Excursion

Shri Govindajee Temple
The temple, adjoining the palace of the former rulers of Manipur, is a historic centre for Vaishnavites. It is a simple and beautiful structure with twin gold domes, a paved court and a large, raised congregation hall. The presiding deity in the centre is flanked by shrines of Balaram and Krishna on one side and Jagannath on the other. Priests come down the steps to accept offerings from devotees standing on the paved court yard.

Khwairamband Bazar
This is a large, covered market split into two sections on both sides of the road. Vegetables, fish, household utensils and implements, and fruits are sold on one side, and colourful handloom shawls and materials on the other. The market is very special because all the stall-holders are women. Not far from here, is a street where beautiful cane baskets and furniture are sold. Other smaller markets are Singiamei, Kongba, Lamlong, Kwakeithel, Heirangoithong. Tera Keithel, Naoremthong etc.

Manipur State Museum
This 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. Particularly interesting items are customes, arms & weapons, relics and historical documents. Open : 10 am to 4.30 pm. Monday & holidays closed.

War Cemeteries The British and the Indian Army Cemeteries commemorating those who died in the Second World War are serene and well-maintained with little stone markers and bronze plaques recording their anguish and sacrifice. These graves are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

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Manipur Zoological Garden
About 6 kms off Imphal, towards the west, is this Zoological Garden at Iroishemba on the Imphal-Kangchup road. Graceful brow-antiered Deer, one of the rarest species in the world, can be seen here in sylvan surroundings. A trip to this garden, at the foot of the pine-growing hillocks in the westernmost corner of lamphelpat, is really enjoyable.

Khonghampat Orchidarium
The Orchid yard of the Forest department, on National Highway No. 39, abolt 7 km from Imphal, is another place of interest. More than 110 varieties of Orchids, including several rare species, are grown here. Peak season is April-May.

Saheed Minar
This tall Minar at Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of the Capital commemorates the indomitable spirit of Manipur martyrs who sacrificed their lives while fighting against the British in 1891.

Bishnupur 27 km from Imphal stands the single-celled, conical roofed temple of Bishnu. It was built in 1467 in the reign of King Kiyamba and is interesting because of its antiquity and design influenced by Chinese style. Also well known for its stoneware production.

Phubala
40 km from Imphal. A charming resort on a little island on the western fringes of the Loktak Lake, to the south of Imphal. It is linked to the mainland by a low causeway. Accommodation: Tourist Home Reservation: Director of Tourism, Government of Manipur, Imphal, Tel: 220802.

Moirang
45 km from Imphal, Moirang holds the ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity, Lord Thanging. Every May, men and women, in bright and traditional costumes, sing and dance in honour of the Lord here at the Moirang Lai Haraoba.

It was from the village of Moirang, too, that the graceful Khamba-thoibi dance originated, traditionally celebrated in May. It was in Moirang that the flag of the Indian National Army was first hoisted on Indian Soil on April 14, 1994. There is an INA Museum containing letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other articles associated with this movement. There is also a statue of Netaji in uniform. There are buses which operate from the private bus station at Keishampat Jn. to Moirang from 6 am to 6 pm. Journey time : 1 hr.

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Loktak and Sendra Island
48 km from Imphal. A huge and beautiful stretch of water, this lake is like a miniature inland sea. From the Tourist Home, set atop Sendra Island, visitors can get a bird's eye view of the lake and the life on it : the fishermen and their families who live in neat huts on its shores and who make full use of their watery environment. They cast their nets on it, rear fish farms in it using nets as floating `walls', harvest it for the water chestnut known as `helkak', and even build their houses on islands of floating weed that drift around the lake.

There are buses and cycle rickshaws to cover the last 2 km to Sendra. Reservations : Director of Tourism, Government of Manipur, Imphal, Tel: 220802.

Keibul Lamjao National Park
53 km from Imphal, and on the fringes of Loktak Lake, this is the last natural habitat of the marshdwelling brow-antiered Deer of Manipur.

Ukhrul
83 km to the east of Imphal, this District headquarters of Manipur East is the highest hill station of the State. A centre of the colourful warrior tribe Tangkhul Nagas, it is well developed and famous for a peculiar type of land-lily, the Siroi, grown on the Siroi Hills. Siroi Hills and Khangkhul Lime Caves are interesting places for excursions. Ukhrul bears a gay and festive appearance during Christmas.

Khongjom
36 km from Imphal Situated on the Indo-Myanmar Road, this is a place of great historic importance. It was 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. The hillock, at the foot of motherland, is reminiscent of the past heroic deeds of Manipur warriors. A war memorial on the top of this scenic hill feature, adds charm to this historic site. Khongjom Day is celebrated as a State function every year on April 93.

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Tengnoupal
69 km from Imphal. The highest point on the Indo-Myanmar Road, from here one can have a full view of the valley of Manipur. When a visitor passes along the road, he will find himself above the clouds but in natural surroundings.

Moreh
11 km from Imphal. This border town is located on the Indo-Myanmar Road. A commercial town attracting a large number of people from neighbouring places, it is only 5 km away from Tamu, its Myanmar counterpart. Tamu depicts a total change in the attire and eating habits of the people and in the architecture of its buildings. Churachandpur
59 km from Imphal. District headquarters of Manipur South, Churachandpur is mainly inhabited by the Kuki tribe. An ideal place for sightseeing and holidaying, it is also an advanced tribal town where local handicrafts are available in the market.

Tamenglong
It is 156 im from Imphal and is the District Headquarters of the Tamenglong District. This region is known for its deep gorges, mysterious caves, and splendid waterfalls and its exotic orchids. The Tharon Cave, Booning Meadow, Zailad Lake, Barak Waterfalls are some of the places of tourist interest.

Singda
At an altitude of 921 metres, 16 km from Imphal to the west, is a health resort on the hills overlooking Manipur valley. The scenery is picturesque. It is also a mountain pass on the road to Tamenglong.There is an Inspection Bungalow here along a reservoir.

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