Manipur

Quick Facts

• Capital: Imphal
• Largest City: Imphal
• Official Language: Meitei (Manipuri)
• Formation: 21 January 1972
• Nicknames: “Jewelled Land of India”
• Borders: Nagaland, Assam, Mizoram, Myanmar
• UNESCO Sites: None (Loktak Lake is iconic)

Contents

1. History & Heritage
2. Geography & Climate
3. Top Places to Visit (Handpicked)
4. Festivals
5. Cuisine – What to Eat
6. Arts, Handicrafts & Culture
7. Adventure & Wildlife
8. How to Reach
9. Best Time to Visit
10. Sample Itineraries
11. Famous Personalities

History & Heritage

Manipur has a long history of independent kingdoms, rich tribal heritage, and classical dance forms. It merged with India in 1949 and became a state in 1972.

• Kangla Fort: Symbol of Meitei heritage.
• Vaishnav Influence: Flourishing culture of Manipuri dance and arts.
• Modern Era: Statehood on 21 January 1972.

Geography & Climate

Manipur is a hill state with lush valleys and scenic lakes.

• Main Lake: Loktak Lake (famous for floating phumdis).
• Climate: Subtropical; cool winters and rainy summers.

Top Places to Visit (Handpicked)

1. Loktak Lake: Floating islands and boating.
2. Kangla Fort: Historical landmark of Imphal.
3. Keibul Lamjao National Park: Home to Sangai deer.
4. Imphal: Cultural hub and market exploration.
5. Ukhrul: Hills, waterfalls, and trekking.
6. Andro Village: Pottery and tribal life.
7. Moreh: Indo-Myanmar border town.

Festivals of Manipur

• Yaoshang: Holi of Manipur.
• Ningol Chakouba: Family feast tradition.
• Kut: Harvest festival of Kuki-Chin tribes.
• Cheiraoba: Manipuri New Year.

Cuisine – What to Eat

Manipur’s cuisine is healthy, aromatic, and rich in local herbs.

• Staples: Rice, fish, and seasonal vegetables.
• Specials: Eromba, Chamthong (stew), Nga-thongba (fish curry).

Arts, Handicrafts & Culture

• Classical Manipuri dance and Ras Leela.
• Bamboo crafts and textiles.
• Tribal weaving traditions.

Adventure & Wildlife

• Trekking in Ukhrul and Dzuko Valley.
• Boating on Loktak Lake.
• Wildlife spotting in Keibul Lamjao.

How to Reach

• By Air: Imphal International Airport.
• By Rail: Nearest station is Dimapur (Nagaland).
• By Road: Connected via highways from Assam and Nagaland.

Best Time to Visit

October to March is ideal for pleasant weather and festivals.

Sample Itineraries

3 Days – Imphal

• Day 1: Loktak Lake & Keibul Lamjao.
• Day 2: Kangla Fort & Ima Keithel (women’s market).
• Day 3: Andro Village exploration.

5 Days – Hills & Valleys

• Day 1: Imphal sightseeing.
• Day 2: Ukhrul trek.
• Day 3: Loktak Lake activities.
• Day 4: Moreh border town visit.
• Day 5: Return via cultural markets.

Famous Personalities

• Mary Kom: Olympic boxer and world champion.
• Ras Lila Artists: Renowned for classical dance.