Manipur India : Places to Cover on a Trip Through Manipur

The seven sisters of the northeast hold some of the most pristine sights that you can behold in India. Of the seven states, Manipur is a particular attraction that will give you a grand experience. The name is derived from the Sanskrit words Mani and Pura and means the Jewelled Land. When you travel through Manipur you will find that it is indeed as much a jeweled land as the name boasts of. Manipur is situated along the easternmost fringes of India and is surrounded by Assam on the west, Mizoram to the south, and Nagaland to the north. On the eastern side, it shares an international border with Myanmar.

There are many wonderful places to visit in Manipur. If you are looking for a way to escape the cacophony of your daily life, Manipur is a quaint location located in the hills and very far away from everyday city life. This haven is peaceful and has a tranquil atmosphere and you should spend some time exploring through the many wonderful places that Manipur has to offer. Here are some of the most amazing places that you just have to check when you are traveling through Manipur.

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Imphal

Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, could easily be one of the most impressive places that you can visit in Northeast India. Imphal is very easy to reach as it is well connected by road from Guwahati in Assam. Imphal also has an airport, the only one in the state, and the second-largest one in the Northeast. This makes Imphal very easily accessible from all around the Northeast. Laden among the mountains, Imphal is a place of great scenic beauty and has some amazing landmark sites such as the Manipur State Museum, a Polo Ground, and the Palace of Kangle. Another beautiful sight that welcomes you in Imphal is the vibrant waterfalls and lakes that are spread here and there.
The best time to visit Imphal would be during the months of September to April. This place also happens to be the site of many Manipuri festivals wherein you can easily delve into the culture of the people of Imphal. The Keibul Lamjao National Park and the Sirohi National Park are home to many exotic faunas in the region. Loktak Lake is pristine and attractive and is sure to leave a deep mark on your mind.

Senapati

You can easily reach this small hamlet in Manipur directly from Guwahati in Assam by road following the NH-2. If you are starting your travel through Manipur in Imphal, then Senapati would be just 68 km away from you via the same highway. This village is hidden away in the mountains under lush green forest vegetation that will immediately produce a calming effect on your nerves. Most of Senapati is covered in a forest filled with all kinds of flora and fauna that is difficult to find elsewhere in India.
If you are looking for a place to enrich your knowledge about the culture and heritage of Manipur, Senapati could be an excellent haven for that. it is a small place wherein you can spend your time directly interacting with the locals and the tribes. If you are lucky, they may even cook you some delectable Manipuri delicacy while giving you an account f everything Manipuri. There are many notable places in and around Senapati that you can go to such as Sadu Chiru Waterfalls, Dzukou Valley, Yangkhullen, Mao, and so on. The months between October and March is the best time to plan your trip to Senapati.

Andro

If you are planning your trip between late October to the month of March, Andro is a lovely place in Manipur to put on your list. This is a small place very close to Imphal wherein you can immerse yourself in the many artistic works that Manipur has to offer you. It is a unique place to visit solely because of the impressive pottery craftsmanship of Manipuri people which are on display over here. The place is especially significant for someone who has the spirit of an adventurer and loves to keep keepsakes from the places they visit.
If you go to Andro Gramshang, you can easily find a full display of the history of such artistic styles and how it has been passed down over generations. Walom, Yukhum, Ngangkha, and Pudong Makhong are some of the Manipuri styles of pottery that are on display in the museum. The Andro Santheli Nature Park is also a scenic spot to visit. There is no need to stay the night in Andro and you can easily visit the place while staying in Imphal or traveling to or from Imphal.

Ukhrul

If you are looking for peace and quiet, then the little village of Ukhrul is just the spot for you. It is easy to access from Imphal airport by traveling a distance of 105 km via road using the bus or cab services. Ukhrul is also accessible through Dimapur in Nagaland which is the nearest railway station to this place. You have to take the taxi services from the railway station and it will take about 9 to 10 hours to cover the 314 km stretch.
It is a very beautiful place and the calmness would edge you to meditate to your heart's content. The silence has an attractive mystique to it and you may end up extending your stay in this quaint place. An attractive feature of this place is that many trekking routes are emanating out of the place taking you through the wilderness of Manipur hills. The Nilai Tea Estate is beautiful while the Kachou Phung Lake preserves its pristine beauty. The Khangkhui Cave is also a must-visit site when you are staying in Ukhrul.

Chandel

The time of late October to March is the best time to get into different parts of Manipur and if you are visiting at such times, you just have to visit Chandel. This is the gateway into Myanmar from the Indian side on the Eastern fringes and grants you an excellent amalgamation of culture and heritage for you to seep in. the place being the entryway into Myanmar makes it such a brilliantly exotic location.
Like all other places in Manipur, Chandel too has some amazing forest cover. The Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary is worth the visit and you will come across all kinds of flora and fauna found especially in the northeast. Tengnoupal and Moreh are also notable sites to visit when you have come to Chandel. The place also has many trek routes through the forest and trekking your way through Chandel in the early morning is blissful.

Thoubal

If you are an adventurer, if you are someone who likes outdoor activities such as trekking and hiking, then Thoubal is a place that you have to visit. Thoubal is very near to Imphal airport at only a distance of 30 km by road from there. The nearest railway station is in Dimapur in Nagaland which is 230 km away. the NH 102 passes through Thoubal while it is connected to other regions in Manipur through NH 39 and NH 53.
If you want to have a full blast of all the things that Manipur has to offer you, then you have to come to visit Thoubal. The locals are very polite and hospitable and will welcome you with open arms. Banyan trees line the roads and you will find small patches of home-grown veggies in every house. The Thoubal Bazaar is a wonderful place to collect all kinds of souvenirs from your trip. You will find an exceptional blend of Manipuri culture interspersed with nature in Thoubal giving you an exceptional time. The People's Museum is a must-visit site when you are staying in Thoubal. The Khongjom War Memorial is also a must-visit site if you want to immerse yourself in the glorious past of Manipur.

Tamenglong

Manipur holds all kinds of places with all kinds of special attractions. Exotic flora and fauna thrive throughout the hills and valleys and if you are looking for a spot for birding, then Tamenglong is the place for you. It is also known as the Land of Hornbill as many hornbills and even other birds take refuge in the lush forests of this place. If you are to visit Tamenglong between October and April, you will find all kinds of local as well as migratory birds thriving in this place. It is easy to reach Tamenglong via riad by following the NH 53 through the Old Cachar Road.
Tamenglong is enchanting and with all its natural glory will cast a spell on you that is difficult to lift. The Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit site and the variety in flora and fauna will make you want to go there again and again. That Tharon Cave is also an impressive visit as you stay in Tamenglong. Zeilad Lake is picturesque with its pristine water and offers a time of relaxation and calm!

Churachandpur

If you want to get a blast of the tribal culture in Manipur, then you have to take a trip down through Churachandpur. This place was founded by the tribes but it is in no way a small village. In fact, Churachandpur is the second largest town in Manipur and shows some real technological advancement. There are schools, dams, and even a museum in this place. Even communication is very easy over here as the people are very well versed in English, Hindi, and Manipuri.
This is a developed hilly town to give you a taste of development on your way to losing yourself in the wilderness. The best times to visit this unique and beautiful hilly town would be from October to March. The Tonglen Cave is a great site to visit. If you want to know about the tribal cultures in Manipur, you have to take a walk through the Tuibuong Tribal Museum!

Kakching

Kakching is an important place especially because of its commercial significance in Manipur. It is very well-connected on all sides. You can enter Kakching from Thoubal by following the AH1 road. The district is connected to Chandel by another inter-district road. The Indo-Burma-Sugnu State Highway connects Kakching to Myanmar in the south and Imphal in the north.
Kakching gives the traveler the best dose of Manipuri culture that one can ever ask for. If you especially visit this place during the Haraoba Festival you will be mesmerized to see the performances that the locals set up! They tell the stories of how the universe was created through a performance while being dressed as deities giving you an experience of a lifetime. There are gardens and parks and elaborate markets in this place from where you can shop for all kinds of things. The locals are welcoming and you will also find many cafes and restaurants that serve all kinds of Manipuri delicacies. The best time to go to Kakching would be between October and March.

Leimaram Waterfall

Manipur is a place that is laden with waterfalls and hilly lakes. Throughout your journey to and from different places you will come across innumerable waterfalls, streams, lakes, and so on. However, if you are looking for a waterfall as a special attraction, you have to take a trip to Leimaram waterfalls. The waterfalls are situated nearby Imphal and can be visited as you are staying in Imphal. This place deserves a special mention because of the picturesque location and the tranquil environment. The place welcomes you with 3 different waterfalls that simply looks enchanting.

Bishnupur

Bishnupur can be reached via road from the airport or the railway station. The nearest railway station would be the one on Dimapur in Nagaland and it is a huge distance away. If you want to travel less, you can easily get down at Imphal airport and take a cab or bus to the place which is only 27 km away.
Bishnupur is not the general hill station but is filled with architecture on all sides. It can be called off as a hub for all the temples that you can find. The temples were built long ago and are architecturally rich featuring grand designs that will leave you mesmerized. It is a pilgrim spot and attracts lots of tourists and pilgrims all year round. The best time to visit Bishnupur would be between October and March but you can come here at any time of the year. The Susunia Range passes through Bishnupur and is lined with temples such as a Vishnu Temple, the Jor Bangla Temple, the Panch Ratna, and so on!

                        The seven sisters in the northeast are heavenly places, with each of them having something impressive to offer. Manipur, with its lush forests, waterfalls, and exotic tribes as well as local villagers is a bountiful place with much to offer. It is calm, quiet, and home to all kinds of exotic flora and fauna that will certainly give you the feeling that you have been transported to an altogether different, fairy tale world.