Manipur
Jewel of India • the floating lake
Manipur wraps a green valley in forested hills. Its signature is Loktak, the only floating lake in the world, dotted with ring-shaped phumdi islands and home to the endangered sangai deer. Imphal holds the 2,000-year-old Kangla fort, a 500-year-old all-women's market, and the memorial where the INA first raised the flag on Indian soil. Check current advisories before you plan.
When to go
Top places in Manipur
Loktak Lake & Sendra
Floating phumdi islands, fishermen's huts and sunrise from Sendra; boat rides and homestays at Moirang.
Keibul Lamjao
The world's only floating national park, last refuge of the dancing sangai deer.
Kangla Fort, Imphal
The ancient seat of Meitei kings at the heart of the capital.
INA Memorial, Moirang
Where the Indian National Army first hoisted the flag on Indian soil in 1944; a war museum tells the story.
Ima Keithel
A 500-year-old market in Imphal run entirely by thousands of women.
Sangai Festival
The state's showcase of dance, martial arts (thang-ta), crafts and cuisine, held in late November.
Getting there
By air. Imphal has flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Bengaluru; an ILP kiosk works at the airport.
By rail. No passenger rail yet; the Jiribam–Imphal line is under construction.
By road. Most visitors fly in and use local transport within the valley. Check advisories for hill and border routes.
Permits
Every visitor needs a permit: Indians an Inner Line Permit (apply online), foreigners a Protected Area Permit through a registered operator.
Open the permit checker →Eat & spend
Try: Eromba (mashed vegetables with fermented fish), Chak-hao (black rice) kheer, Ngari fish dishes, Kangshoi vegetable stew.
Budget: Mid-range. Imphal hotels ₹2,000–6,000; Loktak homestays at Moirang. Alcohol is sold in Imphal and licensed hotels.
Manipur at a glance
Reference figures. Population and literacy are from the 2011 Census, India's latest.
| Capital | Imphal | Statehood | 21 Jan 1972 |
| Area | 22,327 km² | Population | 28.6 lakh |
| Literacy | 76.9% | Districts | 16 |
| Languages | Meitei (Manipuri) official | ||
| Good to know | Valley-and-hills geography; Loktak lake; classical Manipuri dance. | ||