Manipur Tourism

Visit Manipur between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and outdoor activities. Ideally, 5-7 days are enough to explore Manipur and its attractions. Personalise your next Manipur Tour Packages with Travel Triangle for a hassle-free and memorable experience. 

Quick Overview

 Category  Details  Capital  Imphal  Location   North East India  Languages   Meitei(Manipuri), Kuki-Chin, Naga, Bengali, English  Festivals   Yaoshang Festival, Lai Haraoba, Ningol Chakouba, Sangai Festival  Top Destinations   Imphal, Dzuko Valley, Moirang, Bishnupur, Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong   Famous Attractions  Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Kangla Fort, Shree Govindajee Temple, Shaheed Minar, Khongjom War Memorial  Best Time to Visit   October to March  Famous Cuisine  Eromba, Singju, Nga thongba, Chamthong, Paaknam, Chak-Hao Kheer, Morok metpa, Alu Kangmet, Kangshoi  Shopping Places Ima Market, Paona Bazaar, Khwairamband Bazaar, Tera Bazaar

Short Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Imphal and cover shopping places

Day 2: Do Imphal local sightseeing in the city 

Day 3: Head to the Burma Border Tour (110 km/ 4 hours)

Day 4: Head to Ukhrul and do local sightseeing 

Day 5: Visit from Ukhrul to Loktak Lake (4 hours)

Day 6: Explore Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao National Park

Day 7: Drive to Sekta Village, about 16 kilometres from Imphal. 

Day 8: Depart from Imphal. 

Budget & Accommodations 

With budget-friendly accommodation, transport, local sightseeing, and food, Manipur is a cost-effective destination. A trip can cost between INR 4,000 and INR 20,000 per person, depending on travel timing, duration, and group size. You can use bus or taxi services to travel within the state. 

Whether you are a budget traveller or seeking luxury, Manipur offers plenty of accommodations from high-end hotels to budget options. A decent stay costs INR 600, but prices vary by location, amenities, group size, and duration. Consider staying in a homestay or guesthouse for an authentic cultural experience. 

Best Time To Visit 

Manipur experiences three distinct seasons: winter, monsoon, and summer. Winters are the best time to visit Manipur to explore its attractions and activities. 

 Seasons  Min/Max Temperature   Ideal For   Winter (October-March)  6°/25°  Sightseeing, trekking and exploring attractions   Monsoon (July-September)  19°/28°  Budget-friendly travel and to witness lush green surroundings  Summer (April-June)  16°/35° Trekking, boating, and exploring wildlife

Culture 

The cultural tourism of Manipur is represented by its diverse dance forms, vibrant festivals, rich arts, and distinctive handicrafts. 

Festivals:

The festivals of Manipur show the people's spirit, rich culture, and togetherness. Here are some of the main Manipur festivals: 

Gang-Ngai: It is an Important festival of the Kabui Nagas, which celebrates the victory of light over evil for five days in December/January. 

Lui-Ngai-Ni: Nagas celebrates this seed sowing festival on the 15th of February every year. 

Yaosang: It is celebrated for five days in February and March to honour Lord Krishna's victory over the demon king Narakasura. 

Cheiraoba: This is the New Year of Manipur, which is celebrated in April.

Heikru Hitongba: It is a boat race that is celebrated in September. 

Dance and Music forms: 

Manipuri dances embrace folk and classical forms, including Lai Haraoba and Rass Leela. Kabui Dance, Luivat Pheizak Dance, Thang-Ta, and Pung Cholom are other dance forms that show the rich culture of Manipur. Additionally, Manipuri people are fond of Music, and some of the most popular music forms are Khullong Ishei, sung by the Meities, Pena Ishei of Khamba-Thoibi, and Lai Haraoba Ishei. 

Traditional Attair: 

The cultural tourism of Manipur is also reflected in its traditional attire. Women primarily wear the innaphi shawl and the phanek skirt, which can be worn as a sarong. Men traditionally wear a dhoti with a white kurta, and sometimes a turban or pagri for special occasions. 

Cusine 

Savour the flavours of Manipur at vibrant restaurants like Leirung Resto, Shosa Kitchen, and Harvest Cafe x Kitchen. Manipuri cuisine offers a fusion of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Vegetarians can try Kabok, Chamthong (vegetable stew), Alu Kangmet (mashed potatoes with chillies), and Ooti (a thick curry with peas, beans, and chives). Besides vegetarian dishes, non-vegetarian options, including Rice with Eromba and Singju, are also readily available. 

How To Reach

There are three ways to reach Manipur by air, train and road. 

By Air: Fly to Imphal Tulihal Airport, which is about 8km from the City centre. 

By Train: There is no direct train to Imphal. One can travel to Guwahati (511.9 km) or Dimapur (222.1 km) by train, followed by a road trip. 

By Road: There are many private buses available from Guwahati, Silchar, Dimapur and Kohima. 

Things To Do

Along with stunning tourist destinations, Manipur Tourism also offer exhilarating activities. Trekking in Ukhrul and Thoubal, temple hopping in Bishnupur, and exploring the Scenic landscapes of Senapati are the best things to do in Manipur. Furthermore, Manipur is a paradise for nature lovers with lush greenery, misty hills and serene surroundings. Head to Tamenglong for birdwatching and Keibul Lamjao National Park to explore the region’s rich biodiversity. Don’t miss boating in Loktak Lake starting from INR 50. 

What to buy 

Manipur offers a unique shopping experience, blending traditional markets like Ima Keithel, Khwairamband Bazaar, and Paona Bazaar with modern malls such as Mamcy Mall and Kumecs City Centre. Bamboo and Cane Products, such as Baskets, furniture, handbags, wooden sculptures, home decor items, and Manipuri wall hangings, are the famous things to buy in Manipur. Additionally, Silk Saris, Hand-woven Shawls, Leirum Phi Lengyan, and Food Items are the other popular souvenirs. 

Other essential Information

With budget-friendly accommodations, easy access to hospitals and good connectivity, Manipur is an ideal place for elderly parents. However, be cautious during the monsoon season, as it can be slippery and may cause connectivity issues. Manipur is rich in natural beauty, and its cultural and historical sites make it an ideal destination for families and children. It is also a perfect place for pet owners, as Manipur has many pet-friendly accommodations, including cabins, villas, and resorts. 

Permit: 

To enter Manipur, non-residents and pets must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) issued by the Manipur government, which is valid for a specific period.  

What to Pack:

Season-wise clothes-  Warm clothes in Winter and breathable clothes like cotton and linen in summer. 

Pack essentials toiletries including, toothbrush, shampoo, Body wash and Sunscreen

Carry the required electronic devices, such as a charger, a power bank, and a Camera.

Pack necessary documents like the Adhaar card, Passport and Hotel reservation confirmations.

Must pack prescription with required medications 

For outdoor activities, do carry an Umbrella, a Raincoat and Hiking boots

Tips 

Book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season, as it can be crowded. 

For a better accommodation price and fewer crowds, visit during the off-season.

Do carry your Inner Line Permit.

Check rules and regulations before visiting religious places. 

Enjoy the local cuisine, such as Eromba (fermented fish dish), Kangsoi (soup), and Singju

UPI is widely accepted, but do carry cash for local vendors.