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Manipur

The Jewel of India

Find Hotels Plan Itinerary

Best Time

Oct - Mar

Language

Meitei (Manipuri), English

Capital

Imphal

Famous For

Loktak Lake, Sangai, Polo

Permit

ILP Required (Indians)

Getting There & Around

By Air

Imphal International Airport (IMF) connects to Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati and more.

Airport to city: ~30-40 minutes

By Train

Rail connectivity to Imphal is under development; nearest major railhead is Dimapur/Silchar.

From Dimapur: ~7-8 hours by road

By Road

National Highways connect Imphal with Guwahati, Dimapur and Kohima. Mountain roads—plan buffer time.

NH 2 and NH 37 corridors

Local Transportation

Hired Taxis

Easiest for sightseeing in and around Imphal and Loktak.

₹2,000-3,500/day for full car

Shared Vans

Operate between towns; fixed routes and timings.

₹100-300 per person

Auto Rickshaws

Common within Imphal city for short distances.

₹50-150 within city

Self-Drive

Not recommended; hilly roads and variable conditions.

Hire experienced drivers

Weather & Climate

Winter (Nov - Feb)

5°C - 18°C

Cool and dry; clear skies ideal for sightseeing.

Pack: Light woolens, jacket

Summer (Mar - May)

16°C - 30°C

Warm days and pleasant evenings; good for outdoor trips.

Pack: Light cottons, sun protection

Monsoon (Jun - Sep)

20°C - 26°C

Heavy rainfall; expect delays and slippery trails.

Pack: Raincoat, waterproof shoes

Essential Travel Tips

Inner Line Permit (ILP)

Mandatory for Indian citizens (non-residents) visiting Manipur

  • Available at Imphal Airport and designated offices
  • Carry valid ID and passport-size photos
  • Foreigners: register with FRRO within 24 hours
  • Validity varies; extensions possible in Imphal

Health & Safety

Standard precautions for hill travel

  • Motion sickness meds for winding roads
  • Drink bottled/boiled water only
  • Medical facilities limited outside Imphal
  • Travel insurance recommended

Best Practices

Make your trip smoother

  • Book accommodations early (festival periods are busy)
  • Start early for Loktak/Khongjom day trips
  • Dress modestly at temples and memorials
  • Carry cash; ATMs sparse outside city

Connectivity

Network may be patchy on highways and around the lake

  • Jio, Airtel best in Imphal
  • Download offline maps
  • Inform family before remote drives
  • WiFi can be slow in rural homestays

Emergency Contacts

Police

100

Ambulance

108

Tourist Helpline

0385-245-0027

Must-Visit Attractions

Loktak Lake and surrounding wetlands (representative aerial of Manipur)

Loktak Lake & Keibul Lamjao

South Asia’s iconic lake with floating phumdis; the world’s only floating national park shelters the endangered Sangai deer.

Lake Wildlife Photography
Moirang area, Bishnupur district
Kangla Fort complex - Ibudhou Pakhangba temple

Kangla Fort

Historic seat of Manipur’s erstwhile kingdom along the Imphal River; museums, temples and royal relics.

Heritage Museum City
Imphal City
Khongjom War Memorial

Khongjom War Memorial

A poignant memorial commemorating the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891; hilltop views and landscaped grounds.

Historical Memorial Views
Thoubal district
Shirui Hills, Ukhrul

Shirui Hills (Ukhrul)

Rolling hills famed for the rare Shirui Lily (seasonal). Panoramas, village life and cool climate.

Nature Trekking Flora
Ukhrul district

Local Cuisine & Food

Eromba

Fiery mash of boiled vegetables with fermented fish and chilies

Singju

Crunchy herbal salad of seasonal greens and lotus stem

Chamthong (Kangshoi)

Light vegetable stew with local herbs; comforting staple

Chak-hao Kheer

Black rice pudding with fragrant notes and a violet hue

Where to Eat in Imphal

Luxmi Kitchen

Famous for Manipuri thali and authentic flavors.

Keishampat, Imphal ₹200-350

Cafe Chai & More

Casual cafe for snacks, tea and local bites.

M.G. Avenue, Imphal ₹150-300

Local Market Stalls

Try singju, eromba and black rice desserts at street vendors.

Ima Keithel & Paona Bazaar ₹50-150

Homestay Meals

Enjoy home-cooked Manipuri food at village homestays.

Loktak & Ukhrul areas ₹200-400

Best Hotels to Stay

Classic Grande Imphal

Classic Grande

4.5

Imphal

City Views
Restaurant
Free WiFi
Room Service
Starting from
₹3,500/night
Book Now
Sangai Continental Imphal

Sangai Continental

4.3

Imphal

Central Location
Conference Room
Airport Shuttle
Breakfast Included
Starting from
₹3,800/night
Book Now
Imphal Homestay in hills

Loktak Homestay

4.6

Moirang

Lake Activities
Local Cuisine
Guided Boat Tours
Bonfire Evenings
Starting from
₹4,200/night
Book Now

Hotel Booking Tips

Book Early in Peak Season

Oct–Mar is popular; limited rooms near Loktak.

Try Homestays

Best for lakeside experiences and local meals.

Check Connectivity

Mobile data may be slow around the lake.

Call Direct

Many stays offer better rates via phone/WhatsApp.

Suggested Itineraries

3-4 Days Imphal & Loktak

Great for first-time visitors focusing on city heritage and the lake.

Day 1

Arrival & Imphal Heritage

  • Arrive, hotel check-in, lunch
  • Kangla Fort complex, museums
  • Evening walk: Ima Keithel market
Day 2

Loktak & Keibul Lamjao

  • Boat ride among phumdis
  • Visit Keibul Lamjao NP (Sangai habitat)
  • Lakeside lunch and sunset views
Day 3

Ukhrul or Khongjom

  • Option A: Shirui Hills day trip
  • Option B: Khongjom War Memorial
  • Evening shopping at Paona Bazaar
Day 4

Departure

  • Optional: Shree Govindajee Temple
  • Drive to airport and depart

Estimated Budget

Accommodation: ₹9,000 - ₹14,000
Food: ₹3,000 - ₹5,000
Transport: ₹5,000 - ₹7,000
Activities: ₹2,000 - ₹3,000
Total: ₹19,000 - ₹29,000 per person

Gallery

Manipur Hills
Imphal City
Polo in Manipur
Manipur Forests

Impressions of Manipur’s lakes, hills, culture and city life

Frequently Asked Questions