Manipur, specifically known for its distinct classical dance form “The Manipuri Dance”, which is one of the four classical dance forms in India, is believed to be a part of India since the time of Mahabharata. Almost covered with huge mountains, green and beautiful valleys with verdant forests, Manipur is also famous for its unique art forms such as martial arts, dance, theatre and sculpture of various cultures, and traditions and indigenous sports of land. It is also known as the sports capital of North-east India because of its International level sports infrastructure.
In Sanskrit ‘Mani’ means ‘Jewel’ and ‘Pur’ means ‘Land’, truly a Jewelled land of India in every aspects right from Culture, natural beauty, biodiversity to Sports, Manipur became a Part C state of India on 21st Sept 1949 with a Merger Agreement signed by Maharaja Budhachandra and The Govt. of India.
Geography: – With an area of 22327 Sq.Km, Manipur is bordered by Nagaland to the North, Assam to the West, Mizoram in the South-West and Myanmar in the East and South-East. The Capital of Manipur is Imphal. The state is covered by River valley and lakes in the middle surrounded by blue hills and mountain ranges, with an average elevation of 2600feet in the valley and upto 6000feet in the mountain ranges above the sea level. There are mainly four major river basins in Manipur, the Barak River basin, Manipur river basin, Yu river basin and Lanye river basin. Loktak lake is the largest lake in the North-east which is also known as the floating lake. There are total 16 districts in Manipur.
Culture: – The state population is mainly comprised of Meitei people(53%), Nagas(24%) and Kuki-Zo(16%). The official language is Meitei. About 42% of Manipuri people are Hindu (Vaishnavite Hinduism) and Sanamahism, approximately 41% believes in Christianity, and approximately 8-9% follows Islam. The folk religion practiced by Meitei people is called Sanamahism. They have their own unique Martial arts, Dance form (Manipuri dance), Theatre and Sculpture. The game Polo originates in Manipur which was later spread to the World by the Britishers.
Biodiversity: – Approximately 64% of the total geographical area of the state is covered with forests which may be divided into four types – Tropical Semi- evergreen, Dry- temperate, Sub-tropical pine and Tropical moist Deciduous. These forests consist of short and tall grasses, reeds, bamboos, teak, pine, oak, uningthou, leihao, cane, etc. Keibul-Lamjao National Park, situated at Loktak lake is the only National park in Manipur and is the only floating National park in the World. Brow-antlered deer (Sangai), tiger, leopard, Himalayan black beer, etc are the major mammals found in the state.
How to Reach: – Imphal airport, also named as Bir Tikendrajit Airport, is the second largest airport in the North-East India and has been upgraded to International airport. The major nearest railhead is at Dimapur, Nagaland at a distance of 215Km through National Highway NH-39. Another railway station Silchar, Assam is at a distance of 269Km from Imphal which is connected by National Highway NH-53. There is one major international road through Moreh town in Manipur, to countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, etc.
Major Destinations of Manipur: –
1. Imphal
Surrounded by lush green landscape, beautiful surroundings, flaunting beauty of hilltops and the memories of fierce battle of World War II, Imphal is the capital city of Manipur. The city is a mixture of hills, valleys, forests and rivers. While exploring Imphal, one can visit Ima Keithel (Mother’s market), a unique bazar which is run by women.
- Best time to visit: – October to March.
- Major attractions: – Manipur State Museum, Ima Keithel, War cemetery, Manipur Zoological garden, Kangla forte, Shahid Minar, RKCS Art gallery and Museum, Shri Govindjee Temple, Several parks and sports complex, etc.
- Ideal duration of visit: – 1D/2N.
- Distance from: – Kohima- 138Km, and Silchar-253Km.
- Places to stay: – All categories of Hotel, Resorts are available.
2. Loktak Lake & Keibul-Lamjao National Park
The circular floating Swamps locally called Phumids, Keibul Lamjao National Park- the only floating National park in the World, the Sendra Island- best picnic and other recreational activities spots in Manipur, everything makes Loktak lake one of the best tourist hotspots in Manipur as well as in the entire North-East India. This place is quite popular amongst nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists.
- Best time to visit: – October to March.
- Major attractions: – Boating, Wildlife and bird watching, visit to INA museum at Moirang, Loktak folklore museum, Keibul Lamjao National park.
- Ideal duration of visit: – 1Day
- Distance from: – Imphal – 54Km.
3. Bishnupur
Bishnupur is an ancient place in Manipur where there are several temples and religious sites dating back to centuries old Manipuri culture. This place is also popular among the descendants of the Japanese and British armed forces of World War II. Moirang is another tourist destination in the Bishnupur District.
- Best time to visit: – October to March.
- Major attractions: – Bishnu temple, Rasmancha, Jorebangla temple, Pancha Ratana temple, Dal Madol, Sisunia pahar, Shyamrai temple, Siddheshwar temple, Radha Shyam temple, Sridhara temple, Loukoipat Ecological park.
- Ideal duration of Visit: – 1Day.
- Distance from Imphal: – 29Km.
4. Moreh
The Gateway of India to South-East Asia and emerging international commercial capital of Manipur, Moreh is a border town located on the India – Myanmar border. Moreh plays a very important role in connection with the India-Myanmar relationship and is also a rapidly developing trade point in India on the border with Myanmar along with other South-East Asian countries like Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, etc. The famous ASEAN car rally traverses through Moreh.
- Best time to visit: – October to March.
- Major attractions: – Visit to Indo-Myanmar friendship bridge, Marketing, etc.
- Ideal duration of visit: – 1Day.
- Distance from: – Imphal- 108Km.
