Imphal

Manipur's capital city has blended seamlessly into its beautiful natural environment. This pretty township is the very heart of the official, commercial and cultural activity of the state. Visitors can enjoy some of its special attractions before moving out of town into its great outdoors to savour Manipuri culture in all its richness and variety.

Imphal's historic Vaishnavite centre Shree Govindajee Temple is located close to the Royal Palace. This interesting structure with its twin domes has a paved courtyard and a great assembly hall where devotees congregate to participate in various devotional activities. On either side of the presiding deity are the shrines of Krishna and Balaram and Jagannath .The Ras Leela dance performances held here are exceptional.

Imphal's Khwairamband Bazar or IMA Market is quite an unusual market- Almost 3000 Imas (mothers), man the stalls in this unique bazaar. Stalls are lined on either side of the road. On one side the stalls hawk anything from farm produce to fresh fish, and a dazzling selection of groceries. Opposite these are a row of stalls selling exquisite handlooms and household tools. In a street not so far away you can pick up some of the most exquisite wicker works and traditional basketry.

In the heart of Imphal, at the Bir Tikendrajit Park lies a monument known as the Shaeed Minar. This memorial pillar was raised to pay homage to the indomitable spirit of the Meitei and tribal martyrs who sacrificed their lives while fighting the British in 1891.

Managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission are the beautifully kept War Cemeteries which commemorate the British and Indian soldiers who died during the Second World War. Each grave carries a little stone marker and bronze plaque recording the sacrifice of these martyrs.

Central Khonghampat Orchidarium

Manipur has at least 500 different varieties of orchids. The Central Khonghampat Orchidarium just 7 km away from Imphal offers visitors an excellent opportunity to see at least 110 of species, which are showcased here. The Orchidarium is doing some exceptional work on propagating some of the rare species. Its 200 acres are host to many rare varieties of orchids, which include almost a dozen endemic species. The finest time to see these blooms is in March-April when they look their very best.

Manipur Zoological Gardens

Go to see the rare but incredibly graceful sangai brow antlered deer at the Manipur Zoological Gardens. The zoo (6 km) lies on the verdant base of the pine growing hillocks at Iroisemba on the Imphal-Kangchup Road.

Langthabal

Set amidst stands of jackfruit and pine, Langthabal (8 km from Imphal down the Indo-Myanmar road) is dotted with relics of an old, historic palace, temples of architectural importance and ceremonial houses. It's ideally located for those delightful views and a glimpse of Manipur University.

Kangchup

The health resort of Kangchup, 16 km. from Imphal offers lovely views of the Manipur valley from its lofty perch at a height of 921m.

Kaina

Close to Vaithou Lake, on the Indo-Burma Road, is a village famous for pineapples. On the lofty heights of the hill at Kaina (29km away) lies a legendary temple.

Khongjom

Khongjom, 36 km on the Indo-Burma Road, is known for the martyrdom of Manipur's Major General Paona Brajabashi in 1891. Khongjom Day is celebrated on April 23.

Tengnoupal

You can also enjoy grandstand views of the Manipur valley from Tengnoupal, 69 km, the highest point on the Imphal-Burma Road.

Moirang

Moirang used to be the focal point of Manipur's early Meitei culture. Located 45 km from Imphal, the town has an ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity Lord Thangjing. Every May, men and women, dressed in colourful traditional costume sing and dance during the Lai Haraoba ritual dance festival to honour the deity.

Moirang played an important role during India's freedom struggle. The flag of the Indian National Army (INA) was first raised at Moirang on April 14,1944. At the INA Museum here you'll discover a host of letters photographs, badges of ranks and other memorabilia of the martyrs of the INA (headquartered here during World War II) who fought under the dynamic leadership of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose against the Allies.

Loktak Lake and Sendra Island

One of the most enchanting and biggest freshwater lakes in the Northeast is Manipur's Loktak Lake, just 45 km from Imphal. The Sendra Island tourist bungalow offers dazzling views of the lake, its rich plant and avian life and the intriguing floating weed, shallow bowl-like, islands (phumdi) and the fishermen who live on them harvesting water chestnuts. Situated in the middle of the lake, the tourist home has a café and makes an ideal look-out. Boating has been introduced along the lakes labyrinthine waterways. Also on the southern part of lake is the world's only floating National Park, the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the unique habitat of the rare sangai, the brow antlered 'dancing' deer. The entire lake complex is a wildlife enthusiast's dream.

Bishnupur

Famed for its stoneware, Bishnupur, 27 kms from Imphal on the Tiddim Road, has the brick Bishnu temple (15th century). The unusually small bricks of the temple show Chinese influence (possibly during the reign of King Kiyamba ) according to some sources.

Ukhrul

Manipur's popular and highest hill station is Ukhrul, 83 km away. It is famous for those lovely Siroi lilies, which grow here in abundance. The nearby lime caves of Kangkhui are worth visiting. It is also the headquarters of the Tangkhul Nagas.