Manipur
The soft rays of the sun in the early morning gently kissing the landscape; the pleasant winds quietly touching the green fields while the dew drops on the grass shimmer like pearls- that’s “Manipur: Surely A Jeweled Town”, for you, wrapped in immense beauty and charm!
Referred as “The Switzerland of India” by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Manipur literally means a ‘jeweled town’. Yes, that it is for sure! Rich in tradition, culture, and ethnicity, Manipur is one among the seven states in north east India. It is bordered by Nagaland on the north and Myanmar (Burma) on the east. While Assam binds the state on the west, the south of Manipur is bounded by Mizoram. Manipur, which was a Union Territory from the year 1956, became a state from 1972. In the year 1992, Manipuri got the status of a national language.
Mizoram Fairs and Festivals
The fairs and festivals in Manipur bear a special significance for the people in the region. Majority of the festivals celebrated in Manipur are characterized conventional music and dance forms.
- Ningol Chakouba
The social festival in the region, Ningol Chakouba is mainly the festival of the Meiteis. On this occasion of the festival, women married to far away place visit their parental house along with their kids and take pleasure on sumptuous feast. It is a kind of family union with the aim to revive the familial affection, love and care. The Manipuri Muslims known as the Pangals also celebrate this festival. The festival is observed on the 2nd day of the new moon according to the Manipuri month of Hiyangei, which coincides with the month of November, according to the Gregorian calendar.
- Yaoshang
Yaoshang is a popular festival in Manipur, the celebration of which begins on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna that corresponds to the months of February or March according to the English calendar. The festival continues for 5 days. The major attraction of this festival is the Thabal Chongba – a Manipuri folk dance in which the girls and boys dance and sing along in circles by holding hands. Money is collected from every house for the feast and the parties during the festival.
- Cheiraoba
Cheiraoba is celebrated in the month of April. During the festival, the villagers as a part of the ritual, climbs up the closest hilltop with the belief that this would help them in rising to great heights in the worldly life. People on this festive occasion, clean and adorn the houses and make special dishes that are offered to the deities. This day is also observed by the Pangals.
- Shri Govindaji Temple
The popular temple of Shri Govindaji is devoted to Lord Krishna. A large hall and 2 golden domes find place at the temple. Ceremonial dances are the regular features that characterize the temple.
- Khwairamband Bazar
Khwairamband Bazar happens to be the largest women’s bazar in the whole of India. Numerous women are seen gathered at this place every day. There is a belief prevalent among the people that the women who gather here are actually supervised by Goddess Ima, following which the bazaar is also known as the “Ima Market or ‘Keithel’. This is among the best markets where you find an assortment of handloom wears and handicrafts, Fish, food stuffs, vegetables, cosmetics and jewelry and many more.
- The War Cemeteries
In Manipur, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains 2 cemeteries, one being at the Imphal – Ukhrul Road while the other one is Imphal – Dimapur NH-39. The cemeteries are sites of immense beauty and peace as well.
- Keibul Lamjao National Park
Sprawling over an area of about 25 square km, Keibul Lamjao National Park happens to be the sole floating sanctuary that exists in India. Thamin (Sangai), the brow-antlered deer, panther, fishing cat, hog deer, wild boar and water birds are among the interesting birds and animals that you can locate at the sanctuary.
- Manipur Zoological Gardens
Manipur Zoological Gardens is a place that is definitely a must visit for you. You cannot just afford to miss the sight of the brow antlered deer (Sangai) that is among the rarest species of animals worldwide.
- Khonghampat Orchidarium
Located at a distance of about 7km from Imphal, on NH 39, the Khonghampat Orchidarium or the Central Orchidarium sprawls over an area of about 200 acres. It is home to 110 atypical arrays of orchids that houses many endemic species.
Moirang is a town situated 45 km from Imphal. It serves as the main centre of the early Meitei folk. The ancient temple devoted to Lord Thangjing, a pre-Hindu deity is located here. Celebrated on the month of May, people get decked up in traditional costumes and involve in singing and dancing in order to honor the Lord at Moirang. This town also finds a special mention in History, owing to its connection with the Indian struggle for freedom. It was at the town of Moirang that the Indian National Army unfurled its flag for the first time on 14th of April 1944.
Khongjom, located at about 36 km on the Indo-Myanmar road, serves as the site for the war between Manipur and the British India in the year 1891. Here the Paona Brajabashi, the Major General and a great warrior from Manipur, stood against the British Army that came to invade the region. Later on a War Memorial was created atop the Kheba Hill and 23rd April is observed as the Khongjom Day each year and also happens to be a state holiday.
- Tengnoupal
This is the highest point located on the Indo-Myanmar Road and is 69 km from Imphal. One can have the full sight of Myanmar from this point.
- Manipur State Museum
Situated in the hearts of Imphal, the Manipur State Museum is an interesting place to visit. The museum displays the tribal heritage of Manipur and also has a collection of the portraits of the ancient rulers in Manipur.
- Maibam Lotpa Ching
Maibal Lotpa Ching is a hillock located on the Tiddim Road. It is at a distance of 16 km from Imphal. It is the thrilling sight of the World War II between the British and the Japanese. The place also contains a monument built in the memory of Japanese martyrs who lost their lives in the battle.
Among the highest and beautiful hill stations in Manipur, Ukhrul serves as the district headquarters for the Manipur East. The place is a centre for the warrior tribe of Tangkhul Nagas. The place is popular for the unique kind of land-lily, the Shirui. The Khangkhui Lime Caves and the Shirui Hills are some of the interesting areas for excursions.
- Willong Khullen & Yangkhullen
Willong Khullen is a village in Manipur, at a distance of about 37km from the National Highway 39 on Maram-Peren Road. The village houses a stone erection, which has immense similarity with the Stonehenge. Some of the stones are about 7 meters tall and with a thickness of 1 meter. Yangkhullen is a village built atop a steep hill slope.
- Leimaram Waterfall
Located 27 km away from Imphal, Leimaram is a famous picninc and tourist destination in the Senapati District. The view of the three waterfalls and the natural beauty of the region, acts as a major crowd puller.
Best Time to Visit
The climate in Manipur differs from tropical to sub-alpine. The summer months in Manipur are more or less hot while the winters are comfortable. So the ideal time to visit Manipur is during the winters.
How to Reach
By Air – Well connected by airways, the capital city of Manipur that is Imphal connects Manipur to cities like Delhi, Guwahati, and Calcutta.
By Rail – Although Manipur has no railhead, the closest railhead through which you can reach Manipur is Silchar in the state of Assam.
By Road – State and National Highways link Manipur to rest of India. Regular bus services are offered by the state transport corporation Imphal to other cities in Manipur.
Mizoram- Places to Stay
Hotel Krishtina
Pologround Road
Near ICTV Office
Hotel Prince
Thangal Bazar, Imphal
Hotel White Palace
113, M.G. Avenue, Imphal
Hotel Excellency
Airport Road, Imphal
Rajasthan Guest House
Thangal Bazar, Alu Gali, Imphal
Hotel Tampha
North AOC Point
Dimapur Road, Imphal
Hotel Bheigo
Keisampat Waheng Leikai Road, Imphal
Anand Continental
Khoyathong Road, Imphal
Hotel City Heart
M.G. Avenue, Imphal
Hotel Pintu
A.T. Line, North A.O.C., Imphal
Hotel Eden
Churachanpur District
Hotel Iceland
Ukhrul District
Eastern Star Hotel
Nagamapal, Imphal
Hotel Eastern Palace
Chandel District
Hotel Josh
Jadonang Road
Tamenglong
