About Imphal

Imphal, the capital of Manipur state, is a town in northeast India & came to prominence during the Second World War when the Japanese entered India and waged war over the area. The Battle of Imphal and the Battle of Kohima is significantly mentioned in the history of the Second World War as this was the first time Japanese troops got defeated on Asian soil. Many thought wars would badly affect Imphal, but surprisingly the city rose with new vigor and rebuilt itself from scratch.

Imphal has beautiful charm surrounding its natural beauty, sceneries, and landscapes, as well as a significant history leaving hints of the past around the city. The lust green landscapes, beautiful surroundings, unexplored territories, and undulating rivers of Imphal make for a great tourist destination. Imphal tourist destinations include the INA memorial, Manipur State Museum, Kangla Fort, Langthabal, war cemeteries, Shri Govindjee temple, and Loktal Lake. Manipur Zoological gardens and Keibul Lamjao National park are mesmerizing places that one might not want to miss.

Tourist Attractions In Imphal : 13

1: Shri Govindjee Temple

Shri Govindjee Temple is a prominent place of worship for the Vaishnavite cult in Imphal. Built by King Churachand, this temple complex features a beautifully manicured garden, a lake & open space with lofty trees. Boasting the Nagra style of architecture, this temple rests on an elevated square-shaped base. The temple features an inner sanctum and a porch with massive pillars. The two large golden domes, skilfully crafted cornice & beautifully designed fences with intermittent mini shrines are quite a sight to behold.

2: Ima Keithel

One of the unique places in the world, the Ima Keithel at Khwairamband Bazar is the only women’s market. Run entirely by women, here tourists can get anything and everything at Ima Keithel. A tradition that is more than 100 years old, the Ima Keithel is a pure sign of women’s equality and independence. From vegetables to fish to handloom and handicrafts, one can find anything in Ima Keithel.

3: War Cemeteries

The War Cemetery is located 10 kilometers from Imphal on the Imphal Dimapur Road. The city has borne the brunt of many wars and has always shown resilience to emerge as a winner. Maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the War Cemetery was built primarily to pay tribute to the British and Indian soldiers killed protecting the territory from the Japanese invasion during the Second World War.

4: Manipur Zoological Gardens

The Manipur Zoological Gardens, located about eight kilometers from Imphal on the Imphal Kangchup Road, covers an area of eight hectares. It is also known as the Jewel Box of Manipur as it houses some endangered species. Among the protected species in the Manipur Zoological Gardens are the Lissome and the brow-antlered Thiamin deer.

5: Manipur State Museum

The Manipur State Museum preserves the rich culture and heritage of Manipur. The Manipur State Museum is a storehouse of information on archaeology, ethnology, natural history, Jallan, and painting. Located close to the Polo grounds in Kangla, tourists can easily plan a visit to all these places in a single day. One of the prominent artifacts in the museum is the Hiyang Hiren, a 78 feet long boat displayed in the open gallery.

6: Saheed Minar

Shaheed Minar is a memorial dedicated to Yubaraj Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal, hanged publicly by the Britishers in 1891. The memorial at the north end of the Bir Tikendrajit Park is essentially a minaret consisting of three vertical beams fusing as they reach the top. At the top of the minaret are three mythological dragons. The Shaheed Minar is a must-visit destination for history buffs, students, and tourists.

7: Langthabal

Langthabal is around 8 km to the west of Imphal & is one of the famous attractions in Imphal. Situated on the Indo Burma Road, this place is known for its beautiful locations and temples. The buildings and structures of this place are surrounded by jackfruit and pine trees.

8: Khonghampat Orchidarium

Khonghampat Orchidarium is situated on NH 39, about 7 km from Imphal. Popularly called Orchid House, it comprises nearly 200 different types of orchids and covers an area of 215 acres. The orchids gathered from all over the country & some of them include the Cymbidium Orchids, Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Vanda Orchids. One of the unique qualities of the Khonghampat Orchidarium is that some of the orchids grown here are synonymous with creatures like lizards, moths, and bees.

9: Nupee-lal Memorial

Nupee-Lal Memorial is in the heart of Imphal, next to Imphal Head Post Office. The memorial was constructed to remember the rise of Manipuri women against British rule in 1939 & the rise continued for 14 months.

10: Samban Lei Sekpil Garden

The Samban-Lei Sekpil Garden is one of Manipur's star attractions, just a few kilometers from Imphal. It's in the Guinness Book of World Records (1999), Limca Book of Records (1992), and Indian Records of Topiary Art for boasting the tallest topiary in the world, around 61 feet in height. An artistic marvel created by nature and nurtured by man, the Samban-Lei Sekpil Garden is a must to visit place for people visiting Manipur.

11: Lord Krishna Temple

Lord Krishna Temple is a highly revered site located on the banks of the Imphal River in Brahmpur Guru Aribam Leikai. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this shrine features beautiful idols of the Lord, depicting various stages of His life since childhood. Elevated by layers of bricks, the base of the temple serves as the porch.

12: Kaina Hillock

Kaina Hillock is a small, beautiful hill located on the Imphal Yariripok Road, about 29 kilometers from the city of Imphal. It's a sacred place for Hindus, & the site earned popularity due to its association with Hindu mythology.

13: Sekta

Sekta, also called Sekta Kei or Sekta Mound, is an excavated site. This archaeological site, situated on the left bank of the Iris River, is approximately 18 kilometers away from Imphal. Believed to be a burial site, the excavated area of 0.35 acres provides visitors a detailed insight into the burial customs, social lifestyle, and economic condition of the Sekta people during the 14th-15th century. Worth-mentioning among the discoveries is human skulls, bell metal casket, silver and copper masks, porcelain, semi-precious stone ornaments, and pottery and metal implements.

How To Reach Imphal

By Air - Imphal Airport is located about 8 kilometres from the city and well connected by shuttle cabs and other means of public transport. There are direct flights from New Delhi, Kolkata, Guawahati, Aizwal, Bangalore and Silchar.

By Rail - There are no railway stations in Imphal. Dimapur is the nearest major railway station and located 208 kilometres from the town. Cabs for Imphal are easily available at the Dimapur Railway Station.

By Road - Visitors can reach Imphal by road from all major towns and cities in North East. It is 479 kilometres from Guwahati connected by NH 39 and NH 150. One can also reach this city via Dimapur which is located at a distance of 208 kilometres.

Local Transport - Auto rickshaws and taxis are the main mode of transport within the city. Certain streets can also be explored on foot.

Traditional Food (Regional cusine of Imphal)

1 - MELLOW THE CASUAL RESTO, LOCATED AT DM COLLEGE ROAD, THANGMEIBAND HIJAM LEIKAI - (FAMOUS FOR FRIED RICE AND BIRYANI)

2 - ZAIKA HALAL RESTAURANT, LOCATED AT DEWLAHLAND, ADJACENT TO ISBT BUS STAND - (FAMOUS FOR KEBAB AND MUTTON CURRY)

3 - CAFE CABANE, LOCATED AT KONJENG HAZARI LEIKAI, SAGOLBAND - (FAMOUS FOR FRIED RICE)

4 - POLLITO'S, LOCATED AT DM COLLEGE ROAD, KABRABAM LEIKAI, THANGMEIBAND HIJAM LEIKAI - (FAMOUS FOR FRIED CHICKEN AND BURGER)

5 - FOOD VILLA, LOCATED AT NAGAMAPAL ROAD, MAJORKHUL, THANGAL BAZAR - (FAMOUS FOR BURGER)

6 - A-TO-Z FAST FOOD, LOCATED AT KWAKEITHEL ROAD, SAGOLBAND - (FAMOUS FOR PARATHA WITH CHICKEN CURRY)

7 - ELJAY'S, LOCATED AT KWAKEITHEL THOKCHOM LEIKAI - (FAMOUS FOR PIZZA AND BURGER)

8 - NIKHEEL CAFE, LOCATED AT INDO-MYANMAR ROAD, RAGAILONG - (FAMOUS FOR MOMOS)

9 - GREENS THE COFFEE SHOP, LOCATED AT TOP LEIRAK ROAD, KEISHAMTHONG - (FAMOUS FOR COFFEE WITH BURGER AND COOKIES)

10 - SHOSA KITCHEN, LOCATED AT SANGAKPHAM BAAZAAR, CHINGMEIRONG - (FAMOUS FOR BEEF AND PORK DISHES)

11 - MICHELLE'S SWEET TEMPTATION BAKERY, LOCATED AT MOIRANGKHOM YAISKUL MAIN ROAD, OPPOSITE TO SAMASAKHI GIRLS SCHOOL - (FAMOUS FOR CAKES)

12 - IMPHAL - {FAMOUS FOR KANGSOI IS A STEW PREPARED WITH DRY FISH, KOBOK, MOLASSES AND RICE ; SINGJU IS A TYPE OF SALAD DISH MADE FROM SEASONAL VEGETABLES ; SANA THONGBA IS A DISH MADE FROM PANEER, GREEN PEAS, CHILLIES, GINGER, ONION, MILK, TURMERIC POWDER, CORIANDER LEAVES AND CUMIN SEEDS}