 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.
Ima Market
A unique all-women's market, having 3500 "imas" or mothers
who run the stalls, it is split into two sections on either side of a road. Vegetables,
fruits, fish and groceries are sold on one side, while exquisite handloom shawls, phaneks,
khudeis, bedsheets and household utensils & implements and fruits are sold on the
other. Not far away, is a street where beautiful wicker works and basketry and furniture
are sold. Other smaller markets are Singjamei, Kongba, Lamlong, Kwakeithel,
Heirangkhoithong, Terakeithel, Naoremthong etc.
Imphal
The capital of Manipur, Imphal is a bustling minimetropolis situated at
a height of 790 m above sea level.
Kaina
It is a hillock, about 920 m above sea level, and a sacred place of the
Hindus. The sylvan surroundings, and the aura of serenity that envelopes it, add to the
solemnity of the site. Kaina is only 29 kms from Imphal.
Kangchup
At an attitude of 921 meters, 16 km from Imphal to the west, is a
health to 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.
Keibul Lamjao National Park
The only flaoting National Park in the world , it is situated on the
fringes of the Loktak Lake. This is the last natural habitat of the marsh dwelling SANGAI
brow antlered deer of Manipur better known as the dancing deer (due to the fact that it
has to balance itself on the unique floating wetlands).
Khonghampat Orchidarium
The Orchid Yard of the forest Department, on the 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.
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 on 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.
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.
Loktak Lake and Sendra Island
48 kms from Imphal, Loktak Lake the largest freshwater lake, in the
Eastern region of India, resembles a miniature inland sea. From the tourist bungalow set
atop Sendra Island, visitors get a bird's-eye view of life on the lake - small islands of
floating weed, shimmering blue waters, labyrinthine boat routes, fascinating water plants,
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. The Sendra Tourist Home
with an attached cafeteria, at the centre of the lake, is an ideal tourist spot. Boating
and other water sports are being introduced here.There are buses and cycle rickshaws to
cover the last 3 km. to Sendra. The Tourist Home charges Rs. 10 per bed.
Manipur State Museum
This interesting museum near the Polo ground has a fairy good display
of Manipur's tribal heritage and a collection of portraits of Manipur's former rulers.
Particularly interesting items are costumes, arms and weapons, relics and historical
documents. Opens at 10 am through 4.30 pm, sunday & holiday closed.
Manipur Zoological Garden
About 6 km off Imphal towards the west, is this Zoological garden at
Iroishemba on the Imphal Kangchup Road. Graceful brow-antlered Deer, 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.
Moirang
This town is one of the main seats of early Manipuri folk culture with
the ancient temple of pre-Hindu diety Lord Thangjing, situated here. In the month of May,
men and women, dressed in colorful traditional costumes sing and dance in honour of the
Lord at Moirang, LAI HARAOBA which is a ritual dance festival held every year. It
was from the village of Moirang, too, that the graceful Khamba-Thoibi dance originated,
traditionally celebrated in May. The town also has a special place in the history of the
Indian Freedom Struggle. It was in Moirang that the flag of the Indian national Army was
first unfurled on April 12, 1944. The INA Museum containing letters, photographs, badges
of ranks and other memorabillia reminds the visitor of the noble sacrifices made by the
INA under the charismatic leadership of NETAJI SUBHASH CHANDRA BOSE.
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. >
New Churanchandpur
59 km from Imphal District headquarters of Manipur South, New
Churanchanpur is mainly inhabited by the Kuki and Paite tribes. An ideal place for
sightseeing and holidaying, it is also an advanced tribal town where local handicrafts are
available in the market.
Phubala
40 kms south of Imphal lies this charming resort, on the western
fringes of the Loktak Lake, to the south of Imphal. It joins the mainland by a low
causeway.
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.
Shaheed Minar
The indomitable spirit of the Meitei and tribal martyrs, who sacrificed
their lives, while fighting the British in 1891, is commemorated by this tall structure,
at Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of capital Imphal.
Shri Govindajee Temple
This temple, adjoining the palace of the former rulers of the Manipur,
is a historic center for Vaishnavites. It is a simple and beautiful structure with gods
domes, paved court and a large raised congregation hall.
The presiding deity in the center is flanked by shrines of
Balaram and Krishna on one side, and Jagannath on the other. Priests come down the steps
to accept offering from devotees standing on the paved court.
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.
Tamenglong
It is 156 km from Imphal and is the District Headquarters of the
Tamenglong District. This region is known for its exotic orchids. The Tharon Cave,
Booning Meadow, Zeliad Lake ,Barak Waterfalls are some of the place of the tourist
interest.
Ukhrul
83 kms to the east of Imphal, this district headquarters of Manipur
East, is the highest hill station of Manipur. A centre of the colourful warrior tribe
Tangkhul Nagas, it is well developed, and renowned for a peculiar type of lily - the
Siroi, grown on the Siroi Hills. Siroi Hills and KhangKhui Lime Caves are interesting
places for excursions.
Waithou Lake
Situated on the Indo-Myanmar Road, this idyllic spot is famous for its
pineapple slopes. There is also a tourist lodge, at the fringe of the lake.
War Cemeteries
The British and Indian Army Cemeteries commemorating those who died in
the second world war are serene and well-maintained with little stone markers and bronze
plaques recording their anguish and sacrifice. These grave are maintained by the
Commonwealth War Grave Commission.
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