TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN MANIPUR

The tourist season is from October to February, when it is often sunny without being hot and humid. It is bounded by Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south, and Assam to the west; Burma (Myanmar) lies to its east. The state covers an area of 22,327 square kilometres and has a population of almost 3 million. Here we present to you top 10 places to visit in Manipur. 1) Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park and Sendra Island It is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, and is famous for the phumdis floating over it. The lake, in fact, has an intrinsic influence on the economy of communities who inhabit the surroundings of the lake by its natural produce like fish and other varieties of vegetables from the greenery around the lake. A glimpse of the deer in this unique wetland ecosystem is a must for any wildlife enthusiast. Sendra, although a small hillock entangled by the lake-water on all sides is linked with the mainland through a pathway. 2) INA Museum The INA Museum at Moirang is a treasure of relics connected with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's struggle against British imperialism to emancipate the Indian motherland and it displays wartime relics and photographs. 3) Kangla Fort The Palace of Kangla is an old palace at Imphal. It has historical as well as archaeological significance which makes it a great tourist attraction. It was situated on both sides (western and eastern) of the bank of the Imphal River. But now it remains only on the western side of the bank. Only the ruins remain now. Kangla means "dry land" in old Meitei. 4) Imphal War Cemetery The Imphal War Cemetery is located in Imphal. The cemetery has 1,600 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War and is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Earl Louis Mountbatten described the battle fought at Imphal and Kohima as "probably one of the greatest battles in history". In 2013, the Battle of Kohima and Imphal was voted as one of the greatest battles in history, based on a national survey conducted by the National Army Museum. 5) Manipur State Museum This interesting Museum near the Polo Ground has a fairly good collection and display of Manipur's tribal heritage and a collection of portraits of Manipur's former rulers. Particularly interesting items are costumes, arms & ammunition, relics and historical documents. 6) Shri Govindji Temple It is the largest Hindu, Vaishnav temple in Imphal city. 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 Lord Krishna and Balaram and Jagannath flank the two sides of the presiding deity. Early hours Prayer (Aarti) is a must for devoted followers. 7) Khwairamband Bazar/ Ima Market A unique all women's market, having 3,000 or more "Imas" or mothers who run the stalls. It is split into two sections on either side of a road. Vegetables, fruits, fishes and household groceries are sold on one side and exquisite hand loom and household tools on the other. 8) ISKCON, Imphal The architecture of ISKCON is quite different from the other ISKCON's and it is built in more of a Buddhist style. The idols and carvings on the woodwork adoring the temple are very beautiful. 9) Shaheed Minar The indomitable spirit of the patriotic Meitei and tribal martyrs, who sacrificed their lives while fighting the British in 1891, is commemorated by this tall Minar at Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of Imphal city. 10) Manipur Zoological Gardens Manipur Zoological Garden at Iroisemba is only 6 kms. on the Imphal-Kangchup Road at the foot of the pine growing hillocks . Here apart from various endangered species, tourists can have an opportunity to see the graceful brow antlered deer (Sangai), one of the rarest & endangered species in the world, in sylvan surroundings.