Nestled in the northeastern frontier of the Himalayas at an elevation of 2,579 feet is Imphal. The beautiful capital city of Manipur and a must-visit place in northeast India. Its mesmerizing scenery comprising of hills, forests, valleys, and rivers, offer a range of activities. While Iril, Sekmai, Thoubal, and Khuga dominate the tourist attraction there are still plenty of things to do in Imphal. Imphal is a rejuvenating retreat far away from the mad complexities and deafening cacophony of the urban settlement and is so engrossing.
Imphal historical monuments, cultural diversity, festivals, and buzzing streets are every explorer’s delight. Make it a point to savor the best of exotic culinary in Imphal to add zing to the complete travel experiences.
The 10 best things to do in Imphal for every traveler
Below is the list of places that you can’t afford to miss while you are out exploring the best of Imphal
1. An excursion to the Palace of Kangla
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The Kingdom of Manipur in the bygone days had its royal seat in the Palace of Kangla. The remains of Kangla provide not only insight into the history of the city but is also a visual delight as it is surrounded by an artificial lake. There are historical and religious places inside the Kangla Fort that make for a major point of attraction for the tourists.
Attractions of Palace of Kangla: Govindaji Temple, Hijagang temple, Kangla Museum building, and Manung Kangjeibung
Timings: 7 am to 5 pm
Entry fee: INR 2
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2. Cheer up your favorite team at Imphal Polo Ground
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Imphal Polo Ground has as old a history as that of Manipur. Polo game originated from the local Manipur game of Sagol Kangei. This polo ground is rectangular and is present in the center of the Imphal city. This imposing game has always been an essential part of the Manipur ethos. British loved it so much that they took it to the global level.
Must Read: 13 Enchanting Places To Visit In Manipur For A Rejuvenating Holiday
3. Indulge in great biodiversity at Manipur Zoological Gardens
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Located 8 km from Imphal city center, Manipur Zoological Gardens in Lamphelpat is home to around four hundred familiar as well as rare species of animals and birds. When you are around you can indulge in some of the fulfilling activities such as safari ride, bird watching, and wildlife photography. Zoological Gardens is truly a soothing place to be amidst nature’s divine comfort.
Timings:
Summers – 10 am to 4:30 pm; Winters – 10 am to 4 pm (Monday closed)
4. Plan a visit to the largest freshwater lake in the northeast – Loktak Lake
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Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater body in the entire North-East region of India. It has many small and big islands floating on its surface. Visiting it is a sheer delight and a lifetime experience for travelers.
Suggested Read: 18 Popular Tourist Attractions In Manipur You Must Visit
5. Go on a safari ride at Keibul Lamjao National Park
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Keibul Lamjao National Park is in the Bishnupur District and can easily be reached from Imphal. The national park is known for its floating decomposed plant materials locally called phumdis. It is also the habitat of endangered Manipur Eld deer or Sangai. You can spot as many as 55 species of birds and 420 species of animals here.
The environment is constantly bustling with the chirping of birds and the sounds of animals. The extremely verdant and colorful flora of this park will fill you with ecstatic delight.
6. Watch a Manipuri Dance recital
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Manipuri Dance is well known throughout the world. While in Imphal feast your eyes on Manipuri Dance in the land of its origin. One delightful form of folk dance from Manipur is Thabal Chongba. If you are visiting Imphal during the month of Holi festival, you can get a chance to enjoy this dance during nights.
This dance is performed by boys and girls dancing in a circle around a bonfire. Another classic and gorgeous dance form from Manipur is the Raas Leela. This is often performed in the auditoriums. This dance depicts the cultural tale of Lord Krishna and Radha and their everlasting love.
7. Celebrate the colorful festivals of Imphal
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There are some of the local Manipuri festivals that travelers must try to be a part of. The most popular festivals celebrated amidst the riot of colors in Imphal are – Leela Festival, Lai Haraoba, the Ratha Jathra, Ningol Chakouba Festival, and Cheiraoba Festival. May month marks the celebration of Lai Haraoba – a major festival in the region while June and July witness the massive Ratha Jatra. During the festivities, the entire atmosphere gets submerged in merriment and ecstasy.
This Hindu festival of Manipur is celebrated by taking the chariot of Lord Jagannath, known as Kang in Manipur, from his temple in a procession. The chariot is pulled by the devotees of the deity and the festival lasts for 10 days.
Suggested Read: 7 Hotels In Imphal That Are Truly Homes Away From Home
8. Buy Local Handicraft by Shopping in Imphal
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Imphal is no longer a sleepy little town tucked away in the faraway land. It is buzzing with local markets and shopping malls. You can buy gifts for your loved ones in a variety of places like Thangal Bazaar, Paona Bazaar, Imphal Supermarket, and Kakwa Bazaar.
9. Relish the Scrumptious Cuisines of Imphal
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Imphal offers culinary delights to travelers. A wide range of cuisines is available in Imphal. The restaurants here serve food heavily influenced by Tibetan cuisine. Hence, momos are a must-try in Imphal.
Some of the popular cuisines of Imphal are: Chamthong or Kangshoi – vegetable stew, Eromba – a combo of rice and fish, Morok Metpa – a spicy chutney, and Paaknam – fish cake
10. Enjoy the grand views of Imphal Valley
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Imphal Valley is a magnificent display of nature, so calm, and so infinite in appearance. It appears oval and canyon-shaped which happens to be the result of drainage of plenty of small rivers originating from nearby hills. The water in the valley comes from several rivers, such as River Imphal, Iril, Thoubal, Khuga, and Sekmai. On an average, it takes around 2.5 – 3 hours to visit the Imphal Valley.
Popular attractions of Imphal Valley: Nature viewing, hiking, photography
Further Read: 15 Places To Visit In Imphal To Learn More About The City
Imphal presents a unique amalgamation of culture, history, and nature. Very few destinations in India offer so many soothing pleasures and deep relaxation as Imphal does. Plan a trip now and find it for yourself!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Imphal
What are the top attractions to visit in Imphal?
While there are countless attractions to marvel at in Imphal, don’t forget to visit Kangla Palace, Manipur State Museum, Loktak Lake, Three Mothers Art Gallery and Moirang Village.
What are the most popular things to do in Imphal with children?
Some of the most popular things you can do in Imphal with your children are a trip to the Kangla Fort, a tour of the Tharon Cave, and learning about Shaheed Minar.
Are there any restrictions for travellers who are planning to visit in the upcoming weeks or months?
As of April, domestic and international travellers can enter Imphal without any restrictions in place.
Where is Imphal located?
Home to a population that crosses 2,20,000, Imphal is one of the biggest cities of Manipur, located on the North-Eastern side of India. Imphal also happens to be the capital city of Manipur.
What is the best time to visit Imphal?
The Winter season and the onset of the summer season are considered the best time to visit the beautiful city of Imphal and witness it at its best. The months from September to April are considered to be the best months with the weather being favourable throughout this time. Offering an impeccable holiday experience, the winter commences in November and continues till February.
What is Imphal famous for?
The capital of one of the most beautiful states of India, Imphal is actually an ancient city. The capital of Manipur is famous for its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and extremely lush greenery.
What should I buy in Imphal?
Imphal is famous for its hand-embroidered products including shawls, bedcovers, napking, table mats, and many more. Women should definitely spend some dimes on the famous Phanek, which is a handwoven attire or Manipuri sarong that is worn by the locals of the state.
Why is Manipur famous?
One of the seven northeastern states of India, Manipur is famous for its rich history, traditional culture, and diverse ethnicities. The state is also known for its picturesque landscapes and eye-catching natural beauty.
What is the language of Imphal?
The most common language that is spoken in Imphal is Manipuri. Other than Manipuri, one can also find people communicating in English and Hindi, reducing the chances of language barriers.
How do I get to Imphal?
Imphal is easily accessible from all the major parts of the country including Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and others. Home to Imphal Tulihal Airport, one can easily reach Imphal by air mode of transport after landing in Delhi. If one wants to travel by road, they can either take a bus from Guwahati, Dimapur, or Silchar.
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