Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, is a scenic valley surrounded by hills
on all sides. With recent modernization, the population of the city has increased,
added to by the influx of people from rural areas. Problems of unplanned housing,
water shortage and traffic congestion do not take away from the picturesque
location of the city. Well connected by air, Imphal is a riot of colours in
April and May when many species of orchids bloom in abandon.
History
Imphal is the political capital of Manipur. The earliest recorded history
dates to 900AD. In the course of its history there have been several invasions
from Myanmar (Burma) which borders with Manipur and numerous clashes with
the Nagas. In 1826, Manipur was brought into India by the treaty of Yandavo
by Raja Jai Singh with the British at the end of the Indo-Burmese war. This
followed a dispute in accession to the throne. With the intervention of the
British the dispute was settled. In 1891 Churachand was nominated the Raja
and it came under British rule as a princely state. During World War II Imphal
was occupied by the Japanese. After Indian independence Manipur became a Union
Territory and subsequently achieved statehood in January 21, 1972.
Places to See
Imphal’s Polo Ground is said to be the birthplace of
the sport. The Manipur State Museum focuses on ethnological,
geological and archaeological exhibits. Of special interest are the displays
of tribal jewellery, costumes and weapons.
At the centre of Imphal is the fascinating market of Khwairamband run by more
than 3000 tribal women. It is in two sections – one sells shawls, textiles
and fabrics including the traditional dress of the "Meitei" tribe
of Manipur called "phanek" and the other sells basic household provisions.
On the outskirts of the market are smaller ones that sell cane and wicker
products.
Manipur’s prominent temple is Shree Govindjee, which has a pleasant
ambience but is not an architectural delight. If you want to be a part of
the traditional "puja" or worship, visit the temple early in the
morning.
The British War Cemetery is beautifully maintained by the Commonwealth War
Graves Commission and commemorates British and Indian soldiers who were killed
during the Burma War.
Excursion
All getaways are close to Imphal and are accessible by bus and shared
or hired 4WDs.
Langthabal
8 km from Imphal is Langthabal, a small hill town replete with relics from
the past, well planned temples and ceremonial hoses amidst pine and jackfruit
trees planted symmetrically.
Andro
Is an ancient village where scheduled castes live, 27 km east of Imphal. It
has a Cultural Complex displaying the pottery of northeast India. There is
also a 'Doll-House' where dolls of 29 recognised tribes of Manipur are on
display.
Keibul Lamjao National Park
53km from Imphal, on the fringes of Loktak Lake, is the last natural habitat
of the marsh-dwelling brow-antlered deer called "Sangai". A large
number of migratory birds, like waterfowl, are also attracted to this Park
Loktak Lake
48km south of Imphal is the Loktak Lake, fed by many rivers and dotted with
many islands. It is home to an unusual community of fishermen who live on
large rafts made of reeds. A large part of this lake is taken up by the Keibul
Lamjao National Park. If you want to view the Lake from a vantage point, try
the Sendra Island.
Moirang
On the western shore of Loktak Lake is the small town of Moirang with a historical
past. It was here that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose; the legendary Indian freedom
fighter hoisted the first flag of independent India in 1943. Bose fought alongside
the Japanese Army to oust the British from India. A memorial and a museum
with interesting photographs and memorabilia it is worth a visit.
Khongkhampat Orchidarium
On National Highway 39, 12km north of Imphal, is the Khongkhampat Orchidarium
with hundreds of varieties of orchids that bloom in April and May.
Khongjom
Is a 36 km drive away from Imphal and it situated on the Indo Burma Road.
It is historically important because one of its generals, Paona Brajabashi,
fought against the British and refused to suttender. A war memorial on the
top of this scenic hill adds charm to the heroic reminders of this site. Khongjom
day is celebrated as a State Holiday on every year on April 23.
Manipur Zoological Garden
Is a sylvan picnic spot at the foot of pine-growing hillocks 6km west of Imphal,
on the Imphal Kangchup Road. You will also spot the rare "sangai"
deer here.
Dining Out
Dining is confined to the restaurants of the hotels unless you are brave enough
to venture out to try the local stalls at Khwairamband and the main bus stop.
Indian and Chinese cuisine is available at the restaurants. There are no bars
as Manipur is a dry state.
Shopping
At the centre of Imphal is the fascinating market of Khwairamband run by more
than 3000 tribal women that is in two sections – one sells shawls, textiles
and fabrics including the traditional dress of the "Meitei" tribe
of Manipur called "phanek" and the other sells basic household provisions.
On the outskirts of the market are smaller ones that sell cane and wicker
products papier mache, decorative ivory, dolls and jewellery that make good
souvenirs to take back. Bargaining is common though language may prove to
be a barrier. There are several fixed price shops that sell handloom and handicrafts
at GM Hall and Paona Bazaar.
Visiting
Imphal is best visited in the months between October and March. If you want
to see the orchids in full bloom, visit in April or May.
How to get there
By Air : New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Silchar and Aizawl
are connected by air to Manipur. Please check the latest schedules because
some these flights operate on certain days of the week only. The airport is
6 kms away from Imphal, the capital of Manipur. Tourist Buses, taxis and local
buses will take you to Imphal city from the airport.
By Train : There are no railway lines in Manipur. The nearest
railhead is Dimapur (Nagaland), 215 km from Imphal. Buses, taxis and rented
cars (with chauffeurs) then bring you to Imphal. It would take you about 9
hours by bus from Dimapur to Imphal.
By Road : You can drive into Imphal from the neighbouring
states of Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. The ideal car
to hire is a 4WD that comes with a chauffeur and it is advisable to have spare
tyres because breakdown facilities on the roads are negligible.
