Manipur Sights

** please note that the information below is given the government tourist department.

DISTRICT : IMPHAL

Shree Govindajee Temple: A historic vaishnavite centre, adjoining the Royal palace of Manipur’s former maharajas. Twin domes, a paved courtyard, and a large raised congregation hall form a perfect backdrop for priests who descend the steps, to accept offerings from devotees in the courtyard. The shrines of Krishna, Balaram and Jagannath flank the two sides of the presiding deity. (Picture on right: Loktak Lake)

Khwairamband Bazaar or Ima market: A unique all women’s market, run by 3000 Imas or mothers.

Shaheed Minar: this tall Minar commemorates the indomitable spirit of the martyrs of 1891 at Bir Tikendrajit Park.

War Cemeteries: Commemorating the memories of the British and Indian soldiers, who died during the Second World War, these cemeteries are managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The well maintained graves carry little stone markers and bronze plaques recording the sacrifice of those gallant soldiers.

Khonghampat Orchadirium, covering 200 acres and over 110 rare varieties of orchids, which include almost a dozen endemic species. Peak blooming season: April- may.

Zoological Gardens, at the foot of the pine- growing hillocks. Not to be missed is an opportunity to see the graceful brow antlered deer (Sangai), one of the rarest species in the world, in sylvan surroundings.

Langthabal, small hills feature with relics of an old, historic palace, temples of architectural importance and ceremonial houses. Set among symmetrically planted jack fruits and pine trees Langthabal offers a view of the varsity and some picturesque vistas.

Kangchup, a Health Resort on the hills overlooking the Manipur Valley. Singda dam construction adds the importance.

State Museum, having fairly good display of tribal heritage and a collection of portraits of former rulers. Interesting are the costumes, arms, weapons, relics and historical documents.

Kaina: A sacred place of the Hindus. Charming scenery, hill shrubs and natural surroundings give the place a sanity and religious atmosphere. Famous for Ras dance performances.

Sekta, the living museum, is an ideal place with a unique natural description.

Chingoi Baruni: Pilgrims take a holy dip at the Chingoi stream, which takes a northward course at the Baruni Hill.

TOURISM PLUS

Adventure Tourism: Facilities being developed at the Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking association (MMTA) complex at Lamdan (Sudarshan Peak) near the Loktak Hydro- electric Power Project, the Manipur Adventure and Allied Sports Institute (MAASI) complex at Keiro and at the Tourist Home located in the Siroi Hills near Ukhrul. These associations conduct training and treks for tourists with an adventurous streak. They also offer opportunities for jungle exploration, mountaineering, rock- climbing etc. 

DISTRICT : BISHNUPUR

Bishnupur: The 15th century Vishnu Temple built of peculiarly small bricks supposedly of Chinese influence during the reign of King Kiyamba is of historical importance. Also famous for its chiseled stoneware.

Phubala: On the western fringe of the Loktak Lake, Phubala is a charming little resort, linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Boating and other water sports are being introduced.

Moirang: One of the main centres of Meitei folk culture with the ancient temple of the pre- Hindu deity Lord Thangjing is situated here. Men and women dressed in colourful traditional costumes sing and dance in honour of the Lord at the Moirang ‘Lai Haraoba’, which is a ritual dance festival held in May every year.

The town also has a special place in the history of the Indian freedom Struggle. It was at Moirang that the flag of the Indian National Army was first unfolded in 1944. The INA Museum containing letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other memorabilia remind the visitor of the noble sacrifices made by the INA under the charismatic leadership of Netaji Subhas Ch. Bose. 

Loktak Lake :The largest fresh water lake in the North Eastern region of India, a veritable miniature island sea. From the Tourist bungalow set atop Sendra Island, visitors get a bird’s eye view of life on the lake, small islands that are actually floating weed on which live the Lake people, the shimmering blue waters of the lake, labyrinthine boat routes and colourful water plants.

The Sendra Tourist Home with an attached cafeteria in the middle of the lake is an ideal tourist spot. Boating and other water- sports are being introduced here.

Red Hill (Lokpaching): A hillock, a thrilling spot where a fierce battle took place between the British and the Japanese forces in the World War II and regarded as a holy place. The Japanese war veteran had constructed ‘India Peace Memorial’, a monument in memory of Japanese martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the fierce battle.

DISTRICT :  UKHRUL

Ukhrul, the highest hill station of the state, is a centre of the colourful warrior tribe Tangkhul Nagas. It is well developed and famous for the Siroi Hills. The ordinary looking Siroi lily blossoms on the hilltop, at a height of 8,500 ft during may- June.

Khangkhui Cave is a remarkable natural lime- stone cave. The big hall in the cave is the darbar hall of the Devil King living deep inside while the northern hall is the royal bedroom, according to local folklore. During World War II, the villagers sought shelter in this cave.

Ukhrul bears a gay and festal appearance during Christmas.

DISTRICT :  TAMENGLONG

This region is known for its deep gorges, mysterious caves and splendid waterfalls and its exotic orchids. Besides interesting spots like Buning Meadow, Zailad Lakes, Barak Waterfalls etc., the Tharon cave is of great importance. Having 34 joints, this cave is  655.6 meters in length. It has five exits and good ventilation system so that no symptom of exphyxia can be experienced.