GENERAL INFORMATION
Manipur the shining pearl of the Himalayan system is bordered by Nagaland in the north, Mizoram in the south, upper Myanmar in the east and Cachar district of Assam in the west. The valley portion of the state is surrounded by hill ranges from all sides. The green state of Manipur, and Imphal its capital, has all the fine, merged, tints of a water colour. Faiths and traditions and life styles seem to flow into each other with a softedged grace so that it is impossible to know where one ends and the other begins. The Manipur valley is watered by rivers threading out of the dark, mist-topped, ranges. Bright green fields stretch all the way to the distant mountains. Jawaharlal Nehru described Manipur as the 'Jewel of India'. By virtue of its geographical situation.
PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST
Andro: This is the ancient scheduled caste village about 27 kms. towards east of Imphal and there is one cultural complex established by the Mutua Museum. It houses potteries of the Northeastern region of India and there is a 'Doll-House' where dolls of 29 recognised tribes of Manipur are in display.
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.
Keibul Lamjao National Park: It is the only floating National park in the whole world and is 53 kms. from Imphal. This is the last natural habitat of the marsh-dwelling brow-antlered deer of Manipur called "Sangai". Many waterfowl and migratory birds visit the lake during November and March.
Khonghampat: OrchidariumThis is the Orchid Yard of the Forest Department, on the national highway no 39 and is another place of interest and more than 110 varieties of orchids including several rare species are grown here.
Khongjom: Situated on the Indo-Burma Road, 36 kms. from Imphal, this is a place of greatest historic importance where Major General Paona Brajabashi, proved his valour against the superior force of the invading British Army in 1891. Khongjom day is celebrated as a State Holiday on every year on April 23.
Khwairamband Bazaar: Khwairamband - also known as Nupi Keithel and Ima Bazaar or Mothers Market is a large covered market split into two sections on both sides of the Khwairamband Road and has tribal women clad in colorful, traditional attire selling everything from hand-woven shawls, skirts to fish, lotus, oranges and orange-flavored honey. This market is run by women and is unique in itself.
Langthabal: This small hillock is situated about 8 kms. from Imphal on the Indo-Burma Road and houses an old historic palace and neatly planned temples. The structures are beautifully placed between pine and jackfruit trees. Langthabal offers a view of the Manipur University.
Loktak Lake and Sendra Island: Loktak 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.
Manipur State Museum: Near the Pologround is an interesting museum, which is the best place to get a glimpse of Manipur history and culture. It has a fairly good display of Manipur's heritage. It is open from 10 am to 4.30 pm on all days except Sundays and Holidays.
Manipur Zoological Garden: The Manipur Zoological Garden is about 6 kms. from Imphal at Iroishemba on the Imphal Kangchup Road. It houses "Sangai", a brow-antlered deer in sylvan surroundings and is situated at the foothills of the pine tree hillock.
Moirang: Moirang is about 45 kms. from Imphal and is a very sacred place for the Manipuri people. It holds an ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity, Lord Thangjing. The flag of the Indian National Army was first hoisted here on April 14, 1944. There is also an Indian National Army Museum depicting their struggle for India's independence. The museum is open from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M.
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.
Sahid Minar: The tall Minar of Bir Tikendrajit Park in Imphal commemorates the indomitable spirit of Manipur martyrs who sacrificed their lives fighting the British in the Anglo-Manipuri war in 1891.
Sekta: Sekta Mound, locally known as the "SEKTA KEI" is a protected Archaeological site, located at Sekta village, about 16 kms from Imphal. It witnessed the practice of secondary burial and was discovered by the Archaeological Survey of India together with State Archaeology, Manipur. It is preserved as a living museum. Shree Shree Govindajee TempleThis is Manipur's pre-eminent Vaishnavite temple adjoining the palace of the former rulers of Manipur. It is a great historic centre and is a simple and beautiful structure with gold domes and a large raised congregation hall. The presiding deity, Lord Vishnu in the centre of the temple stands flanked by the shrines of Balarama and Krishna on one side and Jagannatha on the other.
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.
War Cemetries: These cemeteries are managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, commemorating the memories of the British and Indian soldiers, who died during the Second World War.
CLIMATE
The climate of Manipur is moderate. The valley gets the reflection of the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter from the neighbouring hills. In summers the maximum temperature is around 32 Deg.C. and in winters the minimum temperature is around 5 Deg.C.The approximate average annual rainfall varying from 933 mm at Imphal to 2593 mm at Tamenglong.
State Capital: Imphal
Area Covered: 29.57 Sq.Km.
Languages: Manipuri, Hindi and English.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
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