MANIPUR – “The Jeweled Land and Switzerland of India.”
Hemmed in by beautiful hills, Manipur is one of the seven states of Northeast India. Manipur is a state within the Republic of India. It has area of 8,628 mi² (22,347 km²). Imphal is the capital city of this state which was once the capital of King Pakhangba. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru affectionately dubbed Manipur as the ‘Jewel of India’. Manipur attained statehood on 21st January 1972. At present it has 16 districts in total.
The state is bordered by the Indian states of Nagaland to its north, Mizoram to its south and Assam to its west. Its eastern border is the Indian border with Myanmar. An oval shaped valley surrounded by blue green hills, rich in art and tradition has inspired description such as the “Switzerland of the East” with its cascading rapids, tripling rivers, varieties of flowers, exotic blooms and lakes. The people of Manipur include Meitei, Nagas, Kuki-Chin-Mizo and Gorkhas groups and Muslims and other colorful communities which have lived in complete harmony for centuries. Art, dance, music, theater and martial arts are intricately woven into the cultural fabric of this land which can be seen in its fairs and festivals.
Manipuri is a classical dance form of India which originated in this state and today is appreciated internationally.
Travel to Manipur and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of its majestic mountains, picturesque valleys and colorful celebrations.
How To Reach:
By Air to Imphal
Imphal Tulihal Airport is located about 8km from the heart of the City and is well connected directly from the major cities of India namely Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and major cities of North Eastern States namely Aizawl, Silchar, Dimapur etc., Daily/weekly/other basis with the Domestic Air services like Air India, Indigo, King Fisher, Jet Airways, Jet Lite, Spice Jet, Air Deccan etc. Other major cities of India is connected to Imphal via. Kolkata/Guwahati.
By Bus to Imphal
By Train to Imphal
There is no direct train service to Imphal. But travellers can travel upto Guwahati or Dimapur (nearest rail head from Imphal) and then rest by bus or by air.
When in Manipur, the following sites are ought to visit Tourists Destinations: District wise-
:Bishnupur, Thoubal, Imphal East, Imphal West, Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel, Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Jiribam, Kangpokpi(Sardar Hills), Kakching, Tengnoupal, Kamjong, Noney, Pherzawl.
Shaheed Minar.
The indomitable spirit of the patriotic Meitei and tribal martyrs, who sacrificed their lives while fighting the British in 1891, is commemorated by this tall Minar at Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of Imphal city. The memorial is built to pay homage to soldiers of Anglo-Manipur war of 1891 in which 5 soldiers including the then crown prince, Bir Tikendrajit Singh was executed for waging the war. The memorial garden is named after the prince and is adjacent to Imphal polo ground.
Ima Market/Khwairamband Bazar:
It is a market splited into two sections on either side of road, having 3,000 and more “Imas” or mothers who run the stalls. It is located in Imphal city. Vegetables, fruits, fishes and household groceries are sold on one side and exquisite handlooms and household tools on the other making it the largest of its kind in Asia a unique market. One can buy the beautiful Manipuri hand woven saris and Innaphis and try their exotic fruits and vegetables and savour the unusual sights, sounds, fragrances! Tourist information focusses on the women’s market, but there’s much more than that. You could fresh fish and dried fish zones particularly interesting because of the variety it offers.Fish is such an important part of the Manipur diet. There are also fruit, vegetables, chickens and ducks for sale, though surprisingly little other meat. The women ‘s market has a lot of clothes, fabrics and handicrafts. While Ima Keithal’s exact origins remain unclear, scholars believe that the market dates back to the 16th century. Studies suggest that the market’s female-only workforce originated as a result of the enforcement of the Lallup-Kaba, an ancient forced labor system in Manipur that sent men of the Meitei community to cultivate faraway lands and fight wars. The women stayed back in the villages, working in their own paddy fields, taking care of their household and selling their farm produce in improvised markets. This led to the creation of markets where women played a central role, the most important and largest one being the Ima Keithal. Ima keithel or mother’s market is an all women’s market with a long history.
Kangla.
Kangla Fort is a must see destination for any traveller visiting Imphal, Manipur. Situated close to the banks of the Imphal River, the Kangla Fort or Kangla Palace is a symbol of Manipur’s glory. It is protected by two moats, one inner and one outer. Inside Kangla one can see attractive historical monuments, big greenery park and Kangla Museum. The ruins of the palace on western side of Imphal River serve as a major tourist attraction.
Outer and inner moat and other relics are perfect reflections of the rich art and culture of Manipur and her civilization.
The word ‘Kangla’ means dry land in Manipuri or Meetei language. Kangla was the ancient capital of Manipur and a number of Meetei monarchs have ruled the destination from this fort.
The existence of this fort dates back to 33 AD, when the mythical God-King of Manipur, Nongda Lairen Pakhangba first ascended the throne. It was gradually renovated and developed by successive kings who ruled the place.
Shree Shree Govindajee Temple.
Shree Govindajee Temple is located in Imphal (in its East district), The temple was originally built in 1846 during the reign of Maharaja Nara Singh and rebuilt by Maharaja Chandrakriti in 1876. This is one of the most beautiful Vaishnavite temples located in Manipur. Noted features of the temple include twin gold domes, a paved courtyard and a huge congregation hall. The presiding deity, Radha-Krishna is placed in the centre of the temple and is carved out of a jackfruit tree. Flanked by the shrines of Balarama and Krishna on one side and Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra on the other, this temple is the hub of activities during the festive seasons. The temple appears very elegant. It is built in an idyllic location with a well tended garden surrounding the premises. There is a small pond in the vicinity of the temple, and also a large open space where a row of tall trees are planted along the boundary.
Manipur State Museum:
This interesting Museum near the Polo Ground has a fairly good collection and display of Manipur’s tribal heritage and a collection of portraits of Manipur’s former rulers. The Manipur State Museum was inaugurated by the late Prime Minister of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi on 23rd September, 1969. During 32nd years, this Museum has become a fullfledged multipurpose Museum comprising of various Galleries like – Ethnology, Archeology, Natural History, Painting, Jallan, Children’s Gallery and an open air gallery for housing the 78ft long boat called Hiyang Hiren (Royal boat). One of the prominent artefacts in the museum is the Hiyang Hiren (the Royal Boat), a 78 ft long boat that is displayed in the open gallery.
Particularly interesting items are costumes, arms & ammunitions, relics and historical documents. The Museum is open Monday to Saturday (except holidays) from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
The War Cemetery:
The Imphal War Cemetery is located in Imphal. The cemetery has 1,600 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War.
Commemorating the memories of the British and Indian soldiers who died during the World War II, these War Cemeteries are managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Serene is well maintained, the War Cemetery carries little stone markers and bronze plaques recording the sacrifice of those gallant soldiers. The cemetery is located in Imphal, in a small locality of Dewlahland 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) away from the Imphal International Airport.
Manipur Zoological Garden:
Manipur Zoological Garden at Iroisemba is only 7 kms. on the Imphal-Kangchup Road. It was set up on October 2, 1976. Here apart from various endangered species, tourists can have an opportunity to see the graceful brow antlered deer (Sangai), one of the rarest & endangered species in the world, in sylvan surroundings. The Manipur Zoological Garden serves as a home to numerous endangered and rare species. Because of this uniqueness, the zoo is often called the Jewel Box of Manipur.
Area Description :
The Manipur Zoological Garden is spread over an area of 8 hectares. An additional area of 2.13 hectares is maintained at Langol Reserve Forest.
Animals and Birds :
A variety of animals and birds are found inside the Manipur Zoological Garden. There exists in all 55 species of birds and animals. And there are above 420 animals that the Manipur Zoological Garden houses. 14 endangered species are also present inside the zoo.
Visiting Hours :
The zoo is closed on Monday. Except for Monday the zoo remains open on all days of the week.
Khonghampat Orchidarium.
It is an Orchid Yard maintained by the Forest Department. Khonghampat Orchidarium is 10 kms. from Imphal on National Highway No. 39 is the Central Orchidarium which covers 200 acres and houses over 110 rare varieties of orchids, which include dozens of endemic species. The This Orchid Yard is situated at about 7 kilometers from Imphal. The best time to visit Khonghampat Orchidarium of Imphal is April and May.
Bishnupur.
It derived its name from an ancient Vishnu temple located in the town which was established in 15th Century. This place is 27 kms from Imphal on the Tiddim Road. It is a picturesque town situated at the foot hills that rolls down to the valley. Loukoipat, a small natural lake sandwiched between two knolls is a picturesque tourist spot in Bishnupur. The 15th century Vishnu Temple built of peculiarly small bricks supposedly of Chinese influence during the reign of King Kiyamba is of a historical importance. Bishnupur is also famous for its chiseled stoneware.
Red Hill (Lokpaching):
Red Hill is a hillock about 16 kms. from Imphal on Tiddim Road (NH – 150). It is a thrilling spot where the British and the Japanese fought a fierce battle during World War II. War Veterans had constructed “India Peace Memorial” a monument in memory of Japanese soldiers who died in the battle. It is a place of pilgrimage for Japanese tourists. The Battle of Imphal took place in the region around the city of Imphal, the capital of the state of Manipur in northeast India from March until July 1944. The Japanese defeat at Kohima and Imphal was the largest up until that time, with many of the Japanese deaths resulting from starvation, disease and exhaustion suffered during their retreat.
Loktak Lake:
This lake is 48 Kms. Away from Imphal. This is the largest fresh water lake in the North East Region. The etymology of Loktak is Lok = “stream” and tak = “the end”.From the Tourist Bunglow set atop Sendra Island. Visitors get a bird’s eye view of life on the Lake small islands that are actually floating weeds on which the Lake-dwellers live in the backdrop of the shimmering blue water of the Lake, labyrinthine boat routes and colorful water plants. The Sendra Tourist Home with an attached Cafeteria is an ideal tourist spot. Boating and other water sports are organized here in Takmu Water Sports Complex. Loktak Day is observed every year on the 15th of October at the periphery of the Loktak lake.
Moirang:
Moirang is located 45 kms. away from Imphal, and is situated near the Loktak lake. Historically, the town of Moirang is famous for the ancient temple of the deity, Lord Thangjing and the legendary love story of “Khamba Thoibi”. In a village name Ngangkhaleikai, the old cloth used by Khamba and Nongban are still preserved. During World War II, Moirang was the headquarters of Indian National Army (INA). It was at Moirang that the flag of the Indian National Army was first unfurled on April 14, 1944. The INA reminds the visitors of the noble sacrifices made by the INA under the charismatic leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
This town is one of the main centers of early Meitei folk culture with the ancient temple of the pre-hindu deity, Lord Thangjing, situated here. In the month of May, men and women, dressed in colorful traditional costumes sing and dance in honor of the Lord at the Moirang “Lai Haraoba” which is a ritual dance festival held every year.
Keibul Lamjao National Park.
It is 40 km2 (15.4 sq mi) in area, the only floating park in the world, located in North East India, and an integral part of Loktak Lake which is the last natural habitat of the Sangai (Rucervus eldii eldii) the dancing deer of Manipur. It comes under the Bishnupur District of Manipur. A glimpse of the deer in this unique wetland ecosystem is a must for any wildlife enthusiast. Other wildlife to mention a few are: Hog deer, Otter and a host of water fowls and migratory birds can also be sighted during November to March. The national park is characterized by many floating decomposed plant materials locally called phumdis. The forest Department of Manipur maintains watch towers and two rest houses within the park.
Khongjom War Memorial.
Located in Lamding Mamang Leikai, under Thoubaldistrict of Manipur. Khongjom War Memorial located 36 kms. away from Imphal. It was here that Major General Paona Brajabashi, one of the great warriors of Manipur proved his valor against the superior might of the invading British Army in 1891. The hillock at the foot of which he laid down his life in defense of his motherland, is reminiscent of the past heroic deeds of Manipuri warriors. The complex houses the world’s tallest sword statue, which symbolizes the valor and courage of the freedom fighters of Manipur. A war memorial has been constructed on the top of Kheba hill, and Khongjom day is celebrated every year on 23rd April.