Imphal

Occupying a saucer-shaped valley, Manipur’s capital Imphal is surrounded by hills on which the state flower, the Siroi lily, grows. It is your hub for exploring this state, which has forested stretches, the largest freshwater lake in the North-east and the rare brow-antlered deer, the Sangai. Meitei the main community of Manipur, has an interesting culture.

Sri Govindaji Temple

The 19th-century Sri Govindaji Temple is built with brick and Burma teak and has a double domed shikhara originally plated with gold. After the British conquest of Manipur in 1891, the gold leaf on the dome was sold in a public auction. The main deity of the temple is carved out of a jackfruit tree.

Khwairamband

Khwairamband is the biggest market in Imphal, divided into two: for fresh produce and other products. Within it is Nupi-kheithel, famous as the Ima market, where only women (Ima or mother) manage the stalls. Shop for handloom products such as shawls, saris and bedsheets here. Also, look out for exquisite handwoven baskets.

Kangla Fort

The historic Kangla Fort was the seat of Meitei rulers and is situated by the banks of the Imphal River.

Other Attractions

About 12 km away, spread over 200 acres, is the Central Khonghampat Orchidarium. Langthabal (8 km, on the Myanmar Road), a hill green with jackfruit and pine trees, has the ruins of the old palace and temples. You can see Sangai in the Manipur Zoological Gardens (6 km).

Around Imphal

Bishnupur (26km) - Bishnupur has a 15th-century Vishnu temple, built with very small bricks, which is said to show Chinese influence.

Moirang (43 km) - The INA Memorial Complex at Moirang is where the Indian tri-colour was first hoisted on Indian soil. Also visit the ancient temple of Thangjing, a pre-Hindu deity, in whose honour the famous Lai Haraobaritual dance festival (in May) is performed. 

Loktak Lake (45 km) - Loktak Lake is the biggest freshwater lake in the North-east. Sendra, a hillock in the centre of the lake, provides visitors with an extraordinary bird’s eye view of the lake’s floating islands, locally called phumdhi. The world’s only floating National Park, and the lone natural habitat of the Sangai deer, the Kebei Lamjao NP is on the southern end of the lake.

Kaina (58 km) - Kaina is picturesque and a temple stands here on a hillock. The jackfruit tree, out of which the image of Govindaji was carved, was brought from here.