Literally meaning jeweled town how could you not fall in love with this stunning state in the north east of India.

Small and picturesque, Manipur sets a tone here in the north east of India that cannot be matched.  The people are polite and hospitable and emanate a culture rich in heritage and tradition.

A historical Overview of Manipur

Manipur was always an area that held its independence from all neighboring tribal areas.  It was often invaded by Burma but despite this Manipur usually enjoyed times of long and very stable governments.  Becoming part of British India after the treaty of yandaboo with the east India Company in 1826 meant that Manipur was established again under British sovereignty.  The Japanese forces marched to Manipur during the Second World War.  Manipur was finally given the status of a fully fledged state in 1972.

Culture in Manipur

The festivals in Manipur as some of the most stunning in India and they hold a special importance in the hearts of the people of this state.  Characterised by traditional dance and music and set apart by the traditional refreshments.

Yaosang is one such festival celebrated in Manipur. Celebrated on the full moon in February or March it is regarded at the festival to welcome spring.  The festivals of Cheirouba and Kut are also popular here to celebrate the New Year and harvesting respectively.

Classical dances hold a significant hold in the culture on India as a whole and it is no different here in Manipur.  The art forms of classical dance are unique and showcase themselves in folk, modern and classical forms.  A love of art and beauty is evident in the Manipuri people.  Creative by nature it is uncommon to find a woman in Manipur who cannot sing or dance. 

Tourism in Manipur

There is much to explore for tourists in Manipur.  Lakes, landscape and historic monuments make up just some of the many attractions to be found in Manipur.

The war cemetery is good for a sense of history with the British and Indian army servicemen buried here who fought during the Second World War. Well maintained it is a sombre look into the casualties that war can bring and the plaques and markers give brief accounts of the sacrifices these people made.

For natural beauty in Manipur you cannot go past Laktak Lake, Sendra Island and the Keibul Lamjao National Park.  Loktak Lake is the largest of the fresh water lakes in the north eastern areas of India and holds the only floating national park of its kind.  Sendra Island is a unique Island that gives great views of the masses upon masses of Water hyacinth and the world’s only floating national park is the last habitat of the marsh friendly brow antlered deer of Manipur.