Imphal is the capital city of the northeast Indian state of Manipur. It has a small population but it is a developed city that many travelers visit in transit. Imphal hosts the world's oldest Polo Ground (Imphal Polo Ground), the world's tallest topiary plant (Samban Lei Sekpil), the world's only women-run market (Ima Keithel), and the world's tallest polo player statue (Marjing Polo Statue).
In the heart of Imphal, Kangla, the ancient fortified capital of the different ruling dynasties of Ancient Kangleipak (predecessor of Manipur), is located, at whose eastern side the Imphal River flows, dividing the city into two districts as Imphal East district and Imphal West district.
Imphal was the site of a large battle during the attempted Japanese invasion of India in 1944. Despite its small population, Imphal is considered by some to be the most important city in eastern India.
Places to Visit around Imphal:
IMA Market - The Ima Market counted as one of the largest only women's markets in Asia is at a stone’s throw distance from the Western Gate of Kangla. It is a unique all-women’s market, with over 3000 “Imas” (mothers) running the stalls. Men are not allowed to sell goods in this market. Vegetables, fruits, fish, and household groceries are sold in one section, and exquisite handlooms and household tools in the other.
Loktak Lake. The largest freshwater lake in North-Eastern India and has a floating lake. It is also the habitat of Curvus Eldi Eldi, an endangered species found only in Manipur. Take a bus for ₹50 from the bazaar (approx one hour). There are several homestays asking for around ₹1000 a night on the islands but no hotels.
Matai Garden- The garden is in Matai, Imphal East district about 5 km north of NH-39. The garden is also called Ibudhou Asheiningthou Garden, taking the name from Ibudhou Asheiningthou (local God of Matai). The garden is known for its myriad of Duranta plants, well shaped and decorating the entire garden.
Manipur State Museum, Kangla Rd (near the polo grounds). 10 AM-4:30 PM. The museum is varied. It includes portraits of Manipuri royalty, tribal costumes, and polo equipment (Manipur is one of the places in the world that claims to have invented the sport) along with weapons and other tools used by the people in the past. The biggest thing they have displayed is a 78-foot-long royal boat in the open-air gallery.
Sambal- Lei-Sekpil garden. The garden is in Sagolband, Kwakeithel, Imphal, toward the Tidim road. The place is world-famous for Sambal- Lei-Sekpil. Literally, sambal means fence, lei means flower, and sepia means topiary. The flower was featured in the Guinness Book of Records in 1999 (at a height of 50 ft, 35 steps). The garden is open to visitors.
Shree Govindajee Temple- This place was considered to be the highest place for any cultural activity during the times of the Maharajas. Located at a place near the royal palace of past Maharajas, it has two domes and a raised congregation hall.
Kangla Fort (Kangla Palace) (in the center of Imphal, entry is only through the west gate). The palace and fort had been used for hundreds of years to defend the Manipuris from invading neighbors such as the Assamese and Burmese. The British finally penetrated the fortress for good in the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War. The area is being renovated and much of it is empty land, but it houses an information center/gift shop, several pleasant gardens, traditional boats, some small museums, a temple, and a cheap cafeteria serving local snacks. Local kids go there to hang out. Bicycle hire is available for ₹20/hour but you can't ride far because the paths are closed. A toilet is on the right side as you enter. Certainly worth a visit and a good place for a picnic. ₹10 for Indians, ₹50 for foreigners.
Ema Panthoibi Shanglen. Panthoibi is the most venerated goddess of Sanamahism, the traditional Meitei religion. She is the Meitei Goddess of civilization, courage, fertility, handicraft, love, victory, warfare, and wisdom. Due to her versatility, she is worshipped by the masses with deep reverence. Thousands of her sacred sites are scattered over Manipur and a few signs are in Assam, Tripura, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
How to reach there:
By plane Bir Tikendrajit International Airport is Imphal's airport Imphal is connected to Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Aizwal, Dimapur, and Guwahati by Air India, Indigo, and AirAsia.
By train Imphal is not connected to India's railway network, however, a new line is under construction and is expected to be completed in late 2023. The closest railway station, for now, is Jirbam, 80 km to the east. It's also possible to disembark at Dimapur, in Nagaland, and then continue by a 7-hour bus ride. Dimapur is a major station and sees much more traffic compared to Jirbam.
By bus Imphal is well connected with Manipur's neighboring states by road, on which there are many bus routes. There are daily bus services coming from and going to Kohima and Dimapur in Nagaland and Guwahati in Assam.
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