Manipur

Set amidst the states of Nagaland, Asam and Mizoram, Manipur is truly a traveler's paradise. It is predominantly a hill state with patches of plain and watered by the rivers Imphal, Iril, Thoubal, Irang and Barak, all of which flow from north to south.

Imphal, the beautiful capital city in the valley stands in a beautiful wood valley full of lakes and grassy meadows. Mao and Ukhrul, the picturesque hill resorts; Taminglong, with its exotic landscape; Chandel, home to amazing tribes; Khonggom and Moirang are reminders of the British Raj in India. Manipur is best visited during the months of October to February. Rainfall: 1980.8 mm (May to October). Climate: 32 Deg. C (mean max.); 0.0 Deg. C. (mean min.)

Main attraction in Manipur:

Imphal: Imphal is the capital city of Manipur located in the extreme east of India covering an ares of 29.57 Sq. Km. It is the centre of all cultural, commercial and political activities. The Imphal Polo Ground is the oldest existing polo ground in the world. 'Ima Keithel' at Khwairamband Bazar is the only market in the world where all the stalls are run by women. Imphal sightseeing includes Manipur Zoological Gardens, Khonghampat Orchidarium, Shri Govindajee Temple, Khwairamband Bazaar, Manipur State Museum, Shahid Minar etc.

Bishnupur: Bishnupur is 27 kms away from Imphal City on Tiddim Road. Here stands the conical temple of lord Vishnu built in 1467 during the region of King Kyamba. It is interesting because of its antiquity and architectural design which was influenced by Chinese style. Bishnupur I also known for its stoneware production.

Moirang: Moirang is located 45 kms away from Imphal city on Tiddim Road. The ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity, Lord Thangjing stands there. Every May, men and women in bright traditional costumes sing and dance in honour of the lord there in an eventful festival called Moirang Lai Haraoba.

Khongjom: It is situated on the Indo-Myanmar Road, 36Kms away from Imphal. It is a place of utmost historical importance. Khonjom was the venue where Major General Paona Brajabashi and other brave Manipuri warriors proved their worth in warfare against the mighty force of the invading British Army in 1891. Khongjom is regarded in awe as a symbol of patriotism and valour. A war memorial laid on the top of this venerable hill adds the historical ambience of the heroic site. Khongjom Day is observed as a State Function every year on April 23.

Kaina: It is a beautiful hillock about 29kms from Imphal on Imphal-Yairipok Road. Kaina is a sacred place of the Hindus. Hill shrubs and natural surroundings give the place a saintly solemnity Ceremonial dances depicting the divine dream are performed as Rasa Lila at the Mandop.

Andro: Andro lies 27Kms east of the state capital Imphal. The small town is an ancient Scheduled Caste village of the state. A cultural Complex was established there by the Mutua Museum, Imphal. It exhibited potteries of the North-eastern region of India.

How to reach Manipur:

By Air:
Manipur has an airport in its capital Imphal, which is well connected with Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati. Indian airlines has regular operation to this city and other important cities in northeast India. These cities are at approachable distance from Manipur.

By Road:
The road network is quite efficient in Manipur. National Highway 39 connects Manipur with major cities like Guwahati, Dimapur, Kohima, Schilchar in the northeastern part on India.

By Rail:
Manipur does not have any train service. But there are other northeastern cities like Guwahati, Dimapur, Silchar which have Railway Stations and are serviced by important trains to and from the rest of the country. From these cities one can reach Manipur by road.