Imphal
The cultural capital of Manipur, derives its name from Yumphal, which means ‘land of many villages’. Imphal is criss-crossed by several hill ranges, valleys and woods and is dotted with rivers like Imphal, Iril, Sekmai, Thoubal and Khuga and their tributaries. Imphal is home to many ancient monuments such as temples and ceremonial places, which were constructed during its bygone era. The city has witnessed the reign of many rulers like Pakhangba, Khagemba, Khunjaoba, Maharaja Bhagyachandra, etc. Imphal consists of a unique population that comprises of Meiteis, Bamons (Manipuri Brahmins), Pangans (Manipuri Muslims), hill tribes like Kabuis, Tangkhuls, Paite, etc. and Indian migrants The languages used in Imphal are Meiteilon (Meitei language or Manipuri), Hindi, English, Burmese and Tibetan.
Connectivity
By Road
Imphal is connected by road with Guwahati through National Highway No. 39 and Silchar (Assam) through National Highway No. 53.
By Flight
By air Imphal connect with major cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Silchar.
By Train
: Dimapur, 215 kms from Imphal, is the nearest railhead. Another railhead is Jiribaum, a small town 225 kms from Imphal.
Best time to visit Imphal
: In the months between October and March when the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities. If you want to see the orchid in full bloom visit in April or May.
Shree Govindajee Temple :The most important temple in Imphal is Shri Govindajee Temple, a historic center for Vaishnavites. A simple, twin-domed structure, it adjoins the magnificent palace of the former rulers of Manipur. Constructed in the early 18th century under the Rajarishi Bhagyachandra regime, the temple comes alive during festivals when thousands of people come to offer prayers.
War Cemeteries : : Commemorating the memories of the British and Indian soldiers who died during the World War II, these War Cemeteries are managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Serene are well maintained, the War Cemetery carries little stone markers and bronze plaques recording the sacrifice of those gallant soldiers.
Saheed Minar : The indomitable spirit of the patriotic Meitei and tribal martyrs, who sacrificed their lives while fighting the British in 1891, is commemorated by this tall Minar at Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of Imphal city.
Manipur Zoological Gardens :Manipur Zoological Garden at Iroisemba is on the Imphal-Kangchup Road at the foot of the pine growing hillocks . Here apart from various endangered species, tourists can have an opportunity to see the graceful brow antlered deer (Sangai), one of the rarest & endangered species in the world, in sylvan surroundings.
Manipur State Museum : This interesting Museum near the Polo Ground has a fairly good collection and display of Manipur’s tribal heritage and a collection of portraits of Manipur’s former rulers. Particularly interesting items are costumes, arms & ammunitions, relics and historical documents.
Ima Keithel :A unique all women’s market, having 3,000 or more “Imas” or mothers who run the stalls. It is splited into two sections on either side of a road. Vegetables, fruits, fishes and household groceries are sold on one side and exquisite handlooms and household tools on the other.
Samban-Lei-Sekpil Garden :The garden world famous for Sambal-Lei-Sekpil literally Sambal means Fence, Lei means Flower and Sekpil means Topiary. The flower was featured in the Guinness Book of Records in 1999 (at the height of 50 ft. 35 steps).
