Places To Visit In Imphal

Perched on a beautiful oval-shaped valley and intersected by several narrow rivers, the mesmerizing city of Imphal is every traveler's delight. If you are bored of your routine life and looking for a perfect family retreat, then heading to this northeastern city of Imphal would give you loads of opportunity to get close to nature. Boasting of diverse traditions and age-old ethnic culture, the city of Imphal is truly a place to explore. To add more colors to your trip, don't forget to check out the mesmerizing dance performances that are inspired from the mythological scripts. To experience the real essence of Manipur, make a quick jaunt to the shopping areas and pick some amazing souvenirs. Apart from sightseeing and shopping, Imphal offers plenty of options to satiate your starved stomach. You truly cannot afford to miss the indigenous cuisine of the city that prides itself on delicacies like kangsoi (a vegetable stew with dry fishes), kobok (puffed or roasted rice and molasses dessert) and iromba (fish chutney, bamboo shoots and vegetables). Go ahead and explore the write-up to know more about major tourist attractions in Imphal.

Tourist Attractions In Imphal

Khonghampat Orchidarium
Home to beautiful orchids, the Khonghampat Orchidarium is inarguably one of the best tourist hotspots in Imphal. Situated 7 kms away from the city, this sprawling orchidarium is blessed with more than 110 varieties of orchids including several endemic species. Spread across 200 acres of land, this place always remains on top among the major attractions of Imphal. If you want to explore the extravagance of exotic orchid blooms, then visit Khonghampat Orchidarium anytime between April and May.

Shaheed Minar
Shaheed Minar, located at Bir Tikendrajit Park, is a tall structure built in the honor of the indomitable spirit of Meetie and the tribal warriors who sacrificed their lives in the Anglo-Manipuri war in 1891. Close to this spectacular monuments there is a war cemetery dedicated to both British and Indian soldiers who gave up their life in World War II. Serving as the major tourist attraction, the Shaheed Minar attracts tourist from all across the country.

Manipur State Museum
Manipur State Museum, established in 1969, serves as the major tourist attraction in Imphal. The rich collection of handicrafts, regional costumes, war implements, historical relics and documents provides a sneak-peek into the rich history of Manipur. The galleries here that are primarily dedicated to ethnology, natural history, arts archeology etc further gives you a glimpse into the city's history. Apart from the regular collection, an open-air theater provides spectacular view of 78ft long boat named Hiyang Hiren, which attracts scores of visitors by its stunning architecture.

Shri Govindajee Temple
Shri Govindajee temple established in the 18th century under the rule of Rajarishi Bhagyachandra acts as one of the major centre for Vaishnavaites and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Apart from Vishnu, the temple serves as an abode for deities like Balarama, Krishna and Jagannath. Admired for its simple structure and golden domes, the temple is renowned for its dances that are held regularly within the premises. During major Hindu festivals, thousands of devotees visit this shrine to seek blessings from the lord.

Old Palace
Situated in the heart of Imphal city, the old palace serves as a major tourist attraction in Manipur. Presently occupied by the paramilitary forces, the palace ground now acts as a training centre for the army troops. Only a part of the palace is open for the visitors.

Khwairamband Bazaar
Khwairamband Bazaar, the major market area of Imphal, is a favorite spot for both the locals and the shopaholics. The special attraction of this place is that the entire market area is flooded with nearly 3000 shops, which are maintained by women. The market, which remains open from 9 am to 7 pm, is admired for its huge collection of handicrafts, jewelry, furniture and even vegetables.

Manipur Zoological Gardens
Manipur Zoological Gardens, situated 6 km from Imphal Kangchup road, attracts visitors by its rare species of animals such as Lissome and Brow Antlered deer. The garden of this place is flanked by hillocks and lush greenery that definitely delights you by its peaceful atmosphere. You can explore the beauty of the place on any day except on Sundays from 10 am to 6 am.

War Cemeteries
War Cemeteries, situated at a distance of 10 km from the center of city, serves as a remembrance for Indian and British soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War II. The messages inscribed on stone tombs recounts the lives of soldiers and their bravery in war. On your visit to this place, you will be stunned to see the clean surrondings and serene ambience.

Polo Grounds
The Polo ground in Imphal is one of the oldest polo grounds in the world. A visit to this place will help you to display your talent in polo. However, if you don't known the basics of the game, then a visit to this ground will inspire you to learn more about it.