Manipur

 

Population: 2 million
Capital: Imphal
Area: 22,300 sq km
Literacy Rate: 49% 

The capital of Manipur is Imphal, which is 145km from Kohima in Nagaland and 215km from Dimapur, where the nearest railway station is located.

Polo is said to have been invented in Manipur. Manipur has a history of violent conflict, so it is a good idea to check on the current political situation before visiting this place. Foreigners need a permit to enter the state.

Manipuri dance and martial arts are famous. The dances often have theme based on Krishna’s pastimes.

Imphal
Pop: 200,000 Area Code: 0385

Imphal is the capital of Manipur.

The Manipur Tourist Office (220-802; fax 222-629) arranges tours of the area including the Govindaji Temple and Keibul Lamjao Park. They have a counter at the airport.

At the Shri Govindaji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, there is often ceremonial dance. It has Deities of Vishnu with Krishna and Balarama on one side and Lord Jagannath on the other.

The ruins of the Old Palace is next to the temple.

The interesting State Museum is open daily except Mon 10 am to 4 pm.

Khawairamband Bazaar, which is managed by women, is an interesting place to shop.

There is a Zoo in Lamphelpat, which is 6km west of town.

Konghampat Orchidarium, 7km from Imphal on NH39, has over 200 species of orchids. The best time to visit is April and May.

J Nehru Dance Academy has Manipur dance performances and a yearly dance festival.

Practicalities
The State Bank of India, on MG Rd changes money.

Thampa Hotel (221-486), North AOC, is a budget place.

Imphal Hotel (220-459), Imphal Dimapur Rd, has big, good, modern rooms.
Pintu (222-743), North AOC, NH39, has spacious, clean rooms. It is well-managed.
Excellency (223-231), Airport Rd, is the best place in town and has comfortable rooms. It has a popular restaurant.

The Govindaji Temple can prepare prasada (spiritual food) with advance notice, which gives one a chance to try local dishes.

Travel
Indian Airlines (221-332), MG Rd, has daily flights to Calcutta and other flights to Guwahati and Silchar. There are buses to Guwahati (20 hr), Kohima (125km north) and Silchar. Manipur Golden Travels (221-332), MG Rd, is a good private bus company.

Loktak Lake
Loktak Lake (60 sq km), south of Imphal, is covered with floating vegetation that different deer live on, including the rare brow-antlered deer, which is an endangered species. Most of the lake is part of Keibul Lamjao National Park, 52km from Imphal, which has a good selection of birds.

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides