Manipur

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MANIPUR

MANIPUR
Location: Northeastern Region Of India
Capital: Imphal
Tourist Attractions: Manipuri Dance, Tribes, Imphal, Phubala, Phumdi, and Loktak
Lake
Best Time To Visit: October To May
Dancing With Nature: The tiny landlocked state in the northeast dates back to the days
of the epic Mahabharata and has been a valley of enchantment for centuries. Today it
has all the promises of becoming a great tourist attraction. An oval-shaped valley
nestling among the verdant hills, it is home to diverse and colourful tribes whose
repository of folklore and culture, myths and legends, dances and martial arts is a source
of unending wonders.
The graceful Manipuri dance with its lilting songs are considered to be one of India's best
classical dance forms; the energetic folk dances where men with their Dholaks, cymbals
and other musical instruments exhibit their physical prowess are now one of the
mainstays of any cultural program. And most people consider Manipur to be the place
from where the game of polo originated.
Sadly, despite their wealth of natural and historical attractions, the northeastern states-
also known as the 'seven sisters' - have largely remained off the tourist circuit partly
because everybody feels these are very disturbed areas. So the traveller has to limit
himself to the major attractions in and around the capital cities.
Phubala Resort: Those who want to spend some time in the lap of nature can hole up
at the resort at Phubala, on the western fringe of the Loktak Lake. Linked to the
mainland by a causeway, the resort is run by the tourism department and has boating
facilities.
Places Of Interest In Imphal: From the airport, we drive into Imphal town by car. The
people in Manipur are mostly Vaishnavites and wear the traditional Chandan Tika
(sandalwood mark on forehead); the women have a colourful cotton wrap thrown round
their shoulders.
Ima Market: The town itself is a picturesque place with a profusion of green all around. A
network of narrow, shoplined streets marks the center of the town. It is here that one will
come across the only market in the country wholly owned and run by women. Called the
'Ima Market' or Mothers' Market, it is a very interesting place to have a look around. Also
do not forget to buy the colourful cotton wraps used by the women.
Bir Tikendrajit Park: One of the major attractions of Imphal is the Bir Tikendrajit Park
with its commemorative monument honoring the Maitai and other tribal warriors who
sacrificed their lives fighting the British in 1891. Nearby is the war cemetery where
soldiers of the allied army fighting in the Second World War lie buried. The
commonwealth war graves commission looks after the place.
The Polo Ground is also a picture of green and holds various events. The state museum
showcases aspects of the local lifestyle and handicrafts.
Adjoining the near crumbling royal palace is the much-revered Govindajee Temple. The
high point of Manipuri culture, this temple with its twin gold plated domes, holds Manipuri
dance programs in the evening. It is believed that the dance form originated here.
Flora & Fauna: Manipur is also proud of its floral and faunal beauty. Located on NH 39
and 12-km from Imphal is the Central Orchidarium. Sprawling over 200 acres of land, it

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contains 120 rare varieties of orchids. The place wears a very colourful look in April-May
when most of them bloom.
On the way to Kangchup, to the west of Imphal, is the Zoological Garden, 6-km from the
town. Located at the foot of the Iroisemba Hill. It is a picturesque place and contains
many rare species of local fauna. It is here that one can take a look at the rare Sangai or
the brow antlered Deer.
In the wild this special kind of Deer is now only limited to the 40-square-kilometre Keibul
Lamjao National Park, in a corner of the Loktak Lake, 48-km from Imphal. This unique
wetland ecosystem supports 17 species of rare mammals. It is here that you will find the
floating islands called "Phumdi". Made of a tangle of watery weeds and other plants,
they are strong enough to support the weight of man and animal. Earlier. These were the
few places in the open where one could see the brow antlered Deer.
Lakes: Between November and March, the Loktak Lake is also visited by a large
number of migratory birds. The forest department has built a watchtower and two rest
houses here.
Those who want to spend some time in the lap of nature, can hole up at the resort at
Phubala, on the western fringe of the Loktak Lake. Linked to the mainland by a
causeway, the resort is run by the tourism department and has boating facilities.
Sendra Island Resort: Another picturesque resort run by the tourism department is the
Sendra Island resort in a corner of the lake. It has a tourist lodge and an adjoining
cafeteria. However, it is better to check with the local tourist office at Imphal before
proceeding to these areas, and a local guide is a must for visiting outside a package
tour.
Moirang: On the way to Loktak Lake and just 3-km ahead is Moirang - the centre of
Maitai culture and an erstwhile princely state. Woven into the history of Moirang is the
brief but glorious chapter of India's flight for independence.
It was at the Moirang Kangla Palace that the advancing forces of Netaji Subhash
Chandra Bose's Azad Hind Fauz raised the Indian soil. A small museum now holds the
memorabilia of that historic event.
The People & Their Livelihood: The characteristics of the Manipuri people vary
according to geographical divisions. The Meitees who speak Manipuri, inhabit the plains;
the Kukis and Nagas of the hills, speak Tibeto - Burmese dialects. Early Manipuris were
followers of Hinduism. The advent of Christianity resulted in the conversion of the people
residing in the hills, while the majority of men from the plains continue to be Hindus.
Agriculture, the single largest source of livelihood, for a majority of the rural masses, is
also the mainstay of the state economy.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Imphal is connected by regular domestic flights link with Delhi via Guwahati. Additional
flights link Imphal with Dimapur (In Nagaland). Dimapur, 215-km, away is also the
nearest railhead. NH 39 links Imphal with Guwahati and NH 53 links it with Silchar, both
in neighbouring Assam. But for the tourist, it is best to fly in.
Domestic tourists do not need any permit but if one is travelling or transiting through
Nagaland, an inner line permit is necessary. Subdivisional officer, Dimapur will issue
permits for in bound travellers while deputy commissioner, Imphal, will issue the same
for out bound travellers. Valid identity cards with a picture are necessary for obtaining
permits. There are both private hotels and government run tourist lodges in Manipur. For
more details, contact: Tourist Officer, Directorate of tourism, Imphal, Manipur.

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