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Land of Jewels – Manipur
With its location and topography, Manipur is popularly known as the Land of Jewels. Located in the North-East of India, the best destination for people who adore nature. It attracts tourists of its fascinating landscapes, its flora and fauna, mighty hills, serene valleys, freshwater lake, the green lush, and dense forests.
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To reach your destination:
You can travel by Air or by train and by road. The nearest airport, Birtikendrajit International Airport is 8km away from Imphal, the capital city. The airport in manipur has both domestic as well as international flights.
The railroad in Manipur is in the initial phase. The nearest railway station to Imphal is Dimapur, Nagaland which is 215km away from the city. The train runs twice a week. On reaching the train station you can travel by local buses or sumo trucks to your destination for 6-7 hours.
Season: best suited for traveling
Summer (April-June): Temperature fluctuates between 16°C to 36°C. A nice cool breeze blows in early mornings and evenings. It is pleasant to travel in summer.
Monsoon (June-September): Due to its moderate rainfall in monsoon season, the lush mountain regions are replenished in all its glory. This is the best season to experience the greenery in the mountains.
Winter (October-March): This is the most preferred season by tourists. Sometimes the temperature drops to 0°. You can enjoy the snow-covered peaks and chill air throughout the winter.
Best Places to visit in Manipur:
1. Imphal
Imphal is the capital city which is in the heart of Manipur. The valley in its entirety surrounded by the hills enchanted the travelers. The luxuriant picturesque terrains in the surroundings are magnificent.
As you tour around the city you will notice various historical places, monuments, shrines, forts, etc. In addition to this, extensive widespread of lakes and waterfalls exist in the region. Also, various festivals and celebrations attract tourists from across the world.
Places you must visit:
Manipur State Museum, Khonghampat Orchidarium, Shree Govindajee Temple, ISKON, Kangla Fort, Red Hill Lokpaching, Manipur Zoological Gardens, Matai Garden, Awunching Park, Nupi-Lan Memorial, Andro Shantheil, Andro Gramshang, Selloi Langmai Ecological Park, Gwarak Mahadeva Yairipok, Kaina Temple, Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park and Ema Market.
2. Senapati
Senapati is a hilly region with its simplicity of nature’s bounty. This region is one of the best tourist spots in Manipur. The forest is covering 80% of the landscape and the rest available area is inhabited by villages.
You can explore the wild and spend time with the locals who have knowledge of hunting and cooking. The villagers are generous and helpful to outsiders. You will feel the warmth and their innocent smiles cheer up your mind.
Places you must visit:
Purul, Mao, Dzukou Valley, Yangkhullen, Makhel Cave, Sadu Chiru Waterfall and Maram Khullen.
3. Ukhrul
Ukhrul known for its scenic beauty is one of the coldest regions of Manipur. With its tranquility in nature, visitors attain peace of mind. A visit to the tea gardens and trekking are the most common activities.
One of the rarest lily in the world is found in Shirui Hills known as the Shirui Lily or Lilium mackliniae which is also the state flower. The peculiarity of this lily is that it cannot be grown in places other than its origin.
Places you must visit:
Kachou Phung Lake, Shirui Kashong Peak, Nillai Tea Estate, Khanghui Cave and Khayang Peak.
4. Chandel
Chandel is located on the border with Myanmar, also known as the gateway to Myanmar. The early dawns are refreshing in this corner of the region. You will discover various faunas, so stay alert with your lens to capture those moments.
A visit to Moreh is interesting as you can experience the zest of our neighboring country. On the way, a sip of coffee at Gaby’s Cafe at Tengnoupal will enhance you with the refreshing scenic view.
Places you must visit:
Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary, Tengnoupal and Moreh.
5. Thoubal
Thoubal is famous for trekking and its biodiversity. The highways flanks with the banyan trees. The people residing in this region formulate the importance of agriculture and planting. Moreover, it is one of the largest agricultural producing districts of Manipur.
Places you must visit:
Khongjom War Memorial, Imphal River, Waithou Lake, Ikop Lake, People’s Museum, Louis Lake, and Thoubal Bazar.
6. Bishnupur
This town is one of the most prominent religious sites in Manipur. It is also known as the hub of places of worship. You will observe the existence of numerous relics and temples. These sites are spiritually remarkable and also the architectural designs allures the tourists and locals as well. No wonder there are various temples and places of worship opens to tourists and visitors.
Places you must visit:
Jor Bangla Temple, Vishnu Temple, Dal Madol, Susunia Pahar and Panch Ratana.
7. Churachandpur
Churachandpur, the second-largest town in Manipur. It is generally known as Lamka by the locals. The presence of several tribal groups and ethnicity contribute to the rich culture of the region.
Moreover, the town is surrounded by lofty hills. This region is significant to Manipur as it lies to the border of Mizoram and Myanmar. This further benefits and facilitates trade and commerce of the state.
Places you must visit:
Tuibuong Tribal Museum, Old Bazar, New Bazar, Ngaloi Falls, Tribal Martyrs Memorial Park, Geljang Resort, Khuga Dam, and Hide-out Park.
8. Loktak Lake
Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, also famous for its ‘phumdis’ (floating masses of vegetation, soil and various organic matter in decomposition state). You will find huts and houses where the locals reside on this phumdis or phumshongs.
You will enjoy a breathtaking view at dawn and before dusk. Do not miss out on boat riding in traditional wooden boats and also motorboats are available. You can spend your vacations on this floating mass and fishing with the local guides.
9. Keibul Lamjao National Park
Keibul Lamjao National Park is located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, 51.5 km from Imphal. A safari ride in the park is incredible where you can spot various species of birds and animals.
As per record, there are 55 species of birds and 400 species of animals approximately. It is the natural refuge of the endangered brow-antlered deer or the Sangai(Cervus eldi eldi).
10. Ngaloi Water Fall
Ngaloi waterfall is one of the most significant tourists attraction in Churachandpur district. It is located near Ngaloimoul village, 9 km from Churachandpur town.
The low lying mountains and the greenery bestows the magnificent view. It is mesmerizing by the sound of gushing water down the rocks along with the cool breeze. Nature bestows us with enormous blessings for us to unearth.