India >> East Zone >> Manipur >> Imphal
About Imphal Imphal, the capital of Manipur, is the centre of all cultural, commercial and political activities. It derives its name from yumpham, which means homestead. It is a beautiful city and stands in a beautiful wooded valley full of lakes. It is one of the most ancient towns in the Indian subcontinent and is blessed with a healthy climate with evergreen scenic beauty, extending the tourists a cordial invitation.
| Area: | 29.57 sq. kms.
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| Best Time to Visit: | October to February
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| Climate: | Mild and pleasant climate.
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| Main Languages: | Manipuri, Hindi, English and tribal dialects spoken in the hills.
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| Population: | 4,00,000
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| Temperature: | Max: 32 Deg. C
Min: 0.0 Deg. C.
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Other Attractions In & Around
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Andro
This is the ancient Scheduled Caste village about 27 kms. towards east of Imphal and there is one Cultural Complex established by the Mutua Museum. It houses potteries of the North Eastern Region of India and there is a 'Doll-House' where dolls of 29 recognised tribes of Manipur are in display.
This is the ancient village associated with pot making. Baking of pots in open space is the practice among the potters.. Location : Andro village is in Thouble district,Chakpa tribe. TOP
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Keibul Lamjao National Park
It is the only floating National park in the whole world and is 53 kms. from Imphal. This is the last natural habitat of the marsh-dwelling brow-antlered deer of Manipur called "Sangai". Many waterfowl and migratory birds visit the Lake during November and March.
The National Park is on an island inside the lake. The lake has colourful water plants and provides facilities for boating and fishing.
Eld’s deer, Thamin deer, Brow-antlered deer, Sangai Dancing deer… A whole lot of names for a single species, but that’s how it is for this unusual deer, a graceful animal found only in Manipur-India. A highly endangered species, the brow-antlered deer is found exclusively in a small area, which stretches across the extreme northeastern corner of India; Myanmar and part of Thailand. In India, this beautiful creature is found at the Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Keibul Lamjao’s other claim to fame is the fact that this is one of the very few `floating’ protected areas in the world. Keibul Lamjao lies on an island on the fringes of the Loktak Lake.
Gazetted a sanctuary in 1969, Keibul Lamjao officially became a national park in 1977and today stretches over an area of about 40 sq km, surrounded by marshes, hillocks, and the lake itself. A number of streams too crisscross this which, combined with extensive marshes, make the park a typical wetland.
The most prominent spotted `sangai' deer had been reported extinct in 1951, but after being re-discovered, has finally become Keibul Lamjao's prime attraction. Other animals in the park include otter, civet, wild boar and hog deer, besides a number of small reed-dwelling birds.. Terrain : The Imphal Valley in Manipur is a highland plateau. The open plateau is pockmarked by innumerable small hillocks. Six major streams and their numerous tributaries that flow down from the hills into the central plain water the area. How to Reach : The closest major town is Manipur's capital Imphal.
The best way to go around Keibul Lamjao is by boat- and that too in the early morning or in the evening, when the lake's at its loveliest. The sangai, living in small herds, lie low through most of the day and come out to feed either around dawn or at dusk, which makes a circuit even more satisfying for wildlife-watchers.
Within the park are observation towers offering a good view of sangai habitat.
The park has several distinguishing features. Apart from the vegetation and terrain, an important highlight of the park is the Loktak lake - the largest freshwater lake in India; a large portion of which falls within the park. Information for Foreigners : Entry Requirements
All foreigners visiting Manipur are required to obtain special Restricted Area Permits (RAPs), which are valid for entry to Keibul Lamjao National Park. Permits valid for a period of ten days are issued to groups of four or more people travelling together on a tour arranged by recognised travel agents. History : The entire Loktak Lake was protected and declared a sanctuary in October 1953, mainly to save the sangai deer, which was threatened by extinction. But luckily, following the re-discovery of the deer, in July 1954, hunting was once again permitted except for a small portion at the southern tip. This area was officially notified as a sanctuary in 1966 and a decade later, on March 28, 1977, the Keibul Lamjao National Park was created. Obviously, by then no hunting was allowed at all. Flora : Keibul Lamjao consists of the unique 'phumdi' or floating marshes. Approximately about half a century ago, the predominant plants used to be tou, singut, and khoimom. But the composition of the vegetation has undergone rapid changes and the plant cover, at present, is estimated to comprise of equal proportions of hoop Leersia hexandra and sing kambong Zizania latifolia, a protein-rich plant, often used as food. Khoimom Saccharum munja and singut Narenga porphyrochroms are found in even lower proportions. Birdwatchers Delight : A variety of rare birds occur in Keibul Lamjao and the Loktak Lake. The avifauna consists primarily of the smaller reed-dwelling species.
Waterfowl are becoming more rare because of the lack of open water surfaces. The Hooded Crane may be seen in the Manipur valley. The Black Eagle and the Shaheen Falcon are some of the raptors seen here. The Eastern Shite Stork, Bamboo Partridge and Green Peafowl are also found here.
Species of hornbills found here include the Brownbacked Hornbill, Rufusnecked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, the Pied Hornbill and the Great Pied Hornbill. Entry for Indians : Indians visiting Manipur are required to obtain an Inner Line Permit. Like the RAPs, these are also valid for visits to Keibul Lamjao. Fauna : Some rare animals may be encountered in and around this wilderness. The star attraction, of course, is the brow-antlered deer Cervus eldi eldi, called sangai. It is fondly called Manipur’s dancing deer because of its delicate gait as it negotiates its way along the floating wetlands. The other two subspecies are found in Mynmar and China.
Other species of deer seen here include the hog deer, sambar and muntjac. The hog deer has also vanished from the rest of the Manipur valley and isolated populations occur only in the park. Sambar and muntjac are found in the hills, surrounding the entire area.
Assamese and stump-tailed macaques and the Hoolock gibbon are restricted mainly to the western hills. The Rhesus monkey is found ubiquitously around the park. The large Indian civet Viverra zibetha and small Indian civet Viverricula indica, common otter Lutra lutra and wild boar Sus scrofa are some of the large mammals noted in the area.
Extremely rare lesser wild cats like the marbled cat and Temminck’s golden cat may be sighted occasionally and the Himalayan black bear and the Malayan bear are also be seen foraging for food. TOP
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Khwairamband Bazaar
Khwairamband - also known as Nupi Keithel and Ima Bazaar or "Mothers Market" is large covered market split into two sections on both sides of the Khwairamband Road and has tribal women clad in colorful, traditional attire, selling everything from hand-woven shawls, skirts to fish, lotus, oranges and orange-flavored honey. Women run this market, which is unique in itself.
Vegetables, fishes, household utensils and implements and fruits are sold on one side and colourful handloom shawls, phaneks, khudeis, bedsheets on the other. Not far from here, is a street where beautiful cane baskets and furniture are sold.. Other Markets : Other smaller markets are Singjamei, Kongba, Lamlong, Kwakeithel, Heirangkhoithong, Terakeithel, Naoremthong etc.
And if you wander in the quaint by lanes around the market, you will get a glimpse of Manipur’s customs and traditions. TOP
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Loktak Lake
One of the largest freshwater lakes of the north eastern region of India is the Loktak Lake. The lake is a natural habitat for a large number of aquatic plants and animals. Noted for its socio economic importance to the people of the state of Manipur, the Loktak Lake was nominated as a wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention in 1990.
The beautiful lake is dotted by a large growth of Phoomdis, which is the vegetative growth afloat on the Loktak Lake. The lake is one of the important tourist attractions in Manipur along with the Keibul Lamjao National Park, lying on the southern end of the lake. The floating national park is home to the endangered Sangai or antlered deer of Manipur. Several migratory birds and a variety of waterfowl visit the Loktak Lake of Manipur. The lake is also the breeding ground of a number of birds. More than 233 emergent, free and submerged aquatic macrophytes are also afloat on the lake. The Loktak Hydel National Project also generates electricity that is distributed in the households situated in the nearby region. The lake supports agricultural needs through irrigation and also provides opportunities for fishing. The Loktak Lake also provides drinking water to the people of the state.
The Sendra Island on the Loktak Lake has a tourist bungalow which provides a magnificent view of the crystal blue waters of the lake. The lake is situated at a distance of 48 kilometers from the center of the city of Imphal along the Tidim Road.. TOP
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Manipur State Museum
Near the Pologround, is the interesting museum and is the best place to get a glimpse of the Manipur history and culture. It has a fairly good display of Manipur's heritage. It is open from 10 am to 4.30 pm on all days except Sundays and Holidays.. Great collections : Manipur State Museum established in 1969, exhibits objects pertaining to the art and archaeology of the region.
The museum has a rich collection of Manipuri costumes, war implements, historical documents and relics, and gives a sample of the state’s complex history. The visitors can also see sculptures of the local forest gods, and the motif of the Phakangba, the man who could turn himself into a dragon. Represented in his dragon form, Phakangba is considered as the ancestor of all Vaishnavites. All these things speak about the importance that the Manipuris attach to the organic relations of humanity with nature.
Manipur State Museum, construed as the best in the northeast Indian region has carved out a niche for itself in preserving the cultural heritage and multi-ethnic identities of this multi-linguistic state where several rare artifacts are put on display, speaking volumes of Manipur's impeccable tastes in artistic creations.
It is a virtual treasure vault, housing works of art, archaeology, textiles, natural history besides a portrait collection of the erstwhile rulers of the state and armory of the Royal army. TOP
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Moirang
Moirang is about 45 kms. from Imphal and is a very sacred place for the Manipuri people. It holds an ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity, Lord Thangjing. The flag of the Indian National Army was first hoisted here on April 14, 1944. There is also an Indian National Army Museum depicting their struggle for India's independence. The museum is open from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M.
Traditional "Moirang Lai Haraoba" is celebrated in the month of May every year from the olden days. During the festival, both men and women in hundreds dance and sing in honour of Thangjing. Everyone in gorgeous traditional costumes, sing and dance in honour of the Lord here. It was from the village of Moirang, too, that the graceful Khamba-Thoibi dance originated traditionally celebrated in May. Moirang offers I.N.A. memorial with the bronze statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. There is an INA Museum exhibiting letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other articles associated with this movement.. Information for tourists : This town is one of the main seats of early Manipuri folk culture.
There are buses, which operate from private bus station of Waheng Leikai junction to Moirang from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Journey time is around 1 hr. TOP
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Sekta
Sekta Mound, locally known as the "SEKTA KEI" is a protected Archaeological Site, located at Sekta village, about 16 Kms from Imphal. It witnessed the practice of secondary burial and was discovered by the Archaeological Survey of India together with State Archaeology, Manipur. It is preserved as a living museum.. Living Museum : Sekta has archaeological evidences of a civilisation that once flourished in the 14th &15th century. Age-old typical Meitei villages can still be seen in Sekta and this is an ideal place with a unique natural description. TOP
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Shree Govindajee Temple
The Shree Govindajee Temple is a very important centre for the Vaishnavaites. It is located in Imphal, the capital city of the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. The temple of Shree Govindajee in Imphal is devoted to Lord Krishna. In this temple, Lord Krishna is seen in the form of Govinda.
The temple of Shri Govindaji is the abode of four deities, all of which are forms of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Vishnu is considered as the Preserver of Mankind. The Shree Govindajee Temple has a shrine dedicated to Vishnu, with the holy images of Balaram and Krishna on one hand, and Jagannath on the other. Arrangements for prayers and dances are regularly made in the temple premises.
The temple of Govindajee consists of a huge hall and two golden domes. This highly respected temple in Manipur is located at the center of the city of Imphal. The local people come to this temple to offer their prayers to Lord Krishna. The tourists also visit the temple of Shree Govindajee to get the holy blessings of the Lord.. TOP
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