Manipur
The Jewel of India's Northeast
Manipur, a lush hill-ringed state in India's northeast, is famed for the floating Loktak Lake, graceful Manipuri classical dance, and a rich tapestry of tribal cultures.
About Manipur
Overview
Manipur is a small northeastern Indian state bordering Myanmar, centered on the fertile Imphal Valley and ringed by forested hills home to numerous tribal communities including the Naga and Kuki-Zo peoples. Its capital, Imphal, sits near Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in northeast India and famous for its floating phumdis (mats of vegetation), one of which hosts Keibul Lamjao, the world's only floating national park. Manipur is the birthplace of Manipuri classical dance, one of India's eight recognized classical dance forms, and is also credited with originating the game of modern polo. The state's markets, notably the all-women-run Ima Keithel in Imphal, reflect its strong matrilineal commercial traditions.
- Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao — the world's only floating national park
- Ima Keithel (Mother's Market), Imphal — a centuries-old all-women marketplace
- Kangla Fort, Imphal — historic seat of Manipuri kings
- Manipuri Ras Lila classical dance performances
Top Destinations in Manipur
View All DestinationsTour Packages for Manipur
Culture & Heritage
Manipur's culture centers on the Meitei people of the Imphal Valley and numerous Naga and Kuki-Zo hill tribes, each with distinct languages, textiles and festivals. Manipuri Ras Lila dance, rooted in Vaishnavite devotion, remains one of India's most refined classical art forms.
- Manipuri Ras Lila Classical Dance
- Meitei & Naga/Kuki-Zo Tribal Traditions
- Thang-Ta Martial Art
- Handloom Weaving (Moirang Phee)
Famous Festivals
- Sangai Festival — NovemberA state-wide festival showcasing Manipuri art, dance, cuisine, sports and handicrafts, named after the state's endangered brow-antlered deer.
- Yaoshang — MarchManipur's version of Holi, a five-day festival with folk dances, sports and community bonfires.
- Lui-Ngai-Ni — FebruaryA seed-sowing festival celebrated by Naga tribal communities in Manipur.
Food of Manipur
- ErombaA traditional mashed dish of boiled vegetables, fish and fermented bamboo shoot or ngari.
- Chak-hao KheerA sweet pudding made from Manipur's distinctive black rice.
- SingjuA tangy, spicy salad of shredded vegetables often mixed with fermented fish.
- Ngari-based DishesPreparations using ngari, a fermented fish that is a signature flavor of Meitei cuisine.
Travel Information
How to Reach
- Imphal's airport connects to Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi and other major Indian cities.
- Nearest major railhead is Dimapur in Nagaland, connected onward to Imphal by road.
- National Highway 2 connects Imphal to Nagaland and onward to the rest of the northeast.
Nearest Airports
- Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF) — Imphal
Travel Tips
- Check current local travel advisories before visiting, as parts of the state may have periodic restrictions.
- Inner Line Permit / registration rules can apply for certain visitors — confirm requirements before travel.
- Winters can be cool in the hills — carry layers, especially for early morning visits to Loktak Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
October to March offers the most comfortable, dry weather for visiting Loktak Lake and Imphal.
Three to four days is enough to cover Imphal, Kangla Fort, Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Loktak Lake’s floating islands, the all-women Ima Keithel market, and its distinct Meitei culture and classical dance traditions.
Imphal (IMF) is the state’s main airport with direct flights from several major Indian cities.
The main tourist circuit around Imphal and Loktak Lake is generally visited without incident, but it’s worth checking current advisories, as with any north-eastern border state.