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Manipur, literally meaning “The Land of Jewels”, is the twentieth state of the Indian Union. Untouched & undiscovered, Manipur is a virtual paradise with natural bounty and beauty. It is also rich in art & traditions.

Manipur is the land of Polo’s birth. It is known for its martial tradition and also for the famous Manipuri Classical dance. Imphal is the capital of Manipur.

SIGHTSEEING:

Govindajee Temple

A simple & beautiful structure with twin gold domes, a paved courtyard and a large raised congregation hall, the Shri Govindajee Temple is a historic Vaisnavite shrine, adjoining the Royal Palace of the rulers of Manipur of the bygone era. The Presiding deity in the centre is flanked by the shrines of Lord Jagannath on one side & Lord Krishna & Balaram on the other.

Khwairamband Bazar

This all women’s market is split into two sections on both sides of a road. Exquisite colourful handloom shawls & other materials are sold on one side & vegetables, fruits, fish and household utensils & implements on the other. There is a street not far away from here where magnificent wicker works are sold.

State Museum

This is a very interesting place for those who want to have an insight of Manipur’s tribal heritage & historical past. Costumes, arms & weapons, relics & historical documents are some of the interesting items.

War Cemeteries

These war cemeteries, commemorating the memories of the British & Indian army victims of the 2nd World War, are managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Little stone markers & bronze plaques record the sacrifice of the gallant soldiers.

Zoological Garden

This is located at Iroishemba on the Imphal – Kangchup road, 6 km. off Imphal. The surrounding is sylvan & it is graced by the brow-antlered deer, one of the rarest species in the world.

K. Orchidarium

This orchidarium, located 7 km. off Imphal on the N.H. 39, is a place of interest for the Orchid lovers. Covering an area of 200 acres of land, this houses over 110 varieties of Orchids , including several endemic species. The Peak blooming season is April-May.

Shaheed Minar

Located at Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of Imphal, this tall minar commemorates the indomitable spirit of Manipur martyrs who sacrificed their lives while fighting the British in 1891.

Loktak Lake

Located 48 km. off Imphal, Loktak is the largest freshwater lake in North East India. From the tourist bungalow set atop Sendra Island, visitors can have a bird’s eye view on the people living in & around the lake, the shimmering blue waters of the lake & colourful water plants.

Keibul Lamjao NP

Located 53 km. off Imphal on the Loktak Lake, this is the only floating National Park in the world. It is the last natural habitat of the brow-antlered deer ( Sangai), the dancing deer of Manipur. Other inmates of the park include ---- hog deer, otter & a host of water fowls. Migratory birds can also be sighted during November to March.

Ukhrul

83 km. off Imphal, it is the highest hill station of the state. Ukhrul is a major centre of the colourful warrior tribe- the Tangkhul Nagas. Siroi Hills, famous for the Siroi Lily, a peculiar type of land-lily & Khangkhui Lime Caves are interesting places for visitors.

Churachandpur

Churachandpur, 59 km. off Imphal, is inhabited mainly by the colourful Kuki tribe. An ideal place for sightseeing, it is also famous for the local handicraft & handloom products.

Tamenglong

156 km. from Imphal, Tamenglong is known for its mysterious caves, deep gorges, splendid waterfalls & exotic orchids. Some of the places worth visiting are the Tharon cave, Booning Meadows, Zailad Lake & Barak waterfalls.

Moirang

45 km. off Imphal, Moirang is famous historically & also for the ancient temple of the Pre- Hindu deity, Lord Thangjing. People in bright traditional costumes sing & dance in honour of Lord Thangjing here at the Moirang Lai Haraoba every year in the month of May. The graceful Khamba-Thoibi dance originated here at Moirang. Moirang bears historical significance as it was here that the flag of the Indian National Army was first hoisted on Indian soil on April 14, 1944.

There is an INA museum here containing some precious articles associated with this movement.

Other places of tourist interests are Bishnupur, Phubala, Khongjom, Tengnoupal, Moreh, Singda, Langthabal etc.

Entry formalities. With effect from 1st January 2011 Protected Area Permit (PAP) required for foreign nationals has been withdrawn from  the North - East Indian States of Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram  for a year. However, the tourists have to register themselves with the Foreigner's Registration Officer of the district they travel within 24 Hours of their arrival.