#Manipur is one of the states of northeastern India bordering Myanmar, formerly Burma. It is one of the least visited places in the country but it is not devoid of attractions. The pride of Northeast India, Manipur, is constantly growing as a tourism attraction. But before moving on to other areas, people stay here for a few days. The truth is that you need to spend a lot of time in a location getting to know the people and getting lost in the untamed environment if you want to truly understand it.
In Manipur, there are several locations worth visiting that are endowed with an abundance of nature, welcoming locals, and a wide range of possibilities for sightseeing and recreation. The fine movement of the Ras Lila (Manipuri dance), the extravagance of Thang-TA (martial arts) can make it an all-together different experience.
It will definitely be a beautiful idea to have Manipur as an adventure destination for those who love to spend moments in the lap of nature, walking up next to some jaw dropping sceneries, watching beautiful manipuri youth performing cultural extravaganza! An early morning flight will add advantage with enchanting view of cloud capped hills with shades of blue!
There are also a couple of dozen tourist sites which can’t take your eyes off. Also, see Kangla fort, Manipur State Museum, Kangla palace, Polo ground and local market and enjoy the taste of ethnic lifestyle and state history! You can also visit the following prime tourist destinations: Andro, Kaina, Khonghampat, Khongjom, Khwairamband Bazaar, Langthabal, Sendra Island, Manipur State Museum, Manipur Zoological Garden, Moirang, Phubala, Sahid Minar, Sekta, Singda, War Cemetries, Kakching Garden, Langol Tower and many more.
Here is a list of the best places to visit in Manipur that you should not miss.
1. Kangpokpi
Senapati Village, one of the top tourist places to visit in Manipur, is a modest yet interesting refuge that is blessed with an abundance of nature. Here, lush woods occupy over 80% of the land, with villages dotting the remaining 20%. It is the perfect getaway for anybody seeking to learn more about Manipur's culture.
The villagers you spend time with in the evening could cook something special for you after you spent the day exploring the forest.
2. Andro Cultural Heritage Museum
One of the most beautiful spots to visit in Manipur is the little village of Andro, which is near Imphal. This location is one of the top tourist destinations in Manipur because of the ceramic workmanship that has always attracted visitors' attention. When you visit Andro Gramshang, you get to see not just the artwork but also a glimpse of its past.
You would adore getting your hands on pottery if you are an avid traveler. Numerous traditional pots, including Walom, Pudond Makhong, Yukhum, and Ngangkha, are on show at the museum.
3. Imphal
Imphal is a no-brainer when it comes to Manipur's tourism attractions. In reality, this is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Northeast India. Imphal, which lies in the center of Manipur, proudly displays the splendor of its slopes and hilltops. Head to the valleys to take in the expansive vistas of the area, which include famous sites like the Manipur State Museum, the Palace of Kangle, and the Polo Ground.
Imphal, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Manipur, is encrusted with sparkling waterfalls and lakes that you'll come across while on a trip. It is a wonderful location to take part in the many Manipur festivities. In Imphal, there are a tonne of incredible things to do.
Imphal has markets such as Paona Bazar and Khwairamband Bazar. Buyers can buy exotic shawl (Hauphee), Tangkhul scarf, various wooden items and the most popular Moirang Phee (a fine cloth) of art for their own.
4. Shirui Kashong
Drive to Ukhrul, which is 84 km away from Imphal via NH 202. The Shirui hill of Ukhrul is a home to a number of flora including unique Shirui Lily, an extremely beautiful endangered species of lilies and also the state flower. The evergreen forest which gives a vibe of sylvian landscapes would definitely be the best experience.
Besides the spellbinding sites, the unique and famous flower called Shirui or Siroi Lily found in Shirui Kashung in Ukhrul district is also an irrefutable pride of the state. The remarkable fact is the flower is found nowhere except in the upper reaches of the Shirui hill ranges. The Shirui hill is at a distance of 97 km from Imphal and about 18 km from Ukhrul.
Ukhrul is among the best places to visit in Manipur and is renowned for its scenic magnificence. You could meditate for hours and yet feel serenity because of how beautiful nature is. Have plenty of time on your hands when making your plans to visit because you might want to stay a while. One of the most popular activities in Ukhrul is trekking, followed by a trip to a tea garden. It is one of Manipur's most beautiful tourist destinations.
5. Khongjom
One of Manipur's most well-known locations is Thoubal, which is a popular choice for hikers who enjoy getting lost in verdant surroundings. The roads here are lined with banyan trees and adorned by lakes and rivers. You will see fruit-bearing plants in the verandahs of the houses, indicating that even the residents enjoy gardening.
While visiting places like the People's Museum, you may take in the local culture in addition to the lush nature. This fusion of environment and culture makes it one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Manipur.
6. Buning Meadow
Tamenglong, also known as the Land of the Hornbill, is one of the most serene spots in Manipur to visit and will delight bird lovers in particular. The uncharted woodlands here welcome you with wide arms. Waterfalls and rivers with gurgling and roaring currents add to the allure of an already alluring location.
Without including it, our list of the top attractions in Manipur would undoubtedly be lacking. Some of Manipur's most stunning tourism destinations are found in Tamenglong.
7. Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur
Located near its capital, Imphal, it is a very pleasant place and the only floating National Park in the world. Nearby is the Keibul Lamjao National Park. A canoe trip with one of the fishermen who live on its shores in order to navigate calmly among its islands of vegetation, called phumdis, is undoubtedly the best way to get to see the lake.
Thousands of tourists from both foreign and inside the nation visit the lake every month. For adventure lovers, the lake is a paradise as it has scuva diving as well as kayaking facilities. Boating (both traditional wooden and motor) and boat racing are also available. Midlake gardens are also there in the lake.
The jeweled land holds pride in having the one and only floating park across the globe, the Keibul Lamjao National Park. The Keibul Lamjao National Park on the floating islands must not be forgotten too to explore. Here with a little luck, you can see the sangai, an endemic antelope that is in danger of extinction. This deer species is found nowhere else in the world except in the national park.
They dwell on the floating biomass, as their breeding ground. Their main diet is the fresh lusty green grasses grown on the biomass.
8. Sadu Chiru Waterfall
Leimaram Waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in Manipur. Because of the picturesque vistas and serene environs, it has become a popular destination for tourists. Three waterfalls, not just one, are there to welcome you. As you approach the falls, savor the cooling water mist. It is one of the top places to visit in Manipur, India, and you should go there.
9. Bishnupur
Bishnupur is a unique place with its floors covered in undulating, verdant meadows and thick trees. One of Manipur's well-known pilgrimage locations in this town. Not only are the temples and artifacts here spiritually amazing, but they also have beautiful architecture. Numerous temples and other destinations of worship serve as a draw for followers from all over the world. It is one of Manipur's most popular tourist places to visit.
10. Kakching
Kakching, the state's major commercial center, is one of the top places to see in Manipur. This is a favorite for travelers since it is simple to get to and has more amenities than other places. Visit the area during the Haraoba Festival, when villagers dress up as deities and reenact the birth of the cosmos, to have a deeper understanding of the culture. When you are here, you may visit markets, gardens, theme parks, and more.
11. Ima Market
One of the famous and unique markets of India, Ima Keithel is only market which is solely run by the mothers. From spices to clothes, other groceries to handcrafted things, all are available under one roof. This is one of the amazing markets for shopping in Northeast. While in Imphal, travelers can definitely enjoy the taste of local dishes like black rice pudding, kangsoi, ooti, kanghou and plenty of items like eromba, nga atioba thongba etc.
The Manipuris love their fish, so much so that you can find it in most of their dishes. Iromba is one such dish that is loaded with fish. Mashed potatoes and green leaves make up the remaining part of it.
Manipur is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, with an abundance of diverse flora and animals. Explore these locations to visit in Manipur, India, and take in all of these attractions if you're seeking a place to unwind. Which of these locations have you narrowed down for your trip to North East or the area?