Imphal, capital of Manipur lies at an elevation of 790 metres above sea level and is surrounded by the ruins of the old Palace of Kangla. Surrounded by hills, Imphal is considered one of the oldest cities in India and was ruled by the Royal family of Manipur. Although later the city was captured by the British in 1826.
Imphal is named "Yumphal", which means "land of many villages." The city is inhabited by persons belonging to various tribes like Kuki, Paite, Tangkhul, Lucy and Mao.
Imphal, also famous for Raslila, a classical dance form that is inspired by Lord Krishna and Radha.
Best Time to Visit Imphal
The best time to visit Imphal is from September to April.
How to Reach Imphal
Being the capital of Manipur, Imphal is an important town and is well connected to other parts of the country. Here is how to reach Imphal.
By Train
Imphal does not have its own railway station and the nearest railhead is at Dimapur (Nagaland), which is located at a distance of 215 km. From Dimapur one can hire a bus to reach Imphal, which would take approximately eight hours. The other railhead is at Guwahati (Assam), which is at a distance of 414 km from Imphal.
By Road
Imphal is well connected by road to cities in neighbouring states. Manipur state buses have regular bus services to cities like Dimpaur, Kohima, Aizwal, Itanagar, Agartala and Shillong.
By Air
The Imphal airport is located 8km from the city and is well connected by air to cities like Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.
The fort is now open for
the public and commands a lot of religious, archeological and historic
importance.
Manipur State Museum
The Manipur State Museum in Imphal is home to a display on the culture, nature and history of Manipur. There is also a special gallery for children to make the visit interesting for them.
Apart from this, the
museum also undertakes campaigns such as cultural appreciation courses
and science fairs.
Khwairamband Bazaar
The largest market in the north east, this all women's market is Manipur's most fascinating tourist attraction.
Run by over 300 women,
this market stocks almost everything, right from vegetables, fish and
fruit, to household items, cloth and pottery items.
War Cemetery
The War Cemetery in Manipur is managed by the Commonwealth Graves Commission and is an effort to preserve the memory of the Indian and British soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War.
The
cemetery has been beautifully maintained and each grave has been marked
with bronze plaques recording the sacrifice of these fearless warriors.
Manipur Zoological Gardens
Located 5 km away from Imphal, this garden is known for preserving and breeding rare and protected species of animals.
One such rare species
(not only in India, but in the world), the Brow-Antelered Thaimin Deer
can be found here. The zoological gardens are surrounded by beautiful
green hillocks and the atmosphere here is calm and peaceful.
Shri Govindjee Temple
Situated in the same complex as the Kangla Fort, this temple was the chosen place for any cultural activity during the time of the kings.
The
temple houses many idols of Hindu Gods such as Krishna, Balaram,
Jagannath and Subdhara etc. The atmosphere in this temple is very
vibrant and one can constantly hear chants and religious mantras being
sung.
Loktak Lake
The Loktak Lake is a large freshwater lake in Imphal and is also known as the Floating Lake, because of various decomposed organic matter floating on the lake's surface.
The Loktak Lake is an important source
of livelihood for many fishermen and is also frequented by many
tourists. A new resort by the name of Phubala has been opened near the
lake and provides water sport and other adventure sport activities to
visitors.
Shopping in Imphal
Shopping in Imphal is a delightful experience. One can purchase items made of cane, papier mache and ivory. Apart from that, one can also purchase some interesting jewellery items as well, but make sure you bargain hard to get a good deal.
One can also visit fixed priced shops
such as the Manipur Handlooms and Handicrafts Development Corporation in
Paona Bazaar. Kangla Emporium and Eastern Handlooms and Handicrafts are
a good place to buy textiles.
The Khwairamband Bazaar is a good place to buy Manipuri handicrafts, shawls and jewellery items. Nagalmpal Market is a good option if you're looking for accessories, footwear or spices. Head to Tera Bazaar if handlooms are what you're looking for. Malom Bazaar stocks fresh fruits and vegetables and Moreh Market, which is located three hours from Imphal is famous for stocking local and imported goods, such as shawls, Haupee and the Tangkhul Scarf and many more interesting items.
Tourist Map of Imphal
Imphal is named "Yumphal", which means "land of many villages." The city is inhabited by persons belonging to various tribes like Kuki, Paite, Tangkhul, Lucy and Mao.
Best Time to Visit Imphal
The best time to visit Imphal is from September to April.
How to Reach Imphal
Being the capital of Manipur, Imphal is an important town and is well connected to other parts of the country. Here is how to reach Imphal.
By Train
Imphal does not have its own railway station and the nearest railhead is at Dimapur (Nagaland), which is located at a distance of 215 km. From Dimapur one can hire a bus to reach Imphal, which would take approximately eight hours. The other railhead is at Guwahati (Assam), which is at a distance of 414 km from Imphal.
By Road
Imphal is well connected by road to cities in neighbouring states. Manipur state buses have regular bus services to cities like Dimpaur, Kohima, Aizwal, Itanagar, Agartala and Shillong.
By Air
The Imphal airport is located 8km from the city and is well connected by air to cities like Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.
Places to See in Imphal
Imphal has many interesting tourist destinations; here are a few of them:
Kangla Fort
Located near the Imphal River, right in the centre of the city, Kangla
was the royal palace of the king of Manipur.Kangla Fort
Manipur State Museum
The Manipur State Museum in Imphal is home to a display on the culture, nature and history of Manipur. There is also a special gallery for children to make the visit interesting for them.
Khwairamband Bazaar
The largest market in the north east, this all women's market is Manipur's most fascinating tourist attraction.
War Cemetery
The War Cemetery in Manipur is managed by the Commonwealth Graves Commission and is an effort to preserve the memory of the Indian and British soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War.
Manipur Zoological Gardens
Located 5 km away from Imphal, this garden is known for preserving and breeding rare and protected species of animals.
Shri Govindjee Temple
Situated in the same complex as the Kangla Fort, this temple was the chosen place for any cultural activity during the time of the kings.
Loktak Lake
The Loktak Lake is a large freshwater lake in Imphal and is also known as the Floating Lake, because of various decomposed organic matter floating on the lake's surface.
Shopping in Imphal
Shopping in Imphal is a delightful experience. One can purchase items made of cane, papier mache and ivory. Apart from that, one can also purchase some interesting jewellery items as well, but make sure you bargain hard to get a good deal.
The Khwairamband Bazaar is a good place to buy Manipuri handicrafts, shawls and jewellery items. Nagalmpal Market is a good option if you're looking for accessories, footwear or spices. Head to Tera Bazaar if handlooms are what you're looking for. Malom Bazaar stocks fresh fruits and vegetables and Moreh Market, which is located three hours from Imphal is famous for stocking local and imported goods, such as shawls, Haupee and the Tangkhul Scarf and many more interesting items.
Imphal Cuisine
Manipuri cuisine primarily comprises of rice, fish and green leafy vegetables. The vegetables consumed by Manipuris are grown in kitchen gardens at home and the fish eaten is reared in a small pond nearby.
Manipuri cuisine primarily comprises of rice, fish and green leafy vegetables. The vegetables consumed by Manipuris are grown in kitchen gardens at home and the fish eaten is reared in a small pond nearby.
Hence, food consumed by Manipuri people is organic and healthy. Fish
eaten in Manipuri cuisine is fermented and along with chillies, a lot of
herbs are used while preparing the food.
Hotels in Imphal
Budget Hotels
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3 Star Hotels
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Tourist Map of Imphal
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