Northeast India is the most stunning yet overlooked part of India, filled with breathtaking landscapes, mouthwatering delicacies, and hospitable locals in tranquil hamlets. One of the many gems of Northeast India is Manipur. A region that can literally be described as a state of the art.
It truly deserves all the recognition and admiration because it has so much to offer. A trip here will open your eyes to the wonderful Northeastern culture. By the end of this Manipur travel guide, we’re hopeful that you’ll be booking your tickets straight away to explore The Jewel of India.
History And Culture Of Manipur
As we mentioned earlier, India’s history isn’t just limited to Rajasthan and the other well-known parts of the country. Although fewer people traverse here, the Northeast has a glorious history. The state of Manipur, in particular, has a rich cultural history that dates back centuries. If you are into art and classical dance, you will be pleased to know that it is the birthplace of Raas Lila, which is a renowned form of classical dance in India. The dance form is credited to have been created by Maharaja Bhagyachandra.
The state of Manipur is also the birthplace of the very famous and loved game of Modern Polo, which is also known as the game of ‘Sagol Kangjei’ among the locals. Something that will certainly leave you awestruck is the colorful and vibrant traditional dresses, regionally known as Innaphi and Phanek. These are the Manipuri traditional dresses that you will notice are mostly adorned by the beautiful women in Manipur. Phanek is worn like a sarong and is handwoven in horizontal line designs. Do not hesitate to try them yourself and get some stunningly aesthetic pictures clicked with the locals, with their consent, of course.
Speaking of local dialects, the Northeastern part is a beautiful amalgamation of many languages, and in the state of Manipur, the Manipuri language, Manipuri Meiteilon, also called Meitei (Meetei), is predominantly spoken. You might want to try to greet the locals with a smile and Khu-rum-ja-ri (Hello), and they will be more than willing to help you have the best experience ever.
How To Get To Manipur
Everyone wants a memorable vacation, and as cliché as it sounds, sometimes the journey is as much or even more important than the destination itself. For an amazing vacation, it is important to wisely select the transportation option because you do not want to exert yourself before you even begin your trip, right? You are in luck here because to reach the stunning state of Manipur, there is a good variety of transportation options to select from, and the road connectivity to Manipur is also solid, which we will discuss below in detail:
By Air : It is not that difficult to reach the Jewel of India by air because you can directly fly to the Imphal airport, which is situated in the capital city of the state of Manipur. The airport is also known by the name Tulihal. It is one of the prime airports in the state, which is well-connected to the major domestic and international cities.
By Rail: While there is no direct train service to Manipur, many still prefer the railway as it is one of the most pleasant ways of commuting to a travel destination. If you are keen on taking a train ride, the railway station you can book your tickets to is Dimapur, which is based in Nagaland. This station is located at 201 km and is roughly a 7-hour drive to Imphal (capital of Manipur). The long car ride can be strenuous, and if not feasible, it is best to opt for a direct flight.
By Road: If you’re taking the roadway to Manipur, you can avail of buses from the city of Guwahati in Assam to Imphal in Manipur. Other points from where you can take direct state transport buses to Manipur are from Kohima and Dimapur in Nagaland. Bus journeys to Manipur will be ideal if you’re a hardcore traveler and okay with being on the road for long hours.
Best Time To Travel To Manipur
The best time to visit Manipur is between November to February. The weather is comfortably cool at the time, and it is most certainly pleasant to travel. Winters are the cosiest and will be perfect for you to experience the Jewel of India in all its glory. You can also consider planning your trip in October when the monsoon season ends. Avoid traveling during the rains because when there’s a huge downpour, getting out and exploring the region will be difficult.
Getting Around Manipur
Booking a vehicle or bringing your own is the best way to explore the city of Manipur since tourist attractions are spread out. You can book a cab along with a drive for the number of days you’re visiting the city at Imphal airport itself. This will help you tick off all the destinations you wish to see on your itinerary practically. If you’re open to it, you can also use the various modes of public transportation available in the city. Let’s go over those in detail.
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By Bus: On a tight budget? Then your best option is to opt for the regular functioning bus service available for you to travel within the state. The fares for local buses are pretty cheap and safe. You will truly experience the region like a local.
By Rickshaw: The auto-rickshaws are one preferred and convenient mode of transportation in many cities in the state of Manipur. Though the auto-rickshaws are not metered, the rates are pretty affordable, and if you have the right skills, there is always room to haggle.
By Taxis : Taxi services are also available in Manipur. One can hire a taxi to travel to their specific destination. The most common ones have shared autos and Tata Magic-like vehicles that regularly help tourists reach various destinations closer to Imphal. Tata Winger/Maruti Omni-like minivans cater to slightly long-distance places like Moreh, Kohima, etc, but you will need to prebook them. Keep in mind that private taxis are hard to find on the street, but you can always rely on your hotel staff to help you figure out a way to get around the state.
Andro
The state of Manipur has lots of things for you to explore, but the small village of Andro is a must-visit. The quaint village of Andro is located in proximity to the state capital of Imphal, so it will not be too difficult to reach. Once you reach Andro, be prepared to be awestruck by the pottery craftsmanship of this place. Andro is not just too stunning for the eye, but will also be like a treat to your brain if you happen to seek pleasure from a rich history. Do not forget to check out the museum, which displays a variety of traditional pots like Walom, Pudond Makhong, Yukhum, and Ngangkha.
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You can always count on Andro’s stunning pottery to make the best gifts for your family, so desperately waiting to get some souvenirs from your travels. There are also plenty of pleasant tourist attractions in this small town, which include Andro Shantheil Natural Park, Andro Gramshang, Selloi Langmai Ecological Park, Gwarok Mahadeva Yairipok, and Kaina Temple.
Leimaram Waterfalls
Everyone loves a waterfall, and well, they are stunning and deserve it, like you, the one reading this. Anyways, for stunning people like us, the state of Manipur has plenty of picturesque waterfalls, and Leimaram Waterfall is one such place. Also known as the Sadu Chira waterfall, the Leimaram waterfall got its name because of its closeness to Leimaram in the Bishnupur District of Manipur.
Located in the middle of enchanting forests, you will need to hike a little to reach the waterfall, but trust us, the view will be so worth it. Over here, you will witness not just one but three waterfalls in their gorgeous glory. You can also experience attractions like Loukoi Paat Lake, Langthabal, and Iskcon Temple near Leimaram waterfalls.
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Surrounded by stunning lakes and rivers, the roads in Thoubal are as pretty as the destinations where you can witness the tall trees on the sides. People’s Museum, Imphal River, Waithou Lake, Khongjom War Memorial, Ikop Lake, and Thoubal Bazar are some of the most popular tourist destinations in town. The locals of the state love planting, and you will witness many fruit-bearing plants in the verandah of various houses. Thoubal is a perfect amalgamation of nature, culture, history, and the sweetest locals.
