Imphal

Imphal is known for its hilly landscape and houses some of the popular attractions in the state of Manipur. Here are some of the notable places that one must visit while in Imphal:

Manipur State Museum: For the historically inclined and anyone who wants to know about the history of Manipur, there can be no better place than the Manipur State Museum. It encases tribal heritage, traditions and a collection of the Manipur costumes worn by the common people and war-men throughout centuries, historical documents and the weapons of varied communities and relics. The museum gives access to valuable documents, cultural heritage and artifacts that document the civilization of Manipur and its capital city, Imphal.

Shree Govindajee Temple: Shree Govindajee Temple is also historically significant; it was the preferred place for any cultural activity during the Maharaja period. It still continues to be the place where most festivals and cultural activities are celebrated. It is located close to the Royal palace of the Maharajas, has double-domes and has a huge congregation hall.

Manipur Zoological Gardens: The Brow Antlered deer, rare animal species, is found in the Manipur Zoological Gardens. Situated at distance of 6 kilometers from Imphal, the zoo is built in a simple manner and the surroundings are in the form of a huge expanse of open areas.

War Cemeteries: The war cemeteries in Imphal are a place of tribute to the brave Indian and British soldier who laid down their lives during the Second World War, especially in the Battle of Imphal in 1944. In the Battle of Imphal, the allied forces and Indian army fought side by side and managed to keep the invading Japanese military forces out of India, and drove them to Burma. When you come to these cemeteries, you get struck by the absolute tranquil and peace of this area. You can also read the tributes written on the bronze plaques and stones of the graves.

Women's Market or Ima Keithel: If the War Cemeteries was peaceful, then the Ima Keithel or the "Women's Market" is an absolute noise. The area is abuzz with activity, with a colorful display of clothes, fashion accessories and women seen bargaining for various products right from sarees to ethnic jewelry. The charm of the place lies in the fact that it is abuzz with activity. In fact, natives say that the trade of Manipur is reflected in the way shopping is done in Ima Keithel.
This is the first place most natives and tourists turn up to buy things that they want. The bazaar has two sections: one for fruits, vegetables and groceries while the other section is for handloom products, clothes and accessories. If a person wants to know how the trade goes in Manipur; this is the first place to go. The bazar consists of two main sections -one where the vegetables, fruits and necessary items are sold and the other where the handloom products of the state are sold. The peculiarity of the market is that around 3000 'Imas' or mothers run the stalls with absolute fervor.

Loktak Lake: Loktak Lake, the largest fresh-water lake in north-east India lies 50 km from Imphal. It is known to be the only floating lake in the world due the floating phumdis (varied mass of vegetation, organic matter and soil going through various phases of decomposition). This age-old lake has played an invaluable role in fostering the economy and productivity of Manipur. It is a source of irrigation, potable water, hydropower generation and has been a livelihood of rural fishermen throughout years. Of late, Loktak Lake due its picturesque appeal has been developed as a tourist destination by the State Government. There is a "Tourist Bungalow" that gives a beautiful view of the lake and is surroundings.

Kangla Fort: Kangla Fort or the Kangla Palace is an ancient palace, that lies on the western sid e of the bank of the Imphal River. Though it is in ruins now, it is still a tourist attraction. Kangla meaning .dry land. in ancient Meitei language was actually the seat of the past 'Kangla' was the ancient capital of Manipur from the olden times right up to 1891 AD. Meitein rulers of Manipur. The British called it the Manipur fort. The main entrance of the Kangla fort opens in Imphal.

Polo Ground: The Polo Ground that lies near the Manipur State Museum is the oldest polo ground in the world. Its existence is as old as the history of Manipur.

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