A historic Vaishnavite centre, adjoining the Royal Palace of Manipur's
former Maharajas, the Govindajee Temple is a simple yet beautiful structure.
Twin domes, a paved courtyard and a raised large congregation hall form a
perfect backdrop for priests who descend the steps, to accept offerings from
devotees in the courtyard. The shrines of Krishna and Balaram and Jagannath
flank the two sides of the presiding deity.
A unique all women's market, having 3000 "Imas" or mothers who
run the stalls, it is split into two sections on either side of the road.
Vegetables, fruits, fish and household groceries are sold on one side and
exquisite handlooms and household tools, on the other.
The indomitable spirit of the Meitei and tribal martyrs who sacrificed
their life while fighting the British in 1891, is commemorated by this tall
Minar at Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of Imphal.
Commemorating the memories of the British and Indian soldiers who died
during the Second World War, these cemetries are managed by the Common
Wealth War Graves Commission. Serene and well maintained, the graves carry
little stone markers and bronze plaques, recording the sacrifice of those
gallant soldiers.
7 kms from Imphal, on Highway No. 39 is the Central Orchidarium, which
covers 200 acres and houses over 110 rare varieties of orchids, which
include almost a dozen endemic species. The peak blooming season is March -
April.
6 kms to the west of Imphal, at the foot of the pine growing hillocks at
Iroisemba on the Imphal-Kangchup Road are the Zoological Gardens. Not to be
missed, is an opportunity to see the graceful brow antlered deer (Sangai)
one of the rarest species in the world, in sylvan surroundings.
45 kms, from Imphal, the town is one of the main centres of early Meitei
folk culture with the ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity Lord Thangjing,
situated here. In the month of May, men and women, dressed in colourful
traditional costumes, sing and dance in honour of the Lord at the Moirang "Lai
Haraoba" which is a ritual dance festival held each year. The town also
has a special place in the history of the Indian freedom struggle. It was at
Moirang that the flag of the Indian National Army was first unfurled on
April 14, 1944.
48 kms from Imphal, is the largest fresh water lake in the North East
region, a veritable miniature inland sea. From the Tourist Bungalow set atop
Sendra Island, visitors get a bird's eye view of life on the Lake-small
islands that are actually floating weed on which live the Lake people, the
shimmering blue waters of the Lake, labyrinthine boat routes and colourful
water plants. The Sendra Tourist Home with an attached cafeteria in the
middle of the lake is an ideal tourist spot.
27 kms from Imphal on the Tiddim Road, is a picturesque town situated at
the foot hill that rolls down the valley. The 15th century Bishnu Temple,
built of peculiar small bricks believed to be of Chinese influence, made
during the reign of King Kiyamba is of historical importance. Bishnupur is
also famous for its chiselled stoneware.
It is a hillock about 921 metres above sea level and a sacred place of the
Hindus. So goes the story that one night, Shri Govindajee appeared in the
dream of his devotee, Shri Jai Singh Maharaja and asked the saintly king to
install in a temple, an image of Shri Shri Govindajee. It was to be carved
out of a jack fruit tree, which was then growing at Kaina. The scenery in
this place is charming and the hill shrubs and natural surroundings give the
place a religious atmosphere. It is only 29 kms from Imphal.
36 kms on the Indo-Myanmar road, a war broke out between Manipur and
British India in 1891. It is here that Major General Paona Brajabashi, one
of the great warriors of Manipur proved his valour against the superior
force of the invading British Army in 1891. A War Memorial has been
constructed on the top of the Kheba Hill.
83 kms to the east of Imphal, this district headquarters of Manipur East is
the highest hill station of the state. A centre of the colourful warrior
tribe Tangkhul Nagas, it is well developed and famous for its peculiar type
of land-lily, the Siroi, grown in the Siroi hills. Siroi Hills and Khangkhui
Lime Caves are interesting places for excursions.
The interesting museum near the Polo Ground has a fairly good display of
Manipur's Tribal heritage and a collection of portraits of Manipur's former
rulers.
Red Hill is a hillock about 16 kms from Imphal on Tiddim Road. It is a
thrilling spot where a fierce battle took place between the British and the
Japanese force in World War II and regarded as a holy place. There is also a
monument in memory of the Japanese Martyrs who sacrificed their lives in
this fierce battle.
Note: Customized tour package to this state could be made to suit
your travel time and requirement.
