Imphal

Exploring Imphal

An Overview of Imphal

Imphal is the capital of Indian state of Manipur. It is an ideal destination off the beaten track.It 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.At some places Imphal looks like a painting-clouds hanging low over long stretches of lush green fields and numerous small hills of the green-blue Koubrou and Namaijing ranges forming a garland around the valley.

Attractions of Imphal

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. This place houses potteries of the Northeastern region of India and there is a 'Doll-House' where dolls of 29 recognised tribes of Manipur are in display.

This is a scared place of Hindus and is 29 kms, from Imphal. According to a legend, Shri Govindajee appeared to Bheigyachandra, Maharaja of Manipur, in a dream and asked him to build a temple enshrined with his image carved out of a jackfruit tree.

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.

This is the Orchid Yard of the Forest Department, on the national highway no 39 and is another place of interest and more than 110 varieties of orchids including several rare species are grown here.

Situated on the Indo-Burma Road, 36 kms, from Imphal, this is a place of greatest historic importance where Major General Paona Brajabashi , proved his valour against the superior force of the invading British Army in 1891. Khongjom day is celebrated as a State Holiday on every year on April 23.

Khwairamband is also known as Nupi Keithel and Ima Bazaar or Mothers Market. It is a 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. This market is run by women and is unique in itself.

This small hillock is situated about 8 kms. from Imphal on the Indo-Burma Road and houses an old historic palace and neatly planned temples. The structures are beautifully placed between pine and jackfruit trees. Langthabal offers a view of the Manipur University.

Lake and Sendra IslandLoktak lake, 48 kms, from Imphal. It is the largest fresh water lake in eastern India and this lake is like a miniature inland sea. Sendra Island, about 50 odd kilometres from Imphal, offers a bird's eye view of the park and its occupants. One can explore the park by traveling around in tiny small boats and also climb up the watchtower located on the hillock of Bebet Ching.

Near the Pologround is an interesting museum, which is the best place to get a glimpse of Manipur history and c ulture. 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.

The Manipur Zoological Garden is about 6 kms. from Imphal at Iroishemba on the Imphal Kangchup Road. It houses "Sangai", a brow-antlered deer in sylvan surroundings and is situated at the foothills of the pine tree hillock.

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.

This is a charming resort on the western fringes of the Loktak lake and is 40 kms. from Imphal. It is joined to the mainland by a low causeway. Boating and other water sports are being introduced here.

The tall Minar of Bir Tikendrajit Park in Imphal commemorates the indomitable spirit of Manipur martyrs who sacrificed their lives fighting the British in the Anglo-Manipuri war in 1891.

Plan your visit

A useful journey leaves room for local discoveries. Start with these essentials, then verify operational details from primary sources.

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