Manipur a land wrapped in velvety silence, which literally means 'the land of jewels'. Described by Lord Irwin as the 'Switzerland of India'. Manipur boasts of an exotic landscape with gently undulating hills, emerald green valleys, blue lakes and dense forests, is the gateway to the North-Eastern Region.
It is a fascinating destination for discerning tourists. Legends say that discovery of Manipur is the result of the delight the God took in dancing. It is this remarkable bid that gives Manipur a unique identity of her own. Blessed with a salubrious climate, famous for its distinctive cultural pattern and its evergreen scenic beauty, extend the tourists a cordial invitation to visit Manipur.

Prime Sites

• Shree Govindajee Temple :
  This temple adjoining the palace of the former rulers of Manipur, is a historic centre for Vaisnavites. It is a simple and beautiful structure with gold domes, a paved court and a large, raised congregation hall.

  The presiding deity in the centre is flanked by idols of Radha Govinda, Balaram and Krishna on one side and Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra on the other.

• Kaina (29 kms. from Imphal) :
  A beautiful hillock, about 921 m. above sea level, Kaina is a sacred place of Hindus. According to legend, Shri Govindajee appeared to His devotee Bheigyachandra, Maharaja of Manipur, in a dream and asked him to build a temple enshrined with His image carved out of a jackfruit tree which was then growing at Kaina. Beautiful hill shrubs and charming natural surroundings give the place a saintly solemnity. Ceremonial dances depicting the devine dream are performed as Ras at the Mandop. Kaina can also be reached by bus via Thoubal.

  Accommodation
  Kaina Tourist Home.
  Reservation Director of Tourism,
  Govt. of Manipur, Imphal.
  Telephone: 0385-220802

• Khwairamband Bazaar :
  This is a large covered market split into two sections on both sides of the Khwairamband Road. Vegetables, fishes, household utensils & implements and fruits are sold on one side and colourful handloom shawls, phaneks, khudeis, bedsheets on the other. The market is very special in the sense that all the stall holders are women. Not far from here, is a street where beautiful cane baskets and furniture are sold. Other smaller markets are Singjamei, Kongba, Lamlong, Kwakeithel, Heirangkhoithong, Terakeithel, Naoremthong etc

• Manipur Zoological Garden :
  About 6 km. from Imphal, towards the west, in this Zoological Garden at Iroishemba on the Imphal Kangchup Road. Graceful brow-antlered deer, "Sangai" one of the rarest species in the world, can be seen here in sylvan surroundings. A trip to this garden, at the foot of the pine-growing hillocks in the westernmost corner of Lamphelpat is really enjoyable.

• Loktak Lake and Sendra Island :
  48 km. from Imphal. A huge and beautiful stretch of water, this lake is like a miniature inland sea. From the Tourist Bungalow, set atop Sendra island, visitors can get a bird's eye view of the lake and the life on it, the fisherman and their families who live in neat huts on its shores and who make full use of their watery environment.

  They cast their nets on it, rear fish farms in it using nets as floating walls, harvest it for the water chestnut known as Heikak, and even build their houses on the islands of floating weed that dart around the lake. There are buses and cycle rickshaws to cover the last 3 km. to Sendra. The Tourist Home charges Rs. 10 per bed.

  Reservation
  Director of Tourism,
  Govt. of Manipur, Imphal.
  Telephone: 0385-220802

• War Cemetries :
  The British and the Indian Army Cemeteries commemorating those who died in the Second World War are serene well-maintained with little stone markers and bronze plaques recording their anguish and sacrifice. These graves are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

• Langthabal :
  8 km. from Imphal on the Indo-Burma Road lies this small hill feature with the relics of an old historic palace, well-planned temples and ceremonial houses amidst pine and jackfruit trees planted symmetrically. Overlooking the Manipur University, Canchipur, it offers a pleasant view of the surroundings.

• Moirang :
  45 km. from Imphal, Moirang holds an ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity, Lord Thangjing. Every May, men and women, in gorgeous traditional costumes, sing and dance in honour of the Lord here at the Moirang Lai Haraoba. It was from the village of Moirang, too, that the graceful Khamba-Thoibi dance originated, traditionally celebrated in May. It was in Moirang that the flag of the Indian National Army was first hoisted on Indian soil on April 14, 1944.

  There is an INA Museum exhibiting letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other articles associated with this movement. There is also a bronze statue of Netaji in uniform. There are buses which operate from private bus station of Waheng Leikai junction to Moirang from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fare: Rs. 10/- . Journey time is around 1 hr.

• Moreh :
  110 km. from Imphal. This border town is located on the Indo-Burma Road. A commercial town attracting a large number of people from neighbouring places. It is only 5 km. from tamu town, its Burmese counterpart. Tamu depicts a total change in the attire and eating habits of the people and in the architecture of its buildings.

• Singda :
  At an altitude of 921 m., 16 km. from Imphal to the west is a hill resort on the hills overlooking Manipur Valley. The scenery is picturesque. It is also a mountain pass on the road to Tamenglong. There is an inspection Bungalow here. There is a nice artificial lake called Singda Dam. It is now a multipurpose project.

• Phubala :
  40 km. from Imphal. A charming resort on the western fringes of the Loktak Lake, to the south of Imphal. It is joined to the mainland by a low causeway.

  Accommodation
  Tourist Bungalow
  Reservation
  Director of Tourism,
  Govt. of Manipur, Imphal.
  Telephone: 0385-220802

• Khongjom :
  36 km. from Imphal. Situated on the Indo-Burma Road, this is a place of greatest historic importance. It was here that Major General Paona Brajabashi, one of the great warriors of Manipur, proved his velour against the superior force of the invading British Army in 1891. The hillock of the foot of which he laid down his life in defence of his motherland, is reminiscent of the past heroic deeds of Manipuri warriors. A war memorial on the top of this scenic hill feature, adds charm to this heroic site. Khongjom day is celebrated as a State Holiday on every year on April 23.

• Sahid Minar :
  This tall Minar of Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of the capital commemorates the indomitable spirit of Manipur martyrs who sacrificed their lives while fighting against the British in 1891.

• Manipur State Museum :
  This interesting museum near the Pologround has fairly good display of Manipur's heritage and a collection of portraits of Manipur's former rulers. Items of special interest are costumes, arms and weapons, relics and historical documents.

  Open : 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
  Sunday and Holidays closed.
  Entrance : Adult 25 p. Child 10 p.
  

• Khonghampat Orchidarium :
  The Orchid Yard of the Forest Department, on National Highway No 39, about 7 km. from Imphal is another place of interest. More than 110 varieties of Orchids, including several rare species, are grown here. Peak season is April-May.

• ANDRO - the ancient village :
  27 km towards east of Imphal is the ancient Scheduled Caste village of Andro, there is one Cultural Complex established by the Mutua Museum, Imphal. It consists of potteries of the North Eastern Region of India. There is a 'Doll-House' where dolls of 29 recognised tribes of Manipur (both male and female) are in display.

• Keibul Lamjao National Park :
  53 kms. from Imphal and on the fringes of Loktak Lake, this is the last natural habitat of the marsh-dwelling brow-antlered deer of Manipur called "Sangai".

• Sekta - Archeological Living Museum :
  Sekta Mound locally known as the "SEKTA KEI" is a protected Archaeological Site. The site is located at Sekta village, about 16 km. from Imphal on the Imphal-Ukhrul Road. It is a site where practice of secondary burial was discovered. The site was jointly excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India and the State Archaeology, Manipur and is preserved as a Living Museum.

• Manipuri style of dance :
  Manipuri style of dance reflect the vibrant culture of the 29 different tribes of Manipur. A style peculiar to itself, its inspiration is purely religious. Witnessing the exquisite Manipuri dance - drama, in its original colourful settings, is simply an unforgettable experience. These dances usually relates to :
  1. the Raas Lila : the love story of Radha and Krishna.
  2. Lai Haroba (feast of dances, representing celebrations of Gods / Goddesses),
  3. Pung Cholem (Mridanga dance),
  4. Mao Naga dance,
  5. the Priestess dance of Malbe Jagoi,
  6. Thangal Surung dance etc. .

• Festivals :
  Manipur is a land of festivities, merriments and mirths all the year round. A year in Manipur Presents a cycle of festivals. Hardly a month passes without a festival or two. To the manipuris, festivals are the symbols of their cultural, social and religious aspirations which, besides removing the monotony of life by providing physical diversions, mental recreation and emotional outlet, help them lead a better and fuller life.
  1. Ningol Chakouba - the social festival of Manipuries :(November)
     
  2. Yaoshang - The premier festival of Manipur Hindus :(february/March)
     
  3. Ramjan ID - The premier festival of Manipur Hindus
     
  4. KUT - the festival of Kuki-Chin-Mizo :1st of November every year.
     
  5. Gang-Ngai - Festival of Kabui Nagas :(December/Janaury)
     
  6. Chumpha -festival of Tangkhul Nagas :seven days in the month of December.
     
  7. Christmas - The festival of Christians :December 24 and 25.
     
  8. Cheiraoba - The Manipur New Year :
  9. Kang - The RathaJatra of Manipur :ten days(July)
     
  10. Heikru Hitongba : month of September

• Handicrafts :
  The handlooms and handicrafts of Manipur are renowned all over the country. Every house possesses a loom, and Manipuris weave with a passion and style, unrivalled by any other state.

  Manipuri bed covers of Moirangfee and flower designs, silk and cotton sarees, scarves, blankets and shawls, in distinctive shades and weaves, make for an enchanting collection.

  A wide range of artistic handicrafts from bamboo, papier mache, decorative ivory, dolls and jewellery make for prized souvenirs.

  These exquisite handlooms and handicrafts are sold at Khwairamband market, the largest exclusive women's market in the country, which is a must on every visitor's itinerary

• By air :
  Indian Airlines connect Imphal, the capital of Manipur, with major cities like New Delhi, Calcutta, Guwahati and Silchar. NEPC Airlines has daily flights to Imphal from Guwahati.
• By rail :
  Dimapur, 215 kms from Imphal, is the nearest railhead. Another railhead is Jiribaum, a small town 225 kms from Imphal.
• By road :
  Imphal is connected by road with Guwahati (Assam) through National Highway No. 39 and Silchar (Assam) through National Highway No. 53