Manipur, one of India’s seven sisters, is gifted with stunning waterfalls and lakes, as well as majestic hilltops and valleys, making it among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The diverse tribes that occupy this country carry rich cultures and traditions with them in the form of folk music and dance styles. Manipur tourism appeals to anyone, whether you’re an offbeat visitor, someone looking to relax between the calm beauty and natural melody of this region, or an action seeker. Manipur, India is bordered by Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Myanmar. Dzokou Valley, Manipur State Museum, Shri Govindjee Temple, Ningombam Bazaar, Zeilad Lake, and many more are famous Manipur tourist destinations. If you are planning a trip to Manipur this travel guide to Manipur will help you with everything you need to know before visiting Manipur.
How To Reach
Manipur is connected by all modes of transportation, including air, train, and road. Flights, on the other hand, are the handiest way to go to Manipur.
- By Air: Tourists may fly directly to Imphal, the capital city and location of the airport. The airport serves flights to the seven sisters’ adjacent cities as well as other important Indian cities like Kolkata and Delhi. If you are a foreign visitor, all you need to do is travel to one of these cities and then continue on your journey to Manipur.
- By Railways: Manipur does not really have a railway station of its own. Dimapur Railway Station in Nagaland is the nearest railway station that connects you to Manipur. Tourists can take buses or cabs from the train station to their hotels in Imphal or other places in Manipur.
- By Road: The transportation system to Manipur is really good. You can take a Manipur State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus or any private bus and enjoy the sights along the way. Road travels are only recommended if you are travelling from neighbouring cities and towns; otherwise, the journey might be quite stressful.
Best Time To Visit Manipur
It is recommended to visit Manipur throughout the winters till the arrival of the summers; most people recommend the months of October to March as the best time to visit the state. While the atmosphere is not harsh all year, it is definitely more comfortable and warm throughout the winters. Below we will describe all three seasons in Manipur, after reading that you can choose the time for the booking of your Manipur tour package offered by LYT.
- Summer: Summer in the state of Manipur lasts from April to June. The temperature ranges from 16 to 36 degrees Celsius during this whole time. While it isn’t very uncomfortable, it can get excessively hot and humid in sunny temperatures, and visitors prefer to stay indoors. Early mornings and late nights remain breezy and delightful.
- Monsoon: Manipur has moderate rainfall from June to September. While most travellers avoid planning a vacation during these months due to connectivity issues.
- Winter: This is the most popular time to visit Manipur. The temperature has been seen to drop below 0 degrees Celsius. The visit is enjoyable because of the snow-covered mountains and the coldness in the air.
Places To Visit In Manipur
Manipur is considered to be the pride of northeast India. It is rich in scenery and natural beauty. There are a variety of sites that will captivate your heart and provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Because the state is so large, you’ll frequently be confused as to where you should go.
- Imphal: The capital city is set in a valley bordered by the beautiful charm of its hilltops. Any journey to Manipur would be incomplete without a stop in Imphal. It is among the most beautiful places to visit in Manipur and all of North-East India. Imphal is equipped with beautiful lakes and breathtaking waterfalls, allowing for something like an ideal travel experience for its guests. While in Imphal, you may also participate in a number of Manipur cultural events.
- Chandel: Chandel is more often known as Lamka and it is a tiny and attractive district in the state of Manipur. Because of its location at India’s and Myanmar’s shared international border, it is known as the “Gateway to Myanmar.” Chandel is home to around 20 tribes, each with its unique culture and traditions.
- Thoubal: Thoubal is famous for having a lovely temperature all year and draws a large number of tourists from all over the world. It is an ideal destination for a trip to relax and walk among nature since it is home to various temples and gorgeous water bodies.
- Tamenglong: Tamenglong is famous as the “Land of Hornbill”. Tamenglong’s waterfalls and rivers contribute significantly to the town’s charm, making this one of the most peaceful spots to visit in Manipur. If you want to come, the months of October to April provide the ideal experience.
- Bishnupur: Bishnupur, known for its various pilgrim sites, is a must-see Manipur destination for tourists. Many devotees visit this location to seek blessings at the temples, which also include some of the greatest architectural masterpieces, such as Jor Bangla Temple and Vishnu Temple.
Things To Do In Manipur
Here is a list of activities you might enjoy during your stay in Manipur.
- Trekking To Dzukou Valley: The Dzukou Valley, commonly known as the ‘Valley of Flowers of the East,’ is among the top Manipur attractions. It is located on the border of Nagaland and Manipur at an elevation of 2462 m above sea level. A journey to this location brings you through the untouched beauty of the valley and gardens of unique exotic Lilies. It is a popular tourist destination for adventurers and photographers.
- Visit The Khongjom War Memorial To Pay Your Respect: The Khongjom War Memorial is 36 kilometres from Imphal. It was built in remembrance of the people who died during the Anglo-Manipur War. Major Brajabashi is famous for his brave battle against the British invasion in 1891. Khongjom Day is celebrated on April 23rd, and if you’re in town at this period, the War Memorial is the spot to be.
- Shopping In The Local Market: Manipur, a culturally rich state, is well-known for its handicrafts and textiles. You may take a stroll around the local market and be pulled in by the lovely regional items such as dreamcatchers, jewellery, shawls, and other clothes that you can take home as a memento for your loved ones.
- Go To The Manipur Zoological Park: Manipur Zoo, located 8 kilometres from the city centre, is home to various animals that are being protected from getting endangered. You may visit the park among dense forests, go on a wildlife safari, and take photographs of nature. This is a popular place for birdwatchers because you may see several rare species here. Just walking through the pathways of this forest refreshes the mind and spirit.
- Try Out The Local Delicacies Of Manipur: It is essential that you try traditional Manipuri food while in this state. Local Manipuri foods offer wonderful flavours and a seductive fragrance, influenced by Tibetan cuisine. Get a platter of all the classic meals, such as Kanshoi, Eromba, and Paaknam to get the taste of this beautiful state.