The state of Manipur with an area of 22,327 square kilometers with a population, which includes the Meitei, the majority group in the state, the Pangals (Manipuri Muslims), Naga tribes, Kuki/Zo tribes and other communities, Manipur is truly a unique place to visit. According to the recorded history Manipur was a sovereign kingdom for a span of more than 3500 years until 1955 AD (a total of more than 108 kings) till the defeat of the Meiteis by the British in the Anglo-Manipuri war of Khongjom, the sovereignty of Manipur which it had maintained for more than three millenniums, was lost.

With such a long history and being on the cross road m between south East Asia and rest of the country Manipur has much to offer to tourist visiting the state. Manipur has natural, cultural as well historical places to visit. For benefit of tourist the entire trip to Manipur could be divided into two places one the Imphal valley which cover the Imphal city and the Loktak region of Manipur while the other is the hill districts of Manipur. The best time to visit Manipur for tourist is from September to February – June the autumn months are for both the hills and the valleys of Manipur while the winter months should be reserved for only valley part of Manipur.

Valleys

Imphal city is the gateway to Manipur for tourist as it is the only airport of the state. The main tourist places of Imphal city are Kanlgla fort, Shree Govindajee Temple, Manipur State Museum, and the Ima Market, Mapal Kangjeibung the oldest Polo ground in the world, Red hill (battlefield of Second World War), Manipur Zoological Gardens, World War – II cemeteries, and many more. For shopping in Manipur its best to go to Paona Bazaar, ideal place for imported goods, Ghambir Singh Shopping plaza & Leima Plaza, not to mention the Ima market ideal place for handicrafts and handloom items. The Living Museum at Andro village is another place for tourist to visit in Manipur.

Manipur State Museum

Lakes and islands

An hour and half drive from Imphal, is the largest fresh water lake in Manipur, the Loktak Lake, which world famous for its floating islands. There is a tourist bungalow atop Sendra Island. The wetland is swampy and is favorable for a number of species the only floating National Park in the world, the Kaibul Lamjao, is located here. The state animal of Manipur the Sangai deer is found in the park which along with number of other aquatic birds is a major attraction for the tourist.

Hills and valleys

Ukhrul Town

Ukhrul which is about 3 hours drive from Imphal is the most popular hill destination in Manipur for tourist. This place is famous for Manipur’s Kachai Lemon which grows one of the most scenic village of same name. The Kachai Lemon is the pride of Manipur, because of its uniqueness this Lemon has been accorded geographical indication registration. Ukhrul is also equally famous for Shirui (Siroy) Lily, and the black pottery of Longpoi, a must souvenir of every tourist visiting Manipur. The other hill tourist attraction of Manipur is famous for the Dzükou Valley on the Manipur and Nagaland border. It is at an altitude of 2,438 meters, with the Japfü Peak making a beautiful backdrop.

Waterfalls

Manipur has beautiful natural attractions for visiting tourist the Sadu Chiru waterfall near Imphal, is one of them. This fall consists of three cataracts with the first fall about 30 meters high. Other waterfalls in Manipur are Kanglatongbi Shantipur Waterfall, Khoupum Waterfall, Thangshi Waterfall, to name a few.

Natural caves

Manipur is an ideal place for spelunking, with number of caves found in the hill tracts. The caves of Manipur are also associated with the history of the place. The Thalon Cave with a length of around 910 metres is around 185 kilometres from the Manipur’s state capital. While the Khangkhui Cave is a natural limestones cave in Ukhrul district.

International Boarder

With opening of trade at the border town of Moreh with Tamu in Myanmar, a day visit to this place in Manipur has become a must on every tourist visiting Manipur.