India Tourism | Imphal

Imphal, the capital of the easternmost state of Manipur, is the centre of all cultural, commercial and political activities. Manipur, popularly known as the "land of jewels" splits up naturally into two parts - the hills and the plains. The inhabitants of these two divisions have their own distinctive dialects, customs and tribal costumes.

Though small in area, Manipur is rich in its culture, traditions, festivals, dances, handlooms and handicrafts.

Population: 4 Lakhs-Imphal, 18.27 Lakhs-Manipur (1991)
Area: 29.57 Sq Km
Altitude: 790 metres above at MSL
Rainfall: 1980.8 mm (May to October)
Temperature (°C): Max 32 Min 0
Best Season: October to February
Languages spoken: Manipuri, Hindi and English

How to get there

	Air: Indian Airlines flights connect Imphal with Delhi via Guwahati on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays. Imphal is also connected with Kolkata (Calcutta) via Agartala and Silchar by Indian flights.
	Rail: The nearest railhead is Dimapur-215 kms.
	Road: Motorable roads connect Imphal with Agartala-465 kms, Aizwal-374 kms, Dimapur-216 kms, Guwahati-579 kms, Itanagar-413 kms, Kaziranga-346 kms, Kohima-123 kms, Shillong-643 kms.
	Local Transport: Nagaland State Transport runs a semi-luxury bus daily from Dimapur to Imphal (9 hrs). The Manipur State Transport also runs a service, BLUE HILLS TRAVEL, with its centre of operations in Guwahati, with luxury buses connecting all the State capitals of the North-Eastern region. Unmetered taxi,Autorickshaw & Cycle Rickshaw available here.

Places of Interest

SHRI GOVINDAJEE TEMPLE: This temple, adjoining the palace of the formar rulers of Manipur, is a historic centre for Vaishnavites.
KHWAIRAMBAND BAZAR : The market is very special because all the stall-holders are women.
MANIPUR STATE MUSEUM : This interesting museum near the polo grounds has a fairly good display of Manipur's tribal heritage and a collection of portraits of Manipur's former rulers. 1000 to 1630 hours. Closed on Sundays and Hholidays. Entrance : Adult- Re. 1, Child-00.50.
THE OLD PALACE : In the heart of the town, and in grounds now occupied by the para-military forces for their training, there are interesting ruins of an old fortress wall and a palace. The sentry at the gate stops vehicles but visitors are permitted to enter once the guard is assured that they have come to see the ruins.
WAR CEMETERIES : The British and Indian Army Cemeteries commemorating those who died in the 2nd World War are serene and well-maintained with little stone markers and bronze plaques recording their anguish and sacrifice.
MANIPUR ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN : About 6 kms off Imphal, towards the west, is this zoological garden at Iroishemba on the Imphal-Kangchup road.
KHONGHAMPAT ORCHIDARIUM : The Orchid Yard of the Forest Department, on National Highway No.39, about 7 kms from Imphal, is another place of interest. Peak season is April-May.
SAHEED MINAR : The Minar at Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of Imphal commemorates the indomitable spirit of Manipur martyrs who sacrificed their lives while fighting against the British in 1891.
LANGTHABAND : 8 km down the Indo-Burma road lies this small hill feature with the relics of an old historic palace.

Excursions

BISHNUPUR (27 kms): The single-celled, conical roofed temple of Bishnu.
PHUBALA (40 kms): To the south of Imphal on the western fringes of Loktak Lake lies this charming resort. Acco : Tourist Home. Rs. 25 (S), 50 (D).
Resv.: Deputy Director of Tourism, Govt.of Manipur, Imphal, Tel. 220802.
MOIRANG (45 kms): From Imphal to the south, is one of the ancient villages of Manipur contributing mush to her culture. Traditional " Moirang Lai Haraoba " is celebrated sometime in the month of May every year from the olden days. During the festival, men and women in hundreds dance and sing in honour of Thangjing. On the time of Second World War Moirang was the H. Q. of the Azad Hind Fouz where Netaji hoisted for the first time the flag of I. N. A. on the Indian soil. Moirang offers I.N.A. memorialwith the Statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
LOKTAK LAKE (45 kms): The largest fresh water lake in the North-Eastern India.Its vast expanse of water with both resident & migratory birds offers scope for shooting, fishing and boating. The importance of Loktak Lake is the little Islands Thanga and Karang in the centre of the lake, labyrinth of boat routes amidst the floating marshes.
SENDRA (48 kms): An islet in the middle of Loktak Lake is a view point overlooking the lake and its surroundings. A telescope is to be installed here to watch the animals in their natural habits in Keibul Lamjao National Park. Acco : Tourist Home. Rs. 25 (S), 50 (D). Resv: Deputy Director of Tourism, Govt. of Manipur, Imphal, Tel. 220802.
KEIBUL LAMJAO NATIONAL PARK (53 kms): Inside the famous Loktak Lake, the only floating National Park of its kind in India. It is the natural habitat of the rare Browentelered deer found nowhere else.
CHURACHANDPUR (59 kms): District H. Q. of Manipur south and an advanced tribal ( Kuki ) town where local hanicrafts are available in the market. Acco : Tourist Bunglow. Rs. 50 (D). Resv. : Deputy Director of Tourism, Govt. of Manipur, Imphal, Tel. 220802; Hotel Rajdoot, Rs. 30-80 (S), 50- 150 (D); Hotel International, Rs. 40 (S), 70 (D), 110 (T), 150 (4 Bed); Green Hotel, Rs. 20 (S), 40 (D); Hotel Eden, Rs. 25-30 per bed.
KANGCHUP (16 kms): At an altitude of 921 metres from Imphal in the west is a health resort on the hills over-looking Manipur valley. It is also a mountain pass on the road to Tamenglong. Acco : Inspection Bungalow.
KOUBRU HILL (50 kms): 8404 feet high Koubru Hill is a pilgrim centre.
MAO (106 kms): 1757 metres high Mao is a hill station half-way between Dimapur and Imphal on N.H.no. 39. The place is rich in Mao Naga culture.
UKHRUL (83 kms): To the east of Imphal,the district H.Q. of Manipur East is the highest hill station of Manipur. Acco : Circuit House. Rs.25 (S), 50 (D). Resv. : D.C. Ukhrul; Hotel Iceland, Rs.75 (S), 120 (D), 150 (T); Hotel Rebekah, Rs. 25 / bed; Hotel Soso, Rs. 25 / bed. & Other hotels.
KAINA (29 kms): A beautiful hillock, can be reached by bus via Thoubal. Acco : Kaina Tourist Home. Rs. 25 (S), 50 (D). Resvn. : Deputy Director of Tourism, Govt. of Manipur, Imphal, Tel. 220802.
WAITHOU LAKE (16 kms): On Indo-Burma road by the side of the lake is a picturesque village fam- ous for its pineapples. Acco : Waithou Tourist Home. Rs. 25 (S), 50 (D). Reservation : Deputy Director of Tourism, Govt. of Manipur, Tel. 220802.
KHONGJOM (36 kms): On Indo-Burma road it is a place of great historic importance. Here Major Genrl. Paona Brajabashi one of the great warriors of Manipur, proved his valour against the invading British Army in 1891. The hillock at the foot of which he laid down his life in defence of his motherland. A war memorial on the top of this hill feature adds charm to this historic site. Khongjom Day is celebrated as a state function every year on April 23. Acco. : Khongjom Tourist Home. Rs. 25 (S), 50 (D). Resvn : Dy. Director of Tourism, Govt. of Manipur, Imphal, Tel.: 220802.
TENGNOUPAL (69 kms): Highest point of the Imphal-Burma road and from here one can have a full view of the valley of Manipur. MOREH (110 KM.) : The border town of India on the Indo-Burma road. Acco. : Forest Bunglow. Rs.20/bed. Resv : Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Forest Department, Imphal. P.W.D. Inspection Bunglow. Rs. 25/bed. Resv : Executive Engineer P.W.D., Khuyathong Bazar, Imphal. Hotel Eastern Palace. Rs. 40 (S), 75 (D),100 (T); Rachna Hotel. Rs. 25 (S),50 (D); River View. 30 (S),50 (D). Hotel Imphal. Rs. 20 (S), 40 (D), 15 / bed in the Dormitory.

The Region

Manipur | Imphal