Manipur
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Northeast India · State

Manipur

Floating islands and the jewel of India

Photo: Sudiptorana, CC BY-SA 4.0
Capital

Imphal

Best time to visit

October to April

Getting there

Fly into Imphal. Road access is via Kohima in Nagaland.

Ideal trip

4 to 6 days to cover the highlights

About Manipur

Manipur is known for Loktak Lake's floating phumdis, classical Manipuri dance and a proud sporting culture. Check current travel advisories before you plan.

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Popular cities in Manipur

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ChurachandpurImphalMoirangUkhrul

Top places in Manipur

Loktak Lake and Keibul LamjaoPhoto: Sudiptorana, CC BY-SA 4.0

Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao

The largest freshwater lake in the Northeast, with floating phumdis and the world's only floating national park, home of the sangai deer.

Best time: October to AprilBase: Moirang2 daysNatureWildlife
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From Wikipedia

Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. It is a pulsating lake, with a surface area varying from 250 km2 to 500 km2 during the rainy season with a typical area of 287 km2. The lake is located at Moirang in Manipur state, India. The etymology of Loktak is Lok = "stream" and tak = "the end" in Meitei language. It is famous for the phumdi floating over it.

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Video by BBC Global on YouTube

Kangla FortPhoto: Haoreima, CC BY-SA 4.0

Kangla Fort

The historic seat of Manipuri kings in the heart of Imphal.

Best time: October to AprilBase: Imphal1 dayHeritage
Directions
From Wikipedia

The Kangla, officially known as the Kangla Fort, is an old fortified palace at Imphal, in the Manipur state of India. It was formerly situated on both sides of the bank of the Imphal River, now remaining only on the western side in ruined conditions. Kangla means "the prominent part of the dry land" in old Meetei. It was the traditional seat of the past Meetei rulers of Manipur. Kangla was the ancient capital of pre-modern Manipur.

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Video by HISTORY TV18 on YouTube

Imphal and Ima KeithelPhoto: Goumisao, CC BY-SA 4.0

Imphal and Ima Keithel

Asia's largest all-women market, run by thousands of Meitei mothers, in the heart of Imphal.

Best time: October to AprilBase: Imphal1 dayCultureFood
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From Wikipedia

The Ima Market, also known as the Nupi Keithel or the Khwairamband Keithel, is a women-only market in the middle of Imphal in the Indian state of Manipur. The market hosts around 5,000–6,000 women vendors who sell a variety of products, such as vegetables, fruits, textiles, toys, fish, spices and utensils. It is a popular tourist attraction in the state of Manipur as the largest all-women market in Asia.

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Shirui HillsHidden gemPhoto: Thorkild Poulsen, CC BY-SA 2.5

Shirui Hills

Hills in Ukhrul home to the rare Shirui lily, which blooms only here in May and June.

Best time: April to JuneBase: Ukhrul2 daysMountainsNature
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From Wikipedia

Lilium mackliniae, the Shirui lily or Shirui Kashong Timrawon, is a rare Indian species of plant found only in the upper reaches of the Shirui hill ranges in the Ukhrul district of Manipur, India, at an elevation of 1,730–2,590 metres above sea level. It is located near the boundary of Myanmar to the east, Shirui village in the west, Choithar village in the south and Sihai village in the north. This shade-loving lily has pale bluish-pink petals but has seven colours when observed through a microscope.

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Moirang and INA MemorialHidden gemPhoto: PP Yoonus, CC BY-SA 3.0

Moirang and INA Memorial

Where the Indian National Army first raised the Indian flag in 1944, beside Loktak Lake.

Best time: October to AprilBase: Moirang1 dayHeritage
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From Wikipedia

Moirang is a town in the Indian state of Manipur, best known for the tentatively listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Keibul Lamjao Conservation Area, covering Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world's only floating national park, the buffer of Loktak Lake and Pumlen Pat. It is best known for the being the place of origin of the ancient epic legend of Khamba and Thoibi, one of the seven epic cycles of incarnations of Meitei mythology and folklore.

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Food to try

Eromba, chamthong, singju salad, black rice kheer (chak-hao kheer)

Where to stay

Imphal as the main base; homestays near Loktak and in Ukhrul

Getting around

Fly into Imphal; shared taxis and hired cars for day trips

Good to know

Check current travel advisories before visiting. Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit.

Manipur: quick answers

What is the best time to visit Manipur?

October to April

How do I reach Manipur?

Fly into Imphal. Road access is via Kohima in Nagaland.

How many days do I need for Manipur?

Plan 4 to 6 days to see the highlights, such as Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao, Kangla Fort, Imphal and Ima Keithel.

What food should I try in Manipur?

Eromba, chamthong, singju salad, black rice kheer (chak-hao kheer)

Where should I stay in Manipur?

Imphal as the main base; homestays near Loktak and in Ukhrul

Neighbouring states

Timings, fees, permits and road conditions change. Please check official sources before you travel.