Manipur Tourism
Manipur literally means “a jeweled land”. It is one of the seven sister states of the Northeastern India. Manipur is a perfect place where nature is engulfed in serene beauty. This beauty with its quick flowing rapids, carpet of exotic flowers, and lazy lakes is called the 'Switzerland of the East'. For the pilgrims and devotees there are the very famous Shree Govindjee temple, Vishnu temple and the Shree Krishna temple in Manipur. Imphal, the capital city of Manipur is covered by forested hills and is the most preferred destination for tourists. Few other places of interests in the state are Bishnupur, Thoubal, Ukhrul and Senapati which are famous for their caves, lakes and peaks.
History, Geography and Culture of Manipur
The state of Manipur was established in the 1st century AD. The Kingdom of Manipur was formed by the unification of ten clans under the Ningthouja clan. The state was also the place of trade routes between India and Myanmar and also during World War II. Manipur also served as the arena for battle between the Japanese and the allied forces. Manipur was given the status of a state in India, on January 21, 1972.
Manipur is one of the beautiful states located in northeast India. The state capital of Manipur is
Imphal. The state lies at latitude of 23°83’N - 25°68’N and longitude of 93°03’E - 94°78’E. Manipur is situated at an altitude of 790 meter. The total area covered by the state is 22327 sq. km and the total population of the state is 22,93,896.
Manipur is a state of unique traditions and culture. The culture of Manipur is very different and so Manipur has been successful in making a unique identity of its own. Manipur presents a variety of traditions and cultural patterns. The most important aspect of Manipuri culture is that the people of Manipur oblige to the traditional style along with the contemporary ones.
Also Read: Profile of Manipur
Destinations in Manipur
Imphal
Imphal the capital city of Manipur is one of the favoured tourist destinations of Manipur. The historical places, architectural forts, rivers and the green valleys give a beautiful sight to the tourist. The natural beauty of Imphal attracts a lot of tourist from round the world. The tourist places in Imphal includes War Cemeteries, Manipur Zoological Garden,
Keibul Lamjao National Park, Ima Keithel, Kaina, Thengal General, Shri Govindajee Temple, Khonghampat Orchidarium, Manipur State Museum, Polo Grounds.
Also Read: Tourism in Imphal
Senapati
Senapati is the northern hill district of Senapati. There are many beautiful historical places in Senapati which are unique in itself and worth visiting.The place is also blessed with Mother Nature. Some of the tourist places in Senapati includes Mao, Dzuko Valley, Makhel Cave, Tadubi, Sadu Chiru Waterfalls, Megalith at Willong,
Ukhrul
Ukhrul is the the highest hill station of
Manipur and is located at a distance of 83 kms from east of Imphal
. Ukhrul is a centre of the Tangkhul Nagas, a colourful warrior tribe. Khangkhui Lime Caves and Siroi Hills and are interesting places for excursions. The tourist destination in Ukhrul are Khangkhui Cave, Shiroy Hills and Nungbi.
Thoubal
The Thoubal district occupies the larger portion of the eastern half of the Manipur Valley. It takes the shape of an irregular and triangular with its base facing north. The average elevation is not very much different from the rest of the Manipur Valley. It is located about 790 meters above the sea level. The tourist places located at Thoubal district includes Khongjom War Memorial, Uyokching at Kakching,Thongam Mondum Mahadev, Waithou and Serou.
Churachanpur
Churachanpur is located about 60 kms from Imphal and is one of the most beautiful places for holidaying and sightseeing. It is a bustling tribal town located in Manipur and where products of arts and crafts are available in the local market. The tourist places in Churachanpur district of Manipur includes Tonglon Cave, Cheklaphai (Singhat), Behiang , Kaihlam Hill Range, Near Tipaimukh and Tipaimukh.
Lakes in Manipur
Manipur is another very beautiful state located in the northeast region of India. Manipur is very popular among tourist for its lakes among many others. The Loktak Lake is one of the main tourist attractions in Manipur. The tourist can enjoy the beauty of these lakes. Apart from these there are also some beautiful lakes like Zeilad Lake, Loukoipat, Ikop Lake and Waithou Lake in Manipur. Lakes in Manipur include:
Loktak lake
The Loktak lake located in Moirang in Bishnupur district, Manipur is the largest fresh water lake in the northeast India. Loktak lake is the only floating lake in the world due to the floating ‘phumdis’. Phumdis are heterogeneous mass of soil, vegetation and organic matter at various stages of decomposition. These phumdis occupy almost half of the area of the lake. In the year 1990, the lake was designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Also Read: Loktak Lake
Loukoipat Lake
Located near the Tiddim Road on N.H. 150 at Bishnupur, Loukoipat Lake is a landlocked fresh water lake, surrounded by small hills. This place is a retreat for visitors. Any visitor will be mesmerized to see the scenic beauty of the place. Boating facilities are also available in the lake. In order to preserve the flora and fauna, the surrounding area was developed as Ecological Park. This is ideal spot for picnics and family outings.
Ikop Lake
The Ikop Lake is located in Thoubal in Manipur. It is located at an elevation of 772 meters above sea level. It is a hot spot for tourist. The main attraction of this lake is the cool breeze and the beautiful landscape in the background. The place is ideal for photography. The shape of the lake is of a saucer basin and has a gentle slope and curved bottom.
Waithou Lake
The lake is located about 16km from the city of Imphal. The lake is located on the Indo-Myanmar Road in the Thoubal District. The lake water consists of three components namely Cheksabi, Soirel and Phumnom. During the year 1971–1972 Ngaton, along with other species of fish were found in this Waithou lake. But various species of fish have disappeared, after the construction of the Cheksabi barrage and ring bund. Presently, the surroundings of the lake have deteriorated due to soil erosion, agricultural activities and rapid urbanization.
Zeilad Lake
Zeilad lake is the second largest fresh water
lake in Manipur after the Loktak lake. The lake is locally known as
Makoi (Atengba) meaning lake of Atengba village for the fact that the
Zeilad Lake is located within the land of Atengba village. It is
situated about 2 kms away west of Barak River. The total area of the
lake is 60,000 Sq. metres approximately. Till date the depth of the lake
is unknown. Three sister lake is located near to Zeilad Lake, namely
Guiphuap Zei (Tortoise Pond), Napsaem Zei (Rice pond) and Inrou Zei
(Rubbish Pond). All the three lake differs in sized ranging between
between 1500 to 2000 sq. ft. approximately.
Waterfalls in Manipur
There are not too many waterfalls in the state. The Sadu Chiru Fall is one of the popular tourist destinations in Manipur. Apart from these another waterfall is the Khayang waterfall which is not very popular among the tourists.
Sadu Chiru Fall
Sadu Chiru Fall is located about 20kms from the city of Imphal. This fall is also known as the Leimaram Fall. This beautiful fall is located with a forested section. This waterfall is surrounded by beautiful green hills and it is where the mind is infused with great pleasure. The drive to this place is a mindblowing experience with abundance of crop fields on either side of the road. In order to reach the fall the tourists must have to walk for about 300 mts from the main road
Khayang waterfall
Located near the Indo-Myanmar border, Khayang waterfalls in the biggest waterfalls in Manipur. The waterfall is also popularly known as the Telly Waterfalls. The height of the waterfall is about 754 feet. It is a beautiful waterfall that cascades down the hills slowly. This fall is not yet a popular tourist destination as it is located quite inside the jungles of Ukhrul.
Wildlife and Gardens in Manipur
Keibul Lamjao National Park
This Park is situated at Bishnupur district in Manipur. The park is located 50 km from Imphal. It is located on the border of the Loktak lake. Keibul Lamjao is the only floating national park in the world.
Click to know more about Keibul lamjao National park
Sirohi National Park
Sirohi National park is located about 5km from Ukhrul. The park was established in the year 1982. The fauna of the park includes leopard and tiger. The birds that can be seen in the park are tragopans and pheasants. The best time to visit the park is from the month of January to March.
Manipur Zoological Garden
Manipur Zoological Garden gives shelter to some rare birds, animals and reptiles including the brow-antlered thamin deer. The zoo located at the foot of the pine-covered hillocks is more attracting owing to its sylvan surroundings. It is just 8 km from Imphal.
Khonghampat Orchidarium
About 12 km north of the town is the Khonghampat Orchidarium displaying various indigenous species of orchids. The best time to visit the Orchidarium is during April/May when the Orchids are in full bloom.
Religious Places in Manipur
Manipur is also one of the popular tourist destinations in Northeast
India. People of all religion and faith live in Manipur in peace and
harmony. All the religious places in Manipur reflect religious unity and
Cultural diversity. The Shree Govindajee Temple located in Imphal
attracts thousands of tourists every year especially during the
festival of Holi. The state also has many Beautiful churches which are
equally attracts tourist. Babupara Mosque in Imphal is another very
important religious spot in Manipur.
The state of Manipur has
many important religious tourist destinations. The temples and churches
are important tourist spots in Manipur. Some of the important churches
in Manipur include Catholic Church in Senapati district and St Joseph's
Cathedral in Imphal.
Honeymoon Destination in Manipur
Manipur is another splendid place for the honey moon couples. Newly wed couples can plan their visit in Imphal, Ukhrul, Moreh, Thoubal, keibul Lamjao national park which are exceptionally beautiful locationsproving the environment for a perfect honeymoon destination.
Situated in the Northeastern part of India Manipur, is known for its
historical sites, caves, monuments and buildings. These are some worth
visiting sites in and around Manipur.
Monuments and Museums in Manipur
Commonwealth War Graves Cemeteries
Two
well inclined Commonwealth War Graves Cemeteries are situated on the
northern and eastern outskirts of the town. Buried here are the soldiers
of Manipur who died fighting the Japanese during the invasion of
Manipur in World War II.
INA Memorial
INA
Memorial is situated at Moirang. The Moirang town is important from the
perspectives of the Indian freedom struggle and the II World War. It
was at Moirang that the flag of the Indian National Army was first
unfurled on April 14, 1944 by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Moirang
became the official headquarter of the INA. The place latter developed
as INA complex. The complex has a life style statue of Subhash Chandra
Bose and a memorial museum. The Museum contains the letters, photographs
and badges of ranks and other memorabilia of the sacrifice made by the
INA. The complex is visited by a large number of tourists every year
mainly from Japan and England to pay homage to those killed in the War.
Manipur State Museum
The
Manipur State Museum is a treasure trove of the state’s rich cultural
heritages. It has a fine collection of regional costumes; war
implements, historical documents and relics, and offer a glimpse of the
state's glorious past.
Maibam Lotpa Ching
Maibam Lotpa Ching is a hillock situated on
Imphal-Moirang road in Bishnupur district. It is a spot where the battle
between the British and the Japanese was fought in World War II. It is
regarded as a holy place. There is a monument named India Peace Memorial
in the place which is dedicated to the war martyrs who sacrificed their
lives in the battle. The monument was sponsored by the Japanese
government.
Caves in Manipur
Tharon Cave
The
famous Tharon cave is located at about 27 kms from the district HQ. The
map of the entire cave is engraved and painted on a stone at the main
entrance. Archeological excavation of the cave shows affinities with
Hobinian culture of North Vietnam.
Khangkhui Cave
Khangkhui
Cave is a remarkable natural lime- stone cave. The big hall in the cave
is the darbar hall of the Devil King living deep inside while the
northern hall is the royal bedroom, according to local folklore. During
World War II, the villagers sought shelter in this cave.
What not to be missed in Manipur
There are certain things in Manipur which one must not miss when in Manipur.
Adventure activities in Manipur
Adventure Tourism are available through the Manipur Adventure and Allied Sports Institute, Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association (MMTA) and the Adventure Academy of Manipur. The state has number of land, water and air based adventure sports places throughout the State of Manipur. Some of the eco-tourism and adventure sports sites in Manipur Includes, the Loktak Lake for water sports, the Mount Iso along with Dzuko Valley outshining its endemic Dzuko Lily and the Siroy Hill famous for for its rare Siroy Lily is a place for trekking and mountain climbing , the Barak River for Rafting, The Khangkhu and the Tharon caves for caving adventures and the Koirengei Old Airfield and Nongmaiching foot-hills located at Wakha is a place for paragliding, hang gliding and parasailing.
Visit to Andro Village
Andro, is a ancient village located about 27 kms from Imphal, in the Thouble district of Manipur. The village has a rich history of its own. The village knows is very popular for pottery making. Recently, the village has become a popular tourist destination. There are many beautiful sites in the village which the visitor can explore.
One of the most favoured tourist places in the village is the Santhei Natural Park. The park is located in the edge of a lake and it is ideal place for picnickers. Another very interesting tourist place in the village is the Chakpa Panam Ningthou Meithoupirol Shanglen or Mei Mutaba. It is ancient traditional Hindu temple and the most interesting fact about the temple is that the fire lit inside the temple has never been annihilated since it was started.
The village also houses the Mutua Museum. It is the most significant place to visit in the village. There is also a cultural complex run by a family at their backyard. The complex has many cottages built in traditional Manipuri style and the houses contain valuables used in the past. The complex also has a Doll house where 29 dolls of famous Manipuri tribes are exhibited.The museum showcases the major tribal traditions. There is also an old trunk tree in the middle of the complex, carved with beautiful designs.
Some common artifacts displayed in the museum are musical instruments, various forms of pottery, traditional clothes and many more. The Mutau museum is an innovative and beautiful way to showcase the conglomeration of people and their culture living in the state of Manipur.
To move in and around Andro is not that difficult. Local transport system like auto rickshaw, bus, taxi is easily available for the tourist. The best time to visit this village is between the months of October to February. Over the years, Andro, has emerged as one of the major tourist attractions of Manipur.
Shopping in Manipur
There are a plenty of options for shopping in Manipur, be it purchasing traditional woven clothes or any decorative handmade items. Even though you won’t find big shopping malls here but the dazzling street markets of Manipur is full of sound, colour, and smells of sizzling delicacies. These market places offer good bargains.
If you are looking for shopping options in Manipur then you can definitely visit the fascinating all women market known as the Khwairamband Bazaar in Imphal. You can find lots of beautiful handmade items here. Also another very interesting shopping place in Manipur is the Paona Bazar in Imphal. The crowded lanes of Paona Bazaar has many shops that sells beautiful items like hand-woven shawls, bamboo and ivory items, silk saris, papier mache products.
Another very interesting thing you can see while travelling to Manipur is the highway bazaars.These bazaars are usually small fruit and vegetable areas located along the highway.
Eating Out in Manipur
The restaurants in Imphal offer tasty Indian and Chinese dishes. If you like to taste different food then you must try the local dishes of Manipur. There are number of local food stalls located in Khwairamband bazaar. Some of the best restaurants in Manipur are Naoba's Restaurant, Fire Bowl Restaurant, Uptown Café and Paona Plaza.
How to Reach Manipur
The state of Manipur has good
transportation facilities for the people. Manipur located at the northeastern part of India, is connected to all the important places of the country by its roadways and airways. Manipur has a proper network of roadways. Manipur has an airport located In Imphal. There are regular flights major cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Silchar from Imphal airport. The state does not have a railway station of its own. Manipur is linked with national highways to the rest of India.
Hotels in Manipur
Recently, with the development of the tourism Industry several hotels have come up in Manipur. . Tourists coming to Manipur can have a pleasant stay at the several hotels here. These hotels are known for their authentic Manipuri food and the luxury they offer to the tourists. Among the many hotels in Manipur tourists can stay at The Classic Hotel, Hotel Bheigo, Hotel Imphal, Hotel Nirmala and Hotel White Palace.
The Classic Hotel Address: North A.O.C, Imphal
Phone no: 0385-2423369, 2443967,
Web address:
https://www.theclassichotel.inTariff
- Standard (Non Ac): Single: Rs 1550, Double: 1950
- Classic Deluxe: 2900, Double: 3600
- Executive Deluxe: 3000, Double: 4000
- Classic Suite: Single/Double:4500
- Classic Executive Suite:Single/Double: 5200
- Classic Presidential Suite:Single/Double:7850
Hotel BheigoAddress: Keisampat Thokchom Leikai
Wahengbam Leikai Road
Manipur, India
Phone no: 0385 2445845, 0385 2445845,
Tariff
- Single Deluxe 600
- Double Deluxe 800
- Single Occupancy 700
- Semi VIP 900
- VIP 1000
- VIP Suit 1200
- VIP Suit(s) 1400
- A/C Doubl 1800
- A/C Suit 2400
State Guest House Address: Sanjenthong Imphal (Govt of Manipur)
Phone no: 0385-2451212
Hotel Imphal
Address: North A.O.C., Imphal
Phone no: 0385-2423372, 2421373
Hotel Nirmala
Address: M.G Avenue, Imphal
Phone no: 0385-2459014, 2458904
Hotel White Palace Address: M.G Avenue, Imphal
Phone no: 0385-2452322
Contact Details of Manipur Tourism
Tourist Offices in Assam
For any information about tourist places in Manipur you can contact the following:
Directorate of TourismCommissioner (Tourism)
Government of Manipur
Phone no: 0385-2451916
Director (Tourism) Government of Manipur
Phone no: 0385-2451916
At Imphal
Tourist Information CentreDirectorate of Tourism, Imphal
Phone no: 0385-224603, 220802
Government of India Tourist OfficeAddress: Jail Road, Imphal
Phone no: 0385: 221131
At Guwahati
Government of India Tourist OfficeAddress: Manipur Bhavan,
Rajgarh Road, Guwahati
Phone no: 0361-2540707
Tour Packages in Manipur
Different tour packages are available in manipur for making your journey a pleasurable one. Check these out.
Discover ManipurDays: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Inclusions: Transfers, meals, accommodation
Rate: Rs 17000
Splendour of ManipurDays: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Inclusions: Transfers, meals, accommodation
Rate: Rs 19,000
Manipur Cultural TourDays: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Inclusions: Transfers, meals, accommodation
Rate: Rs 15000
Imphal World War II TourDays: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Inclusions: Transfers, meals, accommodation
Rate: Rs 8000