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| Manipur |
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 Nestled
deep within a lush green corner of India's Northeast is the
wondrously exquisite little Shangri-La called Manipur. Literally
meaning 'a jewelled land', this is one of the loveliest, but
lesser known holiday destinations in the country. Manipur’s
exotic scenery, mystic atmosphere and clean climate truly fascinate
the tourists. It is a state abounding with festivals and the
Manipuris, the natives of the state, are best introduced by
their world famous ‘Manipuri Dance’ - one of the
major dance forms of India. The state is inhabited by over two
dozens tribes. Manipur claims to have invented the game Polo,
the main sport of Manipur. Loktak Lake with its floating weed
islands and the dancing deer Sangai are other attractions for
the tourist in this state. With its wonderful culture, nature
and heritage, this erstwhile royal state is slowly slipping
into the mainstream tourism from its sheltered environs amongst
the blue-hued hills and is all set to be one of the most favourable
tourism destinations in the country. |
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| GETTING
HERE |
Imphal, the capital
city of Manipur, is connected by air with Aizwal, Delhi, Guwahati,
Kolkata and Silchar. There are several airlines with regular
services in and out of Imphal. There is no direct train service
to Imphal or any of its towns. Guwahati and Dimapur are the
two nearest railheads to go to Imphal. However, the state has
very efficient road transport. Manipur State Road Transport
Corporation (MSRTC) has daily bus services to Guwahati, Dimapur
and Kohima. Apart from the state owned services, private bus
services are also available to commute to major towns inside
the state, as well as to reach other towns of the neighbouring
states. There are also taxies and other automotive local transport
available in Imphal.
ENTRY FORMALITIES
All foreigners intending to visit Manipur can avail of permits
from the Indian Missions abroad, FRRO offices in Mumbai, Kolkata
and Delhi, the Immigration Office in Chennai and the Home commissioner,
Government of Manipur, Imphal. Areas that can be visited include
Imphal City, Loktak Lake, INA Memorial (Moirang), Sendra, Waithou
Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park and the Khongjom War Memorial.
Domestic tourists intending to visit Manipur by road via Dimapur/Kohima
require Inner Line Permits to pass through Nagaland. These are
issued by the Liaison officers of the Government of Nagaland
at New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong and the Sub-Divisional
Officer (Civil), Dimapur. Deputy Commissioner, Imphal can also
issue permits to tourists travelling by road from Imphal to
Kohima and Dimapur in Nagaland. |
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| WHAT
TO SEE |
Imphal
Manipur's capital city, Imphal, has harmonised itself seamlessly
into its beautiful natural environment. Lovely hills and mountains
encircle the city. Imphal is the very heart of the official,
commercial and cultural activities in the state. The polo ground
dominates the landscape of the town. Major attractions for the
tourists are Manipur State Museum, Zoological Garden, Bir Tikendrajit
Park, Saheed Minar, Vaishnavite Centre, Shri Govindaji Temple,
Royal Palace, Konghampat Orchidarium and Ima Market.
Bishnupur
(27 kms from Imphal) Bishnupur is famous for its 15th century
Vishnu temple. The unusual small bricks of the temple show Chinese
influence, adding to the fascination. Bishnupur is also known
for its stoneware.
Ukhral
(83 kms from Imphal) Manipur's popular and the highest hill
station is Ukhrul. It is famous for its lovely Siroi Lilies,
which grow here in abundance. The nearby lime caves of Kangkhui
are also worth a visit. |
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Keibul
Lamjao National Park
(53 kms from Imphal) In the southern part of Loktak Lake is
the world's only floating national park. It is the unique habitat
of the rare Sangai, the brown antlered deer. This rare animal
is locally called the 'dancing deer'. The national park is a
wildlife enthusiast's dream.
Loktak Lake
(45 kms from Imphal) One of the most enchanting and biggest
freshwater lakes in the Northeast is Manipur's Loktak Lake,
which is a favourite amongst the tourists. From the tourist
bungalow set atop Sendra Island, visitors can get a bird's eye
view of life on the lake. This fresh water lake plays an important
role in the ecological and economical security of the region.
A very large area of the lake is covered with thick matted weeds.
And quite amazingly the local fishing people and some rare species
including the Sangai, or Manipuri dancing deer, live on this
unique floating habitat.
Moirang
(27 kms from Imphal) The hot seat of Manipuri folk culture and
craft, Moirang is also the location for an ancient temple of
the pre-historic deity, Lord Thangjing. Moirang played an important
role in India's freedom struggle. The flag of Indian National
Army (INA) was first raised at Moirang. At the INA Museum, one
can discover several memorabilia of INA. |
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