Manipur is an Indian state located in the northeastern part of the country, with the state of Assam to its west, Nagaland to the north and Mizoram to the south. Imphal is the capital city of the state. Manipur means the land of gems. It is also famously known as the land of gold or Suvarnabhumi.
Manipur is a beautiful state famous for its historical sites and natural beauty. It has a rich cultural past dating back centuries and dense forests, lakes and rolling hills.
Here is a list of some of the most famous places in Manipur:
- Loktak lake
- Singda dam
- Keibul lamjao National Park
- Kangla Fort
- Shree Govindajee Temple
- Senapati
- Andro
- Imphal city
- Khongjom
- Dzukou valley
- INA museum
- Hijagang
- Red Hill Lokpaching
- Moirang
- Chandel
Explanation on Famous Places in Manipur
These famous places of Manipur attract tourism and increase the economical and social value of the state and the country. Many of these places hold historical value, giving insight into the past kings and empires.
Manipur is known mainly for its natural beauty and some of the rarest species of birds and animals. The national parks of Manipur help maintain ecological balance and conserve nature. Manipur also has the largest freshwater lake in northeast India. It also has the world’s only floating national park, the Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is the last natural habitat of sangai.
Let us take a closer look at three of Manipur’s most famous places of natural beauty:
Loktak lake
- Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in northeast India, resembling a mini island sea, with an area between 250-500 square kilometres. It is situated in Moirang, Manipur. The local name of Loktak lake is the phumdis.
- It is also called the “floating lake” because of the phumdis or vegetation it supports.
- The only floating national park in the world, Keibul Lamjao National Park is situated on this lake, it is the last natural habitat of the endangered species sangai or the brow-antlered deer.
- This lake plays an important role in increasing the state’s economy, as it supplies water for hydropower generation, irrigation and drinking purposes. It also serves as a source of livelihood for local fishermen.
- It supports the life of about 57 species of water birds, 14 species of wetland birds and 28 species of migratory waterfowl, along with 400 animal species.
Singda Dam
- Singda dam, the world’s largest mud dam, is a multipurpose project situated on the Singda river, Kangchup. It was built under National Projects Construction Corporation Limited.
- This dam is 490m in length and 60m in height, making it one of the highest earthen dams in India.
- The purpose of this dam is to provide water for irrigation, hydropower generation and drinking water for the citizens of Imphal. There are three irrigation canals that extend from the dam to the paddy fields of about 7.02 km, 7.04 km and 3.84km in length.
- The dam was constructed in 1955 under the Singda Irrigation Project for water conservation and extensive use around Manipur valley.
- This dam is a perfect place for a picnic as it is green, peaceful and beautiful.
Keibul Lamjao National Park
- Keibul Lamjao National Park is situated in the Bishnupur district, Manipur. It is spread over an area of 40 square kilometres.
- It is the only floating national park in the world, situated on Loktak lake.
- It was established in 1977 as a wildlife sanctuary to conserve and preserve endangered species. It is the last natural habitat of the endangered species, sangai (local animal) or Manipur brow-antlered deer.
- The size of the park varies based on the season as three-fourths of the area is covered with phumdis or vegetation.
- It supports the life of many animal species like brow-antlered deer, hog deer, wild boar, fox, python, flying fox, bamboo rat, golden cat etc.
Conclusion
Manipur is a northeastern state of India which has many famous places to travel to. They showcase the natural beauty of India. They have a peaceful and calm environment which helps you in connecting with nature. Loktak lake, Singda dam, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Kangla Fort, Shree Govindajee Temple, Senapati, Andro, Imphal, Khongjom, Dzukou valley, INA museum, Hijagang, Red Hill Lokpaching, Moirang and Chandel. All these places have wonderful history behind their construction. All these places are advised to go on a trip or picnic with your family.