Nature
Floating National Park
Keibul Lamjao is the world's only floating national park — home to the endangered Sangai deer.
Discover the park →
Imphal · Capital of Manipur, India
Gateway to floating lakes, women's markets & an ancient kingdom
Imphal is one of India's most under-visited capitals — home to the world's only floating national park, Asia's largest all-women market, the birthplace of modern polo and a classical dance tradition that UNESCO calls a masterpiece.
Oct – AprBest time to visit
~8 kmAirport to city
3–5 daysIdeal duration
ValleySafe circuit
Why Imphal
Nowhere else in India is quite like this
Four genuine world-firsts make Imphal unforgettable — and they're all within a safe, compact valley circuit.
Culture
All-Women Market
Ima Keithel is Asia's largest market run entirely by women — an icon of female enterprise.
Meet the Ima Keithel →
Heritage
Birthplace of Polo
Modern polo began here as Sagol Kangjei, played on Manipuri ponies for centuries.
The polo story →
Art
Classical Dance
Manipuri Raas Leela — a UNESCO-recognised classical dance of extraordinary grace.
Experience the dance →Top Sights
The essential Imphal valley circuit
From the ancient Kangla Fort to the serene shores of Loktak Lake — these are the places that define the city.
Kangla Fort — the heart of an ancient kingdom
For centuries the seat of the Meitei kings, Kangla is where Manipur's royal history, mythology and identity converge. Walk the red-brick ramparts, the sacred Kangla Uttra temple and the grand Kangla Men gate.
- Free entry, open daily from early morning
- Combine with the nearby Manipur State Museum
- Allow 1.5–2 hours
Loktak Lake — a sea of floating islands
India's largest freshwater lake in the Northeast is a surreal world of circular floating islands called phumdis. Watch fishermen glide between them, visit Sendra Island, and catch sunrise over the water.
- About 50 km from Imphal city
- Combine with Moirang and Keibul Lamjao
- Best in the cool months, October–February
WWII — where the Battle of Imphal turned the war
Imphal was the site of one of the Second World War's most decisive battles. The immaculate Imphal War Cemetery, the India Peace Memorial at Red Hill, and the INA Memorial at Moirang tell a moving story of sacrifice.
- Imphal War Cemetery — free, open daily
- Red Hill viewpoint ~10 km from the city
- Moirang ~45 km, on the Loktak route
Plan Your Stay
Ready-to-use itineraries
Imphal is best enjoyed as a self-contained base for 3–5 days. We've built realistic, day-by-day plans that keep you in the safe valley circuit.
Weekend
2-Day Imphal Express
The essential city sights — Kangla, Ima Keithel, the museum and a war-cemetery morning.
View the 2-day plan →
Classic
3-Day Valley Circuit
City sights plus the classic Loktak Lake & Moirang day — the full valley experience.
View the 3-day plan →
Slow Travel
4–5 Day Deep Dive
Add Keibul Lamjao, Thanga village, a polo morning and a relaxed food crawl.
View the 4–5 day plan →
Culture & Experiences
Festivals, dance & handloom
Time your visit around the Sangai Festival (late November), celebrate Yaoshang with colour, and watch the graceful Raas Leela.
Manipuri Food
A cuisine like no other
Fermented fish (ngari), bamboo shoots, Eromba, Singju and the famous Chak-hao black rice — bold, earthy and unforgettable.
Before You Go
Practical essentials
Permits, flights, best time to visit, where to stay and what to pack — everything you need to plan a smooth trip.
Permits
ILP & PAP
Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit; foreigners need a Protected Area Permit. Both are straightforward.
Permit guide →
Getting There
Fly to Imphal
Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF) connects Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and more — just 8 km from the centre.
How to reach Imphal →
Best Time
October – April
Cool, dry and festival-rich. Avoid the June–September monsoon for smoother travel.
When to visit →