Manipur ·
Imphal
It has a small population but it is a developed city that many travellers visit in transit.
Imphal at a Glance
Why Imphal?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Kangla fort
- Manipur Zoological Garden
- Ima Market
- Pakhangba Temple
- Shree Govindajee Temple
- Manipur State Museum
Imphal at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Imphal before planning your visit.
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Explore Imphal
Places to Visit
- Kangla fort: The Kangla, officially known as the Kangla Fort, is an old fortified palace at Imphal, in the Manipur state of India. It was formerly situated on both sides (western and eastern) of the bank of the Imphal River, now remaining only on the western side in ruined conditions.
- Manipur Zoological Garden: Manipur Zoological Garden (Meitei: Manipur Sha-Uchek Thampham) is a zoo in Iroisemba, Manipur. It is the second habitat of Sangai (Cervus eldi eldi), the world's only dancing deer species, after the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world's only floating national park.
- Ima Market: The Ima Market (Meitei: Ima Keithel; literally, Mothers' Market), also known as the Nupi Keithel (English: Women's Market) or the Khwairamband Keithel (English: Khwairamband Market), is a women-only market in the middle of Imphal in the Indian state of Manipur.
- Pakhangba Temple: The Pakhangba Temple, also known as the Pakhangba Laishang, is a Meitei temple dedicated to the God Pakhangba of Sanamahism, the traditional Meitei religion, located beside the Nungseng Eekon, to the left side of the Kangla Sanathong, the western gate of the Kangla Fort in the Imphal West district of Manipur.
- Shree Govindajee Temple: Shree Govindajee Temple is a Meitei Hindu temple, dedicated to Hindu deities Radha Krishna (Govindaji). It is the largest Vaishnava temple in Imphal district of Manipur, India.
- Manipur State Museum: The Manipur State Museum (Meitei: Manipur Pukei Lankei Shanglen) is an institution displaying a collection of artistic, cultural, historical and scientific artefacts and relics in Imphal, Manipur, India.
Things to Do
- Khongjom War Memorial: This memorial and war complex was built the princely state of Manipur (Kangleipak) fought its last war of resistance against the British in 1891, after which it came under imperial rule.
- Manipur State Museum: It includes portraits of Manipuri royalty, tribal costumes, polo equipment (Manipur is one of the places in the world that claims to have invented the sport) along with weapons and other tools used by the people in the past.
- Kangla Fort: The palace and fort had been used for hundreds of years to defend the Manipuris from invading neighbours such as the Assamese and Burmese. The British finally penetrated the fortress for good in the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War.
- Ema Panthoibi Shanglen: Ema Panthoibi Shanglen is worth a visit while in Imphal.
- Visit Shree Govindajee Temple: Shree Govindajee Temple is a Meitei Hindu temple, dedicated to Hindu deities Radha Krishna (Govindaji). It is the largest Vaishnava temple in Imphal district of Manipur, India.
- Visit Manipur State Museum: The Manipur State Museum (Meitei: Manipur Pukei Lankei Shanglen) is an institution displaying a collection of artistic, cultural, historical and scientific artefacts and relics in Imphal, Manipur, India.
Sightseeing Places
- Kangla fort: The Kangla, officially known as the Kangla Fort, is an old fortified palace at Imphal, in the Manipur state of India. It was formerly situated on both sides (western and eastern) of the bank of the Imphal River, now remaining only on the western side in ruined conditions.
- Manipur Zoological Garden: Manipur Zoological Garden (Meitei: Manipur Sha-Uchek Thampham) is a zoo in Iroisemba, Manipur. It is the second habitat of Sangai (Cervus eldi eldi), the world's only dancing deer species, after the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world's only floating national park.
- Ima Market: The Ima Market (Meitei: Ima Keithel; literally, Mothers' Market), also known as the Nupi Keithel (English: Women's Market) or the Khwairamband Keithel (English: Khwairamband Market), is a women-only market in the middle of Imphal in the Indian state of Manipur.
- Pakhangba Temple: The Pakhangba Temple, also known as the Pakhangba Laishang, is a Meitei temple dedicated to the God Pakhangba of Sanamahism, the traditional Meitei religion, located beside the Nungseng Eekon, to the left side of the Kangla Sanathong, the western gate of the Kangla Fort in the Imphal West district of Manipur.
- Shree Govindajee Temple: Shree Govindajee Temple is a Meitei Hindu temple, dedicated to Hindu deities Radha Krishna (Govindaji). It is the largest Vaishnava temple in Imphal district of Manipur, India.
- Manipur State Museum: The Manipur State Museum (Meitei: Manipur Pukei Lankei Shanglen) is an institution displaying a collection of artistic, cultural, historical and scientific artefacts and relics in Imphal, Manipur, India.
Temples
- Pakhangba Temple: The Pakhangba Temple, also known as the Pakhangba Laishang, is a Meitei temple dedicated to the God Pakhangba of Sanamahism, the traditional Meitei religion, located beside the Nungseng Eekon, to the left side of the Kangla Sanathong, the western gate of the Kangla Fort in the Imphal West district of Manipur.
- Shree Govindajee Temple: Shree Govindajee Temple is a Meitei Hindu temple, dedicated to Hindu deities Radha Krishna (Govindaji). It is the largest Vaishnava temple in Imphal district of Manipur, India.
Places That Define Imphal
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Kangla fort
The Kangla, officially known as the Kangla Fort, is an old fortified palace at Imphal, in the Manipur state of India. It was formerly situated on both sides (western and eastern) of the bank of the Imphal River, now remaining only on the western side in ruined conditions.
Manipur Zoological Garden
Manipur Zoological Garden (Meitei: Manipur Sha-Uchek Thampham) is a zoo in Iroisemba, Manipur. It is the second habitat of Sangai (Cervus eldi eldi), the world's only dancing deer species, after the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world's only floating national park.
Ima Market
The Ima Market (Meitei: Ima Keithel; literally, Mothers' Market), also known as the Nupi Keithel (English: Women's Market) or the Khwairamband Keithel (English: Khwairamband Market), is a women-only market in the middle of Imphal in the Indian state of Manipur.
Pakhangba Temple
The Pakhangba Temple, also known as the Pakhangba Laishang, is a Meitei temple dedicated to the God Pakhangba of Sanamahism, the traditional Meitei religion, located beside the Nungseng Eekon, to the left side of the Kangla Sanathong, the western gate of the Kangla Fort in the Imphal West district of Manipur.
Shree Govindajee Temple
Shree Govindajee Temple is a Meitei Hindu temple, dedicated to Hindu deities Radha Krishna (Govindaji). It is the largest Vaishnava temple in Imphal district of Manipur, India.
Manipur State Museum
The Manipur State Museum (Meitei: Manipur Pukei Lankei Shanglen) is an institution displaying a collection of artistic, cultural, historical and scientific artefacts and relics in Imphal, Manipur, India.
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Imphal on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
All Itineraries
- 1 Day in Imphal: 1 days with detailed day plans
- 2 Days in Imphal: 2 days with detailed day plans
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF), about 7 km from Imphal.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Imphal railway station, about 9 km from central Imphal.
- By Road: Imphal is well connected with Manipur's neighbouring states by road, on which there are many bus routes. There are daily bus services coming from and going to Kohima and Dimapur in Nagaland and Guwahati in Assam.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Imphal (Apr, May, Jun) averages 20–28°C with about 117 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Imphal (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 23–29°C with about 221 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Imphal (Oct, Nov) averages 17–28°C with about 50 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Imphal (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 10–24°C with about 0 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C.
Travel Tips
- Staying safe: For over 30 years Manipur has been and is being affected by internal and international armed conflict. Imphal city is safe for travellers but it becomes dangerous to venture out on the outskirts and in the rural and mountainous areas surrounding the city; especially at night.
- Getting around: Minivans take common routes around the city and to neighbouring villages, tuk tuks are common and should cost ₹10-20 for short trips (though they frequently ask ₹100).
- Heat: Daytime highs reach about 30°C in September; carry water and plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning.
- Rain: The wettest months are June, July, August and September; check road and site conditions before travelling.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Imphal trip.
Spiritual & Religious
History
- Summary: It has a small population but it is a developed city that many travellers visit in transit.
- Overview: It has a small population but it is a developed city that many travellers visit in transit. Imphal hosts the world's oldest Polo Ground (Imphal Polo Ground), the world's tallest topiary plant (Samban Lei Sekpil), the world's only women-run market (Ima Keithel) and the world's tallest polo player statue (Marjing Polo Statue). In the heart of Imphal, Kangla, the ancient fortified capital of the different ruling dynasties of Ancient Kangleipak (predecessor of Manipur), is located, at whose eastern side the Imphal Rive
- Ancient History: Previously ruled by the kings of the Khaba clan, the Ningthouja dynasty started to rule the kingdom after the ascension of King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba. The Ningthouja clan quickly expanded and dominated the region in politics and war. Kangla Palace was built by King Khagemba and his son Khunjaoba. The palace was later destroyed by the British during the Anglo-Manipur War.
Planning Guide
- Overview: It has a small population but it is a developed city that many travellers visit in transit. Imphal hosts the world's oldest Polo Ground (Imphal Polo Ground), the world's tallest topiary plant (Samban Lei Sekpil), the world's only women-run market (Ima Keithel) and the world's tallest polo player statue (Marjing Polo Statue). In the heart of Imphal, Kangla, the ancient fortified capital of the different ruling dynasties of Ancient Kangleipak (predecessor of Manipur), is located, at whose eastern side the Imphal Rive
- Accommodation: The government youth hostel, north of Kangla next to the sports complex. clean and strictly run with more than 50 beds and a nice garden, limit of three days stay. Wi-Fi and secure parking available near the office. double rooms for ₹300, dorms for ₹150. Listed options include The Classic Hotel.
- Best Way To Explore: Minivans take common routes around the city and to neighbouring villages, tuk tuks are common and should cost ₹10-20 for short trips (though they frequently ask ₹100).
The Sacred Heart of Imphal
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Previously ruled by the kings of the Khaba clan, the Ningthouja dynasty started to rule the kingdom after the ascension of King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba. The Ningthouja clan quickly expanded and dominated the region in politics and war.
Historical Significance
Previously ruled by the kings of the Khaba clan, the Ningthouja dynasty started to rule the kingdom after the ascension of King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba. The Ningthouja clan quickly expanded and dominated the region in politics and war.
Architectural Legacy
With an average elevation of nearly , Imphal has a cooler and more pleasant climate than most places of India. It can drop below freezing in the winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Imphal is most comfortable in January, February, March, April and May, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is September (average high 30°C) and the wettest months are June, July, August and September.
The nearest airport is Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF), about 7 km away. The nearest railway station is Imphal railway station, about 9 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Kangla fort, Manipur Zoological Garden, Ima Market, Pakhangba Temple, Shree Govindajee Temple and Manipur State Museum.
A stay of 1 day covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 22°C to 30°C over the year, with about 1187 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Imphal
Your Imphal Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.