the capital of Manipur, is a bustling mini-metropolis situated at the height of 790 m above sea level. It is surrounded by Nongmaijing hills in the East and the Langol in the North. Imphal has an area of 1228 sq. km and a population of 7,07,184. It is the nerve centre of all cultural, commercial and administrative activities of the State. Imphal is connected by a network of roads with all important cities and town in the North eastern region. It is connected by road with Guwahati (Assam) through National Highway No. 39 and Silchar (Assam) through National Highway No. 35. Indian Airlines/Alliance Air and Jet-Airways connect Imphal with Guwahati, Silchar, Aizawl, Delhi and Kolkata.
GOVINDAJEE TEMPLE: Adjoining the Royal palace of the former rulers of Manipur this temple is a historic centre for Vaishnavites. It is a simple but beautiful structure with twin gold domes, a paved courtyard and a large raised congregation hall. The presiding deity is flanked by shrines of Lord Krishna and Balaram on one side and Jagannath on the other. Priests come down the steps to accept offerings from devotees in the courtyard.
WAR CEMETERY: Commemorating the memories of the British and Indian soldiers who died during the Second World War, these cemeteries are serene and well maintained, with little stone markers and bronze plaques recording the sacrifice of those gallant soldiers. These Graves are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
KHWAIRAMBAND BAZAAR: It is situated at the centre of Imphal town. A unique all women's market, having 3000 'Imas' or mothers who run the stalls, it is split into two sections on either side of the road. Vegetables, fruits, fish and household groceries are sold on one side and exquisite handlooms and household tools on the other. Not far away is a street where beautiful wicker works and basketry are sold.
SHAHEED MINAR: This tall Minar at Bir Tikendrajit Park commemorates the indomitable spirit of the Meitei and tribal martyrs, who sacrificed their lives while fighting the British in 1891, in the heart of Imphal.
MANIPUR STATE MUSEUM: This interesting museum near the Polo Ground has a fairly good display of Manipur's tribal heritage and a collection of portraits of Manipur's former rulers. Particularly interesting items are costumes, arms & weapons, relics and historical documents.
The Museum is opened from 10 am to 4.30 pm., except on Mondays & Govt. holidays.
MANIPUR ZOOLOGICAL PARK: A place to see the graceful brown antlered deer (Sangai), one of the rarest species in the world in sylvan surroundings. Around 6 km away from Imphal town the park is situated at the foot of the pine growing hillocks at Iroisemba on the Imphal-Kangchup Road.
KHONGHAMPAT ORCHIDARIUM: Approximately 200 acres, this orchidarium is located on Highway No. 39 about 7 km from Imphal town. Manipur is home to more than 110 rare varieties of orchids, which include almost a dozen endemic species. The peak blooming season is April-May.
LANGTHABAL: Around 8 km on the Indo-Myanmar road lies this small hill with relics of an old, historic palace, temples of architectural importance and ceremonial houses. Set among symmetrically planted jackfruits and pine trees Langthabal offers a good view of the Manipur University.
By Air: Indian Airlines/Alliance Air and Jet Airways connects Imphal with Guwahati, Silchar, Aizawl, Kolkata and Delhi
By Rail: Dimapur 216 Km from Imphal is the nearest railhead for Manipur. Regular buses ply between Dimapur and Imphal. Normally it takes about 8-9 hours to reach Imphal.
By Road: Imphal is connected by a network of roads with all important cities in the neighbouring states and major cities in the country. Some of the road distances to important places in kilometer are given below:
|
