Imphal is the capital city in the north-eastern state of Manipur. Imphal was an important site during the pre-independence era in India. The Japanese forces tried to take on the British by invading India through Imphal. The Japanese lost the battle and it also marked the first Japanese defeat on the Asian soil.
The famous Kangla Palace ruins, the erstwhile palace of the Manipur kingdom, lies in Imphal. The palace was torn down by the British after the Anglo-Manipur war.
Imphal’s literacy rate is very high, almost close to 90%. Both males and females have high literacy rates. Imphal is the home city of NEROCA FC from the I League. The Khuman Lampak Main Stadium is the home ground of this football club.
Things to do in Imphal
Imphal’s scenic beauty and landscapes make it ideal for trekkers. Festivals are held frequently in Imphal, so if you are looking to get a feel of the local culture, attending fests is the best way to do so. The beautiful Loktak Lake has great views and one can take a boat ride in this serene lake. Then, there are cafes where history enthusiasts gather every evening. You can join them to learn the history of Imphal.
Tourist attractions in Imphal
Imphal has many attractions such as temples and museums. Popular tourist spots in Imphal are Women’s Market, INA Memorial, Shree Govindajee Temple, Three Mother’s Art Gallery, Matai Garden and Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha.
Places to shop in Imphal
You can visit Imphal and shop from the Women’s Market – the only one of its kind in the world. The Paona Bazaar is a good place to shop for local and imported goods from China and Burma. Tera Bazaar and Nagampal Market are the other two popular markets in Imphal.
Best time to visit Imphal
Because summers are hot in Imphal, the ideal time to be in Imphal is after the monsoon, that is from October to March. The weather is pleasant and the skies are clear during this time.
Modes of transport
Imphal has good road connectivity to nearby cities like Guwahati. The local bus network in Imphal covers most parts of the city. Auto-rickshaws are the preferred mode of transport because they are cheap and convenient.
Weather in Imphal
The summer season in Imphal starts in April and lasts till June. It is hot and humid during this period. November to January is the winter season, during which the skies remain clear and the weather stays pleasant.
Airport in Imphal
IndiGo operates several flights from Imphal Airport (IATA: IMF) to major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati on a daily basis. For more information on flights departing from Imphal, check the flight schedule page on IndiGo’s official portal.