Imphal, the tiny capital city of the northeastern state of Manipur, is an ideal destination off the beaten track. The landscape of green-blue hills, lush fields and low clouds is like an exquisite painting. Imphal lyes in the valley of Manipur river and is surrounded by the northeastern hills and vast plains of India's. Imphal is also the state's cultural capital with lot's of traditional festivals and shows for Manipuri dances arranged here at regular intervals. Manipur, also known as the "land of jewels" is naturally divided into two parts namely the hills and the plains.

Tourist Attractions In Imphal

Kaina - This is a scared place of Hindus and is 29 kms. from Imphal. According to a legend, Shri Govindajee appeared to Bheigyachandra, Maharaja of Manipur, in a dream and asked him to build a temple enshrined with His image carved out of a jackfruit tree.

Phubala - This is a charming resort on the western fringes of the Loktak lake and is 40 kms. from Imphal. It is joined to the mainland by a low causeway. Boating and other water sports are being introduced here.

Singda - This is a hill resort on the hills, 16 kms. from Imphal to the west. The scenery is picturesque. There is an inspection bungalow and a nice artificial lake called Singda Dam, which is now a multipurpose project.

Manipur Zoological Gardens - Eight kilometers from Imphal, at the foot of the pine-covered hillocks, you will find a wealth of rare birds, animals and reptiles at the Manipur Zoological Gardens. In the zoo's sylvan surroundings, you will even get a glimpse of one of the rarest species of deer in the world, the graceful brow-antlered thamin deer.

Shri Govindajee Temple - The core of Imphal's traditions, however, lies in its various temples. The most important of these is the Shri Govindajee Temple, a historic center for Vaishnavites. A simple, twin-domed structure, it adjoins the magnificent palace of the former rulers of Manipur.

Khwairamband Bazaar - One of the main features of Imphal is the Khwairamband Bazaar. What makes this market different is that it is run by women. Split into two sections on either side of the road, it has tribal women clad in colorful, traditional attire, selling everything from hand-woven shawls, skirts, vessels, mugs and mats to fish, lotus, oranges and orange-flavored honey. And if you wander in the quaint by lanes around the market, you will get a glimpse of Manipuris customs and traditions.

Loktak - Lake and Sendra IslandLoktak lake, 48 kms. from Imphal, is the largest fresh water lake in eastern India and this lake is like a miniature inland sea. Sendra Island, about 50 odd kilometres from Imphal, offers a bird's eye view of the park and its occupants. One can explore the park by traveling around in tiny small boats and also climb up the watchtower located on the hillock of Bebet Ching.

Best Time to Visit Imphal - October to February

Climate in Imphal - Mild and pleasant climate.

How to Reach Imphal?

By Air - Indian Airlines flights connect Imphal with Delhi via Guwahati. Imphal is also connected with Calcutta via Agartala and Silchar by Indian flights.
By Rail - The nearest railwaystation is Dimapur-215 km.
By Road - Having well connected motorable roads.