About Manipur Manipur popularly known as the princely state of the North East, it is set in an oval valley amongst smoky blue hills. The majority of the people living here are called the Meitei. They are a mixture of kuki and kuki chin mizo groups. The pristine and isolated environs have made the people to live lavishly. The state’s inspiration arises from the wondrous balance of flora and fauna. Due to this reason the forest sustains a host of rare and endemic plants and animal life. The dancing deer, the rarest creatures of the world is found here.Manipur is also very much reputed for its tradition of the arts and handicrafts. Especially weaving (done by the women) is a honored occupation, which makes designing in the dazzling range of sarees, sarongs, shawls and bedspreads. Even the states martial arts are known for their poetic tradition.Above all, Manipur is known to be the land of Vaishnavite faith .The Raz Laela dance is based on the legendry love of Radha & Krishna. The Lai Haraoba (Spring Festival) is a harmonious blend of stylized & ritualistic dances for peace & prosperity performed with traditionally aesthetic movement which attracts the tourist in its unique way of entertainment. This little corner is a paradise on Earth where Mother Nature has bestowed her bounty extra generously. Manipur`s exotic scenery, mystic atmosphere and salubrious climate are all that fascinate tourists. Abounded with festivals, Manipuris are best introduced by their world famous "Manipuri Dance"- one of the major dance forms of India.
ClimateThe state of Manipur experiences a maximum temperature of 32 degree Celsius and a minimum temperature as low as 0 degree Celsius. The annual rainfall here is 1467.5 mm and the rainy season is from May to October. The winter stretches from November to March.
Flora & FaunaBlessed with an amazing variety of flora & fauna, 67% of the geographical area of Manipur is hill tract covered forests. Depending on the altitude of the hill ranges, the forests range from tropical to sub-alpine. The wet forests, the temperate forests and the pine forests together sustain a host of rare and endemic plant and animal life.Orchids in Manipur, abound in their natural habitat growing in soil or on trees and shrubs.
48 kms from Imphal is Loktak-Lake & Sendra Island. This is a saucer shaped fresh water lake that attracts many species of birds. Part of it forms a rare ecosystem. This huge and beautiful stretch of water is like a miniature inland sea. The islands of Loktak are unique as they 'float' and comprise of marsh & grass and root of solid earth. Situated on the fringes of the Loktak Lake is the Keibul Lamjao National Park. Habitat of the endangered dancing deer, the brow-antlered-deer of Manipur, it is the only floating National Park of the World. The Hoolock Gibbon, the Slow Loris, the Clouded Leopard, the Spotted Linshang, Mrs Hume's Barbacked Pheasant, Blyths Tragopan, Burmese Pea-Fowl, four different species of Hornbills etc. form a part of the rich natural heritage of Manipur.

Faith & CultureThe people & tribes of Manipur include Meiteis, Naga and Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups and other colourful communities, which have lived in complete harmony for centuries. These are the people whose folklore, myths and legends, dances, indigenous-games and martial-arts, exotic handlooms and handicrafts are infested with the mystique of nature. In the field of art and culture, the state is best represented by its classical and folk dance forms. Ras-Leela songs and dances depict the Leelas (Sports) of Lord Krishna as a child with the Gopis (milkmaids) of Brindavan, and express their yearning for communion with the Lord.
HandicraftsIt is said that goddess "Panthoibi" drew her inspiration for weaving, from a spider making cobwebs in a corner. While almost every household in Manipur owns a loom-women folk alone are weavers. Intricate designs are woven on sarees, sarongs, shawls and bedspreads. The handloom industry is the largest cottage industry in Manipur, with the finished items often being exported. Manipur-Pottery is made without a potter's wheel. It is a rare experience to witness the potters of Andro, Thongjao and Nungbi, deftly moulding an unbelievable range of earthenware. Beautiful pieces of art made out of cane and bamboo form an important part of handicrafts. Tourists can take home a Lifan, Phak (weed mats), Phiruk, Manipuri Dolls & host of other beautiful carvings from rare and exotic varieties of Timber.
Festivals of ManipurManipur is a land of festivities, fun and frolic all the year round. Throughout the year, Manipur is busy with the cycle of festivals. Hardly a month passes without a festival or two. The festivals of Manipur projects their cultural, social and religious aspirations which, besides removing the monotony of life and help the people lead a better and fuller life.
Important festivals of Manipur are the Dol Yatra (Holi) in March, Rath Yatra (Car fesival) in June-July and Durga Puja in September-October. Manipuri Hindus celebrate New Year Day, in the second week of April. The main festivals of Manipur are as follows-
Yaoshang Festival Celebrated for five days commencing from the full moon day of Phalguna (february/March), Yaoshang is the premier festival of Manipur. The Thabal Chongba - a kind of Manipuri folk dance, where boys and girls hold hands and sing and dance in a circle, is particularly associated with this festival. Boys and girls and old women collect donations from house to house and the money so collected is spent in a number of parties and feast.
Kut Festival It is an autumn festival of the different tribes of Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups of Manipur. The festival has been variously described at different places amongst different tribes as Chavang-Kut or Khodou etc. It is a happy occasion for the villagers whose food stock is boundiful after a year of hard labour. The festival is thanks giving featsts with songs and dances in merriment and joviality for all, in honour of the giver of an abundant harvest, it is observed on the 1st of November every year.

Ningol Chakouba FestivalIt is a remarkable social festival of the Meiteis. Married women of the family who were married to distant places come to the parental house along with her children and enjoy sumptuous feast. It is a form of family rejoining to revive familial affection. The festival is also observed by the Pangals (Manipuri Muslims) to a certain extent now-a-days. It is observed on the second day of the new moon in the Manipuri month of Hiyangei (November).
Ramjan ID - The festival of Manipuri Muslims Ramjan Id is the most popular festival of the Manipuri Muslims (Meitei Pangal) in Manipur and is observed in the usual spirits of joy and festivities as in other Muslim world Ramjan is the ninth month of Hijri year since the time of prophet Mohammed. This month is spent on prayers. After the month on the second day of shawwal, when the new moon is visible they break fast and this fast breaking day is called Id-Ul-Fitre. On this day, they go to the mosques to offer prayers and take delicious dishes, exchange greetings and call on the friends and relatives.
Chumpha Festival Celebrated for seven days in the month of December, the Chumpha festival is a great festival of the Tanghul Nagas. The festival is held after harvest. The last three days are devoted to social gatherings and rejoicing. Unlike other festivals women play a special role in the festival. The concluding part of the festival ends with a provession within the village.Experience the Festivals of ManipurGang-Ngai FestivalCelebrated for five days in the month of Wakching (December / Janaury) GANG-NGAI is an important festival of the Kabui Nagas. The festival opens with the omen taking ceremony on the first day and the rest of the days are associated with common feast, dances of old men and women and of boys and girls, presentation of farewell gifts etc.
Christmas FestivalThe Christains of Manipur, observed for two days on December 24 and 25. Prayers, reading of Gospels, eating, singing of hymns, lectures on Christ, sports etc., form the major part of the festival. In some villages where the inhabitants are well-off, the celebration continues till Janaury 1 on which the New Years day is also observed.
Cheiraoba Festival This is the Manipur New Year Festival. During the festival, people clean and decorate their houses and prepare special festive dishes which are first offered to various deities. Celebrated during the month of April, a part of the ritual entails villagers climbing the nearest hill tops in belief that it will enable them to rise to greater heights in their worldly life. The Pangals (Manipuri Muslims) also observe it.
Heikru Hitongba Celebrated in the month of September, a festival of joy, with little religious significance along a 16 metre wide boat. Long narrow boats are used to accommodate a large number of rowers. Idol of Shri Bishnu is installed before the commencement of the race.

Kang FestivalThis is Ratha Jatra of Manipur. One of the greatest festivals of the Hindus of Manipur, the festival is celebrated for ten days(July). Lord Jagannath leaves his temple in a car known as 'Kang' in Manipur pulled by pilgrims who vie with one another for this honors.
Places interest in Manipur
Shree Govindajee TempleA historic Vaishnavite centre, adjoining the Royal Palace of Manipur's former Maharajas, the Govindajee Temple is a simple yet beautiful structure. Twin domes, a paved courtyard and a raised large congregation hall form a perfect backdrop for priests who descend the steps, to accept offerings from devotees in the courtyard. The shrines of Krishna and Balaram and Jagannath flank the two sides of the presiding deity.
Khwairamband Bazar or IMA MarketA unique all women's market, having 3000 "Imas" or mothers who run the stalls, it is split into two sections on either side of the road. Vegetables, fruits, fish and household groceries are sold on one side and exquisite handlooms and household tools, on the other.
Shaheed MinarThe indomitable spirit of the Meitei and tribal martyrs who sacrificed their life while fighting the British in 1891, is commemorated by this tall Minar at Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of Imphal.
War CemeteriesCommemorating the memories of the British and Indian soldiers who died during the Second World War, these cemetries are managed by the Common Wealth War Graves Commission. Serene and well maintained, the graves carry little stone markers and bronze plaques, recording the sacrifice of those gallant soldiers.
Khonghampat Orchidarium7 kms from Imphal, on Highway No. 39 is the Central Orchidarium, which covers 200 acres and houses over 110 rare varieties of orchids, which include almost a dozen endemic species. The peak blooming season is March - April.
Manipur Zoological Gardens6 kms to the west of Imphal, at the foot of the pine growing hillocks at Iroisemba on the Imphal-Kangchup Road are the Zoological Gardens. Not to be missed, is an opportunity to see the graceful brow antlered deer (Sangai) one of the rarest species in the world, in sylvan surroundings.
Moirang45 kms, from Imphal, the town is one of the main centres of early Meitei folk culture with the ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity Lord Thangjing, situated here. In the month of May, men and women, dressed in colourful traditional costumes, sing and dance in honour of the Lord at the Moirang "Lai Haraoba" which is a ritual dance festival held each year. The town also has a special place in the history of the Indian freedom struggle. It was at Moirang that the flag of the Indian National Army was first unfurled on April 14, 1944.
Loktak Lake and Sendra Island48 kms from Imphal, is the largest fresh water lake in the North East region, a veritable miniature inland sea. From the Tourist Bungalow set atop Sendra Island, visitors get a bird's eye view of life on the Lake-small islands that are actually floating weed on which live the Lake people, the shimmering blue waters of the Lake, labyrinthine boat routes and colourful water plants. The Sendra Tourist Home with an attached cafeteria in the middle of the lake is an ideal tourist spot.
Red HillRed Hill is a hillock about 16 kms from Imphal on Tiddim Road. It is a thrilling spot where a fierce battle took place between the British and the Japanese force in World War II and regarded as a holy place. There is also a monument in memory of the Japanese Martyrs who sacrificed their lives in this fierce battle.
Manipur State MuseumThe interesting museum near the Polo Ground has a fairly good display of Manipur's Tribal heritage and a collection of portraits of Manipur's former rulers.
Tengnoupal69 kms from Imphal. The highest point on the Indo-Myanmar Road, from here, you can have a full view of the valley of Myanmar.
Khongjom36 kms on the Indo-Myanmar road, a war broke out between Manipur and British India in 1891. It is here that Major General Paona Brajabashi, one of the great warriors of Manipur proved his valour against the superior force of the invading British Army in 1891. A War Memorial has been constructed on the top of the Kheba Hill.
KainaIt is a hillock about 921 metres above sea level and a sacred place of the Hindus. So goes the story that one night, Shri Govindajee appeared in the dream of his devotee, Shri Jai Singh Maharaja and asked the saintly king to install in a temple, an image of Shri Shri Govindajee. It was to be carved out of a jack fruit tree, which was then growing at Kaina. The scenery in this place is charming and the hill shrubs and natural surroundings give the place a religious atmosphere. It is only 29 kms from Imphal.
Bishnupur27 kms from Imphal on the Tiddim Road, is a picturesque town situated at the foot hill that rolls down the valley. The 15th century Bishnu Temple, built of peculiar small bricks believed to be of Chinese influence, made during the reign of King Kiyamba is of historical importance. Bishnupur is also famous for its chiselled stoneware.

Manipur Wildlife
Manipur Zoological Garden About 6 km. from Imphal, towards the west, in Manipur Zoological Garden at Iroishemba lying on the Imphal Kangchup Road. You will find some rare to be found species in this zoological garden. A trip to the Manipur Zoological Garden, at the foot of the pine-growing hillocks in the westernmost corner of Lamphelpat is really enjoyable.
You will have an opportunity to see the graceful brow antlered deer (Sangai), one of the rarest species in the world, in sylvan surroundings of the Garden.
Keibul Lamjao National ParkLocated in Manipur, Keibul Lamjao is probably the world’s only 'floating' sanctuary that comprises 40 sq. km. of wetland overgrown with 1.5 m. deep floating vegetation (called phumdi). The park has several distinguishing features. Apart from the vegetation and terrain, an important highlight of the park is the Loktak Lake (6, 475 ha.), the largest freshwater lake in India; a large portion of which falls within the park. The entire Loktak Lake was protected and declared a sanctuary in October 1953, mainly to save the sangai or Brow Antlered Deer, which was threatened by extinction. Following the re-discovery of the deer, in July 1954, this area was officially notified as a sanctuary in 1966 and a decade later, on March 28, 1977, the Keibul Lamjao National Park was created.
Shopping in ManipurThe treasured culture and tradition of the Manipuri’s are also displayed in their handloom clothes and handicrafts. The Manipuri handloom and handicraft are world famous for its craftsmanship as well as ingenuity, colorful, colorfulness and usefulness.
The people are artistic and creative in their thinking and outlook. Every house possesses a loom, and Manipuri’s weave with a passion and style, unparalleled by any other state. Manipuri bed covers of Moirangfee and flower designs, silk and cotton sarees, scarves, blankets and shawls, in distinctive shades and weaves, make for an alluring collection. A wide array of artistic handicrafts from bamboo, papier mache, decorative ivory, dolls and jewellery make for prized souvenirs.
Manipur's main shopping attractions are the traditional Manipuri handwoven textiles. The Manipuri dance doll with its graceful stances is a lovely memento to buy for family and friends. These exclusive handloom and handicraft items are sold at Khwairamband market, the largest exclusive women's market in the country, which is a must on every visitor's travel itinerary.
Popular Shopping PlacesIdeal places to buy such handicrafts are Paona Bazar, where fixed price shops will lessen your shopping worries, Manipur Handlooms Sales Emporium, Handloom House and Tribal Emporium and Sangai Handloom, near the Gandhi memorial.

How to reach Imphal
By Air to Imphal: Imphal Tulihal Airport is located about 8km from the heart of the City and is well connected directly from the major cities of India namely Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and major cities of North Eastern States namely Aizawl, Silchar, Dimapur etc by Daily/bi-weekly/other basis with the Domestic Air services like Air India, Indigo, King Fisher, Jet Airways, Jet Lite, Spice Jet, Air Deccan etc. Other major cities of India is connected to Imphal via Kolkata/Guwahati.
By Bus to ImphalFrom Guwahati daily on the NH 39 via Dimapur and Kohima   many private buses available.From Dimapur daily on the NH 39 via Kohima Manipur many private buses available.From Silchar daily on the NH 53 via Jiribam many private buses available.
By Train to ImphalThere is no direct train service to Imphal. But travellers can travel up to Guwahati or Dimapur (nearest rail head from Imphal) and then rest by bus or by air.

Manipur Tour Reservation Request Form
Name : *		Email : *
Address :		People Travelling :*	Adults 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15+ Children 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15+
Your Country : *		Tentative Date of Travel : *
Phone : *		Tour Duration : *	Days 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31+
Please Enter Your Any Other Requirements : *