Manipur State Museum: Located near the Polo Grounds, the Manipur State Museum is one of the best places to get an insight into the history and culture of the people of Manipur. Highlights of the museum include a collection of Manipuri costumes, war implements, historical documents and relics. Sculptures of the local forest gods, and the image of the Phakangba, the man who could turn himself into a dragon, are also special features here.
Open from: 10.00 am-4.30 pm (closed on Sundays)
Sekta Archaeological Living Museum: A protected archeological site, excavations here have unearthed important burial customs of the Sekta tribe. Discoveries from the site include semiprecious ornaments, brass, copper, iron implements, pottery, porcelain, bell-metal casket and urns containing human skulls. These and more can be seen at the Living Museum established and maintained by the Manipur Museum.
Shree Shree Govindajee Temple: This is one of the most beautiful Vaishnavite temples in Manipur. Noted features of the temple include twin gold domes, a paved courtyard and a huge congregation hall. The presiding deity, Radha-Krishna is placed in the centre of the temple and is carved out of a jackfruit tree. Flanked by the shrines of Balarama and Krishna on one side and Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra on the other, this temple is the hub of activities during the festive seasons.
Kangla Palace: Located at one of the holiest places in Manipur, Kangla is believed to be the residing ground of Lord Pakhangba. Interesting structures within the Palace grounds include the Nungjeng Pukhri or sacred pond, where Lord Pakhangba resides. Nunggoibi is a sacred spot here where the Goddess of War was worshipped whenever a king emerged victorious in a battle. The Manglen is the cremation site of the royal kings and Kangla Men Surung was the site of the coronation ceremony. Ceremonies were performed at the site of Lord Wangbaren with respect to floods and other calamities and for good rainfall, the site of Lord Koubru was worshipped. Close to the Uttra or Coronation Hall, two huge brick dragons stood in guard. You can see the restoration process of these magnificent characters. Another interesting structure under restoration is the Shree Shree Govindajee Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Govinda and his consort Radha.
Manipur Zoological Garden: Located almost 6 kms from Imphal, this garden is home to the brow-antlered deer. A perfect outing for children, you will also find a wealth of rare birds, animals and reptiles.
Khonghampat Orchidarium: A favourite with nature lovers and plant enthusiasts, the Khonghampat Orchidarium is home to over a hundred rare varieties of orchids. Especially interesting are the varieties that have 3 inner petals, 3 outer petals and a cupped petal. Visit this orchidarium during April and May when the flowers are in full bloom.
Sahid Minar: Located in the Imphal Polo Ground, this historic structure commemorates the lives of Manipuri martyrs, who fought against the British.
War Cemeteries: These cemeteries are managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and are dedicated to the British and Indian soldiers, who died during the Second World War.
Adventure Activities: You can enjoy several adventure activities operated by the Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association near the Sudarshan Peak, Manipur Adventure and Allied Sports Institute, operating in Keirao and The Adventure Academy of Manipur at RIMS, which offers courses on whitewater rafting.
Singda: This tiny hill retreat located 16 kms from Imphal is known for its scenic beauty. While here, also take out time to visit the inspection bungalow and the artificial lake called the Singda Dam, which is now a multipurpose project.
Andro: This is an ancient village home to the scheduled caste people. Located almost 27 kms towards the east of Imphal, you must visit the cultural complex established by the Mutua Museum. The museum houses a vast array of pottery from the Northeastern region of India and a Doll House, where dolls of 29 recognized tribes of Manipur are on display.
Bishnupur Temple: Located 27 kms from Imphal, Bishnupur Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is an architectural marvel. The architecture of the temple resembles a Chinese design.
Langthabal: This interesting hillock is situated about 8 kms from Imphal on the Indo-Burma Road. It houses an old historic palace and neatly planned temples. The structures are beautifully placed between pine and jackfruit trees. From atop you can get a brilliant view of the Manipur University.
Keibul Lamjao National Park: Situated inside the famous Loktak Lake, the only floating National Park of its kind in India, this is the natural habitat of the brow-antlered deer of Manipur called "Sangai". Several waterfowl and migratory birds also throng the lake during November and March.
Note - The best time to visit would be between the months of October-April
Tamenglong: Located almost 156 kms from Imphal, this region is known for its deep ravines, dark caves, gushing waterfalls, orchids and oranges.
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