Destinations

VISIT TOP 10 PLACES IN IMPHAL, MANIPUR TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CITY

blank

Manipur’s capital, Imphal is one astonishing place to visit for vacations. It will ‘move’ your heart once you see these mesmerizing tourist places.

Imphal will garner your attention towards it in order to pay a must visit to this place. The beautiful place has many exciting things to do such as Manipuri dishes and boat ride in a floating national park. If you want to explore the place more, interact with the locals who know everything about the unique tourist spots and also the places which are less known to people who are not familiar with the place.

Here are some of the best things to do and places to visit in Imphal:

1. Ema Keithel – One of the world’s largest women run-market

blank

Women Empowerment has really to do something in Manipur as it is apt to use the word empowerment here. You will see the world’s largest market which is run by the local women.

This market is locally known as Khwairamband Bazar or Nupi Keithal or if you find both the names difficult to remember; just go for bazaar run by women.

From hand woven items, from jewelry to modern clothing to traditional wear such as shawls and even authentic, beautiful baskets that are all made up of bamboo.

Address: Thangal Bazar, Imphal, Manipur 795001
Nearby Places: Hicham Yaicham Pat, Mahatma Gandhi Statue, Shaheed Minar
Timings: 4:15 am–6 pm*

How To Reach:

  • By Air- The nearest airport is Tulihal International Imphal Airport from Kangla (8.1 km)
  • By Train- Dimapur railway station is the nearest railway station
  • By Road-NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur highway), NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam highway), and NH-102 (Imphal-Moreh highway) and many private buses available.
  • Stopover– The Classic Hotel, Hotel Classic Grande, Hotel Imphal, Nirmala Hotel, Airlines Hotel, Anand Continental Host.

Average Charges in these hotels: Rs 1512/-

2. Kangla Fort – A best archaeological site in Manipur

Kangla Fort

In Imphal, a historically important castle or a fort named Kangala and it is the best attraction to visit if you are in Imphal.

This archaeological site is full of success stories and war stories but the place is in the ruins. Kangala Fort includes the pilgrimage sites, the main castle premises and buried land for the royal members. And it also depicts the Manipuri past.

There is one sacred pond called as, Nungjeng Pukhri; it is the ruins of the Citadel, stone inscription and more.

Address: Kangla, Imphal, Manipur 795001
Nearby Places: Ima Keithel Women’s Market, Battle of Imphal Tours, Khongjom War Memorial Complex, Rani Handloom House, ISKCON Imphal, Sri-Sri Radha Krishnachandra Temple, Three Mothers Art Gallery. and many more.
Charges: Rs 2/- Per person*
Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM*
How To Reach:

  • By Air – The nearest airport is Tulihal International Imphal Airport from Kangla (7.4 km).
  • By Road – NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam highway), NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur highway) and NH-102 (Imphal-Moreh highway).
  • By Train– The nearest railway is Dimapur railway station.
  • Stopover – The Classic Hotel, Nirmala Hotel, Airlines Hotel, Hotel Classic Grande, Hotel Imphal.
    Average charges in these hotels: Rs 1710/-

3. Manipur Zoological Garden – One of the top places to visit in Manipur

Also Read: 7 Picturesque Waterfalls In Kerala

400 beautiful animal species make their place in the Manipur Zoological Garden and some popular species here are Slow Loris, Python, Himalayan Bear, Hoolock Gibbon, Leopard Cat, and Flying Squirrel. Eld’s Deer, popularly known as Thiamin is an endangered species in Manipur. Nongin is a rare bird species. This garden is full of unique species of animals and birds.

Address: Imphal-Kanchup Road | Near Manipur Agriculture University, Langthabal, Imphal, India
Nearby Places: Maibam Lokpa Ching, Loukoi Pat Lake, Rani Handloom House, Millenium Garden, Kombirei Garden, Matai Garden, Samban-Lei Sekpil, Sekta Archaeological Living Museum, and many more.
Nearby restaurants and Cafes: Big Chill, Chakluk Hotel, Uptown Cafe
Entrance Charges: 

  • 4 per person for adults*
  • 3 per person for children*
  • 10 per still camera*
  • 1,000 per camcorder*

Timings: All days of the week, 10:00 AM – 4:00 AM*
How To Reach: Situated just a few kilometres away from the city of Imphal, this place can be easily reached by taking an auto-rickshaw or by hiring a cab.
Stopover – The Classic Hotel, Hotel Classic Grande, Hotel Imphal, Nirmala Hotel, Airlines Hotel, Imphal Hotel, Anand Continental.
Average charges in these hotels: Rs 1710/-

4. Khonghampat Orchidarium – The place is known to have unique and different species of flowers.

blank

Khonghampat Orchidarium is a place for nature lovers! Having lustrous flower garden which is under the care of the state’s Forest Department. This beautiful park has bundles of orchids, whose sweet fragrance making it such a romantic attraction.

There are around 120 varieties of orchids out of which the most beautiful ones are Vanda, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, and Cattleya. The place is spread over 200 acres of land and provides a perfect place to bloom for these alluring variety of flower. Spring season is the ideal time to visit this place.

Address: NH2, Mantri Leikai, Potsangbam Khoiru, Manipur 795115
Nearest Restaurants and Cafes: Nikheel Cafe, Rita Cafe, A To Z restaurant, Naoba’s Restaurant.
Nearby Places: Maibam Lokpa Ching, Imphal Walks, Cheirao Ching, Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Red Hill – Lokpaching.
Charges: No entry fee*
Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM*, all days of the week.
How To Reach: This place is just before Sekmai and can be reached by hiring a taxi or an auto-rickshaw.
Nearby Hotels: Sangai Continental, The Classic Hotel, Hotel Imphal.
Average Charges in these hotels: Rs 2576/- per person*

5. Manipur State Museum – One of the most incredible places to visit in Manipur

manipur state museum

Manipur State Museum is decisively located in the city of Imphal as it spreads the message of a heroic past and rich history.

Late Honorable Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi inaugurated the museum. It assays some of the ancient artefacts, sculptures, paintings of famous artists belonging to various eras. The museum is widely classified into three different departments namely as ethnology, archaeology, and history.

Address: Kangla, Imphal, Manipur 795001
Nearby Places: Saheed Minar, Kangla Palace, Kalimai Mandir.
Entry Charges:

  • Indians: Rs 3 /-
  • Foreigners: Rs 20 /-
  • Timings: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm*

How To Reach:

  • By Air – Impha Airport – 6 Km.
  • By Train – Noney Railway Station – 63 KM
  • By Road – Impha Bus stand – 3 Km

Stopover – Hotel Imphal, Classic Grande, The Classic Hotel.
Average Charges in these hotels: Rs 1177/-
Note: Closed on public holidays*

6. Loktak Lake – Welcome to one of the top places in Manipur

blank

One of the largest freshwater lakes is Loktak Lake and it is also the bedrock (base) of the city of Manipur. The nickname of this lake is the ‘Floating Lake’ owing to the presence of organic substances like ‘Phumdis’.

The major source of supply of water in the entire city is served by Loktak lake. It is also the main source of income for the Government. The lake is undeniably one of the best places to visit in Manipur.

How To Reach: Situated about 50 km from Imphal
Nearby Hotels: Hotel Imphal, Classic Grande, The Classic Hotel.
Average Charges in these hotels: Rs 1615/-
Nearby Places: Keibul lamjao national park, Awang Leikai Mandir, Gopinath Mandir, Radha Mandhop temple, ningthoukhong ibudhou pangalba temple, Loktak Maru Temple, Sendra Island.
Charges: No Charges*
Timings: No timings*

7. Moirang Village – one of the amazing places to visit in Manipur

Moirang Village

Moirang Village is yet another place to visit in Imphal city. This small village houses an ancient temple which is dedicated to ‘Lord Thangjing’. The best time to explore the Moirang Village is during the month of May where you can witness the famous ‘Moirang Haraoba Festival’. It is a major event which is performed by professional dancers dressed in ethnic outfits.

Address: Situated about 45 km south of the state capital Imphal
Nearby Places: Loktak Lake,  Indian National Army Complex, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Sendra Island, Phubala.
Charges: No Charges
Timings: No timing.
Ideal Time: The best time to visit Moirang is during May when the annual festival of Lai Haraoba is held.
How To Reach:

  • AirPorts Near By Moirang – Imphal Municipal Airport at a distance of 39 Kms.
  • Rail: Manipur Bagan – Manipur, Hailakandi, Katlicherra 137 KM near.  Sichar Station- Assam, Cachar,
  • Silchar, 118 KM near.  And Arunachal Junction – Assam, Cachar, Tapang 123 KM near.

Stopover: Sendra Cottages, Loktak Aquamarine Floating Homestay
Average Charges at these places: Rs 2000/-

8. Sirohi National Park – This place has a top point named as Sirohi Peak

blank

Also Read: Unknown Secrets Of Asiatic Lions In Gir Forest, Gujarat

Sirohi National Park is among the top tourist places to visit in Manipur. Back in the year 1982, it was boosted and is native to some of the mysterious and endangered species of wild animals like tigers and leopards.

This National reserve park is one of the top tourist places to visit in Manipur due to its natural habitat. This place has a peak point named as ‘Sirohi Peak’ where you can have amazing photos of Sirohi lily.

The best time to explore the beauty of Sirohi National Park is during the months of April and May.

Address: Near Ukhrul, Imphal East, Manipur
Nearest Hotel: The Classic Hotel
Average Charges in these hotels: ₹ 2636/- per person*
Nearby Places: Sirohi- Khangkhui Caves, Khayang Peak, Ukhrul Town
Charges: No charges*
Timings: No Timings*
How To Reach:

  • Air – Julial Airport, 50 Km away.
  • Rail – Dimapur is the nearest railway station to the Park, 270 kilometres away.
  • Town – The closest town to the Park is Ukhrul, at a distance of 5 kilometres.

9. Tharon Cave – holds the tag of must-visit places in Manipur.

blank

If you are exploring the city of Imphal then you must make your way to Tharon cave. TharonCave is a 655.6 m long cave. It is a very famous cave which is mainly meant for the explorers. The visitors here are requested to wear the safety guards like gears and helmets before you enter the caves.

Address: Located 27 km from the district headquarters of Tamenglong.
Stopover – PWD Guest House, DRDA Guest House, and Circuit House, Tamenglong
Average Charges at these places: NA
Nearby Places: Tamenglong, Jiri- Makru Wildlife Sanctuary, Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary, Seven Step “Barrack Waterfall”
Charges: Free*
Timings: No Timings*
How To Reach: 

  • By Air – The nearest Airport is Tulihal International Imphal Airport from Tamenglong (152 km)
  • By Train -Jiribam Railway Station, approximately 146 km from Tamenglong HQ,
  • By Road – NH37

10. Sekta Archaeological Living Museum – One of the best-unexplored places in Manipur

blank

Sekta Archaeological Living Museum is one of the best places to visit in Manipur. This place depicts some of the rare antiques (old object, often of great value) which belonged to the local tribes of the 14th century. Presently it is converted into an Open-air-living museum.

Address: Sekta, Imphal, 795010, Manipur
Nearby Places: Manipur Zoological Garden, Imphal, Khonghampat Orchidarium, Manipur, Loktak Lake, Manipur, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur, Manipur State Museum, Imphal.
Timings: 10:05am–3pm*
Charges: No Fee*
How To Reach:

  • Air – Imphal International Airport
  • Rail – Nearest railway station is at Dimapur in Nagaland with 215 km
  • Road – Imphal is connected by road transport to Dimapur and Guwahati. You can hire MSRTC buses, private buses, private taxis are available to reach from other cities.
Share post: facebook twitter pinterest whatsapp