Keibul Lamjao National Park in Imphal

Keibul lamjau national park is located about 53 kms from Imphal on the border of the Loktak lake. This park is the only floating national park in the world. Initially, in the year 1966 it was declared as a sanctuary but later in the year 1977 it was declared as a national park through a gazette notification. The park is the natural habitat of the Brow-antlered Deer locally called Sangai and also known as the dancing deer of Manipur. Sangai or the dancing deer is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Flora and fauna of Keibul Lamjau National Park

The park is a combination of wetland, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem. The grass land structure of the park is separated into three parts.



Aquatic flora

Aquatic flora in the park comprises of Saccharum munja (Khoimom), Zizania latifolia (Wild Rice) (Ishing kambong), Eiranthus procerus (Singnang),  S. bengalensis, Cynodon dactylon (Tinthou), Discorea bulbifera (Phumha), Nelumbo nucifera (Thambal), Phragmites Karka (Tou),Hedychium coronarium (Loklei),Eichhornia crossipes (Kabokang) and Alpinia galangal (pullei) and 100 other species have also been reported so far. Another kind of aquatic flora phumdis can be found in two types the phumdi aruppa (sinking) and phumdi ataoba (floating). Some other kinds of flora that has been recorded include Phragmites karka, Saccharum munja, Erianthus ravennae (elephant grass), Alpinia allughas, S. latifolium and Saccharum procerum.

Fauna

Apart from the Brow-antlered deer or the Sangai, the different kinds of other birds and animals can be found in the park. Different kinds of mammals can found in the park which includes: Wild boar (Sus scrofa), Hog deer (C. porcinus), common otter ( Lutra lutra),  Large Indian Civets (Viverra civetta, Viverricula indica), jungle cat, fox, Bay bamboo rat, golden cat, common shrew, musk shrew, Sambar (Cervus unicolor) and flying fox.

Amongst other animals found in the National Park includes Channa punctatus, Channa striatus, Wallago attu Cyprinus carpio, and Puntius sophore (Pool barb). The reptiles and Amphibians found in the park includes Viper, Keel back Tortoise, Cobra,  Krait, Russel's viper (Daboia), Water cobra, krait (banded) Asian rat snake (Beauty rat snake), Bungarus fasciatus, checkered garter snake, Common Lizard (Viviparous Lizard) and Python. Python molurus, an endangered species is found in the Keibul Lamjao national park.

Both migratory and resident bird species can be found in the park. Some of them includes Black kite, East Himalayan pied Kingfisher, Northern Hill Myna, lesser sky-lark, North Indian black Drongos, Burmese Pied Myna, Yellow headed wagtail, Lesser eastern jungle crow, Blue-winged teal, Spotbill duck, Ruddy Shell duck, Crimson-breasted pied wood pecker, Indian White-breasted Waterhen and Burmese sarus Sarus Crane.

Do’s and Don’ts in the park

Do's

• Visiting  the park early morning or late afternoon but before sunset is a good choice.

• Visit the park in small groups.

• Carrying first aid medicines, drinking water and binoculars is a must.

• Always be careful during boat ride and always remain seated.

Dont's

• Always seek permission before entering the park.

• Do not walk alone in the park, walk in groups.

• Do not take away anything that belongs to the park.

• Do not use strong perfumes and wear very bright clothes
  

• Do not tease or disturb the animals.

• Do not carry tape recorder, radio and other valuables.

• Do not carry cigarette and match boxes.

How to reach:

One can board passenger bus from Imphal to reach the park. One can also hire a taxi from Imphal to reach the park. Taxi fares are negotiable.

Bus terminus: Ima Women Market,
Nipakheithel, Imphal.
Bus rate: Rs. 40/- (Condition apply)

Quick facts and Figure

Latitude: 24° 27' - 24° 31'' N
Longitude: 93° 53' E - 93° 55'E
Altitude:767m - 788m
Temperature: 4°c (min) 32° C (max)
Area:40 sq. Km.
Type of Forest: Moist semi-evergreen Forests
Eco-system: Amalgamation of aquatic, wetland and terrestrial eco-system.
Best Time to visit: October to April.
Pass required: Inner Line Permit is compulsory for Foreigners and outer domicile person (Department of Soil and Conservation and Wild Life Protection issues the pass)

Contact Persons
Chief Wildlife Warden
Phone no: 0385-2220854
Deputy Conservator of Forests
Phone no: 0385-2224306

Address:
Bishnupur district, Manipur: 795133
10 km from Moirang Bazar, Bishnupur
50 Km. from Imphal.