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Manipur

Imphal – Travel and food guide

By: Travel and Food Network
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What to see

Manipur is a place of mystery, age-old traditions, pristine natural beauty and eclectic food. Nestled in the heart of the Northeastern region of India, Imphal, the capital of Manipur, is a hidden gem that awaits discovery. Known for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and delectable cuisine, Imphal offers a unique travel experience.

Step into Manipur's past by visiting the eautifully preserved Kangla Fort located in the heart of the city—a perfect starting point for your journey. Kangla served as the ancient capital of Manipur, where the rulers of the Ningthouja dynasty governed the eastern state from A.D. 33 until the 19th century. This site holds both historical and religious importance for the locals today.

Begin your exploration at the Kangla Museum, where one of the intriguing exhibits illustrates Manipur's tumultuous history through a series of evolving maps of Northeast India. Witness a pivotal moment when Manipur disappears from the map—an event marking the Myanmar invasion of 1819, famously known as Chahi Taret Khuntakpa or the Seven Years Devastation. The northeastern state's narrative is profoundly influenced by frequent wars, including conflicts with the Burmese, the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, and a Japanese bomber attack during World War II. These conflicts have left an indelible mark, devastating historical monuments like the Kangla Palace, which once stood approximately a kilometer from the museum. The original statues of the Kangla sha, mythical guardians of Kangla with the head of a dragon and the body of a lion, stationed as protectors of the Kangla Uttra or coronation hall, were also obliterated by Japanese bombers. However, about a decade ago, the Kangla Fort Board, which regained control after the Assam Rifles' occupation until 2004, successfully recreated these statues.

Adjacent to the fort complex's western gate stands a white marble temple adorned with a pyramidical roof featuring horn-like projections, bearing emblems depicting a serpent biting its tail.


This sacred site is none other than the temple of Ibudhou Pakhangba, the revered deity of the Meiteis—the largest ethnic community in Manipur. Prior to the influence of Hinduism in the 18th century, the Meiteis practiced their indigenous religion known as Sanamahi. Pakhangba, the snake god, is represented by a coiled serpent or dragon-like form, explaining the reverence for snakes within Kangla, where they are considered sacred and generally left unharmed. An encounter with one such reptilian visitor occurred at a colonial British bungalow-turned-museum, prompting an understandable decision to omit that particular stop from our itinerary.

Merely a kilometer away within the fort complex lies a temple with a distinct history—the Sri Govindaji Temple. Constructed by Maharaja Nara Singh in 1846, this temple holds a significant role in the narrative of Manipuri classical dance. Legend has it that the inaugural performance of Raas Leela in Manipur took place in the temple's courtyard. One can easily envision dancers adorned in vibrant potloi (bucket-shaped skirts), gracefully swaying with their faces veiled in gossamer, illuminated by the gentle glow of a full moon—an ambiance typical of Raas Leela performances.

For a vivid depiction of Manipur's history, explore the privately-run RKCS Gallery. Founded in 2003 by the late Rajkumar Chandrajitsana Singh, the gallery showcases over 200 exquisite oil paintings illustrating Manipur's historical journey since 1704

Shopping

A short 20-minute walk from the gallery brings you to Ima Keithel, also known as Mother’s Market. Situated at a bustling traffic junction, this all-women's market, with roots dating back to the 16th century, serves as an ideal spot to discover a plethora of local treasures. With over 6,000 women adorned in traditional attire—woven sarong, phanek, and the dupatta-like inna phee—the market offers an array of fabric, food, produce, and handicrafts.

Day Trips

Loktak Lake

Undoubtedly, the crown jewel of Manipur is Loktak Lake. Our destination, Sendra Island, is just an hour's drive from Imphal, offering panoramic views of the expansive lake from its hilly outcrop. Even the journey to this serene island is punctuated with historical reminders. Approximately 16 kilometers outside Imphal, at the foot of Red Hill, a war memorial commemorates a pivotal moment in battle when British and Indian soldiers compelled Japanese forces to retreat during WWII. Not far from Sendra, Moirang, a small town, hosts the Indian National Army (INA) museum, showcasing war paraphernalia from WWII. Given INA's alliance with Japan during the war, they too suffered significant casualties alongside the Japanese.


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Sendra Island

An hour away from Moirang, Sendra Island is connected to the mainland by a slightly elevated road that offers captivating views of Loktak Lake and its floating islands of spongy soil, known as phumdi. While a government-operated boating facility is available for lake exploration on motorized boats, the most immersive experience is achieved by boarding one of the smaller local vessels. The crystal-clear water, unperturbed by purple hyacinths or phumdi, creates a mesmerizing ambiance. As you venture deeper into the lake, you'll notice small huts on the phumdis serving as homes for fisherfolk. Far from aimless drifting, a noteworthy stop is Manipur's inaugural floating homestay, Loktak Floating Homestay, inaugurated in April 2018. Lunch at this unique locale features freshly-caught fish, local duck curry, abundant greens, dal, badis (lentil fritters), sticky rice, and the Manipuri specialty, singju—a spicy, crunchy salad composed of shredded cabbage, lotus stem, and local greens, dressed in a spicy king chili and sesame chutney. Sometimes, it's flavored with dried fish. Concluding the meal, as with other culinary experiences, is black rice kheer. This floating feast, undoubtedly the finest we've savored in the region, is etched in our memories for an enduring period.

Keibul Lamjao National Park

While it's challenging to surpass the enchanting Loktak experience, a visit to the adjacent Keibul Lamjao National Park comes remarkably close. As the world's only floating national park, this expansive 40-square-kilometer wetland is draped in phumdi. Within this unique habitat lies the exclusive domain of the brow-antlered deer, also known as sangai. The discovery's dramatic allure, however, is somewhat tempered by the presence of noisy tourists congregating at the singular viewpoint overseeing the park. Peer through rented telescope and be rewarded with the sight of a solitary deer leisurely grazing on the abundant vegetation of the phumdi. Locals affectionately refer to the sangai as the "dancing deer" due to its graceful gait. If time permits, consider renting one of the local forest department boats, providing a journey across a narrow water channel to one of the hillocks within the park's heart. It is said that the viewpoints there offer an enhanced perspective of the sangai and other rare flora and fauna.


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What to eat

Eromba - a traditional Manipuri dish that combines fermented fish, bamboo shoots, and various vegetables. This flavorful and spicy dish is a staple in Manipuri households.


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Kangsoi -a hearty soup made with seasonal vegetables, rice noodles, and sometimes meat. This soul-soothing dish is a comfort food favorite among locals.


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Singju - a healthy salad made with finely chopped seasonal vegetables, herbs, and fermented fish. It's a delightful dish that captures the essence of Manipuri cuisine.

Chamfoot -a savory curry made with roasted meat, bamboo shoots, and aromatic spices. It's a perfect representation of the rich and robust flavors that Manipuri cuisine has to offer.


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Morok Metpa - A fiery chili paste made with fermented fish and red chilies. Used as a condiment, it adds a bold and piquant flavor to various dishes.

Paaknam - a sweet dish made from rice flour, jaggery, and coconut. This delectable dessert showcases the sweet side of Manipuri cuisine.

Where to eat

Imphal offers a diverse culinary scene with a range of enticing options. For a blend of Mediterranean and Northeastern flavors, head to Forage in Thangmeiband, where the "Neighbourhood Menu" showcases traditional dishes infused with local spices. At 70mm Cafe & Restaurant, art meets gastronomy in a quirky setting, hosting live performances and poetry readings. For quick bites, 9 Hills Bistro in Deulahland is a kid-friendly haven with delightful shakes and burgers. Hot Pot in Wangkhei stands out for its authentic traditional and regional fare, accepting cash only. Experience Indian delicacies at Sangai Continental, housed in one of the town's best boutique hotels, while Luxmi Kitchen in Wahengbam Leikai is a household name for hearty Manipuri lunches. Other noteworthy joints include Imoinu Lamphel, Hotel Wonrei, Central Perk, and Prince. Explore the rich tapestry of Manipuri cuisine at these diverse and vibrant eateries.

Imphal, with its blend of history, nature, and culinary wonders, is a destination that leaves a lasting impression. From exploring ancient forts and serene lakes to savoring the diverse flavors of Manipuri cuisine, Imphal offers a holistic travel experience. So, pack your bags, embark on a journey to Imphal, and let the city's cultural tapestry and culinary delights enchant your senses. Imphal awaits, ready to unveil its hidden treasures and unique flavors to those willing to explore.