Tourism in Manipur
Manipur, a little Shangarila located in North-East India, is a Jewel of India. This little corner is a paradise on Earth where Mother Nature has been extra generous in her bounty. The least touched and least discovered Manipur promises to be the great tourist discovery of the 21st century.
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An oval-shaped valley surrounded by blue-green hills, rich in art and tradition has inspired descriptions 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 colourful communities which have lived in complete harmony for centuries.
Imphal is the capital of Manipur, Imphal is a busting minimetropolis situated at a height of 790 m. above the sea level.
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. Shree
Shree Govindajee Temple
A historic Vaishnavite centre, adjoining Manipur’s former Maharajas’ Royal Palace, the Govindajee temple is one of the most attractive sights for the tourists. Twin domes, a paved courtyard, and a large raised congregation hall form a perfect backdrop for priests who descend the steps, to accept offerings from devotees in the courtyard. The shrines of Lord Krishna and Balaram and Jagannath flank the two sides of the presiding deity. Early hours Prayer (Aarti) is a must for devoted followers, exudingspiritual fervour and ecstasy.
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. Particularly interesting items are costumes, arms & ammunition, relics and historical documents.
War Cemetery
Commemorating the memories of the British and Indian soldiers who died during 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.
Manipur Zoological Garden
Manipur Zoological Garden at Iroisemba is only 6 km. on the Imphal-Kangchup Road at the foot of the pine growing hillocks . 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.
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.
Sadu Chiru Waterfall
About 20 Kms. from Imphal beside the Tiddim Road (NH150) is a picturesque site famous for its perennial Water Fall in a scenic foot hill. There are three waterfall spots. This is a newly open tourist spot.
Loktak Lake
48 Kms. from Imphal, is the largest fresh water lake in the North East Region. 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 colourful water plants.
The Sendra Tourist Home with an attached Cafeteria is an ideal tourist spot. Boating and other water sports are organised here in Takmu Water Sports Complex.
Moirang
45 km from Imphal, and situated near the Loktak lake, this town is one of the main centres 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 colourful traditional costumes sing and dance in honour of the Lord at the Moirang “Lai Haraoba” which is a ritual dance festival held every year. This town also has a special place in the history of the Indian Freedom struggle. It was at Moirang that the flag of the Indian National Army was first unfurled on April 14, 1944.
The INA Museum containing letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other memorabilia reminds the visitors of the noble sacrifices made by the INA under the charismatic leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Keibul Lamjao National Park
The only floating National Park in the world, on the Loktak Lake, is the last natural habitat of the Sangai (Rucervus eldii eldii) the dancing deer 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 waterfowls and migratory birds can also be sighted during November to March. The forest Department of Manipur maintains watchtowers and two rest houses within the park.
Moreh
This is a busy market town on the Indo-Myanmar border, located at a distance of 110 kms. from Imphal. A commercial town and a real shopping paradise for shoppers where sundry products ranging from electronics to daily consumables are available in plenty.
This place holds importance for the visiting tourists not only for being a border town but also for providing a unique opportunity to experience the different cultures, lifestyles of Myanmar through its border town at Tamu which is only 5 km away from here. There are ample hotels of medium-range providing comfortable stay at Moreh.
Churachandpur
It is on the Tiddim Road, 60 kms. from Imphal and is one of the most beautiful places for sightseeing and holidaying. It is a bustling tribal town and district headquarter where products of arts and crafts of the area are available in the local market. Kuki- Chin-Mizo are the dominant tribe.
Ukhrul
Ukhrul, the highest hill station of the state is located at a distance of 83 kms. to the east of Imphal. Ukhrul is well developed and is a centre of a colourful warrior tribe, the Tangkhul Nagas. Siroi Hills and Khangkhui Lime Caves are interesting places for excursions. Siroi Hills: Ukhrul is also known for a peculiar type of land-lily, the Siroi Lily, grows on the Siroi hills at a height of 8,500 ft. This beautiful lily growing only in this part of the world blooms during May-June. Tangkhul is one of the oldest and major tribes of Manipur.
Dzuko Valley
It is a very beautiful green valley and the most picturesque place in Senapati District bordering Nagaland. It is famous for its rare terrestrial lily called Dzuko Lily and the enchanting snow-clad valley during January & February. The highest peak of Manipur Mount Iso is also located behind this valley.
Air Communication
Imphal is the second largest airport in the region. Imphal is connected to KOLKATA , NEW DELHI, GUWAHATI, AIZAWL, DIMAPUR & SILCHAR by Air India, Jet Airways, Indigo, Kingfisher & NE Shuttles. Railway NH-39 links Imphal with the railhead at Dimapur in Nagaland 215 km to the north. NH 53 links Imphal with the railhead at Jiribam 225 Km in the southwest. Railways will reach Imphal by 2016.
Roads
Private owned and managed deluxe coaches run daily from Imphal to Guwahati and
Dimapur and back thus facilitating along the 3 National Highway viz. ,
- N.H -39 Via Nagaland
- N.H -53 via Silchar
- N.H -150 via Mizoram