Imphal: Best Time To Visit, History, How To Reach, Tourism

Imphal is the capital city of the Indian state of Manipur. It is the second largest city in Northeast India. Imphal is known for its scenic landscapes and greenery. It is located in the Manipur River valley at an elevation of 2500 feet (760 meters).

Imphal is a conspicuous city tucked in the northeastern part of India. It is the proud capital of north northeasternmost state of Manipur. Imphal city is the center of all cultural, commercial, and political activities of the state. Situated at an average altitude of 786 m above sea level, this city has a humid subtropical climate with cool and dry winters, warm summers, and moderate monsoons with an average rainfall of 1320 mm in the month of June. As such, the best time to cherish this naturally blessed tourist destination is from the month of October to March. Though Imphal is a small city, it has a very rich cultural and traditional heritage which can be seen in its people, traditions, customs, and handicrafts. Imphal is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, traditional handlooms, and authentic handicrafts.

Nestled in the Manipur Valley and surrounded by hills, Imphal is believed to be one of the most ancient towns of the Indian subcontinent. Earlier, Imphal was the seat of the kings of Manipur, but later it was conquered by the British in 1826. In 1944, during World War II, the Battle of Imphal, along with the simultaneous Battle of Kohima happened here, which is believed to be a major turmoil in the Burma campaign. At that time, the Japanese lost the initiative to the Anglo-Indian powers, who, in turn, retained it until the end of the war. Later, on 18 June 1997, the Imphal district was separated into two distinct districts Imphal East and Imphal West. This tiny but significant city of Imphal is effectively connected to the other cities of India with its own airport and well-maintained roads. However, the nearest railway station to Imphal and Manipur is at Dimapur, which is 215 km away from the town.

Imphal boasts of an excellent blend of natural beauty and man-made architectural marvels, which attract thousands of tourists, every year. The city is a major trade center, noted for its weaving, brass-ware, bronze-ware, and other cottage industries around the globe. Some of the major tourist attractions in and around the city are Kangla Fort, Polo Grounds (the world’s oldest existing polo ground) Manipur Zoological Gardens, Khonghampat Orchidarium, Shri Govindajee Temple, Khwairamband Bazaar (‘Ima Keithel’- world’s only market run by women), Manipur State Museum and Shahid Minar. The landscape of green-blue hills (Koubrou and Namaijing ranges), lush fields and low clouds form a garland around the valley with hundreds of multi-colored orchids, which is truly a natural delight for nature lovers!

Best Time To Visit Imphal

Ideal Time To Visit Imphal

Weather

Best Time To Explore Imphal

Things To Do

History Of Imphal

The capital city of Manipur and home to the historical Kangla Palace, Imphal is renowned for its world-famous ‘Ras Lila’ dance, the Sangai dancing deer and its historical association to World War II. Much of the history of this place is blotched with stories of blood battles, unceasing revolutions and the trials and tribulations of activists like Irom Sharmila to free Manipur from the clutches of armed forces. Although not much is known about pre-historic Imphal, the city came into limelight after the first Anglo-Manipuri war in the year 1891. This checkered history or the city was further influenced by the battle of Imphal during World War II. The British rulers upgraded this region into an important military base to evade invasion from the bordering countries. Since then, Imphal has served as an important military centre that is maintained by the Indian Army. Scroll down the article to know more on the edifying facts on the history of the city.

Imphal History

Early History

Erstwhile ruled by Kin Khaba, the throne of Imphal was later ceded by the Pakhangba leaders. It was here that the powerful clan of Ningthouja tribe originated. With time, the Ningthouja tribe expanded their dominion over the land and emerged as one of the most influential group in the field of politics and warfare. The Kangla palace, which is the pride of Manipur was built by King Khagemba and his son Khunjaoba but was destroyed by the British during the Anglo-Manipuri War. During the reign of Maharaja Bhagyachandra, the region witnessed several Burmese invasions. However, with the help of Maharaj Gambhir Singh and the forces of Manipur, Kangla was liberated from the incursion of the Burmese army.

British Rule

The region remained peaceful until the intrusion of the British officials in 1891. Due to the internal differences between the members of the royal family, the British decided to intervene and sort out the problem by sending Mr. J.W. Quinton to negotiate the matter. However, matters grew worse and Senapati Tikendrajit had to be banished from the capital. This in turn led to the first Anglo-Manipur war in 1891. The undeclared autocratic rule over the Manipur by the British angered the local people. In the following year, the Anglo-Manipur, war broke out between the British and the Manipuri commander in chief. The English forces attacked the palace and gunned down the walls of the Kangal fort. Since the capture of the state in 1891, Manipur remained as a part of the British rule until Indian Independence.

Memories of World War II

Many of us are not aware of the significant part played by India during the World War II. The battle of Imphal was fought during World War II in 1944 with the view to capture British colonies that was significant to the ‘Burma Campaign’. The Japanese forces invaded Burma in order to annihilate the English army that was stationed at Imphal. But failed to do so and was forced to retreat back as several members in their army were severely injured. This, in turn, led to the biggest defeat in Japan’s history. The attack on Burma made the British aware of the strategic importance held by the city of Imphal in the Northeast region. Since then the English troops maintained a strong army base in the city to not only circumvent from being captured by the Japanese military but also to be on high alert from other external forces.

How To Reach Imphal

Imphal, one of the famous tourist destinations in India, boasts of strong culture and rich tradition. Lush greenery, pleasant climate and tourism attractions like Govindajee Temple, Women’s market or Ima Keithel, Manipur Zoological Gardens, War Cemeteries, etc. lures the visitors time and again to visit this place. The tall jackfruit and pine tree surrounding this small city adds further charm to this city. Adding to its attractions is the endangered Brow-antlered Deer (sangai), which is one of the biggest USP’s of this place. The colorful bazaars boast of some valuable products that are worth buying like the traditional Manipuri attires, hand-woven shawls, handicrafts and many other souvenirs. What is equally interesting is the mouth-watering Imphal cuisine that uses generous doses of aromatic spices and herbs. Tourists don’t need to worry about accommodation since this place is lined with numerous budget-friendly as well as deluxe hotels. To know about the ways of getting to Imphal, read the article further.

Traveling To Imphal

By Air

Imphal Tulihal airport, located 8 km south from the city center, is connected directly to the key cities of Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati. There are also daily direct flights from Guwahati, Agartala, Dimapur, Aizawl, Silchar and Kolkata. This airport offers regional commercial airline service as well as charter service and general aviation. Some of the major airlines operating from Imphal on a daily/weekly basis are Air India, Air India-IC, Go Air, Go Business, IndiGo, Jet Airways Konnect, Jet Airways, JetLite, Kingfisher Red, Kingfisher and SpiceJet. On your arrival at the Tulihal airport, you can hire taxis or cabs that will take you in and around the city.

By Rail

There is no direct rail service to Imphal. Instead, tourists can rely on Dimapur railway station, which is the nearest railhead to Imphal. Located at a distance of 215 km, one can easily reach Imphal from Dimapur railway station by a taxi or a bus that will take you to the city in approximately 8 hours time. Apart from this, there is also an additional railhead in Jiribam. This small Manipur town is situated 225 kms away from Imphal and is well connected to the city by road transportation.

By Road

Imphal has an excellent network of roads and thus travelling to the city by bus is never a problem. If you are in Imphal airport, then catch a tourist or local bus, taxi or a cab that will take you to Imphal. To reach the city from surrounding areas like Manipur, Dimapur, Nagaland, Itanagar, Agartala, Aizwal, Shillong or Kohima, board the Nagaland and Manipuri state buses that ply regularly. These comfortable buses are very frequent and the cost of per seat ranges anywhere between Rs 75 to Rs 250. It takes exactly eight hours to reach Imphal from Dimapur.

Local Transportation

You can hire jeeps, cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws or travel by city buses to go around sightseeing in Imphal. Most of the people here opt for auto rickshaws that do not run on meter. Unlike in metro cities where you need to shell out heavy bucks to travel in autos, in Imphal an auto rickshaw travel ride is cheap and the fare can be negotiated beforehand. Enthusiastic nomads can explore the streets of Imphal by foot.

Places To Visit

Perched on a beautiful oval-shaped valley and intersected by several narrow rivers, the mesmerizing city of Imphal is every traveler’s delight. If you are bored of your routine life and looking for a perfect family retreat, then heading to this northeastern city of Imphal would give you loads of opportunity to get close to nature. Boasting of diverse traditions and age-old ethnic culture, the city of Imphal is truly a place to explore. To add more colors to your trip, don’t forget to check out the mesmerizing dance performances that are inspired from the mythological scripts. To experience the real essence of Manipur, make a quick jaunt to the shopping areas and pick some amazing souvenirs. Apart from sightseeing and shopping, Imphal offers plenty of options to satiate your starved stomach. You truly cannot afford to miss the indigenous cuisine of the city that prides itself on delicacies like kangsoi (a vegetable stew with dry fishes), kobok (puffed or roasted rice and molasses dessert) and iromba (fish chutney, bamboo shoots and vegetables). Go ahead and explore the write-up to know more about major tourist attractions in Imphal.

Tourist Attractions In Imphal

Khonghampat Orchidarium

Home to beautiful orchids, the Khonghampat Orchidarium is inarguably one of the best tourist hotspots in Imphal. Situated 7 kms away from the city, this sprawling orchidarium is blessed with more than 110 varieties of orchids including several endemic species. Spread across 200 acres of land, this place always remains on top among the major attractions of Imphal. If you want to explore the extravagance of exotic orchid blooms, then visit Khonghampat Orchidarium anytime between April and May.

Shaheed Minar

Shaheed Minar, located at Bir Tikendrajit Park, is a tall structure built in the honor of the indomitable spirit of Meetie and the tribal warriors who sacrificed their lives in the Anglo-Manipuri war in 1891. Close to this spectacular monuments there is a war cemetery dedicated to both British and Indian soldiers who gave up their life in World War II. Serving as the major tourist attraction, the Shaheed Minar attracts tourist from all across the country.

Manipur State Museum

Manipur State Museum, established in 1969, serves as the major tourist attraction in Imphal. The rich collection of handicrafts, regional costumes, war implements, historical relics and documents provides a sneak-peek into the rich history of Manipur. The galleries here that are primarily dedicated to ethnology, natural history, arts archeology etc further gives you a glimpse into the city’s history. Apart from the regular collection, an open-air theater provides spectacular view of 78ft long boat named Hiyang Hiren, which attracts scores of visitors by its stunning architecture.

Shri Govindajee Temple

Shri Govindajee temple established in the 18th century under the rule of Rajarishi Bhagyachandra acts as one of the major centre for Vaishnavaites and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Apart from Vishnu, the temple serves as an abode for deities like Balarama, Krishna and Jagannath. Admired for its simple structure and golden domes, the temple is renowned for its dances that are held regularly within the premises. During major Hindu festivals, thousands of devotees visit this shrine to seek blessings from the lord.

Old Palace

Situated in the heart of Imphal city, the old palace serves as a major tourist attraction in Manipur. Presently occupied by the paramilitary forces, the palace ground now acts as a training centre for the army troops. Only a part of the palace is open for the visitors.

Khwairamband Bazaar

Khwairamband Bazaar, the major market area of Imphal, is a favorite spot for both the locals and the shopaholics. The special attraction of this place is that the entire market area is flooded with nearly 3000 shops, which are maintained by women. The market, which remains open from 9 am to 7 pm, is admired for its huge collection of handicrafts, jewelry, furniture and even vegetables.

Manipur Zoological Gardens

Manipur Zoological Gardens, situated 6 km from Imphal Kangchup road, attracts visitors by its rare species of animals such as Lissome and Brow Antlered deer. The garden of this place is flanked by hillocks and lush greenery that definitely delights you by its peaceful atmosphere. You can explore the beauty of the place on any day except on Sundays from 10 am to 6 am.

War Cemeteries

War Cemeteries, situated at a distance of 10 km from the center of city, serves as a remembrance for Indian and British soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War II. The messages inscribed on stone tombs recounts the lives of soldiers and their bravery in war. On your visit to this place, you will be stunned to see the clean surrondings and serene ambience.

Polo Grounds

The Polo ground in Imphal is one of the oldest polo grounds in the world. A visit to this place will help you to display your talent in polo. However, if you don’t known the basics of the game, then a visit to this ground will inspire you to learn more about it.

Shopping

Imphal is gradually turning out to become one of the major tourism hotspots in India. Strategically located in the Manipur River Valley, Imphal is famous for its lush greenery, hills and pristine rivers. Adding to its scenic charms are some of the popular tourist attractions like Shree Govindajee Temple, Manipur State Museum, War Cemeteries, Manipur Zoological Gardens and Women’s Market or Ima Keithel. Travelers must not leave Imphal without strolling along the bazaars and picking up some great souvenirs. The markets here that are mostly occupied by women and give you a glimpse into the Manipuri culture and tradition. Women vendors dressed in ethnic Manipuri attires are an absolute delight to watch. Head out to the local restaurants to savor some great local cuisines if you feel worn out after shopping. The perfect time to hit this beautiful place is from October-March when the weather is soothing. To know more about the shopping places in Imphal, scroll down the article.

Shopping Places

Khwairambad Bazaar

Khwaraimbad Bazaar, located in the heart of Imphal, is one of the most popular and largest women’s markets in India. What makes this market really stand out from the other shopping places is that it is solely run by Manipuri womenfolk. Around 3000 women make their livelihood by selling handicraft and other interesting products here. Authentic Manipuri handicrafts, cosmetics, Manipuri attires, handloom shawls, household utensils, decorative ivory, dolls and beautiful jewelry are some of the popular picks of this market.

Paona Bazaar

The crowded lanes of Paona Bazaar has series of shops that sells fascinating stuffs like silk saris, hand-woven shawls, papier mache products, bamboo and ivory articles etc. As the rates of all these items are fixed, people cannot bargain much. There is one particular shop called Manipur Handlooms & Handicrafts Development Corporation Sales Emporium in this bazaar that is worth visiting. If you happen to visit this place, then don’t forget to check out some of its valuable collection like bamboo artifacts, Lanshingphee blanket, toys, colorful mats and shawls, Tangkhul scarf.

Nagampal Market

Another delightful place for shopping is the Nagampal market, which is an important commercial center in Imphal. The shops in this market are stocked up with different items ranging from accessories, footwear, vegetables to colorful attires, fruits and spices. In case you are tired and looking for some sumptuous food, there are numerous restaurants and eatery joints that serve some really yummy Manipuri specialties like kangsoi kobok, bamboo shoot, poora haah, koat pitha and more.

Tera Bazaar

Tera Bazaar, the colorful market that lies in the greater Imphal area, is another popular spot to pick some good souvenirs. The artifacts that you can purchase here are absolutely striking and reasonably priced. Handloom products that reflect the rich Manipuri tradition are also worth buying. On Sundays and other holiday occasions, local inhabitants turn out in huge numbers in this place. Vegetables, fruits and other household products are also put on sale. Some other near-by markets you can visit are Naoremthong Bazaar, Kwakeithel Bazar, and Singjamei Bazar.

GM Hall

The iconic GM Hall, located right in the centre of Imphal, has numerous shops that sell artifacts, Manipuri handlooms, toys, shawls, handicrafts at fixed prices. Tourists and even localites pour out in huge numbers to check out the products put up in this market. During weekends and special holidays, the hall bustles with college goers, women and elders.