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| MANIPUR
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Nestling deep within a lush green
corner of North East India Manipur
is 'the jeweled land' with its bo unteous
vistas of untrammeled beauty and ancient
traditions. An oval shaped valley
surrounded by stunning combination
of wet forest, temperate forest and
pine forest with its cascading rapids
, tripping rivers, carpet of flowers,
exotic blooms and lazy lakes.
It is the home of the Meitei who dominate
the populace, which is an admixture
of Naga and Kuki-Chin Mizo groups
amongst other colorful communities
which have lived for centuries in
harmony.
These are the people whose folklore,
myths and legends dances indigenous
games and martial arts exoctic handlooms
and handicrafts are invested with
the mystique of nature.
The state's martial arts are recognized
for their almost poetic traditions.the
economic and fluid movements of the
spear dance (Ta Khousarol ) and soward
fight (Thang Yannaba) have a sinuous
beauty. This playful, sports loving
community is reputed for its indigenous
version of (Sagol Kangjei) or Polo
(it was the first place in India to
have evolved this sports of kings),
the Mukana Kangjei -(wrestling hockey)
and Yubi-Lakpi, a form of rugby played
with a greased coconut.
"A land where God took to dancing"
Manipur also known as the land of
Radha and Krishan in the best of tradition
has gifted to India's classical dance
repertoire her lyrical Ras Leela dance
that re-enacts the love story of Radha
and Krishna. Rasa leela songs and
dance depict the Leelas (sports) of
Lord Krishna as a child with the Gopies
(Milkmaids) of Brindavan, and express
their yearning for communion with
the Lord. The Rasa dance is essentially
lyrical and has extremely graceful
movements. A spring festival 'Lai
Haraoba' is also celebrated with Manipuri's
graceful movements in all dance forms.
Even its expressive tribal flock dances
are performed with traditionally aesthetic
movements.
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| Imphal
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Manipur's capital city. Imphal, has
harmonized itself seamlessly into its
beautiful natural environment. The pretty
township is the very heart of the official,
commercial and cultural activities of
the state. Visitors can enjoy some of
its special attraction before moving
out of town into its great outdoors
to savor Manipur culture in all its
richness and variety.
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| Govindajee
Tample : |
Imphal's historic Vaishnavite centre
adjoining Manipur's former Maharajas
Royal palace, the Govindjee temple is
one of the most attractive place for
the tourist. Twin domes, a paved courtyard,
and a large raised congregation hall
where devotees congregate to participate
in various devotional activities.
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| Manipur
State Museum : |
This interesting museum near the Polo
Ground has fairly good display of Manipur's
tribal heritage and collection of portraits
of Manipur's former rulers. Particularly
interesting items are costumes arms
& ammunition, relics and historical
documents.
Open 10 am to 4.30 pm daily except for
Monday & holidays.
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| Khwairamband
Bazar or Ima market : |
A unque all woman's market, having 3000
or more "Imas" or mothers
who run the stalls, it is split into
two sections on either side of road
.Vegetables, fruits , fishes and household
grocieries are soldon one side and exquisite
handloom and household tools on the
other side.
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| Shaheed
Minar : |
The indomitable spirit of the Meitei
and Tribal Martyrs, who sacrificed their
lives while fighting the British in
1891, is commemorated by this tall minar
at Bir Tikendrajit Park in the Heart
of Imphal city.
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| War
Cemeteries : |
Commemorating the memories of the British
and Indian soldiers who died during
th World War -II, these cemeteries are
managed by the Commonwealth War Graves
Commission. Serene and well maintained,
the graves carry a little stone markers
and bronze plaques recording the sacrifice
of those gallant soldiers.
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| Khonghampat
Orchidarium : |
Manipur has at least 500 different varieties
of orchids. The Central Khonghampat
Orchidarium, just 7 km away from Imphal,
offers visitors an excellent opportunity
to see at least 110 species which are
showcased here. The Khonghampat Orchidarium
is doing exceptional work on propagating
some of the rare species. Its 200 acres
are host to many rare varieties of orchids,
which include almost a dozen endemic
species. The finest time to see these
blooms is in March- April when they
look their very best.
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| Langthabal
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Set admist stands of jackfruit and
pine, Langthabal (8 km down the Indo-Mynmar
road) is dotted with relics of an
old, historic palace, temple of architectural
importance and ceremonial houses.
It is ideally located for those delightful
views and a glimpse of Manipur University.
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| Kangchup
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The health resort of Kangchup, 16 km
from Imphal, offers lovely views of
the Manipur valley from its lofty perch
at a height of 921m
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| Waithou
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Close to the Waithou Lake, on the Indo
-Burma road is a village famous for
pineapples.
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| Kaina
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on the lofty hights of Kaina hills (29
km) lies a legendary temple where the
famous Ras Leela dance is performed
on particular days.
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| Khongjom
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Khongjom, 36 km on the Indo Burma road,
is known for the martyrdom of Manipur's
major general Paona Brajabashi in 1891.
Kongjom Day is celebrated on April 23
every year.
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| Tengnoupal
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You can also enjoy grandstand views
of the Manipur valley from Temgnoupal
(69 km), the highest point on the Imphal
-burma road
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Moirang : |
Moirang used to be the focal point of
Manipur's early Meitei culture. Located
45 km from Imphal. The town has an ancient
temple of the pre -Hindu, deity Lord
Thangjing. Every May, men and women,
dance during the during the Lai Haraoba
ritual Dance festival to honor the deity.
Moirang played an Important role during
India's freedom toggle. The flag of
the Indian National Army (INA) was first
raised at Moirang on April 14, 1944.
At the Ina Museum you'll discover a
host of letters , photographs, based
of ranks and other memorabilia of the
martyrs of the INA (head quarters here
during World War II ) who fought under
the dynamic leadership of Netaji Subhas
Chandra Bose against the Allies.
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| Loktak
Lake : |
One of the most enchanting and biggest
fresh water lakes in the North Ea st
is Manipur's Loktak Lake, just 45 km
from Imphal. The Sendra island tourist
bunglow offers dazzling views of the
lake , its rich plant and avain life
and the intriguing floating weed, shallow
bowl-like islands (Phumdi) and the fishermen
who live on them harvesting water chestnuts.
Situated in the middle of the lake ,
the tourist home has a café and
makes an ideal lookout. Boating has
been introduced along the lakes labyrinthine
waterways. Also on the southern part
of the lake is the world's only floating
National park, the Keibul Lamjao National
park, the unique habitat of the rare
sangai , the brow antlered deer or the
'dancing deer'. The entire lake complex
is a wildlife enthusiast's dream.
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| Bishnupur
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Famed for its stoneware, Bishnupur,
27 Km from Imphal on the Tiddim Road,
has the brick Bishnu temple(15th century).
The unusually small bricks of the temple
show Chinese influence (possibly during
the regin of the King Kiyamba) according
to some sources.
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| Ukhrul
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Manipur's popular and highest hill station
is Ukhrul, 83 km away. It is famous
for the Siroi Lilies, which grow here
in abundance. The nearby lime caves
of Kangkhui are worth visiting. It is
also the headquaters of the Tangkhul
Nagas.
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Wild Life & Crafts of
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