5 Best Places to Visit in Imphal, India
Today I want to share with you the top five best places to visit in Imphal, the capital city of the state of Manipur in India.
Even the diehard travel freaks are now homebound and are to travel as less as possible. The uncertainty and fear prevailing all over the world due to Covid-19 has seriously upset all the travel schedules of people all over among most other things. Now however, safety takes predominant place and it is advised to stay home safe.
Spending an undue amount of time inside the room like never before opens the door to several creative activities. Reminiscing the memories from the pleasant trips made in the past is one such soothing time-pass activities one can indulge in. And guess what? Imphal is the place that pops up on my mind.
Unfortunately, I could only spend three days in Imphal yet they there so fulfilling days thanks to the people and places there. It certainly is a place I want to go back to. Being my first time landing in the Northeastern part of India I had my heart pumping more anxiety and excitement than blood. And I was never disappointed, not even for a moment. I would say the best places to visit and do have no limits when you are in the northeast.
Prior to the trip, I had created a list of some of the best places to visit in Imphal which included the following:
Kangla Fort
Situated in the heart of Imphal town, this archeological site gives glimpses of historical moments from the past. It is one of the ancient and best places to visit in Imphal. Until the British army took over, the Fort was the center of activity for the Manipur Kingdom. The dilapidated structures now speak war stories. Although not a monumental structure, the fort, and the surrounding area is well maintained and full of lush green. In a matter of a few hours, you can walk around the area.
Ema Keithel
It is the world's largest market run by women and one of the prominent and best places to visit in Imphal. Scores of shops, all owned by local women. Every traditional item of Manipur and commodities required for daily life are sold there. If you are planning to take home a Manipuri souvenir, you are at the right place to spot it. In two hours, you can cover all the shops.
Manipur State Museum & Manipur Zoological Garden
Manipur is a diverse and historically rich state that has a lot to tell the visitors. If you are interested in the history of the state, the State Museum is a must-visit spot and ranks high among the best places to visit in Imphal. Besides the collection of traditional costumes, war equipment, documents, and relics, the museum also houses the boat called Hiyag Hiren which is 54 feet long.
If you are someone excited by the wildlife you can have a lively time in Imphal. At the Zoological Garden, you can spot different species of birds, animals, and reptiles. Among the rare and beautiful species, if you are lucky you will see flying s squirrels, Eld's Deer, Slow Loris or Nongin.
Loktak Lake
The lake is located a bit far away from the Imphal town, yet it is a place worth visiting. it's one of the largest freshwater lakes in the northeast and one of the magnificent and best places to visit in Imphal. The lake has a significant role in enriching the biodiversity of the state. Floating gardens are the major attractions here. Boating in the traditionally made boats is the main activity once you are in this region.
Imphal War Cemetery
The cemetery is located in Imphal town itself. It is a beautifully maintained (by Commonwealth War Graves Commission) burial ground of the soldiers who died from the commonwealth countries during WW II. Currently, it is the burial ground of 1600 men each of whose details are marked at the sight.
I had listed out the popular and best places to visit in Imphal within the time I had. But my friends from the city had other plans and took me to the villages and mountains which I could have never visited without them. Maran village is one such place which is a meeting point of history, tradition and natural beauty. It is difficult to name the best place in Manipur. Everything is so fresh and beautiful.
If you are a choosy eater, you are in the wrong place. Get ready to taste the hottest of chilies and strange tastes. Their common foods include rice with Iromba – a chutney, angouba – veg dish, Kelli channa – peas curry and the flavor that struck me was of Rumslima – a herbal wiry root. There are many other fresh and unique flavors and tastes you get to savor in Manipur.
Best time to visit Imphal
I had been there in June and it was a pleasant time through March to May could be the best time to visit considering winter is extremely cold. June-September brings lots of rain and it may be a bad idea to move around when it rains heavily there.
How to reach Imphal?
The Imphal Tulihal airport is connected to all major cities of the country. The nearest international airport to Imphal is situated in Guwahati, around 490 km away.
Although there is no railway in Manipur, Imphal is connected by road to all the neighboring states.
To move around in the city, you can hire a cab or auto.
Each village, each mountain speaks volumes. Imphal being a tribal land, help, and assistance of a local is recommended to explore and experience this exquisite land.
Author
Deepu
A Travel enthusiast and Foodie, craving to explore the intricate beauty of nature and its gift of delectable treats. Pens down his thoughts and experiences to present a delightful journey for his readers
Great post 😁
thank you
The Kangla Fort Seems great. It looks amazing.
it s such a naturally beautiful place to visit
Imphal is really beautiful infact the entire North East india. I have some memories 😉 in Loktak Lake though..
such a lovely place to visit.
It’s great to read a travel blog, in these difficult times. It becomes double fun, when it is about Imphal, I have heard a lot about the place, especially the Loktak Lake.
Stay safe buddy.
do schedule a trip to this place once difficult times pass.
I think Imphal is rather underrated. That’s why it’s a hidden gemstone. I am going to convince my buddies to make a tour group to go there.
you said it. it s a gemstone. A totally different destination that must be visited.
Right now I would like to visit any place in the world! The Loktak Lake looks really interesting and I bet you could get some really good photos
Let s all wait, until it is safe to resume the journey
Lots of interesting places to visit in Imphal. The souvenirs sold by the women looks beautiful, as well as the greenery.
yes, several special and beautiful locations
thanks for sharing about Imphal. I would love to visit those floating gardens that you photographed and shared in Loktak.
you will certainly enjoy being there
I would love to visit Ema Keithel and the Zoological Gardens – both places look like somewhere I’d enjoy. I always take a souvenir home from my travels so the market would be a must visit.
there actually are many more places you would enjoy visiting
I also love to go to India one day. 🙂 I will take note of this for future reference..
soon we will all be able to travel as we like
i would love to visit, so many historical presence and infrastructure. it is a memorable sight for sure
it is such a lovely place to visit
Loktak lake looks so beautiful, I’d take soooo many photos there
do make a visit, you will like all locations there
I have never been to India bit its definitely on my hit list. I’d be in heaven with all the colorful shopping opportunities
by coming winter, hopefully we can all travel to our fav places
I would love to go India as an adult, it is such a lovely looking place to visit so much to see and do
India is a must visit place indeed. I’ve been there a few times and I enjoyed the stunning views and tourist spots there. Gonna added this on my next trave lists.