|
The
valley of Manipur lies in a lowland area and
is crisscrossed by the water-channels of the
lake system of the Loktak Lake. The Meitei
people of Manipur practice Vaishnavism. The
diversity of the culture of Manipur can be
seen from the mix population of tribes
including the Nagas and the Kukis. The state
is marred by local insurgencies from time to
time, which is controlled by the Indian
army. Imphal is well connected from Delhi,
Kolkota, Guwahati, Aizwal and Silchar by the
air-routes.
Imphal is the capital city of Manipur. The
Shri Govindaji Temple is the historic
Vaishnavite temple with a large assembly
hall. The shrines of Krishna, Balrama and
Jaganath are within the temple. The temple
has is own form of Ras Lila in the stylized
Manipuri Dance. The Khwairamband or the Ima
Market is the largest market in India where
women are the shop owners. The market
specializes in the sale of fish, vegetables,
handlooms and handicrafts. The Konghampat
Orchidarium is home to almost 110 species of
finest orchids. It is at a distance of 12 km
from the city and the best time to visit
this are the months of March and April. Two
war cemeteries, one on the Imphal-Dimarpur
Road and the other enroute to Ukhrul, are
beautifully kept.
Loktak is one of the largest freshwater
lakes in the northeast and can expand to
almost 312 km during the monsoons. It is at
a distance of 45 km from Imphal. The
fishermen reaping water chestnuts on the
phumdis, the floating islands make for a
nice sight to watch. You can take a
leisurely boat ride across the lake. The
Keibul Lamjao National Park is 55 km from
the Loktak Lake. It park is the home to the
endangered species of brow-antlered dancing
Deer and Sangai. The migratory birds are
also found here between November and march.
Moirang is a town on the banks of Loktak
Lake. The town hosts the Lai Haraoba Dance
Festival every year during the month of May.
The Indian national Flag was hoisted in
Moirang in 1944. INA Museum displays several
INA Memorabilia including the photographs
and Rupee note issued by the Japanese.
Ukhrul is the highest hill station of
Manipur and a native place of the Tangkhui
Nagas. The place is famous for Siroi Lilies
and the lime caves of Kankhui.
|