic waste. The pristine water, the labyrinth of boat routes, the greenery of the surroundings and the riveting crimson sunset, provide one a mesmerizing site. Loktak Lake and Sendra Island are treasures of a dynamic ecosystem and demand protection and preservation. In recent years human encroachment has led to shrinkage of the lake.
Kangla Fort
Also known as the Palace of Kangla, this place situated on the banks of the Imphal river, served as the royal palace of King Pakhangba. After 2003 this fort has been open for public viewing. It has historical as well as archaeological significance which makes it a great tourist attraction.
Tharon Cave
A 655.6 m long cave, this cave can be explored inside out by enthusiasts, with the help of the map drawn outside the cave. It attracts tourists interested in an adventurous experience. It is also spelled as the Thaeuluan Cave.
Shaheed Minar
This 11 m tall tower is situated in the centre of the Bir Tirkendrajit Park and is a memorial for those who died against the British while fighting in the Meitei Revolt in 1891.
INA Memorial
Once used as the unofficial headquarters of the Indian National Army, this memorial was built to honour the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for India. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose motivated and formed armies here to participate in the freedom struggle.
Tamenglong
This hilly region is an ideal setting for tourists interested in outdoor holidays. The beauty of this town is unparalleled with the unusual varieties of flora and fauna.This town of Manipur, known for the oranges grown here is the home to some of the most unique plants and animals. The vibrant forest here provide habitat to hog deers, leopards, wild dogs, hyenas, tigers and many more. A nature lover can have a ball
Barak Waterfall
There are seven waterfalls in series at close range along the river Barak.
Zeilad Lake
This lake is famous for the number of pythons, fish and water birds found here. Large tortoises, ducks, cranes and teals are also seen in this lake. It has a picturesque location atop a hill and has been declared as one of the wildlife sanctuaries in Manipur.
Tharon Cave
A 655.6 m long cave, this cave can be explored inside out by enthusiasts, with the help of the map drawn outside the cave. It attracts tourists interested in an adventurous experience. It is also spelled as the Thaeuluan Cave.
Chandel
Chandel, also known as Lamka is tiny, but a scenic district in the North-Eastern state of Manipur. It is one of the main nine districts in the state and also the second least populous of all. Situated along the lines of the international border separating India and Myanmar, it has come to be known as Gateway to Myanmar. It lies about 64 kms away from Imphal, with NH-39 passing through.
It’s famous for being home to more than 20 native tribes. Chandel is a wisp of culture and traditions, given the huge number of tribes that live here. Each tribe offers a unique identity to the area, where colours of their cultures are blown out in all directions. Travelers visiting Chandel can soak in the alluring art forms along with sprightly music and dance.
Tengnoupal
Located 69 kms from Imphal and 20 kms from Chandel town is the hilly town of Tengnoupal. The main tourist spot here is Tengnoupal which provides a bird’s eye view of the entire valley of Manipur, from an altitude of 2,500 to 10,000 feet. It is also a popular excursion site for some tourists along with providing a serene atmosphere for others.It is the highest point from where the entire state of Manipur can be observed, including lush and deep valleys. The town is replete with scenic beauty, housing many lakes and tourists frequent it for enjoying moments of solace and silence amidst nature. Rivers Barak and Manipur flow through the town, traversing North to South.
The story of Tengnoupal is fragmented with rule and control of different clans and countries. Long ruled by the Pakhanga dynasty, starting from 33 C.E; it was occupied by the Chinese in 1631. In 1942, it was bombed during the World War II by the Japanese.
Yangoupokpi - Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary
Founded in 1989, this wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 185 sq km and is home to multiple species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians as well as fish. This sanctuary is one the nine identified Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Manipur. The IBA is of critical importance for environmental conservationists and bird watchers as it is the only place where the endangered Green Peafowl can still be sighted. It is also one of those rare forests where communities of people live in tandem with nature. Seven forest villages are presently housed in the sanctuary and the villagers are dependent on the natural resources of the forest for their livelihood. The sanctuary is located at the India-Myanmar border, housing a mix of riverian and terrestrial ecosystems.
Moreh
At the border of India and Myanmar, this strategically located area is well known for the business units that have sprung up, making it the commercial town of Manipur. It is also known for its natural beauty. Visited by tourists and businessmen alike, Moreh is a strategically important town, located at the Indo-Myanmar border 70 kms away from the Chandel town. It’s a sizable commercial hub in North-Eastern India, bringing in traders from all over the country for cross-border trade. Imphal also lies close by, only 110 km away and those visiting Chandel can easily plan a trip to Imphal as well. With a visa for Myanmar, visitors can go over the border to Tamu, the trade-centre of Myanmar. Moreh is also popular for its shopping arcade at Namphanglong, which sells Chinese and Thai goods at cheap prices, earning it the name of poor man’s Bangkok national stadium shopping arcade.
