From blue rolling mountains to serene water
bodies, from the rarest of the rare flora and fauna
that you never knew existed to the waterfalls
skilfully hiding from the world all these years. Be
greeted by an all new side of beauty and
abundance of unexplored nature. Welcome to
Manipur.
Translates literally to 'a jewelled land' and more
popularly known as the birthplace of modern Polo,
Manipur is a tiny state ensconced in a naturally-
blessed corner of North East India bordering
Myanmar.
Imphal City – 24.8170° N, 93.9368° E
Imphal is the capital city of Manipur as well as the
administrative capital of the state. A unique city
where at its heart lies the largest women's market
and the oldest Polo Ground in the world.
TOP REASONS
WHY YOU MUST VISIT
NATURE
Unexploited nature at its best. Multiple endemic
species of flora and fauna including the much-
famed dancing deer Sangai and irresistibly
charming Sirui Lily. The only floating National Park
in the world, the Keibul Lamjao National Park,
located on the serenely beautiful Loktak Lake. Did
we mention, the scenic beauty that seems to
engulf the state from all four corners?
A thousand delightful discoveries
are waiting for you in Manipur.
MANIPUR

BEEN
TOURISM
THERE
Loktak Lake
The principal attraction of the state for any visitor,
the Loktak Lake is located in Moirang, Bishenpur
Ditrict. It is the largest fresh water lake in the
North–East India. You can catch an enchanting view
of the whole lake from the Sendra hillock where you
can treat yourself to some sumptuous food in the
cafeteria on the top of the hillock.
Distance from Imphal: 48 km
Travel time by car: About 1 hour
Keibul Lamjao National Park
The only floating National Park in the world, the
Keibul Lamjao National Park located on the Loktak
Lake is the last natural habitat of the “Sangai”
(Rucervus eldii eldii), the dancing deer of Manipur.
A glimpse of the deer in this unique wetland
ecosystem is a must for any wildlife enthusiast.
Distance from Imphal: 43 km;
Travel time by car: About 50 minutes
Dzukou Valley
Tucked away at the border of Manipur and
Nagaland, Dzukou Valley is famous for its lush
rolling hills and seasonal flowers, and of course for
the enchanting Dzukou Lilly.
Distance from Imphal: 118 km
Travel time by car: About 4 hours
Trekking: About 4 hours
Shirui Hills
The eternally beautiful Ukhrul District is home to the
rare and marvellous state flower of Manipur - Shirui
Lily (Lilium macklinae). It is named after Jean
Macklin, the wife of Dr. Frank Kingdon Ward who
spotted the flower in 1946 while collecting
botanical specimens. If you happen to make it to
Ukhrul, don't miss the opportunity to get amazed at
the pre-historic limestone cave, which has
evidences of habitations of Stone-Age
communities.
Distance from Imphal: 81 km
Travel time by car: About 3 hours
Chadong Water Body
Located at Phungyar Phaisat in Ukhrul District, the
serene look of the Chadong water body is
splendidly complemented by enchanting
greenery all around. Enjoy a boat ride all the way
to the Maphou Dam and soak in the crisp fresh air
while being surrounded by nature at its best.
Distance from Imphal: 21 km
Travel time by car: About 30 minutes
HISTORY
One of the fiercest battles of the Second World
War was fought in Manipur. Over 200,000
Japanese, Britons, Indians, Gurkhas and men
from several other nations clashed in the hills and
valley of Manipur. The Battle of Imphal has been,
in fact, voted "Britain's Greatest Battle" by the
British National Army Museum. Thousands of
Japanese soldiers laid their lives here for whom a
memorial has been built at the Red Hills. Quite
interestingly, India's freedom fighter Netaji
Subhas Chandra Bose led the Indian National
Army to defeat the British and establish the first
provisional independent government in Moirang,
Manipur.
War Cemetery
Commemorating the memories of the British and
Indian soldiers who died during the World War II,
the War Cemetery in Imphal are managed by the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Serene
and well maintained, the War Cemetery carries
little stone markers and bronze plaques recording
the sacrifice of those gallant soldiers.
Marjing Polo Complex
The Marjing Polo Complex is strategically
located near the abode of Ibudhou Marjing at
Heingang, Imphal East. The complex serves as a CHINA
centre of polo tourism in the State and also as an
offering to the God of the Chenglei, Marjing, to NEPAL
whom the Kangjei (Polo-Stick) along with the ball Delhi
(Kangdrum) are still offered during worship. MYANMAR
INDIA Manipur
Red Hill (Lokpaching)
It was in this historic spot where the British and the
Japanese soldiers fought a fierce battle during the
World War II. War Veterans had constructed a
“India Peace Memorial” a monument in memory
of Japanese soldiers who died in the battle. It is a
place of pilgrimage for Japanese tourists. A new
war memorial, funded by Japan's Nippon
Foundation, replete with a museum and other
tourist amenities is being opened to the public.
MANIPUR

TOURISM
Distance from Imphal: 19 km To plan a trip, contact:
Travel time by car: About 30 minutes manipurtsm@gmail.com | www.manipurtourism.gov.in
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Khongjom War Memorial
It was at the historic place of Khongjom that Major
General Paona Brajabashi, one of the great
warriors of Manipur proved his valour against the
superior might of the invading British Army in
1891. The hillock at 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 has been constructed on the top of
Kheba hill; and Khongjom Day is celebrated every
year on 23 April.
Distance from Imphal: 36 km
Travel time by car: About 45 minutes
INA Memorial
INA Memorial at Moirang is another such place
which has a historical significance in India's
Freedom Struggle. It was at Moirang that the flag
of the Indian National Army was first unfurled on
14 April 1944. The INA Museum has a collection
of letters, photographs, badges of ranks and
other war memorabilia and reminds visitors of the
noble sacrifices made by the INA soldiers under
the charismatic leadership of Netaji Subhas
Chandra Bose.
Distance from Imphal: 40 km
Travel time by car: About 1 hour
Kangla
Kangla is one of the most important historical and
archaeological sites in Manipur. It is located at the
western bank of Imphal River at the heart of the
capital city of Imphal. A visit to the Kangla at the
heart of Imphal city unfolds the proud history of
the erstwhile Asiatic Kingdom dating back to 33
A.D. It is the quintessential symbol of the state's
culture and heritage.
CULTURE
From the globally acclaimed Manipuri Dance to
the skilful Thang Ta masters, from the exquisite
handloom products to traditions passed on from
generations, from the vibrant traditional attire of
diverse tribal communities to some of the most
exceptionally delicious food, Manipur is a heaven
for culture vultures.
Raas Leela
The state is particularly famous for the Manipuri
style of classical dance 'Raas Leela' depicting Lord
Krishna as a child and the yearnings of the Gopis
for communion with the Lord. It is a perfectly
lyrical and extremely graceful dance form and
reveals the sublime and transcendental love of
Lord Krishna and Radha and the devotion of the
Gopis to the Lord. It is generally performed in an
enclosure in front of Shree Shree Govindajee
temple throughout the night and watched with a
deep sense of devotion. The performance is a
combination of solo, duet and group dances. This
highly stylised form of dance has sublimity,
subtlety and grace. The richness of the costumes
gives lustre to the beauty of the art.
Nat Sankirtan
The Manipuri Nat-Sankirtana, an art form
conceived by the famous Manipur king
Bhagyachandra Singh in the 18th century is
recognised by UNESCO's Intangible Cultural
Heritage of Humanity. This ritual song
performances accompanied by drumming and
dancing encompasses an array of arts performed
to mark religious occasions and various stages in
the life of Manipuri Vaishnavites. It is practised at
the centre of temples, where performers narrate
the life of Lord Krishna through songs and dances.
In a typical performance, two drummers and
about ten singers perform the dance encircled by
the devotees.
Shree Shree Govindaji Temple
Shree Govindajee Temple is another historic
centre of the Vaishnavites in Manipur. The
Govindajee Temple is one of the more popular
destinations for tourists. Twin domes, a paved
courtyard, and a large raised congregation hall
from perfect backdrop for priests who descend
the steps, to accept offerings from devotees in the
courtyard. Early hour prayer (Aarti) is a must for
devoted followers, exuding spiritual fervour and
ecstasy. Tourists are welcomed to come and join
in the daily festivities.
Foods
The second wonderful thing to the rich diversity of
Manipur is its diversity of food. With different
communities living in different parts of this diverse
land, Manipur serves a sumptuous platter of varied
authentic cuisines, bringing you a whole new kind
of taste. While there are tens of dozens of
restaurants that are famous in their own rights, the
most fascinating meal, perhaps, is the one at the
Shree Shree Govindaji Temple with 108 varieties of
dishes all laid out.
Ima Market
A unique all women's market, with more than 3,000
“Ima” or mothers who run the stalls. The market
spans across two sections on either side of the main
market road. Vegetables, fruits, fishes and
household groceries are sold on one side and
exquisite handlooms and household tools on the
other.
Sports
The birthplace of modern Polo and other
indigenous games such as the Khong Kanjei,
Mukna, Kang, Hiyang Tanaba, Thang-Ta and Sarit
Sarat, and the very exhilarating game of Yubi Lakpi,
Manipur is a land where sports has always been an
indispensable part of its culture. It is no wonder the
state is hailed as the country's power-house of
sports producing world-class sportspersons such
as Mary Kom, Mirabai Chanu, Dingko Singh,
Kunjarani Devi and so many others who have
brought laurels for the nation in many international
sporting events. One should not miss a visit to the
Mapal Kangjeibung, arguably the oldest Polo
ground in the world, in the heart of Imphal.
FESTIVALS Shirui Lily Festival HOW TO REACH MANIPUR
Named after the Shirui Lily, the state flower of Manipur,
Inhabited by a diverse set of communities and endemic to a hill of the same name the Shirui Lily Festival The beautiful city of Imphal, the capital of Manipur
people from multiple cultural background and is connected by Air, Train and Bus from other places
is another festival designed to commemorate the
belief system, you will never run out of festival as follows :
significance of the state flower and, more importantly, to
through out the year when you are in Manipur.
promote peace and harmony between different By air to Imphal
Some of the most common festival include Gang- communities of the state. This ticket-free eco-tourism
Ngai, Lui-Ngai-Ni, Yaosang, Cheiraoba, Heikru Imphal International Airport is located about 8 km
festival is held every year in Ukhrul District, with local from the heart of the city and is well connected
Hitongba, Ningol Chak-kouba, Kut, Ramjan Eid, traditional performances, events and exhibits. Shi Rock,
Chumpha and Christmas, just to name only a few. directly from the major cities of India namely Delhi,
the music festival section of the event, attracts Hyderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati and major cities of
Manipur Tourism has developed a series of state international performers and over 30,000 visitors per
festival aimed at showcasing various unique North Eastern states on a daily basis with the
day. The battle of bands is another highlight of this
aspects culture, history and geography of the state. Domestic Air services such as Air India, Indigo, Air
festival which sees dozens of bands from around the
Asia and Jet Airways. Other major cities of India are
North East India vying for the coveted first prize.
Manipur Sangai Festival connected to Imphal via Kolkata/Guwahati.
Manipur Sangai Festival is celebrated every year
By bus to Imphal
from 21to 30 November. The ‘Festival’ is named
Many private bus services are available to and from
after the State animal, Sangai, the brow-antlered
Guwahati on a daily basis on the NH 27, NH 29 and
deer found only in Manipur. It was initiated in 2010
and has grown over the years into a big platform for NH 2 via Dimapur and Kohima. Transport services
are also available from Silchar, Assam daily on the
Manipur to showcase its rich tradition and culture
to the world. The festival is labeled as the grandest NH 37.
festival of the State today and helps promote By train to Imphal
Manipur as a world-class tourism destination. Every There is no direct train service to Imphal. But
edition of the festival showcases the tourism travellers can travel up to Guwahati or Dimapur
potential of the state in the fields of Arts & Culture, (nearest rail head from Imphal) and then cover the
Handloom, Handicrafts, Indigenous Sports, rest of the distance by bus or by air.
Cuisine, Music and Adventure sports of the state
etc. The festival is held at multiple locations of the
state including Loktak and Keibul Lamjao in
Bishnupur District and Mao District, while the
majority of the events take place in various
locations in Imphal.
NAGALAND
Dimapur
Kohima
Dzukou
Valley
SENAPATI
KANGPOKPI UKHRUL
ASSAM TAMENGLONG
LAMPHELPAT IMPHAL
WEST
IMPHAL KAMJONG
IMPHAL
EAST
NONEY POROMPAT
JIRIBAM
THOUBAL
BISHNUPUR
Loktak
Lake
KAKCHING
Keibul TENGNOUPAL
Lamjao
Moirang
PHERZAWL
CHURACHANDPUR
CHANDEL
Moreh
MIZORAM
MYANMAR
CMYK CMYK

A thousand delightful discoveries

are waiting for you in Manipur.
MANIPUR

BEEN
TOURISM

CHINA

NEPAL
Delhi

THERE INDIA
MYANMAR

Manipur

MANIPUR

TOURISM

To plan a trip, contact:

manipurtsm@gmail.com | www.manipurtourism.gov.in
visitmanipur manipurtourism TourismManipur Manipur Tourism