Manipur or better known as the land of jewels, is a former princely state. The state of Manipur, stretching along the border with Myanmar, centers on a vast lowland area watered by the lake system south of its capital Imphal. The main inhabitant of Manipur is Meithei, who have created a wonderful version of Hinduism. Manipur is closer to southeast Asia than India and the main problem face by tourists is the language barrier as many locals neither speak English nor Hindi.

Manipur is one of the most unexploited states in India that has ample promise of tourism. It is an oval shaped valley surrounded by blue green hills, rich in art and traditions with rushing waterways, jaunting rivers and exotic carpet of blooms. The capital Imphal lies in the center of the valley and intersected by narrow rivers. A major attraction is Khwairamband bazaar or mother’s market that comprise of only women traders. The Konghampat Orchidarium houses over 120 species of orchid. The Keibul Lamjao National Park has an unique floating sanctuary on Lake Loktak. It preserve some rare brow antlered deer. Moirang, 45km from Imphal, is an island on Lake Loktak.

Manipur houses many tribes including Meithei, Naga and Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups. They are colorful tribes and have lived in harmony for centuries. They are known for their myth and legends, world famous dances, indigenous games (they have claimed as an inventor of modern day polo), martial arts, exotic handlooms and handicrafts. Manipur is a home of exotic flora and fauna. Most of Manipur is shrouded with forests. forests ranged from tropical to sub alpine. The hill covers different types of forest including wet forests, the temperate forests and the pine forests, hold various types of rare species of plant and animal.

Sights And Activities

Bishnupur
Also known as land of dancing deers, is a beautiful place located 27km from the capital city of Imphal. It is mainly renowned for Vishnupur temples, which were built in 15th century dedicated to Lord Vishnu. These temples are famous for its ancientness and Chinese architecture. Bishnupur is also famous for Keibul Lamjao National Park that house endangered dancing deer. Loktak Lake and Sendra Islands are some other attractions of Bishnupur.

Manipur Wildlife
Manipur has two wildlife sanctuary. One is Keibul National Park and another one is Manipur Zoological Garden. Keibul National Park is world first floating sanctuary that consists of 40 sq.km of wetland overgrown with 1.5m deep floating vegetation. The park is renowned for dancing antelope, an endangered species of deer. Manipur Zoological Garden is located 6km from Imphal on Imphal Kangchup road. The area is covered with whistling pine trees and offer an opportunity to see graceful brow antlered deer or Sanghai.

Manipur Dance
Manipur dance is world famous, closely associated with Myanmar, Indonesia and Thailand, and replete with Hindu themes and influences. It is now recognized as one of the main classical Indian dance forms. The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy in Imphal arranges occasional recitals and hosts an annual dance festival.

The Martial Arts Of Manipur
It is also an ancient art form of Manipur, currently going through something of revival with performances by men and women being choreographed for the stage. Thang-Ta is a dynamic form utilizing thang, the sword and ta, the spear. Fast, furious and seemingly extremely dangerous performances take place each May during Lao Haraoba, a ritual dance festival held at Moirang.

Heikru Hitongba Boat Race
The annual Heikru Hitongba Boat Race is held every September as part of a celebration to commemorate the founding of the two major Vaishnavite temples of Imphal, Bijoy Govinda and Govindjee. Tow teams of rowers, standing in long dugout canoes, race on the Thangapat moat near the Bijoy Govinda temple.

Shopping
The main shopping attraction is handwoven textiles. Manipuri bed covers of Moirangfee and flower designs, silk and cotton sarees, scarves, blankets and shawls, in distinctive shades and weaves, makes a wise buy. The favorite among travelers are the dancing doll with graceful stances, a lovely souvenir for friends and family. Popular shopping places are Khwairamband market, the largest exclusive women's market in the country, Paona Bazar and Manipur Handlooms Sales Emporium.