Travel to Manipur and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of its majestic mountains, picturesque valleys and colorful celebrations. Imphal is the capital city of this state which was once the capital of King Pakhangba. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru affectionately dubbed Manipur as the ‘Jewel of India’. Loktak Lake, Sendra Island, INA Memorial, Keibul Lamjao National Park are some of the major tourist attractions in the state.

The best time to visit Manipur is during the winter season. Yes, it is believed that the winter brings back the original beauty of this lovely state. So, you can pay a visit to Manipur from the month of October to March. The romantic weather will bring out the true beauty of this place which you should not miss seeing. Monsoon in Manipur can bring irregular heavy downpours and unexpected strong winds.

From the vast depths of the Manipuri cuisine, come delicious dishes like Eromba (a lovely chutney boiled with vivacious red chillies), Singju (a salad prepared with chopped banana stem, banana flower, cabbage, lotus stem and herbs and seasonal vegetables) and Chamthong (a stew of vegetables, fish and rice) to name a few. Cuisine here is typically spicy, as the locals use chilli peppers rather than garam masala.

Stone-carved bowls, grinders, plates, and candle stands are absolutely the things to buy in Manipur. Wooden items like a spoon, try, bowl, buckets, and mugs can also make some nice shopping items which will also be quite useful in your household. Pottery is another trait; people of Manipur are extremely skilled at.

Meiteilon is the official language of Manipur (also known as Manipuri) and English is also quite popular there.

1. IMPHAL

Imphal has an untouched charm surrounding its natural beauty, sceneries and landscapes as well as a significant history leaving hints of the past around the city. The lust green landscapes, beautiful surroundings, unexplored territories and undulating rivers of Imphal make for a great tourist destination. This site of the battle of Imphal during the World War II, assumes a certain importance, derived from history. The two together give Imphal a number of tourist destinations which include INA Memorial, Manipur State Museum, Kangla Fort, Langthabal, War Cemeteries, Shri Govindjee Temple as well as the Waithou and Loktal Lake. Manipur Zoological gardens and Keibul Lamjao National park are also places one might not want to miss

Places to visit in Imphal: Loktak Lake and Sendra Island, Kangla Fort, Tharon Cave, Shaheed Minar, INA Memorial

2. LOKTAK LAKE AND SENDRA ISLAND

The largest fresh water lake in the country, Loktak Lake and the Sendra Island on it, are one of the most beautiful attractions of the state. Situated about 50 km from Imphal, Loktak Lake is situated in the valley of Imphal and is home to all the rivers and rivulets that run in the state of Manipur.

Loktak Lake and Sendra Island present a combination of beauty unmatched anywhere else in the country. One is the largest freshwater lake in India while the other a floating island made of organic waste on the very same lake, housing the only tourist home in the area.

3. KANGLA FORT

Also known as the Palace of Kangla, this place situated on the banks of the Imphal river, served as the royal palace of King Pakhangba. After 2003 this fort has been open for public viewing. It has historical as well as archaeological significance which makes it a great tourist attraction.

4. INA MEMORIAL

Once used as the unofficial headquarters of the Indian National Army, this memorial was built to honour the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for India. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose motivated and formed armies here to participate in the freedom struggle.

5. THOUBAL

A well developed city, Thoubal is a good holiday destination for those looking for a pleasant climate and numerous activities.

Thoubal is almost ideal for trekking, hiking and picnics given the abundance in flora and green landscapes as well as the various facilities available here. This city is most famous for the temples and the numerous water bodies all together making it a pretty much perfect getaway which will strike the right balance of urban and a lesser known destination.

6. MANIPUR ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN

Located 6 km from Imphal, this Garden is famous for being a home to Sangai, the brown-antlered deer which is a rare wildlife species.

7. MOIRANG

Located at a distance of 45 km from Imphal, Moirang is a religious center with a temple dedicated to the pre-Hindu deity Thangjing. In the month of May a grand festival is celebrated here with great enthusiasm. This place also has a museum and memorial.

Places to visit in Moirang: Indian National Army Complex, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Phubala

8. CHANDEL

Chandel, also known as Lamka is tiny, but a scenic district in Manipur. It is one of the main nine districts in the state and also the second least populous of all. Situated along the lines of the international border separating India and Myanmar, it has come to be known as Gateway to Myanmar. It lies about 64 kms away from Imphal, with NH-39 passing through.

It’s famous for being home to more than 20 native tribes. Chandel is a wisp of culture and traditions, given the huge number of tribes that live here. Each tribe offers a unique identity to the area, where colours of their cultures are blown out in all directions. Travelers visiting Chandel can soak in the alluring art forms along with sprightly music and dance.

Places to visit in Chandel: Yangoupokpi -Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary, Tengnoupal, Moreh

9. MOREH

It is also known for its natural beauty. Visited by tourists and businessmen alike, Moreh is a strategically important town, located at the Indo-Myanmar border 70 kms away from the Chandel town. It’s a sizable commercial hub in North-Eastern India, bringing in traders from all over the country for cross-border trade. Imphal also lies close by, only 110 km away and those visiting Chandel can easily plan a trip to Imphal as well.

10. TAMENGLONG

This hilly region is an ideal setting for tourists interested in outdoor holidays. The beauty of this town is unparalleled with the unusual varieties of flora and fauna.

This town of Manipur, known for the oranges grown here is the home to some of the most unique plants and animals. The vibrant forest here provide habitat to hog deers, leopards, wild dogs, hyenas, tigers and many more. A nature lover can have a ball in this beautifully endowed town, with its waterfalls, exotic animals and numerous orchards.

Places to visit in Tamenglong: Barak Waterfall, Zeilad Lake, Tharon Cave, Buning Meadows

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