Tucked away in the northeastern frontiers of the Himalayas, Imphal is the capital of Manipur and a popular tourist destination in Northeast India. The city has a population of approximately 3.7 lakh. Imphal is known for its beautiful landscapes and rich history. The Battle of Imphal, one of the greatest battles ever fought in India, finds mention in the history of World War II when the Japanese troop was defeated and forced to leave the region.
Things to do in Imphal
Enjoy a wonderful sight of ‘Dancing Deer’ or Sangai near Lake Loktak, the world’s largest and only ‘Floating Lake’. Marvel at the historic and magnificent Kangla Fort. Take a stroll through Asia’s largest ‘all women’ market, Ima Keithel. Sports enthusiasts must visit Imphal’s Polo Ground to catch a live Polo match.
Tourist attractions in Imphal
Manipur Zoological Park, located 7.8 km from Imphal, is a great place to spot some rare species of flora and fauna. The historic Kangla Fort situated on the banks of River Imphal previously served as the royal seat of King Pakhangba. The remains of the fort speak volumes of its glorious past. Other prominent tourist attractions here include Shahid Minar, Manipur State Museum, Tharon Cave, INA Memorial, Shri Govindjee Temple, and Singla Dam.
Places to shop in Imphal
Split into two sections on either side of the road, Khawirambad Market features a range of clothing, hand-woven shawls, rugs and mats. Paona Bazaar is famous for its collection of silk sarees, ivory and bamboo items, and paper mache products, all available at extremely reasonable prices. Nagampal Market stocks a variety of food items, from fruits and vegetables to fish and local delicacies. Besides, Tera Bazaar, Kiethel Market, and Amos Shopping Plaza are a few other renowned places to shop in Imphal.
Best time to visit
You should ideally plan a trip to Imphal between October and March, as it is the best time for sightseeing.
Modes of transport
Buses and auto-rickshaws are the best modes of transport in Imphal. Local taxis and shared cabs are also available easily for short-distance travel.
Weather in Imphal
Imphal experiences hot summers, between April and June. The maximum temperature may rise to 30 degree Celsius. Monsoon (July to September) brings heavy rainfall. Winters last from December to January. During this time, the temperature may vary from 5 degree Celsius to 15 degree Celsius.
Airport in Imphal
Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IATA: IMF) is the main airport serving the city, IndiGo operates several flights to various locations within the country from this airport. For more information, visit the ‘Flight Schedule’ page on IndiGo’s website.