The architectural forts, historical places and the green valleys, the rivers and hills surrounding the city present a beautiful sight for the tourists.These places and the natural beauty attract tourists from all around the world to Imphal. Some of the tourist places in Imphal include:
Tourists Places in Imphal
War Cemeteries
The Imphal war cemeteries are located around 10 kms from the airport in the Imphal-Dimapur road. These cemeteries were built in the memory of the British and Indian soldiers who sacrificed their life during the Second World War. The Commonwealth War graves Commission manages the cemeteries. Presently the cemetery holds 1600 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. The War cemetery in Imphal is a grim reminder horrific World War that claimed the lives of several soldiers.
Manipur Zoological Garden
Located at the foothills of the pine hillocks in Iroisemba on the Imphal-Kanchup road around 6 kms to the west of Imphal city the Manipur Zoological Garden is famous for the Sangai or the brow antlered deer, one of the rarest species of animal in the world. The garden was established on 2nd October 1976.
Spread over an area of 8 hectares and an additional 2.13 hectares of the Langol Reserve forest, the zoological garden is used for captive breeding of the Sangai. Number of rare animals and birds is found here. A total of about 55 species of animals and birds with 14 endangered species is found in this region. The Garden is known as ‘Jewel Box’ of Manipur.
Ima Keithel
Women’s market or Ima Keithel is the only market in the world where all the stalls are run by around 3000 women. In Manipuri language, Ima means ‘mother’ and Keithel means ‘market’. The market is more than 100 years old and is divided into two sections on either side of a road. There are fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, grocery, handloom and handicrafts are sold in this market.
The market consists of two main sections: One section where fruits, vegetables and necessary items are sold and the other section where the local handloom products are sold. Women from different parts of Manipur come to sell their commodities in the market. These women without depending on their fathers, husbands or brothers have carved out a oppurtunity for themselves as independent and earn their livelihood.
Kaina
Kaina is situated 29 km from Imphal and is a small hillock. It is located 921 metres above the sea level. and is considered as a holy place of the Manipuri Hindus.
The history of this place goes back to the ancient times. The people believe that one night Sree Govindjee appeared in the dream of a Maharaja, who was his devotee. In the dream he asked the maharaja to place an image of Sree Govindjee in a temple. Later, a temple was built. The place became sacred to the Hindus.Kaina is a place of scenic beauty. The primary attraction of this place is the hill shrubs and the natural vegetation.
Thengal General
Dedicated to Kangabam Chitananda Singh popularly known as Thangal General in history of Manipur, was a well known figure in the court of Maharaj Kulachandra.The Britishers hanged him to death for raising arms against the them as a follow up action after defeat of the Manipuris in the historic Anglo-Manipur war of 1891. The structure of the general is perched on the on the north eastern corner of Directorate of Art and Culture at Palace compound in Imphal.Shri Govindajee Temple
Shri Govindajee temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu and acts a major centre for Vaishnavaites. The temple was established in the 18th century under the rule of Rajarishi Bhagyachandra. It is one of the most popular tourist spot in Imphal and this temple is renowned for its dances that take place regularly within the premises of the temple.Khonghampat Orchidarium
The Khonghampat Orchidarium located 7 kms away from the city; this place is arguably one of the best tourist destinations in Imphal. The orchidarium is spread across 200 acres of land and houses more than 110 varieties of orchids including several endemic species. The best time to visit this place is between April and May.Manipur State Museum
Manipur State Museum was established in the year 1969. The museum has a rich collection of regional costumes, handicrafts, historical relics, war implements, and documents providing a glimpse of the rich history of Manipur. Apart from these collections the open-air theater of the museum that provides a spectacular view of 78ft long boat named Hiyang Hiren.
Polo Grounds
The Polo Ground in Imphal is also a popular tourist destination and is one of the oldest polo grounds in the world.Shopping in Imphal
Visiting Imphal will be incomplete if you do not visit the markets in Imphal. The markets in Imphal are famous for handloom products. The popular markets in Imphal are Khwairambad Bazaar, Paona Bazaar, Nagampal Market, Tera Bazaar, GM Hall. To know more about shopping in Imphal, click hereHotels and Restaurants in Imphal
The tourist in Imphal can also relish authentic cusines in some of the best restaurants in Imphal like Fresh Point, Café Rita, Uptown cafe, Naoba's restaurant etc.Tourist can relax in some of the fine hotels in Imphal like Imphal Hotel, The Classic Hotel, State Guest House, Hotel Nirmala, Hotel White Palace, Hotel New Airlines, Hotel Prince, Hotel Tampha, Hotel Avenue. To know more about hotels in Imphal, click.here
