- IMPHAL
This mini metropolis which serves as the state capital is the nucleus for the official, commercial and cultural activity of Manipur. Visitors can explore its attractions and then step out of the city confines for wonderful nature-based experiences. The hub of spiritual and cultural pursuits, the ancient Shree Govindaji Temple is a historic Vaishnavite centre. The complex also houses the shrines of Krishna and Balaram and Jagannath. The high point of annual celebrations is the beautiful Ras Leela and the annual Holi and Rath Yatra festivities. Devotees can also visit the Mahabalee Temple, Narsimha Temple, ISCKON Temple and Sanamahee Temple within a 5-km radius of Govindaji. The temple stands close to the Kangla Royal Palace, a palatial abode to Manipur’s royals since King Pakhangba (33 CE) came to power and remained so till 1891. These are some more of Imphal’s attractions:
Khwairamband Bazaar/IMA Market
This unique market, run by 300 Imas or mothers, offers a fantastic window to Manipur’s cultural splendour. The line-up of stalls sells everything from fresh produce to handlooms, handicrafts and household essentials.
Shaheed Minar
Located in Bir Tikendrajit Park this memorial pillar serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of the Meitei and other tribals who were martyred fighting the British in 1891.
State Museum
Do a deep dive into Manipur’s tribal roots showcased here through the fine collection of items on display including arms and ammunitions, relics, costumes and historical documents.
War Cemeteries
The beautifully preserved war cemeteries commemorating the Indian and British soldiers who died during World War II are managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The graves feature special stone markers and bronze plaques documenting their sacrifice.
Central Khonghampat Orchidarium
Located 10 km away from town the Orchidarium showcases over 100 exemplars of the 500 species of orchids recorded in Manipur. The 200-acre spread of the orchidarium hosts many rare varieties including almost a dozen endemic species. Come in March-April to see them bloom.
Manipur Zoological Gardens
Just a short distance from the city, the Zoo is located on the Imphal-Kangchup Road. Come here for captive sightings of Manipur’s fabled sangai or brow-antlered deer.
- MOIRANG
This heart of early Meitei culture lies 45 km away from Imphal. You can visit the ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity Lord Thangjing. In May, the women and menfolk of the community adorn themselves in traditional festive attire and gather here to participate enthusiastically in the Lai Haraoba ritual dance festival to honour the deity. The importance of Moirang also lies in the role it played during India’s freedom struggle. It was here that the flag of the Indian National Army (INA) was first raised on April 14, 1944. The INA Museum here has a collection of letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other memorabilia of the martyrs of the INA which was headquartered here during World War II. The INA, led by the dynamic Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, fought fiercely against the Allies.
- LOKTAK LAKE AND SENDRA ISLAND
The fabled waterbody is one of the biggest freshwater lakes in the Northeast. Just 45km away from Imphal it is home to the tranquil Sendra Island. Enjoy superb views of the lake, its wealth of plant and avian life and the intriguing floating weed, shallow bowl-like, islands (phumdi) and enjoy interfaces with the fishermen who live on them harvesting water chestnuts. Visitors can enjoy boating, canoeing, and other water sports activities. The Keibul Lamjao National Park, home to the rare sangai deer, lies at the southern end of the lake.
- KEIBUL LAMJAO NATIONAL PARK,
Spread over 40 sq km this unique park’s home is the collection of floating vegetal islands on Loktak Lake’s southern end, 45km from Imphal. It was designated a sanctuary in 1966 and declared a National Park in 1977. The world’s only floating game sanctuary is home to the IUCN-endangered sangai, the brow-antlered ‘dancing’ deer. This unique habitat comprises bowl-shaped islands (phumdi), created by the weeds floating in the waters of Loktak. The islands are also an avifaunal haven. The resident fishermen harvest water chestnuts for a livelihood. Manipur Tourism alone arranges boat tours. March to late May and September to mid-December.
- BISHNUPUR
The star attraction here is the 15th-century Vishnu brick temple. The tiny bricks used to build it are reportedly of Chinese influence from the days of reigning king Kiyama of Manipur. The dome-shaped terracotta temples are scattered across town. Its Meitei community celebrates the Lai Haraoba festival with great vigour in the month of May. The town also witnessed fierce fighting between the Allied Forces and the Japanese during World War II at Red Hill. The descendants of the Japanese who died here come to pay homage to them. Bishnupur is just 27 km from Imphal.
- UKHRUL
Hordes of visitors arrive in the hot summer months at this tranquil hill station is Ukhrul, 83 km from Imphal. It is also the old base of the Tangkhul Nagas. Ukhrul also revels in its popularity as the home of the beautiful Siroi lily bountifully grown at a height of 8,500 ft in the Siroi Hills. This endemic beauty flowers between the months of May and June. Visitors can enjoy exploring the limestone caves of Kangkhui are worth visiting. - MOREH
Located on the Indo-Myanmar border 110km from Imphal, this busy market town is a shopper’s delight. Travel 5km away to Tamu, in Myanmar, to explore its Indo-Burmese atmospherics.
- SENAPATI
District headquarters of the northern hill district this pretty spot is the home of the Mao Nagas, Paomei Nagas and the Kukis. It’s a great place as a base for biking and trekking in the verdant hilly surrounds. It takes its name from a member of the Manipur’s royals. Tikendrajit Singh who was a commander-in-chief, was martyred during the British invasion. Do visit the ancient village of Yangkhullen, where time seems to have stopped. It is the home of the primitive Zeme tribe and generates great interest amongst historians and scholars for its history, heritage and culture. The Makhele Cave is a revered place for Manipur and Nagaland. It is said to be the very place from which the Naga community dispersed to spread across Nagaland. - DZUKOU VALLEY
This beautiful valley can be accessed from Nagaland as well as Manipur, which share borders here. It’s one of the most popular places for adventure activities like trekking, hiking birdwatching and more. Mount Isu, Manipur’s highest peak, lies close to Dzukou Valley which is also famous for the endemic Dzukou Lily.TAMENGLONG
With its deep gorges, mysterious caves, waterfalls and bounteous orchids this district headquarters of Tamenglong is a paradise of plenty for nature buffs. The big attractions here are Zailand Lake, Barak Waterfall, Buning Meadow, and Tharon Cave. This is the ancient home base of the Rongmei, Lengmei, Zemei and Puimei Nagas.
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