This little corner is a paradise on Earth where Mother Nature has bestowed
her bounty extra generously. Manipur`s exotic scenery, mystic atmosphere and
salubrious climate are all that fascinate tourists. Abounded with festivals,
Manipuris are best introduced by their world famous "Manipuri Dance"-
one of the major dance forms of India.
South of Nagaland, Manipur borders Myanmar. The state is inhabited by over
two dozens tribes. Manipur claims to have invented the game Polo, the main
sport of Manipur.
Loktak Lake with floating- Weed- Island and dancing deer Sangai, is of
tourist interest.
Nestling deep within a lush green corner of North East India, is the
wondrously beautiful little Shangrila called Manipur. Literally meaning - "a
jewelled land", this little corner is a veritable, paradise on earth.
Untouched and undiscovered, Manipur promises to be the great tourist
discovery of the 21st century. An oval shaped valley surrounded by blue
green hills, rich in art and tradition has inspired descriptions such as the
"Switzerland of the East" with cascading rapids, tripping rivers,
carpets of flowers and exotic blooms. It lies to the south of Nagaland &
north of Mizoram. It shares the international boundary with Myanmar on the
western and southern side.
Climate
The state of Manipur experiences a maximum temperature of 32 degree celsius
and a minimum temperature as low as 0 degree celsius. The annual rainfall
here is 1467.5 mm and the rainy season is from May to October. The winter
stretches from November to March.
Flora & Fauna
Blessed with an amazing variety of flora & fauna, 67% of the
geographical area of Manipur is hill tract covered forests. Depending on the
altitude of the hill ranges, the forests range from tropical to sub-alpine.
The wet forests, the temperate forests and the pine forests together sustain
a host of rare and endemic plant and animal life.Orchids in Manipur, abound
in their natural habitat growing in soil or on trees and shrubs.
48 kms from Imphal is Loktak-Lake & Sendra Island. This is a saucer
shaped fresh water lake that attracts many species of birds. Part of it
forms a rare ecosystem. This huge and beautiful stretch of water is like a
miniature inland sea. The islands of Loktak are unique as they 'float' and
comprise of marsh & grass and root of solid earth. Situated on the
fringes of the Loktak Lake is the Keibul Lamjao National Park. Habitat of
the endangered dancing deer, the brow-antlered-deer of Manipur, it is the
only floating National Park of the World. The Hoolock Gibbon, the Slow
Loris, the Clouded Leopard, the Spotted Linshang, Mrs Hume's Barbacked
Pheasant, Blyths Tragopan, Burmese Pea-Fowl, four different species of
Hornbills etc. form a part of the rich natural heritage of Manipur.
Faith & Culture
The people & tribes of Manipur include Meiteis, Naga and Kuki-Chin-Mizo
groups and other colourful communities, which have lived in complete harmony
for centuries. These are the people whose folklore, myths and legends,
dances, indigenous-games and martial-arts, exotic handlooms and handicrafts
are infested with the mystique of nature. In the field of art and culture,
the state is best represented by its classical and folk dance forms.
Ras-Leela songs and dances depict the Leelas (Sports) of Lord Krishna as a
child with the Gopis (milkmaids) of Brindavan, and express their yearning
for communion with the Lord.
Handicrafts
It is said that goddess "Panthoibi" drew her inspiration for
weaving, from a spider making cobwebs in a corner. While almost every
household in Manipur owns a loom-women folk alone are weavers. Intricate
designs are woven on sarees, sarongs, shawls and bedspreads. The handloom
industry is the largest cottage industry in Manipur, with the finished items
often being exported. Manipur-Pottery is made without a potter's wheel. It
is a rare experience to witness the potters of Andro, Thongjao and Nungbi,
deftly moulding an unbelievable range of earthenware. Beautiful pieces of
art made out of cane and bamboo form an important part of handicrafts.
Tourists can take home a Lifan, Phak (weed mats), Phiruk, Manipuri Dolls &
host of other beautiful carvings from rare and exotic varieties of Timber.
Note: Customized tour package to this state could be made to suit
your travel time and requirement.
