Manipur is one of the northeastern states residing in the sub-Himalayan ranges and sharing its borders with Myanmar. The state of Manipur is amongst the Seven Sister states and a major tourist attraction in northeast India. The primary ethnic group of people residing in Manipur include the Meiteis. However, smaller groups of Nagas, Hmars, and Kukis are also seen in this state. Manipuri is the language largely spoken in this state and is also commonly known as Meiteilon. The state is famous for its unique culture, tradition, folk dances, biodiversity, national parks, museums, waterfalls, and several other tourist attractions. The state of Manipur attracts a huge number of tourists every year. Tourists usually visit this state to experience the discrete culture, festival celebrations, and folk dance traditions.
Manipur is known to be one of the oldest inhabited regions in northeast India. Several archaeological excavations have found several caves, stone and bone tools, and animal remains that almost date back to 30,000 BC. This state is also one of the ancient kingdoms and dates back its existence to 33 to 154 AD. According to several written inscriptions found, the civilization of Manipur began under the reign of King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba. The area later progressed with the introduction of the Vaishnavism school of Hinduism. The state thus has several ancient temples, archaeological sites, forts, historical monuments, and other worth seeing tourist attractions. Let us now take a look at some of the major cities and tourist destinations in the state of Manipur.
Major Cities in Manipur
Imphal: The city of Imphal is the capital city of Manipur and a major tourist attraction. The city has several tourist destinations that attract a huge number of tourists every year. Some of the major tourist attractions of this city include the Palace of Kangla, which was the traditional seat of the Meitei rulers and is situated on the western bank of the Imphal river. Apart from the fort, Kangla is also a major pilgrim destination for all the Manupuris residing in Assam, Bengal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. According to myths, Manipuris believe that Lord Pakhangba resides under Kangla and rules the entire universe from here, thus making it one of the most important pilgrim destinations. The city of Imphal is also famous for the Nungjeng Pukhri pond, Nunggiobi, Manglen, Kangla Men Surung, Shrine of Lord Wangbaren, Shrine of Lord Koubru, ruins of Citadel, ruins of Uttra, the two Kangla Sha or Dragons, Shree Govindajee Temple, War Cemeteries, Ima Keithel or the Women’s Market, Manipur Zoological Garden, Matai Garden, the Manipur State Museum, and the Sambal-Lei-Sekpil garden.
Bishnupur: The city of Bishnupur is another major tourist destination in the state of Manipur. The name of this city was derived from one of the famous temples of Lord Vishnu located at Lamangdong. This temple dates back to the 15th Century and closely resembles Chinese architecture. Bishnupur is also commonly known as the “Land of Dancing Deer”, as it holds the Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is the only natural habitat of the Sangai – the dancing deer. The national park is the only floating park in the world and is a small island by the name Sendra. The island has rich birdlife and offers a great view of the beautiful Loktak Lake surrounding it. Some of the other major attractions of this city include the INA memorial (dedicated to all the martyrs of the Indian National Army under the leadership of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose), a museum adjoining the INA Memorial (which holds the letters, photographs, ranks, badges, and other memorable remains of the INA), Loktak Lake (a magnificent lake with a beautiful and unique island floating in it), Loukoipat Ecological Park (a small lake surrounded by hills and forest), and the Ebudhou Thangjing Temple.
Tamenglong: Also known as the “Land of Exotic Orchids”, the city of Tamenglong is one of the best cities to visit in the state of Manipur. Tamenglong is blessed with alpine mountains, deep and narrow valleys, and virgin forests. The city offers one of the bests views of nature adding a perfect blend of rough hilly terrain. The forests found here are blessed with some of the endangered species of plants as well as wildlife. Some of the commonly seen wildlife here include sambar, hyena, wild pigs, elephants, leopards, slow loris, deer, hog deer, foxes, pythons, cobra, krait, cranes, duck, and teal, hornbill, European kestrel, and many more. A huge number of wildlife lovers keep visiting this place throughout the year. Some of the other major attractions of Tamenglong include a series of seven waterfalls by the Barak river; the famous Tharon cave, which is a major archaeological site; legendary Zeilad lake, which is home of several species of fishes, water birds and pythons; and the Burning meadows.
Ukhrul: This is the best place if you love to spend time in tranquillity, as it possesses beautiful mountains, virgin lands ruled by tribal habitats, and the blissful silence of the environment often echoed with rhythms of tribal culture and rich wild life. The place is one of the most attractive places in Manipur and will definitely leave you with loads of memories. Some of the major tourist attractions of Ukhrul include the Khayang Peak (the highest peak of this region and a treat for trekkers), Shirui Kashung Peak (a major attraction during May to June when a huge number of lily blossoms on the hilltop), Khangkhui Mangsor Cave (a historical cave with a considered hall and royal bedroom), Kachouphung Lake (situated on the slopes of Achuwa Magi Hills possesses several colourful fishes and scenic surrounding), and the Ango Ching (a virgin forest that still remains inaccessible with several rare and indigenous flora and fauna). The town of Ukhrul is definitely a worth visiting place in Manipur and gives you utmost pleasure.
Must-Visit Destinations in Manipur
Keibul Lamjao National Park: This national park is one of the important parks in India, as it preserves the endangered species of Sangai Deer, also known as the dancing deer. The Keibul Lamjao National Park is located on the Sendra Island in Loktak Lake, which makes it unique in the entire world. The national park is rich in flora and fauna and attracts a huge number of visitors every year. Some of the major wildlife attractions in this park include the Sangai or dancing deer, golden cat, Keel black tortoise, leopards, cobra, water cobra, pythons, checkered garter snake, and many more. The Keibul Lamjao National Park is also considered a major bird sanctuary, as it is home to prominent bird species including the black kite, kingfisher, yellow-headed wagtail, blue-winged teal, spot bill duck, sarus crane, white-breasted waterhen, and the crimson breasted pied woodpecker.
Shree Govindjee Temple: The temple is dedicated to Lord Govingjee and is one of the ancient and worth visiting tourist destinations in Manipur. Built by Maharaja Nara Singh around 1846 AD, the temple has a paved court, a large congregation hall, and golden domes. The temple also holds idols of several other deities including Radha, Krishna, Balaram, Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. The temple is situated in the capital city of Imphal and adjoins the palaces situated in this city.
Khwairamband Bazar/Ima Market: The market is a major attraction in the state of Manipur for its uniqueness. The literal meaning of Ima is women, and Ima Market means the market run by women. This market has around three thousand stalls and each and every stall here is run by a woman, thus making it a unique market. The Ima market is split into two sections on each side of the road. One section of this market is used for selling fish, vegetables, fruits, and other groceries, whereas in the other section household tools and exquisite handlooms are sold.
Visiting this state will give you utter pleasure and make your holiday a memorable one.
