Manipur

An alluring atmosphere of mystery, a land wrapped in velvety silence, is what instantly strikes a visitor to Manipur, which literally means 'the land of jewels'. Described by Lord Irwin as the 'Switzerland of India', Manipur boasts of an exotic landscape with gently undulating hills, emerald green valleys, blue lakes and dense forests .Manipur is best represented by the classical Manipuri style of dance.

It is the sheer tranquility enveloping it, interrupted only by a soft breeze, that sets it apart from the other North-Eastern states, and makes it the ideal getaway. The characteristics of the Manipuri people vary according to geographical divisions. The Meitees who speak Manipuri, inhabit the plains, while the Kukis and Nagas of the hills, speak different Tibeto - Burmese dialects. Early Manipuris were followers of Hinduism, and believed in the hierarchy of the Gods. The advent of Christianity resulted in the conversion of the people residing in the hills, while the majority of men from the plains continued to be Hindus. Manipuris are enthusiastic polo players, and the game of polo is said to have originated here. Important festivals of Manipur are the Dol Yatra (Holi) in March, Rath Yatra (Car festival) in June-July and Durga Puja in September-October. Manipuri Hindus celebrate New Year Day, in the second week of April. The handlooms and handicrafts of Manipur are renowned all over the country.

Manipur has a lot to offer to tourism enthusiasts. Imphal, the beautiful capital city in the valley; Mao and Ukhrul, the picturesque hill resorts; Taminglong, with its exotic landscape; Chandel, home to amazing tribes; Khonggom and Moirang, reminders of the British Raj, leaves a lasting impression on the mind of the visitor.
 

There is plenty to see in Manipur and all of it may not be possible to cover in one visit. It makes a good deal of sense to base your excursions in Imphal, the capital, which is well connected to the rest of the state.

Imphal’s Polo Ground is said to have given birth to the sport. The Manipur State Museum focuses on ethnological, geological and archaeological exhibits. Of special interest are the displays of tribal jewellery, costumes and weapons. At the centre of Imphal is the fascinating market of Khwairamband run by more than 3000 tribal women that is in two sections – one sells shawls, textiles and fabrics including the traditional dress of the "Meithei" tribe of Manipur called "phanek" and the other sells basic household provisions. On the outskirts of the market are smaller ones that sell cane and wicker products. Bargaining is common though language may prove to be a barrier. There are several fixed price shops that sell handloom and handicrafts at GM Hall and Paona Bazaar. Manipur’s prominent temple is Shree Govindjee that has a nice atmosphere but is not architecturally pleasing to the eye. If you want to be a part of the traditional "puja" or worship, visit the temple early in the morning. The British War Cemetery is beautifully maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and commemorates the lives of British and Indian soldiers who were killed during the Burma War. Most of these soldiers were in the age group of 18 to 21 years.

8 km from Imphal is Langthabal, a small hill town replete with relics from the past, well planned temples and ceremonial hoses amidst pine and jackfruit trees planted symmetrically.

Andro is an ancient village where scheduled castes live, 27 km east of Imphal. It has a Cultural Complex displaying the pottery of northeast India. There is also a 'Doll-House' where dolls of 29 recognised tribes of Manipur are on display.

Keibul Lamjao National Park, 53km from Imphal, on the fringes of Loktak Lake, is the last natural habitat of the marsh-dwelling brow-antlered deer called "Sangai". A large number of migratory birds, like waterfowl, are also attracted to this Park. 48km south of Imphal is the Loktak Lake fed by many rivers and dotted with many islands. It is home to an unusual community of fishermen who live on large rafts made of reeds.

A large part of this lake is taken up by the Keibul Lamjao National Park. If you want to view the Lake from a vantage point try the Sendra Island. On the western shore of Loktak Lake is the small town of Moirang with a historical past. It was here that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, an Indian freedom fighter, hoisted the first flag of independent India in 1943. Bose fought alongside the Japanese army to oust the British from India. A memorial and a museum with interesting photographs and Japanese currency is worth a visit.

On National Highway 39, 12km north of Imphal, is the Khongkhampat Orchidarium with hundreds of varieties of orchids that bloom in April and May.

Khongjom is a 36 km drive away from Imphal and it situated on the Indo Burma Road. It is historically important because one of its generals, Paona Brajabashi, fought against the British and refused to suttender. A war memorial on the top of this scenic hill adds charm to the heroic reminders of this site. Khongjom day is celebrated as a State Holiday on every year on April 23.

The Manipur Zoological Garden is a sylvan picnic spot at the foot of pine-growing hillocks 6km west of Imphal, on the Imphal Kangchup Road. You will also spot the rare "sangai" deer here.

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