Sekta - Archeological Living Museum
Located
at Sekta village, about 16 km. from Imphal on the Imphal-Ukhrul
Road is Sekta Mound, locally known as the "SEKTA KEI".
It is a protected archaeological site that was jointly excavated
by the Archaeological Survey of India and the State Archaeology,
Manipur and is preserved as a Living Museum. It is a site where
practice of secondary burial was discovered.
Keibul
Lamjao National Park
53
kms. from Imphal and on the fringes of Loktak Lake, this is the
last natural habitat of the marsh-dwelling brow-antlered deer
of Manipur called "Sangai".
ANDRO
- the ancient village
27
km east of Imphal is this ancient Scheduled Caste village of Andro.
It has one Cultural Complex established by the Mutua Museum, Imphal.
It consists of potteries of the North Eastern Region of India.
There is also a 'Doll-House' where dolls of 29 recognised tribes
of Manipur (both male and female) are in display.
Khonghampat
Orchidarium
About
7 km. from Imphal is the Orchid Yard of the Forest Department,
on National Highway No 39. More than 110 varieties of Orchids,
including several rare species, are grown here. Peak season is
April-May.
Manipur
State Museum
This
interesting museum near the Pologround has a fairly good display
of Manipur's heritage and a collection of portraits of Manipur's
former rulers. Items of special interest are costumes, arms and
weapons, relics and historical documents.
Open: 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Sunday and Holidays closed.
Entrance: Adult 25 p. Child 10 p.
Sahid
Minar
This
tall Minar of Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of the capital
commemorates the indomitable spirit of Manipur martyrs who sacrificed
their lives while fighting against the British in 1891.
Khongjom
36
km. from Imphal, Khongjom is situated on the Indo-Burma Road and
is place of great historic importance. It was 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. The hillock of the foot of which he laid down his
life in defense of his motherland, is reminiscent of the past
heroic deeds of Manipuri warriors. A war memorial on the top of
this scenic hill feature, adds charm to this heroic site. Khongjom
day is celebrated as a State Holiday on every year on April 23.
Phubala
40
km. from Imphal. A charming resort on the western fringes of the
Loktak Lake, to the south of Imphal. It is joined to the mainland
by a low causeway.
Accommodation: Tourist Bungalow
Reservation: Director of Tourism, Govt. of Manipur, Imphal.
Telephone: 0385-220802
Singda
At
an altitude of 921 m., 16 km. from Imphal to the west is a hill
resort on the hills overlooking Manipur Valley. The scenery is
picturesque. It is also a mountain pass on the road to Tamenglong.
There is an inspection Bungalow here. There is a nice artificial
lake called Singda Dam. It is now a multipurpose project.
Moreh
110
km. from Imphal, Moreh is a border town on the Indo-Burma Road.
It is a commercial town attracting people in large numbers from
neighbouring places.
Moirang
45
km. from Imphal, Moirang holds an ancient temple of the pre-Hindu
deity, Lord Thangjing. Every May, men and women, in gorgeous traditional
costumes, sing and dance in honour of the Lord here at the Moirang
Lai Haraoba. It was from the village of Moirang, too, that the
graceful Khamba-Thoibi dance originated, traditionally celebrated
in May. It was in Moirang that the flag of the Indian National
Army was first hoisted on Indian soil on April 14, 1944. There
is an INA Museum exhibiting letters, photographs, badges of ranks
and other articles associated with this movement. There is also
a bronze statue of Netaji in uniform. There are buses which operate
from private bus station of Waheng Leikai junction to Moirang
from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fare: Rs. 10/- . Journey time is around
1 hr.
Langthabal
8
km. from Imphal on the Indo-Burma road lies this small hill feature
with the relics of an old historic palace, well-planned temples
and ceremonial houses amidst pine and jackfruit trees planted
symmetrically. Overlooking the Manipur University, Canchipur,
it offers a pleasant view of the surroundings.
War
Cemetries
The
British as well as the Indian Army Cemeteries commemorating those
who died in the Second World War are serene well-maintained with
little stone markers and bronze plaques recording their anguish
and sacrifice. These graves are maintained by the Commonwealth
War Graves Commission.
Loktak
Lake and Sendra Island
This
lake is like a miniature inland sea lying 48 km. from Imphal.
From the Tourist Bungalow, set atop Sendra island, visitors can
get a bird's eye view of the lake and the life on it, the fisherman
and their families who live in neat huts on its shores and who
make full use of their watery environment. They cast their nets
on it, rear fish farms in it using nets as floating walls, harvest
it for the water chestnut known as Heikak, and even build their
houses on the islands of floating weed that dart around the lake.
There are buses and cycle rickshaws to cover the last 3 km. to
Sendra.
Reservation : Director of Tourism, Govt. of Manipur, Imphal.
Telephone : 0385-2208
Manipur
Zoological Garden
About
6 km. from Imphal, towards the west, in this Zoological Garden
at Iroishemba on the Imphal Kangchup Road. Graceful brow-antlered
deer, "Sangai" one of the rarest species in the world,
can be seen here in sylvan surroundings. A trip to this garden,
at the foot of the pine-growing hillocks in the westernmost corner
of Lamphelpat is really enjoyable.
Khwairamband
Bazaar
This
is a large covered market split into two sections on both sides
of the Khwairamband Road. Vegetables, fishes, household utensils
& implements and fruits are sold on one side and colourful
handloom shawls, phaneks, khudeis, bedsheets on the other. The
market is very special in the sense that all the stall holders
are women. Not far from here, is a street where beautiful cane
baskets and furniture are sold. Other smaller markets are Singjamei,
Kongba, Lamlong, Kwakeithel, Heirangkhoithong, Terakeithel, Naoremthong
etc.
Kaina
29
kms. from Imphal is a sacred place of Hindus. It is a beautiful
hillock, about 921 m. above sea level, Kaina is a sacred place
of Hindus. According to legend, Shri Govindajee appeared to His
devotee Bheigyachandra, Maharaja of Manipur, in a dream and asked
him to build a temple enshrined with His image carved out of a
jackfruit tree which was then growing at Kaina. Beautiful hill
shrubs and charming natural surroundings give the place a saintly
solemnity. Ceremonial dances depicting the devine dream are performed
as Ras at the Mandop. Kaina can be reached by bus via Thoubal
also
Accommodation: Kaina Tourist Home.
Reservation: Director of Tourism, Govt. of Manipur, Imphal.
Telephone: 0385-220802
