Manipur


With rich Indian tourist places voyagers can make their vacations special. In this short note tourist will get the ample of knowledge about the most popular North East state Manipur which is famous for its greenery and high hill tourist locations. The Capital City Imphal is major attraction of the state, though Manipur is not big in land area comparing to other big states of India, but its natural beauty and dense forest areas makes it more demanding than other land areas of the nation. The east portion of state is boarded with Burma country. The land area of Manipur is 22,347 sq kms which is equal to Israel Nation.


The name Manipur is made of two simple words of Hindi Language. Mani means gems and pur means location. This land of gems is rich in culture as well. The dance, martial arts, theater and carving specialty is world famous. People visited Manipur suggest the state as Heaven on the earth because of its natural beauty.

As per geographic location the state Manipur can be referred as gateway of India to the southeastern Asia. If the government proposes for TAR (Trans-Asian Railway) network then India will be easily connected to Burma, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. According to sources the Meeteis community people came to Manipur first, though they occupied only 10 % land area of the state. Their local language was Meeteilon which was also recognized as Manipuri. In 1992 Manipuri becomes the National language of India. Because of local dispute and border of Asia the state is measured as sensitive state of India. Outsiders are required to pose RAP (Restricted Area Permit) to enter the state.

Manipur state was controlled by British Empire since 1891. The state got freedom in 1947 when the nation got liberty from British India Company. The state faced lots of political problems after independence. Earlier from 1956 to 1972 the state was known as union territory of India, though it became the complete state in 1972.

Muhammad Alimuddin was the CM (Chief Minister) of Manipur State from 1972 to 1974. Some area of the state becomes problematic since 1964 because of foundation of UNLF (United National Liberation Front). People of such group demanded separation of the state from India and started doing violent activities.

Some known districts of Manipur are Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Chandel, Imphal, Senapati, Tamenglong, Thoubal, and Ukhrul. The hill region of Manipur gives the charming atmosphere to the state. The distance of state from sea level is only 790 meters and surrounded is covered with dense forest and high hills. Winter could be little challenge for voyagers in Manipur because the temperature goes really down in cold season. The freezing January is not good time to visit and tepid July is also not better time to reach Manipur. October to February is finest period for tourism in state.

Attraction in Manipur:
This land of gems is having countless charming places where voyagers can visit. The amazing Shirui Lily situated in Ukhrul region is first choice for visitors in state. The floating isles and Sangai are next two best spots for holidays. Floating islet is located at Loktak Lake. The royal game Polo can be enjoyed in various locations of the State Manipur. The finest feature is Polo game is originated in Manipur only.

Few attractive Manipur tourist spots are:
Imphal: the capital city of Manipur is first destination for visitors. Here tourist will learn the rich culture of state, though the huge amount of migrant people from Kerala, UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and many other states allow the Indian tourist to feel like home. The only distance of 7 kms from Tulihal Airport allow voyagers to attain the spot easily. The sports complex known as Khuman Lampak played vital role for popularity of the city. The complex was appreciated for conducting national games in 1997. Tourist can buy the imported items from Paona Bazar, Sing Complex, Leima Plaza and Ningthibi Collections.

Shree Govind Jee Temple: the world-known shrine Govind Jee Temlpe is best tourist spot of Manipur. The domes of temple are made of real gold and its cemented court is beautifully managed by trust. The big congregation hall of temple is special to watch. The idols of God Govinda, Goddess Radha, God Balaram, Jagannath Swami, Subhadra and Balabhadra are placed in other small area of the temple.

Keibul Lamjao National Park: KLNP (Keibul Lamjao National Park) is one more tourist location of Manipur situated at 48 kms distance of Imphal city. The rare and dangerous species of the park are best thing to watch. The spot is having greenery everywhere and its temperature is moderate. The finest feature of park is this best location is world-famous as floating national park. There is no another floating park in the world except KLNP.

Loktak Lake: the freshwater pond of Manipur is used by local people to get the fish. This lake is again popular for floating islands recognized as Phumdi. The small boats at nominal fee are available to enjoy the Loktak Lake. View of floating island from small boat is amazing and never can be explained in words.

Lamka: next location for voyagers is Lamka, the 2nd biggest town of Manipur. Lamka is the valuable trade center of the state also popular for Khuga Dam located at only 7 kms distance in south of the Lamka town.

Moreh: this thriving border area allows viewing the Indo-Burma border. Moreh town is big source for thriving trade among India and Burma. However, legal and illegal trades both are done at this place like export of opium in big quantity is done from this spot. The big fight between militant groups and government was done at this center. In 1990s many people lost their life because of strict action by the state government.

War cemeteries: this spot is established in the memory of soldiers fought for India and British Company during the 2nd World War. CWGC (Commonwealth War Graves Commission) is managing the cemeteries.

Some more tourist spots of Manipur State are Khonghampat Orchidarium, Manipur Zoo, Moirang, Sendra Island, Bird's eye view, Kaina, Khongjom, Khongjom war memorial, Tengnoupal, Ukhrul, Museum, Maibam Lotpa Ching, Willong Khullen, Yangkhullen, Stone Erections of Willong,  and Leimram Waterfall.

Planning the holidays for more days is much appreciated rather than looking for two or three day’s vacations in Manipur.

For accommodation travelers can attain to various locations such as Hotel Imphal, State Guest House, Assembly Guest House, Youth Hostel, Hotel Nirmala, Hotel Excallency, Hotel Anand Continental, Hotel Prince, Hotel White Palace, Hotel Pintu, and Hotel Deesh Delux.

Attaining to Manipur:
To take pleasure of Manipur state tourist must reach Imphal the capital as the city is properly linked to many states of India by road, train and air.

By Air: flights to Imphal from Aizwal, Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata and Silchar are available. Tourist can plan their trip by getting the tickets of domestic airlines of India. However, irregular flight problem could become issue so planning for Manipur should be done prior the trip.

By Road: Road is the best way to reach Imphal because tourist can easily take pleasure of amazing jungle route during the journey. State buses from Guwahati, Dimapur and Silchar are available for Imphal. The NH 39 directly connects the city to several other places of India. Hiring the private bus is also option for the voyagers. Dimapur is also having direct buses for Imphal going through same NH 39 route. Daily buses from Silchar are available reaching Imphal via Jiribam.

By Train: train is the issue for visitors as direct train for Imphal is not available. Guwahati is the big railway station close to Imphal city. Next big station is Dimapur linked with many big cities of India through train.