Keibul Lamjao National Park is one of the most unique national parks located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur. Its photographs will amaze you, but at the same time, fill your mind with questions. You will be excused if you look at it and think that is a crowded colony of weirdly shaped islands. But those green things are called ‘Phumdi’ or ‘Phum,’ a formation of decaying biomass, strong enough to handle the weight of humans. They serve the important purpose of being the haven for endangered Sangai deer. Let’s find out more about India’s Floating National Park.
A Closer Look At What Makes This Park Unique: Phumdis!
Phumdis are a very interesting phenomenon. They might look like marshlands from afar, but they are not. A little portion of them stays visible above the water, but the rest of them are underwater. Their roots go all the way to the bottom of the lake and that’s where they get their necessary nutrients. A lot of floating decaying vegetation has to come together and overlap to form Phumdis, the entire process takes several years. This is why they have a sponge-like consistency.
They can be as thick as 2 meters. The word “Phumdi” means floating mats of vegetation and soil in Manipuri language. You can walk on them without falling through them. But it does feel weird and bouncy to walk on them. As Phumdis is something you have never seen before, your visit here might also remind you of your school’s educational outings. Don’t worry, no one will make you to write a two-page essay on it the next day!
Phumdis has become the identity of Loktak Lake and it covers about three-fourths of the lake’s surface. The largest piece of Phumdi on the lake, which is about 40 square kilometers, is the park – the only floating park in the world!
Exploring The Park
When you start your journey to the park via water, you’ll see that there is nothing for miles and miles. A blanket of quiet calmness covers the whole lake. Once you reach the park, it takes a while to fully believe what you are looking at. Moving through the phumdis in your canoe under the wide open sky and unobstructed surroundings makes for one memorable journey.
It only gets better from here, just make sure that you arrive between 6 am to 10 am or 3:30 pm to 6 pm to maximize your chances of seeing the Sangai deer frolicking around. Several routes can be used to explore the park and they are all dotted with vivid water plants. You might be tempted to walk on the phumdi, go ahead. It is all part of the experience, but be careful as it is might feel weird during your first few steps.
Sangai Deer – The Pride Of Manipur
This park has been the breeding ground for Sangai deer for several years. The name “Sangai” in the Meitei language means “animal in waiting.” The deer’s odd posture is the reason for this name cause they always look like they are waiting for someone. Along with being the state animal of Manipur, it also holds a lot of importance in Manipur’s folklore. It is believed that this animal is the soul that binds humans with nature. If you take care of them and treat them with love, it means you are taking care of nature. Which is such a beautiful thought. The lives of animals around the world will get so much better if we started to adopt this belief.
This prestigious animal is also known as ‘Cervus eldi eldi’ and ‘Eld’s deer’ after the British officer, Lt. Percy Eld who discovered it in 1839 in the state of Manipur. The park was created in 1966 to protect its dwindling population and it has helped a lot as their number increased from 14 in 1975 to 260 in 2016. The Eld’s deers have an attractive physique and the males have a rich thick mane of hair on their throats. They have hooves that have evolved with time to function on this unique and spongy surface of Phumdis. These are beautiful creatures.
The Park, The Lake, And The Lives That Depend On Them
The park has some properties of a marshland and some of a lake, but it is not either of them. Because of its terrain, it is like the odd man out among all other national parks. There are so many animals who have chosen this park as their home. Apart from the Sangai deers, the other residents here are wild boars, flying foxes, jungle cats, bay bamboo rats and more. This park is majorly owned by the state, but some sections are divided among Brel, Mari and Thang tribal groups.
A large number of people from nearby villagers use this lake for fishing, cultivating vegetables and more. Many of them even live here on phumdis in their huts, which are built with metal sheets, bamboo, forest wood, rocks and more. The houses are not comfortable, it gets very hot inside them, but they are big enough to accommodate the most basic things required to sustain. The sight of these houses is something that will stay with you forever.
But one thing becomes quite evident that is life never stops here, instead, it is thriving. In 2017, an elementary school was opened here. India’s first floating elementary school! The Meitei people are Manipur’s largest ethnic group and they have been residing here for a very long time. For them, Loktak Lake holds a very special place in their hearts. They consider it to be their mother.
Some Tips
Wear comfortable clothes that cover your whole body so that you are protected from insect bites and harsh sun. Carry a jacket if you are visiting in the early mornings of winter. Do not wear bright-colored clothes and don’t use perfume as these things disturb the animals. Keep the noise low so that animals won’t get scared away from you.
Carry snacks and plenty of water with you as there are no basic facilities like small shops and public washrooms nearby. You should carry some water with Glucon D in case you feel nauseated due to the sun. Do not litter, let’s keep this place free of wrappers and plastic bottles. We have already mentioned that phumdis are a weird terrain, so wear comfortable shoes.
How To Reach:
By Road: Keibul Lamjao National Park is situated in Manipur’s Bishnapur region. Imphal, the capital of Manipur, is 48 km away the park. Public transport and shared taxis can be used but you will have to change your bus at Moirang and Thanga as there are no direct buses to the park. You can hail a cab and cover this distance in 1 hour and 45 minutes. Then a short ride in a canoe will take you to the park.
By Train: There are no railways in Manipur. Imphal railway station is under construction, but its estimated date of completion is December 2023. The nearest railway stations aren’t exactly near. Rani Gaidinliu Railway Station in Oinamlong is 188 km away and Jiribam Railway Station is 229 km away from the park
By Air: The nearest airport is Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal, Manipur. It is 45 km away from the park. You can use public transport or private cabs from the airport and you should be near the park in around 1 and half hours. A short ride in a canoe will take you to the park.
Summing Up
By now you must have realized that your visit to Keibul Lamjao National Park will not be just about seeing the phumdis or exploring the only floating park in the world. Not only will it be about watching the endangered Sangai deer going about its day but also about getting a glimpse into the lives of people who reside here. It will also be about the fish and the insects that play a role in keeping things running smoothly here.
It is as if this park is a small civilization in itself and everything and everyone depends on each other. A visit here can teach you a lot. You go with an open mind, you explore the whole day fueled with enthusiasm and fascination and you will return with a head full of thoughts. Who knew a clamp of rotting vegetation could do so many things?
FAQs
Why Are Sangai Deers Called “Dancing Deers”?
These deers don’t dance. They live on Phumdi, which is a soft and bouncy terrain. So when a deer walks here, they bounce a bit and it looks as if they are dancing.
Why Are Sangai Deers Endangered?
There are multiple reasons for this. Climate change, pollution and the reduction of phumdis are some of the biggest threats to Sangai Deers.
Is Loktak Lake A Ramsar Site?
Loktak Lake was designated in 1990 as a wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
What Are The Rings In Loktak Lake?
These rings are called athampum, which are circular phumdis. These are built manually by the villagers and they function as enclosures within which fish farming becomes easier.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Keibul Lamjao National Park?
The period from October to March is great because the water levels are high and this makes it better to explore the park. You can also spott the Sangai deer in the morning from 6 am to 10 am and in the afternoon from 3:30 PM to 6 PM.
Who Are The Phum Dwellers Of Manipur?
Fishermen and their families who depend on the lake for their livelihood are the dwellers here.
Why is Manipur so famous?
Manipur is a state where a large number of communities live in harmony, also, it’s the birthplace of the classical dance form, Raas Lila and Modern Polo. It has a rich culture and traditions and an abundant nature’s bounty that is still very much untouched.
What language is spoken in Manipur?
Meitei or Manipuri is the official language of the state and it is the mother tongue of more than 50% of the population. The other languages spoken here are Sino-Tibetan.
