Imphal is the capital city of the north-eastern state of Manipur in India. It is home to the Kangla ruins – the seat of Imphal’s erstwhile royal lineage. The Kangla Palace was built by one of the local kings of Manipur, and the Britishers destroyed it during the Anglo-Manipur war.
Imphal was a major site in India during the Second World War. The Japanese invaded Imphal in a bid to wrest the British colonies from them. The Britishers defeated the advancing Japanese troops. It was the first time Japan faced a defeat in Asia.
Imphal has the famous Khuman Lampak Stadium – the home ground to the NEROCA FC of the I League.
Things to do in Imphal
Imphal is a paradise for trekkers owing to its scenic landscape. Festivals are a recurrent theme in Imphal, and it is the best way to experience the local culture. Boat rides on Loktak Lake lend a breathtaking experience. You can also indulge in photography. Local historians gather in local cafes in the evenings for lively discussions on the region’s history, so participate in one to learn about the city’s past.
Tourist attractions in Imphal
Popular tourist attractions in Imphal are INA Memorial, Women’s Market, Sikh Imphal Gurudwara, Matai Garden, Shree Govindajee Temple, Sri Guru Singh Gurudwara Sahid and Three Mother’s Art gallery.
Places to shop in Imphal
The Women’s Market is very popular among tourists as it is the only women’s market in the world. From dry fruits to vegetables, almost everything you need is available here. For goods imported from China and Myanmar, visit Paona Market. Nagampal Market and Tera Bazaar are also popular markets in Imphal.
Best time to visit Imphal
The ideal time to visit Imphal is anytime between October and March. This period falls in the winter season when the weather is very pleasant.
Modes of transport
The road connectivity in Imphal is excellent. Imphal’s local bus network covers the entire city. Auto-rickshaws are the cheapest mode of commute in Imphal and they are also widely available.
Weather in Imphal
The period between April and June is the summer season in Imphal. It is very hot and humid in summers. The winter season starts from November and ends in February.
Airport in Imphal
IndiGo operates several flights to major Indian cities regularly from Imphal Airport (IATA: IMF). For more information on flight routes and timings, visit IndiGo’s website.