Khonghampat Orchidarium: Home of rare orchids

Khonghampat Orchidarium is located in Imphal, it is maintained by the Forest Department. The best time to visit the Orchaidarium is April and May. The Orchidarium is one of the most popular attractions in Imphal. It spreads to around 200 acres of land with more than 120 varieties of exotic species of orchids. The place is so colorful with its blooming flowers and sweet fragrance. The most interesting factor of Khonghampat is, there are some of the rare species of flowers that resembles lizards, moths and bees. People from all parts of the world come there to see these natures’ wonders. Orchids like Cymbidium and Cattleya orchids are the much adored ones along with some endangered species of orchids. Most of these species are rarely found in other parts of the world.

Manipur can be reached through Imphal airport. The state doesn’t have a railway station but the neighboring states have stations in cities like, Guwahati, Dimapur, Silchar etc. the state also have plenty of hotels and resorts for tourists to stay and enjoy Manipur.

Tamenglong

Tamenglong is an exotic destination in Manipur. It is famous for its beautiful and rare variety of orchids. Tomenglong is filled with hills and narrow valleys. The valley is filled with small villages. Tamenglong is located at the western boundary of Manipur. It is a place which might not be famous like other destinations in the country but the natural beauty of this place is unexploited and untouched by commercialization. This untouched natural beauty includes hilly terrain, dark caves, beautiful waterfalls, entrancing lakes, green lush tropical forests. Some parts of the forests are still virgin which makes adventure enthusiasts more curious about this part of Manipur. The land is believed to be formed as the result of orogenic movement during the Cretaceous and Eocene period. The attractions in Tamenglong include seven waterfalls located in close range, Tharon Caves, Zeilad Lake, Buning (N-piulong) meadows and so on.

Imphal airport is the nearest airport and Dimapur railway station is nearest railway station to Tamenglong. There are a couple of resorts where the tourists can stay, rest and explore the wild side of the destination.

People and Culture of Manipur

Manipur is like heaven on earth. It is also said that Manipur is the ‘Switzerland of India’. Here people follow their own religions, but at the same time respect other’s culture also.

The true culture of  Manipur livens up in its dance and drama. The Raas Lila (love story of Radha and Krishna) dominates the state’s performing arts. Archery, the ancient sport of India, is an important part of Manipuri culture. “Polo” was originally introduced by Manipur state. Manipur has different types of tribes like Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Meitei Pangal etc. each and every tribes and community have their own beautiful culture and traditions. it is interesting to learn and understand the rituals and practices of different communities. Manipur is worth a visit if you are interested in meeting new people, there are several resorts and hotels to stay in Manipur. since Imphal has an airport reaching there is never an issue.

Loktak Lake: The lifeline of Manipur

Manipur is one of the “seven sisters” in the North Eastern parts of India. It is one of the most stunning places in the North East India. It is formed in a cup shaped valley surrounded by Himalayan mountain ranges bordering Nagaland, Mizoram and Assam.

 The one unique destination in Manipur is the Loktak Lake; it is the sustenance of several life forms in and around the lake. It is the largest fresh water lake in the North East India. The most amazing sight in Laktak Lake is, the floating island called the Phumdi made out of water weeds and other plants. The Keibul Lamjao National Park is located in the southern part of the lake. It is the only home for the endangered Manipur brow – antlered deer or sangai.

The nearest airport is in Imphal which is just 32 km away and the nearest railway station is in Dimapur. There are several general resorts and hotels in Imphal for a comfortable stay.

Imphal, Capital City of Manipur

Do you know which is the cultural capital of Manipur? It is Imphal, also the capital of the state. For a tourist the city has everything ranging from monuments, temples to ceremonial places.

There are lots of places to see in Imphal. The four important landmarks of the city are Govindajee Temple, Bir Tirkendrajit Park, Manipur State Museum and Zoological Gardens.

The temple of Govindajee is considered to be a holy place for the Vaishnavites. The temple was constructed during the first half of 18th century. The presiding deities are Lord Vishnu, Krishna and Balaram.

Bir Tirkendrajit Park is also known as the Shahid Minar dedicated to the martyrs who died fighting against the British in the Meitei Revolt.

The Manipur State Museum houses historical documents, war weapons, artifacts and historical costumes.

Manipur Zoological Gardens is located at a distance of 8kms from the city. The place is known for brow-antlered deer or dancing deer, considered to be a rare breed in the world.

For tourists, there are few places of dwellings in the city. Bargain at two-three places before deciding on any one.

Manipur and its famous dance form

With its famous dance forms, Manipur has danced its way into every art lover’s heart. The small North Eastern state’s contribution to our art form has been a very important one. Manipuri is a popular variant of Indian dance and actively practised all over the country.

With a unique dressing style and accompaniments, Manipuri is different from other major dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattam, Odissi and others. Khamba Thoibi, Maibi and Ras Lila are other elements of this form. The music is epitomised through the use of Pung Cholom, which in itself is an icon of Manipuri dance.

Manipur is probably the only North Eastern state to have an art form which has not only achieved national acclaim, but is sought after worldwide. Which, of course, is not to take away any credit from the other states in the region. Just an observation of extent of popularity.

Keibul Lamjao National Park

Keibul Lamjao National Park is situated 53 km from Imphal, Manipur. It is the only “floating National Park” in the world. The national park is characterized by many floating decomposed plant materials locally called phum.

This park is also home to Sangai or Dancing Deer, listed as an endangered species by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

The best way to see the park is by boat, either early in the morning or late in the evening when the sangai comes out to feed in groups. Care needs to taken when walking in the park because the phum is not hard ground.

Manipur State Museum

Manipur State Museum is near to the Polo ground, Imphal. It is an interesting museum and is the best place to get a quick look of the Manipur heritage and culture.

The museum has a great deal of historical significance. One would get an idea of the history of Manipur and its rich and diverse culture. The Museum comprises of various Galleries like – Manipuri costumes, war implements, historical documents and relics, Painting, Children’s Gallery and an open air gallery for housing Royal boat.

About Manipur

Manipur is a state in northeast India, sharing common borders with Myanmar in the east and the Nagaland in the north. Imphal is the Capital city of Manipur. The main languages of the state are Manipuri(Meitei) & English.

There are four major river basins in Manipur State, the Barak River, the Manipur River, the Yu River, and the Lanye River.

Lignite is found in abundance in Manipur. Rich lignite beds have been found in the hilly regions.

Manipur is rich in culture, tradition, and ethnicity.

Manipur is also the birthplace of the game of Polo.

The Loktak Lake Near Moirang

The Loktak Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in the country. It is located in Mooirang around 50 km from the capital city of  Imphal. It is also called the only “Floating lake” in the world due to the floating Phumdies on it.

The floating islands consist of weeds and other plants – and provide an ideal habitat for a large number of birds and other animal species.

The lake is a photographer’s paradise.