Places to Visit in Manipur

Coyly nestled in the northeast corner of India, the lush green state of Manipur aptly deserves the name, which in Hindi means "the jewel of a land". The picturesque landscape is known to the world more because of its divine Manipuri dance form.

Set amid smoky blue hills, the tiny state of Manipur is a land of myths and mystery. Its hill and forests offer a stunning backdrop to the many tourist attractions in the state. Nature here is breathtakingly beautiful and the serenity is overwhelming.

Places to See in Manipur

Imphal

The bustling capital city of the state lies in a heart shaped valley 790 m above sea level. It is a melting pot of various tribes that constitute the populace of Manipur. Tourist attractions in Manipur are mostly located in and around the city.

Govindajee Temple

This is a Vaishnavite temple built by the former kings of Manipur. The simple but beautiful structure consists of two domes and a large congregation hall. The shrines of Krishna and Balaram on one side and Jagannnath flank the presiding deity.

War Cemetery

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains the graveyard. Little stone markers with bronze plaques on them commemorate the dead British and Indian soldiers of World War II.

Khonghampat Orchidarium

The sprawling land of 200 acres boasts over 110 rare varieties of orchids including a dozen endemic species.

Loktak Lake

The biggest natural freshwater lake of the northeastern region of India is the Loktak Lake. It is situated at a distance of 48 kilometers from the capital city Imphal. The lake is dotted with a vegetative growth of Phoomdis. The Sendra island is situated on the lake itself and has a tourist bungalow that provides a captivating view of the lake waters.

Zoological Gardens

It houses the Sangai (the graceful brow antlered deer) at the base of pine-clad hillocks.

Langthabal

This is a small hill featuring relics of a historic palace and architecturally beautiful temples.

Bishnupur

The place features a Vishnu temple with peculiar Chinese influence besides the Loktak Lake and also the Red hill, where a fierce battle between the British and the Japanese took place during the World War II.

Shaheed Minar

This tall minar at the heart of Imphal city is to commemorate the indomitable spirit of the patriotic Meitei and tribal martyrs who sacrificed their lives while fighting the British in 1891.

Khwairamband Bazar

It is a unique all women's market run by more than 3,000 'Imas' or mothers who run the stalls. It is split into two sections on either side of a road and has items ranging from vegetables, fruits, fishes and household groceries as well as exquisite handlooms and household tools.

Kangla

Kangla was the centre of Manipur's power till 1891. It now stands tall as the historical embodiment of the rulers and the people of Manipur.

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Loukoi Pat

This tiny lake near the Tiddim Road on NH 150 is a retreat for visitors from both within and outside the state.

Khonghampat Orchidarium

The Central Orchidarium is located about 10 kms from Imphal on NH 39. It spans 200 acres and houses more than 110 rare varieties of orchids including dozens of endemic species.

Kangchup

It is a health resort located 16 kms west of Imphal. The scenic place has become a prominent picnic spot especially after construction of the Singda Dam here.

Moirang

Moirang is a small and beautiful town near the Loktak lake about 45 kms from Imphal. It is one of the main centres of early Meitei folk culture. It has an ancient temple dedicated to the pre-Hindu deity Lord Thangjing. Men and women decorate themselves in colourful traditional attire and celebrate 'Lai Haraoba', a ritual dance festival in the month of May every year. This town also has a special place in the history of the Indian freedom struggle as the flag of the Indian National Army was first unfurled here on April 14, 1944.

Keibul Lamjao National Park

Keibul Lamjao National Park is the only floating National Park in the world. It is on the Loktak Lake and is the last natural habitat of the Sangai deer of Manipur. A glimpse of the deer in this unique wetland ecosystem is a must for any wildlife enthusiast.

Some other places not to miss while in Manipur are the Mutua Museum in Andro village, the Moreh market, the Tamenglong district for its deep gorges and caves, the beautifully green Dzuko Valley, Churachandpur on the Tiddim Road and Ukhrul, the highest hill station of the state.