Situated between latitudes 23.80 o N to 25.68 o N and longitudes 93.03oE to 94.78o E, Manipur covers a total geographical area of 22,327 Sq. Km. Of the total area, about nine-tenths constitute the hills which surrounds the remaining one-tenth valley. It is one of the border States in the North-Eastern part of India, bounded by Nagaland on the north, Assam on the west and Mizoram on the south and along the east it shares a 352 Km. long international boundary with Myanmar.

      Manipur may be characterized in two distinct physical regions - an outlying area of rugged hills and narrow valleys and the inner area represents the features of flat plain topography with all associated land forms. These two areas are not only distinct in respect of physical features but are also conspicuous with regard to various floras and faunas.

The valley region would have been a monotonous, featureless plain but for a number of hills and mounds rising above the flat surface. The Loktak lake is an important geographic feature of the central plain area. The total area occupied by all the lakes is about 600 Sq.Km. The altitude ranges from 40m at Jiribam to as high as 2,994m at Iso Peak near Mao above MSL.

          Manipur represents population of two ethnic groups, the people who inhabit the hills called the Nagas and those who inhabit the valley called the Meiteis. The hills are also inhabited by the group called the Kukis. Imphal is the political capital of Manipur. The earliest recorded history dates to 900AD. In the course of its history there have been several invasions from Myanmar (Burma) which borders with Manipur and numerous clashes with the Nagas. In 1826, Manipur was brought into India by the treaty of Yandavo by Raja Jai Singh with the British at the end of the Indo-Burmese war. This followed a dispute in accession to the throne. With the intervention of the British the dispute was settled. In 1891 Churachand was nominated the Raja and it came under British rule as a princely state. During World War II Imphal was occupied by the Japanese. After Indian independence Manipur became a Union Territory and subsequently achieved statehood in January 21,1972.

PEOPLE

     Manipur is inhabited by three major ethnic groups in Manipur - the Meiteis in the valley, the Nagas and the Kuki-Chin tribes in the hills. The Meitei Pangals (Meitei Muslims) form a minority community. Besides this, other communities from the other states of India have also settled in the State. People are predominantly Mongoloid, and speak Tibeto-Burman languages. The Meitei language which is the mother-tongue of the Meitei people is the lingua-franca of the State. 

   The climate of Manipur is moderate. The valley gets the reflection of the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter from the neighbouring hills. The months of November, December, January and February remain dry and the remaining eight months are more or less rainy. January is very cold in winter and May-June are the hottest in summer.

Resources and Biodiversity

WATER RESOURCE RESOURCES

GROUND WATER RESOURCE AND UTILISABLE POTENTIAL

MCM:Million cubic metre
Data Source: Central Ground Water Board, Report-1981

FOREST RESOURCES

More than 60 percent of the state area is under forest and important forest products are obtained in Manipur. It is said that the forest of Manipur holds seventy different species of commercially valuable woods including teak. There are also bamboos and canes apart from firewood, which people collect for their daily use. Turpentine, wax, resin, gumfibre, the spicy dalchini, honey, and medicinal herbs are among the other products of Manipur’s forests. There is, however, scope for raising the revenue of the state from its rich forests. Agriculture and allied activities is the single largest source of livelihood of majority of rural masses and is also mainstay of the state economy.

MINERAL RESOURCE

There are not many minerals in Manipur but it has rich lignite seams in the southern hills. The other known minerals that Manipur possess but have to be exploited yet are limestone, copper, chromite, nickel, asbestos and salt. There are possibilities of being found and the ONGC of the

Floral Diversity

The forests of the state are its most important wealth. Huge revenue is earned from them every year. Over 22 million wood sleepers used by the Indian Railways in all three gauges were supplied by the state. Leasing of the tribal owned forests land to the Forest department of the government is a unique system in the state. In the jungles of Arunachal, large varieties of medicinal herbs are also available. The natives utilize these plants for treatment and cure of a large number of diseases. Despite the fact that modern medicine is quite easily available now, the use of herbal medicines is still in vogue. Some of these herbal medicines are really effective. The recorded forest area in Arunachal is 51,540 sq. km, which constitutes 61.5% of its total geographical area of 83,743 sq.km. The forest Survey of India report also indicates an overall decrease of 96 sq.km forest cover during the assessment carried out between 1991 and 1993, though no mention is made of the type of forest cover that dwindled. The loss of dense forest cover and the actual cover by density classes is estimated to be as follows by the FSI.

Dense forest                   Open forest Cover

Crown density above 40%               Crown density 10-40%

Area is sq.km                  Area in sq. km

1991    1993                   1991    1993

54,542  54,510                 14,215  14,151

FOREST TYPES

The forests are broadly classified into Tropical, Subtropical, Coniferous, Temperate and alpine types. Bamboo brakes and grasslands, often seen as pure formations, form another interesting aspect of the forests. The tropical forests are typical to the foot-hills bordering Assam Valley and ascend to elevations of 900m-1000m and are further differentiated into evergreen, semi evergreen, deciduous (both dry and moist), grasslands, the riverine or riparian types and swamps each with different floral composition, structural and ecological characteristics. The tropical evergreen forests are again differentiated into the North Bank and South Bank blocks developed on either sides of the mighty Brahmaputra River. The former sub-type (in Tirap and Lohit districts) is dominated by huge trees of Dipterocarpus macrocarpus (Hallong, conspicuously absent in the North Bank forests), Shorea asssamica(Mekai), Terminalia myriocarpa (Hallock), Mesua ferrea (Nahor) intermixed with Altingiae excelsa, Tetrameles nudiflora, Ailanthus grandis, Disoxylum hamiltoni and Talauma hodgsonii.

The north bank forests (West Kameng to Siang districts) occuring in discontinuous patches are basically constituted by Mesua-Altingia-Engelhardita, Altingia-Mesua-Syzygium-Echinocarpus, Canarium-Syzigium-Quercus associations. Dipterocarpus, Canarium, Artocarpus, Tetrameles, Ailanthus, Terminalia, Phoebe etc being the tallest stand apart from the second stratum comprising Dillenia indicxa, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Terminalia myriocarpa etc. Large woody climbing species of Bauhinia, Acacia, Derris, Unona, Todddalia and the gymnnosperm Gnetum ula intermixed with prickly canes spreading over many trees are frequent. Caryota urens (Fishtail palm) and species of Licuala, Arenga, Pinanga and Didymosperma represent palms. Large bamboo Dendrocalamus and Bambus species form dense thickets; wild banana (Musa spp) is gregarious elsewhere, especially in abandoned jhum lands.

The lower stratum of small trees is commonly reperesented by species of Saurauia, Antidesma, Pavetta and Maesa, Pandamus the screw pine with long stilt roots anchoring the plants to the grounds, commonly grow along streams and rivulets. Species of Largerstroemia, Duabanga, Bischofia, which develop large planked butresses,, also grow in association with a few tall and coarse grasses along the water courses. Innumerable herbaceous species on the forest floor and many epiphytes of flowering and non-flowering groups though small in size with short life span, add to the richness of the floral diversity. The tropical deciduous, moist deciduous and semi evergreen forest in the lower hill ranges are predominant with deciduous and semi evergreen tree species of Terminilia, Kydia, Sterculia, Bombax (Silk cotton tree), Canarium, Ailanthus, Careya and Bauhinia, while the canes and large climbers are less common; the ground flora comprises of seasonal herbs and weeds particularly in open clearings.

The sub-tropical forests (1000-1600m altitude) are mostly mixed type essentially of evergreen tree species of oaks, acers, laurels, magnolias,Schima, Ficus,Photinia, Prunus, Engelharditia etc. Rhododendron arboreum with crimson-red flower trusses is conspicuous among its other members. Some palms, wild banana species, large terrestrial tree ferns, orchids, balsams, begonia and many other species of Gesneriaceae form the undergrowth. The trees are overlade with a variety of epiphytic orchids, aroids, ferns and fern allies mosses and lichens. In the temperate forests (1800-3000m altitude) many broad leaved tree as species of Quercus, Michellia, Magnolia (known for their fragrant flower), Exbucklandia, Populus, Rhododendron, Alnus form interesting ecological associations. Several prickly and trailing species of Rubus and small tree of Ilex, with a profusion of orchids, ferns, mossses and lichens fill the forests. The conifers, known for their majestic stature and usually needle shaped leaves mixed with other broad-leaved species of Quercus, Castanopsis, Betula, Alnus and Rhododendron are another aspect of the temperate forest.

The sub alpine forest (3500-4000m altitude) are dominated by conifers and Rhododendron species, Salix and Bverberis thickets, without much diversity in the ground flora. Different species of Rhododendron bloom together in a riot of colour during May-June. The alpine vegetation (4000-5000m altitude) is characteristics with dwarf and twiggy species Rhododendron, Saxifraga, Cotoneaster, Ferstuca usually covering the peaks and slopes. The alpine meadows in the valleys comprise many herbaceouos and seasonal species of asters, gentians, aconites, pedicularis, primulas, saussureas (Brahmakamal and allies) and a few rare ground orchids especially the Lady's slipper orchids, Juniperus species, with a aquatting habit, are frequently seen conifers. Large bamboos brakes and grasslands in the tropical and sub-tropical altitudes ussually represent secondary type of vegetation in the disturbed ecosystem. Over 40 species of bamboos and many other grasses occur in the region often in association with the bracken fern, legumes and other weeds. Saccharum spontaneum, S.arundinaceum, Thrysanolaena maxima and species of Phragmites, Arundo and Erianthus- all tall and coarse grasses are common along riverbanks and flood plains in the lower latitudes.

FLORISTIC DIVERSITY

The richness in floristic diversity is due to the very congenial climatic conditions and the State's situation as a transitional ecological province between the Indian, Indo-Malayan, Sino-Myanmarese biogeographic realms leading to the free mingling of biological elements from these areas besides its own. About 82% of the total land area in the State is forested or vegetated, harbouring as many as 5,500 species of seed plants out of the estimated 15,000-16,000 species in India that constitute the major part of the forests. Hundreds of species of non-flowering plants groups: ferns and fern-allies, mosses and liverworts, lichens fungi and algae add to the richness of plant diversity, and it is even difficult to get an inkling of the possible number of soil micro-flora, and field with immense potential for research and economic utility. The area is a natural sanctuary of primitive flowering plants and has been very aptly called 'a cradle of flowering plants'.

A vast assemblage of plant groups - orchids, rhododendrons, magnoliaceours (champak-allies) members, bamboos, primroses (Primula sp.), balsams, aroids, begonias, wild gingers, vacciniums, to name a few, widely known for their myriad colours, multitude of floral architecture and fragrant odours practically grow in all kinds of habitats in the different altitudinal ecosystems. The region is equally rich in wild genetic resources of many presently cultivated crops. The biological spectrum of the vegetation comprises well-developed forests with trees of gigantic proportions, innumerable number of smaller trees, shrubs, woody climbers, epiphytes, saprophytes, root and stem parasites and ground flora; together they constitute and greatly influence the different ecosystems. The State abounds in many interesting botanical curios, rare and endangered species and primitive plants of great evolutionary significance. The occurrence of many polyploid species and natural hybrids in groups like rhododendrons, primulas and orchids is suggestive of a region of active speciation and natural evolutaion . All these necessitate and call for conservation different ecosystem.

Sapria himalayana, Balanophora dioica, both very rare and vulnerable, thrive as total root-rarasites in the sub-tropical forests. Helwingia himalaica, Magnolia griffithii, Tetracentron sinense car. himalense (a vesselless foweing plant) exemplify some of the primitive flowering plants of evolutionary significance. Many of the native orchids, rhododendrons, primulas which are threatened now in the wild, have been extensively applied in developing many attractive horticulture hybrids. Bamboos and canes are on the verge of dwindling due to over exploitation, and large scale removal of forests for various purposes has resulted in rarity of several species. Many other species of economic and medicinal value (e.g. Podophyllum hexandrum, Coptis teeta, Aconitum spp. Berberis spp. Picrorhiza kurrooa, Panax pseudo-ginseng-a close wild relative of Korean Ginseng-Panax ginseng) are also threatened.

ORCHIDS-The Jewel of Arunachal Pradesh

The Orchidaceae is one of the largest families of flowering plants comprising about 17,000 species. About 1000 species are estimated to occur in India and of these Arunachal Pradesh is the home of some 500 species. The variegated form, size, color and texture of their flowers has made Orchids the most beautiful of nature's creation. Orchids are mostly perennial and are found either flowering on the trunks and branches (epiphytes), on ground (terrestrials), on rocks (lithophytes) or on decaying organic matter (saprophytes).

Endangered Orchids

Due to habitat destruction and greed of orchid collectors for trade many orchids species have been identified as endangered and if timely measures for their protection and conservation are not taken they may become extinct. Kataki, Jain and Sastry (1984) have identified 53 species of Orchids as endangered/rare in Aurnachal Pradesh.

In Situ and Ex-situ Conservation

Realizing the need for conservation and improvement of orchids in the state, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh in the late 70s created a post of Orchidologist in the Forest Department and established the Orchid Research and Development Centre (ORDC) at Tipi, and Sessa Orchid Sanctuary in Bhalukpong Forest Division. The ORDC is actively engaged in the following activities:

• Exploration and collection of Orchid species
• Cultivation in Orchidaria and gardens for their taxonomic study
• Conservation of the rare and endangered species and to create germplasm collections
• Multiplication of rare species through tissue culture techniques

The ORDC has to its credit discovery of a few new species viz., Epipogium sessanum, Dendrobium kentrophyllum, Herminium longilonbatum and Cleistoma tricallosum.

Faunal Resource

About one fifth of the faunal wealth of India is estimated to be found in Aruncachal Pradesh. A preliminary sample survey (Anon., 1987) of the proposed Namdapha Biosphere Reserve itself revealed as many as 96 terrestrial mammals, about 233 birds, 76 species of fishes, 25 species of amphibians besides a large numbers of reptiles, butterflies, and other insects. The Asian elephant (Elephas Maximus), gaur (Bos gaurus) and the wild buffalo (Bubalus bufalis) are amongst the lager herbivores in the fauna. Of the 4 deer species found here the barking deer (Muntacus muntjac) and sambar (Cervus unicolor) are restricted to the dense forests, while the hog deer (Axis porcinus) is found inhabiting the relatively open forests. The musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) is an alpine species. Smaller mammals of the State include rodents (sauirrel, porcupine and rats), civets, mongoose, linsang, shrew, and the bat. Elements like goral, Himalayan black bear, red panda are found in the higher reaches of the mountains. Of the more than 500 species of birds occuring in the state, some are extremely rare. There is also a high diversity of pheasants, with about 10 species occuring at different altitudes, including the highly endangered Blyth's tragopan (Tragopan blythi) and Sclater's monal (Lophophorus sclateri). A large number of reptiles, amphibians, fishes, butterflies, moths, beetles and insects are found here. In fact, the greatest species richness and biomass of insects occurs in the altitudinal range of 1000-2000 meters (Pal, 1993). As many as 105 fish species are recorded from the different rivers and water courses of the State (Nath& Dey, 1985). A few important ones being Danio aequipinnatus, Schizothorax richardsoni, Semiplotus semiplotus, Acrossocheilus hexagonolepis, Badis dario, Labeo dero, etc.
NAMDAPHA NATIONAL PARK

Namdapha national park at Miao, borders Myanmar; tiger and leopard are among the many species here. Accomodation is available at Miao, the park headquarters.

TEZU
In the east of the state Tezu is the nearest town to Parsuram kund, a lake which attracts pilgrims for the festival of Maagh Bihu or Magghe Sankranti in January.

The forest harbour about 7 primates species viz., hoolock gibbon, slow loris, Assamese macaque, stump tailed macaque, common langur and the capped langur. Another remarkable aspect of the fauna is the occurrence of all the three Indian goat antelopes (serow, goral and takin). The hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus), and extremely endangered species, is also found to inhabit the low grasslands. The occurrence of four major species of the cat family viz., tiger (Panthera tigris), leopard (Panthera Pardus), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and snow leopard (Panthere uncia) in Arunachal Pradesh is remarkable. Also found here are the lesser cats like the golden cat, leopard cat and the marbled cat.

All the three goat antelopes occurring in India i.e., serows, goral and takin occur in Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh is the only place in India where Takin is found. Highly endangered species like hispid hare have been reported from the low latitudinal grassy areas of Arunachal Pradesh.

Among the large mammals mittan, which is a cross between the wild gaur and domestic cattle, buffalo and elephant are found in the plains and adjoining hills. The other high altitude animals include musk deer, bharal, Himalayan black bear, red panda etc. The musk deer occurs at high altitudes throughout the state, whereas the Bharal has been reported occurring in the western part of the State. Among the lesser mammals large numbers of rodents (squirrels, porcupine and rats), civet, mongoose, linsang, shrew and bat species occur here.

More than 500 bird species have been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh, many of which are highly endangered and restricted to this state e.g. White winged duck, sclater monal, temminck's tragopan, Bengal florican. This is the richest state in pheasants with some 10 species occupying different levels from plains to snow clad mountains.

Arunachal Pradesh is equally rich in reptiles, amphibians and Pisces. Pythons and snakes of all colors and descriptions merging with their surroundings are commonly found on forests at almost all levels up to temperate zone. The invertebrate faunal communities are in dense and evergreen forests of Arunachal Pradesh and are to be seen to be believed. Numerous species of butterflies, moths, beetles and all other kinds of small creatures make Arunachal Pradesh a paradise for Entomologist and Naturalists.

PADAM PUKHURI

The Padam pukhuri is a historical lotus tank in the Roing area. From Jia village which is 13 kms. From Roing on the Sadiya road the pukhuri is situated at a distance of about 3 kms on the kacha track going towards Idili village. The so-called Pukhuri is named Assamese language because of the lotus flowers that grow in it, The Ahoms used to construct such ponds in their territory. The pukhuri that is located near Idili village is of special interest because of its design and size. It is comparatively large and of a peculiar V shaped pond. Bricks of Bhismaknagar type are also seen in some of its portions probably for a step. The pukhuri was well connected by road in the olden days. One road probably linked Bhismaknagar. A portion of this road can be seen in between Jia and Idili villages, which cuts through the Roing-Sadiya road.

THREATENED FAUNAL ELEMENTS

There are many animals that are under varying degrees of threat. As many as 29 species of mammals found in the State are included in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Some oof the threatened animals in the state are: Lesser Panda(Ailurus fuelgens), Clawless otter(Aonyx cinerea), Commom otter(Lutra lutra), Takin (Bodorcas laxicolor), Indian Elephant(Elephant maximus), Asiatic golden cat(Felis termmincki), Hoolock gibbon(Hylobates hoolock), Indian Pangolin(Manis crassicaudata), Himalayan marten (Martes flavigula), Himalayan musk deer(Moschus chrysogaster), Serow (Naemoarhaedus sumatraensis), goral (Naemoarhaedus goral), Clouded leopard(Neofelis nebulosa), Leopard (Panthera pardus),Tiger(Panthersa tigris), Himalayan black bear(Sclenarctos thibetanus), Snow leopard(Uncia uncia) and Bengal fox(Vulpes bengalensis). The threatened bird species of the State include the White bellied heron (Ardea imperialis), White winged wood duck (Cairina scutulata), Sclater's monal (Lophophorus sclateri), Blyth's tragopan(Tragopan blythi), Temmincks tragopan(Tragopan temmincki), Black necked crane (Grus nigricollis) which occurs in high altitude marshes and bogs, the Bengal florican (Eupadotis bengalensis).
PROTECTED AREAS

There are as many as 12 Protected Areas (PAs), covering an area of 9,615.98 sq. km, which is 11.48% of the total geographical area of the state. Namdapha National Park (1,985 sq.km), which forms the part of the proposed Namdapha Biosphere Reserve (4500 sq. km) chosen under the MAB project, is situated in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Namdapoha has a high level of biodiversity and harbours threatened plants like the lost Lady's slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum fairieanum), which is endemic to the Eastern Himalaya, the blue Vanda (Vanda coerulea) and Abies delavayi, and the threatened animals like the hoolock gibbon, capped langur, red panda, takin and muskl deer. The occurrence of four species of the cat families' viz., tiger, leopard, snow leopard and the clouded leopard is unique. Similarly, the Mouling National Park in East Siang, covering an area of 483 sq. km, is home to both the snow leopard and the clouded leopard besides the black bear, takin, serow, red panda, pheasant etc.

There are 9 wildlife sanctuaries covering a total area of 1,041.75 sq.km in Arunachal Pradesh. These are:Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, D'Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary, Eagle's Nest Wildlife Sanctuary, Kane Wildlife Sanctuary, Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary and Tale Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. The Tale Valley, Covering an area of 370 sq. km. in Lower Subansiri is the latest addition to the PA network in the State. The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, covering an area of 100 sq. km in the West Kameng district, harbors many rare and interesting orchids.

The PAs together are also floristically very rich.Magnolia campbelli, Michellia doltsopa along with species of Rhododendron, Quercus, Terminalia, Acer, Alnus etc abound these PAs. Orchids are also found in abundance. The PAs of Arunachal Pradesh are rich in genepool reosurce; some important ones beingPicrorhiza kurroa, Swertia purpurascens, Nardostachys grandiflora and Podophyllum hexandrum. Genetic resources of the proposed Namdapha Biosphere Reserve include Coptis teeta (Mishmi Tita), the Rhizome (tuber) of which is used in medicine and Aquilaria agallocha, the extract (Agar) of which is useful in medicine and perfumery.

Eco-development schemes in and around these PAs are being envisaged to minimise the biotic pressure. To begin with 26 tribal families were resettled outisde Pakhui wildlife Sanctuary in the early nineties. The emphasis of the wildlife management in these PAs is mainly on habitat protection. In D'Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, Particularly, habitat manipulation through controlled burning is under practice. Efforts are on in some selected Pas to promote anture tourism/eco-tourism. Besides the ongoingProject Tiger in Namdapha, the Central Government has also launched in 1991 The Project Elephant covering many PAs and intervening forests corridors in Arunachal Pradesh. Besides Namdapha, the Dihang-Dibang (8,000 sq. km) is also under proposal to augment the PAs network in the state. The existing national Parks and sanctuaries are summarized in the Table below:

Protected Area Network in Arunachal Pradesh

PLACES OF INTEREST

Places of Tourist Interest

       Manipur called the "jewel of India" by Jawaharlal Nehru, lies in the shadows of hills. The Picturesque Manipur valley dotted with gleaming lakes is famous for a variety of Orchids. Manipuri dance is world famous, so also her exquisite handicrafts. The important tourist centre in the state are Imphal, the capital and centre of all cultural and commercial activities adorned with two war cemeteries maintained by the common wealth War Graves Commission, Govindjee temple, Women Bazar, etc. Besides the Bishnu temple at Bishnupur built in 1467 A.D., the Loktak lake, the biggest fresh water lake in eastern India, Keibul Lamjao, the only floating national park in the world, the Orchid Yard at Khongampat, etc. are also quite attractive.

Natural Tourism Resource

Khonghampat Orchidarium

    Seven kilometers from the heart of Imphal to the north, more than 110 varieties of orchids are grown in the season of April-May.

Management Resource

CHANDEL:

     Situated on a point along the southern boundary of the area, this place is about 12 kms to the west of Sugnu. It has a newly constructed Inspection Bungalow and a small Bazar. Chakpi River is famous for its scenic beauty.

CHURACHANDPUR:

Churachandpur is a place of great historic importance and was known as Lanka during the ancient time, which means meeting place in their local language. The place takes its name from one of the Manipuri king, Churachand Maharaja.

IMPHAL

Loktak Lake:

Loktak lake is the largest freshwater lake in the northeast and much of it falls within the Keibul Lamjao National Park. Large areas of the lake are covered with thick matted weeds and on this unique floating habitat live the local fishing people and some rare species that include the sangai or Manipuri dancing deer. There is a tourist lodge there.

Zoological Garden: Six kilometers from the heart of the City of Imphal, it is constituted of a number of birds and animals.
KEIBUL LAMJAO:

53 kilometers from Imphal and 5 kms from Sendra is located Keibul Lamjao, which is the only, floating National Park in the world. There is a floating lodge.

SANDRA:

48 kilometers from Imphal and 3 kms from Moirang is situated Sendra, a small islet in the middle of Loktak lake. It is the viewpoint overlooking the beautiful lake and its surroundings.

SIROL:

Famous for its lily called ‘Siroi lily’. It has a newly constructed Inspection Bungalow to accommodate tourists there. A beautiful hill-lock situated at a height of 4000 ft. above the sea level.

UKHRUL TOWN:

A beautiful tourist spot and famous for its scenic beauty. It has a police outpost; a custom checkpoint and a well furnished Dak bungalow. The famous Kakhui cave is 15 kms from this town.

THARON

The place is famous for its cave. A 3kms long road from Tharon village and a 39kms stretch from Tamenglong to the famous cave have been constructed. It has facilitated the visit of tourist to the Rharon cave. Considering its scenic beauty, unique geological structure, and archaeological and historical significance this human shelter deserve special attentions.

Source:Manorama

Bishnupur:

The 15th century Vishnu Temple built of peculiarly small bricks supposedly of Chinese influence during the reign of King Kiyamba is of historical importance. Also famous for its chiseled stoneware.

Phubala:

On the western fringe of the Loktak Lake, Phubala is a charming little resort, linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Boating and other water sports are being introduced.

Moirang:

One of the main centres of Meitei folk culture with the ancient temple of the pre- Hindu deity Lord Thangjing is situated here. Men and women dressed in colourful traditional costumes sing and dance in honour of the Lord at the Moirang ‘Lai Haraoba’, which is a ritual dance festival held in May every year. The town also has a special place in the history of the Indian freedom Struggle. It was at Moirang that the flag of the Indian National Army was first unfolded in 1944. The INA Museum containing letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other memorabilia remind the visitor of the noble sacrifices made by the INA under the charismatic leadership of Netaji Subhas Ch. Bose.

Red Hill (Lokpaching):

A hillock, a thrilling spot where a fierce battle took place between the British and the Japanese forces in the World War II and regarded as a holy place. The Japanese war veteran had constructed ‘India Peace Memorial’, a monument in memory of Japanese martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the fierce battle

SHREE GIVINDJEE TEMPLE:

 A historic vaishnavite centre, adjoining the Royal palace of Manipur’s former maharajas. Twin domes, a paved courtyard, and a large raised congregation hall form a perfect backdrop for priests who descend the steps, to accept offerings from devotees in the courtyard. The shrines of Krishna, Balaram and Jagannath flank the two sides of the presiding deity.

KHWAIRAMBAND BAZAAR OR IMA MARKET:

A unique all women’s market, run by 3000 Imas or mothers.

SAHEED MINAR:

 This tall Minar commemorates the indomitable spirit of the martyrs of 1891 at Bir Tikendrajit Park.

WAR CEMETRIES:

Commemorating the memories of the British and Indian soldiers, who died during the Second World War, these cemeteries are managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The well maintained graves carry little stone markers and bronze plaques recording the sacrifice of those gallant soldiers.

ZOLOGICAL GARDEN:

Zoological Gardens, at the foot of the pine- growing hillocks. Not to be missed is an opportunity to see the graceful brow antlered deer (Sangai), one of the rarest species in the world, in sylvan surroundings.

LANGTHABAL:

Langthabal, small hills feature with relics of an old, historic palace, temples of architectural importance and ceremonial houses. Set among symmetrically planted jack fruits and pine trees Langthabal offers a view of the varsity and some picturesque vistas.

KANGCHUP:

Kangchup, a Health Resort on the hills overlooking the Manipur Valley. Singda dam construction adds the importance.

STATE MUSEUM:

State Museum, having fairly good display of tribal heritage and a collection of portraits of former rulers. Interesting are the costumes, arms, weapons, relics and historical documents.

KAINA:

A sacred place of the Hindus. Charming scenery, hill shrubs and natural surroundings give the place a sanity and religious atmosphere. Famous for Ras dance performances.

SEKTA:

Sekta, the living museum, is an ideal place with a unique natural description.

CHINGOI BARUNI:

 Pilgrims take a holy dip at the Chingoi stream, which takes a northward course at the Baruni Hill.

TOURISM PLUS

Adventure Tourism:

Facilities being developed at the Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking association (MMTA) complex at Lamdan (Sudarshan Peak) near the Loktak Hydro- electric Power Project, the Manipur Adventure and Allied Sports Institute (MAASI) complex at Keiro and at the Tourist Home located in the Siroi Hills near Ukhrul. These associations conduct training and treks for tourists with an adventurous streak. They also offer opportunities for jungle exploration, mountaineering, rock- climbing etc.

KHANGKHUI CAVE

Khangkhui Cave is a remarkable natural lime- stone cave. The big hall in the cave is the darbar hall of the Devil King living deep inside while the northern hall is the royal bedroom, according to local folklore. During World War II, the villagers sought shelter in this cave. Ukhrul bears a gay and festal appearance during Christmas.

TAMENGLONG:

This region is known for its deep gorges, mysterious caves and splendid waterfalls and its exotic orchids. Besides interesting spots like Buning Meadow, Zailad Lakes, Barak Waterfalls etc., the Tharon cave is of great importance. Having 34 joints, this cave is 655.6 meters in length. It has five exits and good ventilation system so that no symptom of exphyxia can be experienced.

Khonghampat Orchidarium:

Seven kilometers from the heart of Imphal to the north, more than 110 varieties of orchids are grown in the season of April-May.

CHANDEL:

Situated on a point along the southern boundary of the area, this place is about 12 kms to the west of Sugnu. It has a newly constructed Inspection Bungalow and a small Bazar. Chakpi River is famous for its scenic beauty.

CHURACHANDPUR:

Churachandpur is a place of great historic importance and was known as Lanka during the ancient time, which means meeting place in their local language. The place takes its name from one of the Manipuri king, Churachand Maharaja.

Loktak Lake:

Loktak lake is the largest freshwater lake in the northeast and much of it falls within the Keibul Lamjao National Park. Large areas of the lake are covered with thick matted weeds and on this unique floating habitat live the local fishing people and some rare species that include the sangai or Manipuri dancing deer. There is a tourist lodge there. Zoological Garden: Six kilometers from the heart of the City of Imphal, it is constituted of a number of birds and animals.

KEIBUL LAMJAO:

 53 kilometers from Imphal and 5 kms from Sendra is located Keibul Lamjao, which is the only, floating National Park in the world. There is a floating lodge.

SANDRA:

48 kilometers from Imphal and 3 kms from Moirang is situated Sendra, a small islet in the middle of Loktak lake. It is the viewpoint overlooking the beautiful lake and its surroundings.

SIROL:

Famous for its lily called ‘Siroi lily’. It has a newly constructed Inspection Bungalow to accommodate tourists there. A beautiful hill-lock situated at a height of 4000 ft. above the sea level.

UKHRUL TOWN:

A beautiful tourist spot and famous for its scenic beauty. It has a police outpost; a custom checkpoint and a well furnished Dak bungalow. The famous Kakhui cave is 15 kms from this town.

THARON

The place is famous for its cave. A 3 kms long road from Tharon village and a 39 kms stretch from Tamenglong to the famous cave have been constructed. It has facilitated the visit of tourist to the Rharon cave. Considering its scenic beauty, unique geological structure, and archaeological and historical significance this human shelter deserve special attentions.